The Best Body Sunscreens in Every Format
It’s widely known that the best sunscreen in the world is simply the one you look forward to wearing. Yet for years, that was easier said than done. Full-body protection is non-negotiable, but body sunscreens have historically been a total chore to apply. Thankfully, suncare has undergone a major overhaul in recent years, ushering in a new era of innovation. Today, the industry offers far more than basic lotions, giving us access to a huge range of sophisticated formulas, from airy whipped mousses and weightless gels to translucent powders and advanced tan-activating options.
Here’s our edit of the best body sunscreens, broken down by format.
Mist: Darling Mist-Me SPF 50
Sunscreen body mists are the ultimate lazy-girl hack for effortless sun protection top-ups. They’re practically made for tossing into your beach bag: lightweight and formulated to make the whole reapplication feel like less of a chore. Darling’s Mist-Me SPF 50 is a team favourite thanks to its ultra-fine spray, which dries down in seconds with zero sticky residue. It also feels more like premium skincare than suncare, with nourishing macadamia seed oil, vitamin E, and glow-boosting Nectaria Lithops working together to keep skin hydrated and comfortable. The fresh floral fragrance and cooling finish are the cherry on top.
Shimmering Oil: Nuxe Sun Oil Gold High Protection SPF 50
When your summer aesthetic calls for glowing skin, a shimmering sunscreen oil is an absolute must. It gives you protection and luminosity in one application, making it the easiest way to make legs, arms, and your décolletage look instantly more radiant without piling on extra products. For us, nobody masters this format quite like Nuxe. The brand’s Sun Oil Gold High Protection SPF 50 has a gorgeous, silky texture that sinks in quickly for full-body softness, all while broad-spectrum SPF 50 shields against UVA, UVB, and blue light. Instead of chunky glitter, it uses 100% natural-origin pearly particles to create a sophisticated, light-catching finish that doesn’t transfer. We also love the signature blend of sweet orange, tiaré flower, and vanilla notes that leave behind a subtle, summery scent.
Water: Institut Esthederm Adaptasun Sun Protection Water
If you can’t stand the feel of most sunscreens, a sun water could be your perfect match. These ultra-lightweight formulas are designed to feel virtually invisible while delivering that all-important protection. Institut Esthederm’s Adaptasun Hydra-Protective Sun Water is the best we’ve tried, featuring a two-phase formula that combines the brand’s cellular water with nourishing botanical oils to leave the body hydrated without feeling greasy. Suitable for the face, body, and hair, the multitasker also harnesses the brand’s Adaptasun technology to help support a natural-looking, longer-lasting tan.
Powder: Kopari Sun Veil Illuminating Powder SPF 30
SPF powders are one of the most underrated ways to top up your sunscreen, yet surprisingly few are created with the body in mind. Kopari’s Sun Veil Illuminating Powder is one of the exceptions and our ultimate secret weapon for a flawless hot-girl-summer glow. It’s a permanent fixture in our handbags for mid-afternoon chest, shoulder, and décolletage touch-ups, thanks to its silky zinc-based formula that glides effortlessly onto skin. Infused with nourishing shea butter and finished with a delicious coconut milk scent, the formula uses ethically sourced mica to create a warm, golden radiance that enhances sun-kissed skin.
Milk: Coco & Eve Coconut Body Milk SPF 50
Sitting somewhere between a lotion and a serum, body milks are the absolute go-to when you want serious hydration without the heavy richness of a cream. Coco & Eve’s Coconut Body Milk SPF 50 nails that balance beautifully, melting into the skin almost instantly while leaving behind a healthy, dewy finish that looks gorgeous in the sun. The magic is in the brand’s HydraCoconut Complex, which pairs hydrating Pentavitin with watermelon and dragonfruit to deeply nourish. The juicy tropical scent sends it into self-care territory, making this one of those rare SPFs we genuinely look forward to slathering on every single day.
Lotion: Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
As much as the industry seems to have shifted its attention away from sunscreen lotions, they remain one of the most dependable formats around. A good lotion delivers generous coverage, lasting hydration, and high SPF protection all at once. Sun Bum’s Original Sunscreen Lotion is the ultimate all-rounder. It’s comfortingly rich without being heavy, gliding onto the skin beautifully before sinking in. Added vitamin E helps to keep your skin soft, while the 80-minute water resistance means it actually has you covered poolside. Oh, and that signature coconut scent? Pure summer nostalgia.
Oil: Vichy Capital Soleil Cell Protect Invisible Oil SPF 50
Think body oils always equal stained clothes and greasy skin? You probably just haven’t met the right formula yet. The best sunscreen oils deliver high-performance, broad-spectrum protection alongside a gorgeous, glossy radiance. Vichy’s Capital Soleil Cell Protect Invisible Oil hits this balance perfectly. The featherlight, dry-touch texture absorbs into the skin almost instantly, leaving a glass skin finish with zero tackiness or transfer. It relies on squalane and vitamin E to actively combat sun-induced dehydration while supporting the skin barrier. It’s so good that we never let a drop go to waste — any leftover gets worked through the ends of our hair for a little extra nourishment.
Gel: Heliocare 360° Advanced Gel SPF 50
Once you’ve tried a gel sunscreen in the height of summer, it’s hard to go back to anything else. Effortless to apply, quick to dry, and practically weightless, gel formulas are perfect for humid weather, active days, and anyone who dislikes rich creams. When we think of these formats, the Heliocare 360° Advanced Gel is the first product that comes to mind. Its barely-there texture spreads beautifully and absorbs in seconds. But what really sets it apart is that it can be applied directly to wet skin. It also contains patented ASPA-Fernblock technology, a plant-based complex designed to help support the skin post-sun exposure.
Foam: Vacation Classic Whip SPF 30
As one of the most playful SPF formats around, foam sunscreens prove that applying SPF can actually be fun. Better still, they make covering your entire body easy and surprisingly quick. We were fully prepared to write off Vacation’s Classic Whip as mere social media bait, but after trying it, we were completely won over — it’s easily our favourite foam SPF.
Complete with an authentic whipped cream-style applicator, the mousse spreads effortlessly over the skin, feeling far lighter and more breathable than traditional creams while leaving skin deeply moisturised. It relies on nourishing coconut oil and aloe vera to hydrate and comfort the skin, and features Vacation’s award-winning signature scent. Just please — don’t eat it!
Tan: Ultrasun Body Tan Activator SPF 30
For those who want a natural tan without the accompanying sun damage, a tan-activating SPF is the ideal solution. Rather than sacrificing protection for colour, these formulas shield the skin from UV rays while optimising its natural tanning mechanism. Ultrasun’s Body Tan Activator SPF 30 is particularly impressive, opting for a fast-absorbing fluid texture over the heavy creams of the past. It features Bronzyl technology to encourage melanin production, accelerating the skin’s natural golden tint by up to 40% over ten days.