The weather is getting warmer and I'm off on holiday soon, so I've been sorting through my very large collection of sun creams to make sure that I'm well prepared. You see, as a beauty editor, I take sun protection very seriously. I've spoken to enough dermatologists to know just how important SPF is, and here at Who What Wear UK we are always covering important topics such as how to apply sunscreen in order to care for your skin.
From the best facial SPFs to the best moisturisers with SPF and even the best sunscreen sticks, we have so many product recommendations, but today I want to talk all about body sunscreen. I feel like this product category often gets overlooked, but protecting the skin on your body from the sun's harmful rays is just as important as protecting the skin on your face.
That's why I've been speaking to the experts all about what things to look out for before investing in an effective body sunscreen, and I've even been putting some of the most popular formulas to the test to see how I get on. Interested to know more? Just keep on scrolling...
What's the Difference Between Body Sunscreen and Facial Sunscreen?
One thing I am always so curious about is the difference in formula between sunscreen for your body and sunscreen for your face. "Largely, when we consider body SPF, we are applying it in sunny conditions and quite often putting it through its paces with swimming pool water, sea water, sweating and towel rubbing," says Dr Justine Hextall, consultant dermatologist for La Roche-Posay. "We want robust protection against UVB and UVA, and we want to make sure that this protection is photostable and ideally resistant to water and sweat."
However, when it comes to facial sunscreen, our wants and needs are a little different. As explained by Dr Hextall, the skin on our face can be more sensitive than the skin on our body, so you might not want to use the same SPF formulation for both areas. You also want to choose an SPF that sits well under makeup and doesn't block pores, which is why many brands have designed SPF products specifically for the facial area.
"[Finally], a facial sunscreen needs to not only be effective against UVB and UVA, but ideally against longer wavelengths that our facial skin is exposed to every day," says Dr Hextall. "Longer wavelengths, such as UVA-1 and pollution, work together to damage our skin, including our collagen, leading to fine lines and a loss of firmness. It is these day-to-day wavelengths that are equally as important as the typical summer day’s UVB that we need to protect against."
What to Look Out for in a Good Body Sunscreen
So, how do you choose a good body sunscreen? This will largely be down to personal preference, such as the formula or scent, but there are some things that Dr Hextall recommends looking out for. "I would look for ease of application as a very important first step," she says. "If a body sunscreen is greasy or has a thicker texture that is hard to apply, it will never be applied in the amount that is needed for optimal UV protection.
"The SPF needs to be photostable and ideally water resistant," she adds. "I look for excellent broad-spectrum protection against UVB and UVA and longer wavelengths, too."
Although sprays may seem more convenient, Dr Hextall says that they are more likely to miss areas on the skin, so she advises using these products for top-ups after two layers of cream have been applied.
Junior beauty editor, Grace Lindsay, testing the best body sunscreens.
How Often Should You Apply Body Sunscreen?
Once you've found the right formula, it's important to make sure that you are applying your sunscreen correctly. While each product will come with its own application advice, I was keen to ask Dr Hextall for her tips. "I always recommend applying two layers to try and create an adequate protective film over the skin," she says. "Good SPFs will tend to be photostable and can last for many hours. That being said, when exposed to sweat, towel rubbing and water, re-application around every two hours is advised for optimal protection.
"I also wish to add other very important steps in UV protection," she says. "Seek shade between 11 am and 3 pm and wear protective clothing, including hats and UV eye protection. No SPF is a substitute for this."
So, now that you know all that, keep on scrolling for the best body sunscreens on the market, tested and confirmed by an editor.
The Best Body Sunscreens to Try in 2025
- Best body sunscreen for all skin types: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sun Protection SPF50+ Milk
- Best multi-use body sunscreen: Caudalie Vinosun Very High Protection Water SPF50
- Best scented body sunscreen: Coola Body Lotion SPF50 Guava Mango
- Best spray body sunscreen: Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Spray SPF 50
- Best luxury body sunscreen: Dior Solar The Protective Creme SPF 50
1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sun Protection SPF50+ Milk
Best for: All-around protection and all skin types
Why It's the Best: La-Roche Posay does one of the best facial SPFs of all time (hello, Anthelios UVmune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+), and the brand's body sunscreens are just as good. This particular product is a great all-rounder. It has a lightweight, non-greasy formula, offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB and infrared light and can be used on those with sensitive skin. If you want something that can be used on both the face and body, the brand has also just launched the Anthelios UVMune 400 Face & Body Hydrating Milk SPF50+.
My Review: As someone prone to dry, itchy and sensitive skin, this sunscreen ticks all the boxes. It contains the brand's thermal spring water to help hydrate the skin, and the milky texture glides on like a dream. If you have easily irritated skin like mine, I highly suggest giving this SPF a go.
Pros
- Great for all skin types
- Offers broad-spectrum protection
- Hydrating, milky texture
Cons
- Doesn't have a tropical scent like other options in this roundup
2. Caudalie Vinosun Very High Protection Water SPF50
Best for: Using on the face, body and hair
Why It's the Best: If you want a do-it-all kind of product to pack for your holiday this summer, Caudalie has got you covered. This clever SPF water can be used on the face, body and hair, and although I would normally recommend using a separate formula for your face, this is a great option if you're short on packing space. It is another super-lightweight sunscreen that blends into the skin quickly and easily, and the half-water, half-oil formula can be used on the most sensitive of skin, too. Plus, it protects against UVA and UVB rays.
My Review: I thought this formula was going to feel quite greasy on the skin, but I was pleasantly surprised when using it. It sank into the skin in seconds and left my skin feeling soft and hydrated. You do have to give it a good shake before using, as the water and oil can separate when not in use, but the spray format makes it so easy to top up your SPF throughout the day.
Pros
- Easy-to-use spray formula
- Blends in quickly
- Protects against UVA and UVB rays
Cons
- Have to shake well before use
3. Coola Body Lotion SPF50 Guava Mango
Best for: A delicious scent
Why It's the Best: Although I love the smell of sunscreen in general, sometimes it's nice to use something that feels a little bit more like a luxury scented body lotion. Enter Coola's guava-mango body sunscreen. With broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and a water-resistant formula that maintains protection for up to 80 minutes, this is a perfect choice for warmer days and upcoming holidays. It has the most delicious, tropical scent that will have you dreaming of evenings spent on the beach watching the sun go down with a pina colada in hand.
My Review: I didn't expect to like this scent as much as I did, but it truly is the perfect holiday fragrance. This sunscreen is a little thicker than others I have used, but it blends in nicely and doesn't leave a greasy residue. Instead, my skin is left feeling soft and smelling amazing.
Pros
- Smells delicious
- Water-resistant
- Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection
Cons
- May be too scented for some
4. Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Spray SPF50
Best for: Top-ups throughout the day
Why It's the Best: If you're looking for an easy spray formula to top up your SPF throughout the day, I highly recommend this option from Sol de Janeiro. Loved for its body mists, this brand knows what it's doing when it comes to delicious scents, and this product is no exception. Yes, it smells incredible, but what I really love about it is the lightweight formula that you can simply spray on and blend into the skin in seconds. Sun protection has never been so easy.
My Review: This is such a nice sunscreen for throwing in your beach bag. It offers broad-spectrum protection, is easy to apply, smells sensational and adds a subtle glow to the skin. It's also super hydrating, thanks to coconut water, and helps to defend from environmental aggressors due to the addition of niacinamide.
Pros
- Easy to top up throughout the day
- Smells delicious
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- May be too scented for some
5. Dior Solar The Protective Creme SPF50
Best for: A luxury experience
Why It's the Best: If you fancy something a little bit more luxurious, Dior's body sunscreen is a great option. Chic packaging? Tick. Protection against UVA and UVB rays? Tick. An expensive-smelling scent? Tick. This hydrating cream has a slightly thicker consistency but sinks into the skin immediately, making the whole task of applying SPF a whole lot more fun.
My Review: To me, this body sunscreen literally smells like a Dior perfume. It actually makes me want to apply my SPF, and that's a big plus for me. It has a creamy consistency that feels beautiful on the skin, and I love whipping the designer bottle out of my bag.
Pros
- Luxurious scent
- Slim packaging to travel with
- Protection against UVA and UVB rays
Cons
- More expensive
6. E45 Sun Body Cream Spray for Sensitive Skin
Best for: Sensitive skin
Why It's the Best: E45 has designed an SPF for dry and sensitive skin types. This product can even be used on eczema-prone skin. It has a milky, moisturising formula that is nourishing and completely fragrance-free. It also features high sun protection and UVA and UVB filters, and is even sweat- and water-resistant. Yep, this is another great option to throw in your beach bag.
My Review: As someone with incredibly sensitive skin, E45 has always been a brand I gravitate towards. So, when I saw that they did SPF products, I was over the moon. This spray format is great for topping up on the go. It is a little greasier than other SPFs in this roundup, but my skin always feels so good afterwards that I can't complain.
Pros
- Can be used on sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
- UVA and UVB filters
- Water and sweat resistant
Cons
- Can feel a little greasy
- Some may prefer a scented formula
7. Hawaiian Tropic Hydrating Protection Sunscreen Lotion SPF50
Best for: A moisturising lotion
Why It's the Best: I feel like this is such a classic choice, and for good reason. This moisturising lotion is enriched with cocoa and shea butter to leave your skin feeling silky soft. It features UVA and UVB protection and is water-resistant, although I always advise topping up your SPF whenever you've been in the pool or the sea. Plus, it has the most delicious tropical scent, and the slim packaging is easy to pop into your bag.
My Review: I thought an SPF lotion enriched with cocoa and shea butter would feel greasy on the skin, but I couldn't have been more wrong. This lotion is moisturising but also sinks in quickly and leaves behind the most beautiful scent.
Pros
- Super nourishing formula
- Smells delicious
- UVA and UVB protection
- Water-resistant
Cons
- May be too scented for some
8. Nivea Sun Protect & Moisture Sun Cream Lotion SPF50+
Best for: A hydrating formula
Why It's the Best: Nivea is always a go-to brand when it comes to SPF products. This lotion protects against UVA and UVB rays and features glycerin and vitamin E to moisturise the skin and protect it from environmental aggressors. It's not the most glamorous of options, but you can trust that it will get the job done.
My Review: I've used this body sunscreen for as long as I can remember. It's a classic for a reason. It's easy to apply, has high sun protection and feels great on the skin.
Pros
- Hydrating formula
- Protects against UVA and UVB rays
- Also protects skin from environmental aggressors
Cons
- Bulky packaging
9. Lancaster Sun Beauty Sun Protective Water SPF50
Best for: A lightweight texture
Why It's the Best: Lancaster is another go-to brand for SPF products, and we can't rave enough about the SPF water. This lightweight formula has a water-like texture and applies as a fine mist onto the skin. It's super easy to use and delivers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Who What Wear Editor Review: "I can't shout about this product loud enough. I have been using it every summer for the past few years, and I can categorically say it feels like nothing on the skin and prevents me from burning (providing I'm applying it frequently enough, of course). And I know I'm not alone. All of my beauty editor friends adore it. I gave a bottle to a friend last month, and she text me yesterday from her holiday in the Middle-East with a picture of this sunscreen in her hand with a caption that reads: "This stuff is unreal." And if this isn't enough, I even forced my 68-year-old dad, who hasn't worn sun cream a day in his life, to borrow some last summer, and he was so impressed he went out to buy a bottle for himself. Do not sleep on this stuff.
Pros
- Very lightweight texture
- Easy to apply
- Broad-spectrum protection
Cons
- A little more expensive
Shop More Popular Body Sunscreens
Sun Bum is such a popular SPF brand, and for good reason. This SPF provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and is formulated with vitamin E to support the skin barrier. Oh, and it smells like coconuts, which is a huge plus.
I feel like we've all had this sun cream spray in our beach bags at one time or another. It's a great option for topping up your SPF throughout the day, and it's enriched with aloe vera to provide a cooling effect.
This SPF provides very high sun protection for the most sensitive of skin. Sure, it doesn't look as luxurious as other options in this roundup, but it's water resistant, protects against UVA and UVB rays, absorbs quickly and is enriched with vitamin B5 and vitamin E.
Ultra Violette's facial SPF's are some of the best, so I can't wait to give this body sunscreen a go. The ultra-sheer formula features lots of hydrating ingredients and is water and sweat-resistant. It has a delicious scent and comes in the brand's signature colourful packaging.
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