Never forget to apply sunscreen again with these dermatologist-loved body lotions with SPF

Applying SPF from head to toe isn’t just for beach days, and body lotions with SPF are an easy way to make it a daily habit. Just like hydrating, sheer formulas can combine face sunscreen and moisturizer into one step in your skin care routine, body lotions with SPF do the same for the rest of your body.

“Most people understand the importance of protecting their face from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, but the skin on the body is equally vulnerable to sun damage,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jenna Queller said. “UV exposure contributes not only to sunburns, but also to premature skin aging, hyperpigmentation, breakdown of collagen and elastin and the development of skin cancers.” And you’re not only vulnerable on bright summer days. “UV exposure is cumulative,” board-certified dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu said. “It’s not just at the beach, and it’s not just in the summer. It happens while you’re driving, walking the dog, sitting at an outdoor lunch or running errands.”

Body lotions with SPF help you practice sun safety while keeping your skin moisturized and even adding smoothing or brightening benefits. To help you find the top options, I reached out to four dermatologists to find the best products for year-round protection.

Best body lotions with SPF

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 60

Recommended by all of the dermatologists I consulted, this moisturizing lotion "provides strong UV protection while delivering lasting hydration," according to Queller. The lightweight texture is the main appeal of this body SPF, with Wu saying that it's the product she recommends to patients who tell her "I hate sunscreen." Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Purvisha Patel added that it's a top pick for those with sensitive skin.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60

"This is one of the most cosmetically elegant body sunscreens available," Queller said. "It offers broad-spectrum protection, spreads easily and is suitable for both face and body." In addition to hydrating glycerin and La Roche-Posay's signature thermal spring water, the formula is enriched with antioxidants that help defend against free radical damage, which can contribute to signs of skin aging. Queller added that the lotion feels comfortable, which increases the likelihood of using body SPF consistently.

Sōl Labs Face and Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

This face and body mineral sunscreen became a favorite of CNN Underscored associate writer Maxwell Shukuya after he tested a range of formulas for our guide to the best sunscreens of the year. The smooth lotion blends effortlessly, which is an especially impressive feat for a zinc oxide-based SPF; the ingredient is often responsible for the pasty white cast in mineral sunscreens. To make the application even more pleasant, the water-resistant formula is infused with aloe vera extract, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, which provide skin care benefits beyond sun protection alone.

Read our review

CeraVe Hydrating Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30

Queller highlighted this dual face and body SPF, which she said is fragrance-free, moisturizing and a particularly good option for patients with dry or sensitive skin. The nongreasy sunscreen features ceramides, which have a bunch of skin benefits. "Ceramides are excellent for dry or eczema-prone skin because they support the skin barrier," Wu said. This SPF was also recommended by a dermatologist in our guide to sunscreens for mature skin.

Eucerin Advanced Hydration Sunscreen SPF 50

Patel said Eucerin's Advanced Hydration sunscreen "acts like a lotion." The hydrating formula combines hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E and other antioxidants to nourish the skin. It's even hypoallergenic, fragrance-free and water-resistant.

Nivea UV Super Water Gel Sunscreen SPF 50

If you're looking for a body SPF that feels truly weightless, this Japanese formula recommended by Patel is as close as you'll find. It has a watery gel texture that feels refreshing and sinks in quickly. The pump dispenser gets points for convenience too.

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Wu recommends CeraVe's mineral SPF for the body, especially for those with sensitive skin or eczema. It's free from potential irritants that Queller said to look out for: "Common triggers include added fragrance or parfum, essential oils and botanical fragrances and high concentrations of denatured alcohol found in some lightweight formulations." In addition to being gentle and nonirritating, "it contains ceramides to help replenish skin’s moisture barrier, which is helpful for arms and legs since they have fewer oil glands," Wu said.

Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

"I’d put this in the beach bag for someone who wants to be thoughtful about the ocean and coral reefs," Wu said. This zinc oxide SPF is better for the environment because it doesn't contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, two chemical UV filters that have been shown to damage coral reefs and have been banned in Hawaii and other regions. It's also great for the skin as it contains ingredients you'd typically find in a body lotion, like shea butter, coconut oil and a bunch of other nourishing, plant-based ingredients. (We do not include any sunscreens, including chemical formulas, that contain oxybenzone or octinoxate in our articles.)

Spooge Cheeky Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

A face and body sunscreen that adds an instant glow, this mineral SPF's subtle tint cancels out white cast, and its shimmery finish enhances the skin. I love that it feels far more glamorous than most body sunscreens. The illuminating effect is also backed up by skin care ingredients — like caffeine, hyaluronic acid, magnesium and aloe — that condition the skin while zinc oxide protects it.

Sun Bum Daily Body Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marnie Nussbaum recommends this Sun Bum lotion, which was made specifically as a 2-in-1 body moisturizer and sunscreen. She calls out the antioxidants and vitamin E in the formula, which help guard the skin against environmental stressors and free-radical damage.

Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50

Supergoop!'s nongreasy lotion is great for daily use and active days alike. The formula is sweat- and water-resistant up to 80 minutes, which is why I usually bring this one with me to the beach or pool. It never leaves me feeling sticky and it absorbs quickly, plus the lotion has a light, subtle scent that makes it feel more like a spa product than sunscreen.

What to look for in a body lotion with SPF

The dermatologists stressed the importance of finding a sunscreen lotion you’ll actually want to use. “Ultimately, the best SPF body lotion is the one a person will apply generously and consistently,” Queller said.

While some aspects of sunscreen, like texture or skin benefits, are up to personal preference, there are some qualities everyone should look for, according to the experts.

Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher

All of the dermatologists advised picking a sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher for everyday use. There are a couple important reasons for this. Broad-spectrum protection is critical for guarding against both UVA and UVB rays. Wu said that the former are linked to aging and skin cancer, while the latter are responsible for causing sunburns.

SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB radiation when applied correctly, according to Queller. This is adequate for most people, although she noted that higher SPF “may provide an additional margin of protection, particularly for individuals with very fair skin, a history of skin cancer, photosensitive conditions or prolonged outdoor exposure.”

Wu added that the SPF only works if you apply enough. “I often prefer SPF 50 because studies show that real humans underapply SPF, so they’re often not getting the full protection that’s on the label,” Wu said.

Comfortable texture

You won’t want to apply a sunscreen that feels unpleasant or leaves a white cast, so it’s important to select a formula with a texture that feels comfortable enough to wear consistently, since regular application is key to effective sun protection, Queller said. Look for labels or customer reviews that indicate that a product is lightweight and nongreasy.

Skin care benefits

For body lotions with SPF, the sun protection is the main factor, but that doesn’t mean you have to compromise on finding a moisturizing formula with skin benefits. After all, the idea is that you’ll replace your standard body lotion with a protective one.

The dermatologists cited ceramides, peptides, antioxidants and niacinamide as useful ingredients in a body lotion. “These ingredients don’t help the efficacy of the sunscreen, but definitely help double the benefits of the lotion,” Patel said.

“Ceramides are natural fats in the skin that retain moisture and strengthen the skin barrier,” Nussbaum said. “They are essential to prevent dryness, irritation and sensitivity.” Meanwhile, peptides are effective anti-aging ingredients that build collagen and elastin, which helps with skin firmness. Antioxidants, such as vitamin C and E, are great sidekicks in a sunscreen because they may help neutralize some of the free-radical damage generated by UV exposure, according to Queller. And niacinamide is a powerhouse ingredient that can help soothe inflammation, support the skin barrier, reduce redness and even out the skin tone.

“All of these ingredients are important to look for in a body moisturizer as together they help repair, restore and protect the skin,” Nussbaum said.

FAQs

How often should I apply body lotion with SPF?

According to Queller, body lotion with SPF should be applied to any exposed skin every two hours when outdoors, and reapplied after swimming or excessive sweating.

She and the other dermatologists also warned against under-applying your sunscreen. “Many people apply sunscreen like they are seasoning a salad: a little here, a little there,” Wu said. The proper amount of sunscreen to cover the body is approximately one ounce, or a shot glass’ worth, our experts said.

Wu also advised applying the sunscreen directly to your body. “Do not rub it all into your palms first and then try to transfer what’s left to your arms and legs,” she said. “That ends up coating your palms, but not the intended areas.”

Are body lotions with SPF worth it?

Absolutely. “SPF is just as important for the body as it is for the face because UV rays reach the body and cause premature aging, skin cancer and other damaging effects from the sun,” Nussbaum said. “UV rays are not just strong in the summer, so it is important to wear both facial SPF and body SPF year-round and reapply as well.”

Our experts like the 2-in-1 aspect of body lotions with SPF, which can help cut down on steps in your daily routine and make applying body sunscreen a habit. “A body lotion with SPF makes sunscreen feel less like a chore,” Wu said. “If that lotion also gives broad-spectrum SPF protection, that’s one step less you need to apply before you head out the door. That matters because sunscreen only works when people use enough of it, on enough skin, consistently. I tell patients to put body SPF wherever they apply their regular body lotion.”

Meet our experts

For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights.

• Dr. Marnie Nussbaum, board-certified dermatologist
• Dr. Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Visha Skin Care
• Dr. Jenna Queller, board-certified dermatologist and founder of DermWorks
• Dr. Jessica Wu, Harvard-trained board-certified dermatologist

Why trust CNN Underscored

CNN Underscored editors and writers ensure every product included in an article is thoroughly vetted and something we ourselves would feel comfortable buying and using. Our team has many decades of collective experience researching, testing and recommending products across every category — from fashion and food, to home goods and health, to electronics and everything in between — and we’re committed to using that expertise to help you make the most of your money and live a better life.

For this article, CNN Underscored fashion and beauty editor Sophie Shaw consulted board-certified dermatologists about the best body lotions with SPF. She has also tested dozens of sunscreen formulas herself and referenced testing from other CNN Underscored editors.

Some information for this report was gathered via edition.cnn.com.