13 SPF Body Lotions to Get You Through The Summer

Elle

16-05-2025

Every item on this page was chosen by an ELLE editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
Sunscreen is neither seasonal nor relegated to just one part of your body. Whether the sun is shining or not, facial sunscreen should be worn daily—and can be found in tinted formulas or even in the drugstore—but sometimes we forget to extend the love to our lower regions, especially in the thick of the warmer months. We get it: Some sunscreens have the goopiest, thickest texture with an unpleasant smell and leave behind a ghostly white cast—but they're a 100 percent necessary part of ensuring skin health.
'Sunscreen either absorbs ultraviolet (UV) radiation and converts it to heat energy or reflects it off the skin surface. By protecting skin from UV radiation, sunscreen prevents damage to cellular structures, namely DNA, that, if altered or damaged, can increase the risk of the development of skin cancer. Protection from UV radiation is also important to protect skin from changes related to photoaging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots,' says Dr. Brendan Camp, double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
If regular sunscreen formulas don't prompt you to maintain a consistent sun care routine, allow us to point you to updated versions that couple the nourishment of your favorite lotion with the protection needed to lounge about in the sun for hours without penalty. Thankfully, a slew of body lotions packed with broad-spectrum protection can hydrate, illuminate, and soothe the skin—and we found the 15 best ones. After consulting a dermatologist, perusing our own collections, and scouring the internet to find online shoppers' top-rated picks, we compiled a list of the 15 best body lotions with SPF for summer and beyond.
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Key ingredients: Aloe, antioxidants
Rest assured, this sunscreen won't embarrass you with a pasty white cast. Formulated with aloe and antioxidants, this sunscreen coats your skin in love as it's protected and stays put through whatever sweat, wind, or water your body (or face) comes in contact with.
Nordstrom rating: 5/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: 'As a vacation girlie, I love poolside lounging and sipping while baking under the sun. I hate thick, goopy sunscreens that ruin the beach goddess look I'm going for. This Bask SPF lotion smells like summer and melts into my skin without leaving that purple, Thanos-esque color on my dark skin.'—Nerisha Penrose, ELLE.com beauty commerce editor
Size: 12 fl oz
Key ingredient: Prebiotic oat complex
To know Aveeno's products is to love them—and the calming oat packed in its formulas. As part of its Protect + Hydrate line, this body sunscreen contains SPF 60 to shield the skin from harsh UVA and UVB rays. On the hydrating side, this formula features a trifecta of oat forms, from oat oil to oat extract to oat flour, all working to nourish and restore balance to the skin.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said, 'Excellent as both an SPF sunscreen and a light moisturizer. I had been using a high-end 'rose' UV Defense, and this one has now replaced it at a fraction of the cost. Silky-feeling skin with adequate protection.'
Size: 3.4 fl oz
Key ingredients: Cucumber, green tea, hyaluronic acid
For most sunscreen users, the smell and white cast are usually the most off-putting. Where most sunscreens don't typically lean earthy and fresh, this one does with no white cast in sight and doesn't require an arm workout to rub in.
Revolve rating: 5/5 stars
A Revolve reviewer said: 'It was love at first application! It was like applying a lightly scented body lotion that soaked right in. Not sticky. This is a winner.'
Size: 1.35 fl oz
Key ingredients: Murumuru and mango butters, moringa Oils
Our faces and bodies reap all the benefits of our most treasured skin care products, but we seldom remember our hands. Signs of aging can crop up anywhere, and the hands are no exception, which is why you should consider this moisturizing SPF hand cream. The creamy texture is packed with oils and butters to condition the skin to slow premature aging.
Fenty Beauty rating: 4.6/5 stars
A Fenty Beauty reviewer said: 'Such an amazing products, Nonsticky and long-lasting. I'm obsessed with it 10/10 highly recommend.'
Size: 5.07 fl oz
Key ingredients: Algae, licorice root
Shiseido took its OG SynchroShield sunscreen and supersized it in more ways than one. Not only does this sunscreen come in a jumbo size, but it also contains SPF 60 for more protection and extra nourishment (maybe that's why our digital beauty director wears it daily?). Algae and licorice root extract work in tandem to soothe, hydrate, and enrich stressed skin. Plus, the HeatForce and WetForce technology strengthens the formula when in contact with heat and water.
Sephora rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: 'This is far more moisturizing and buttery than I expected, and usually, sunscreens take a great deal of effort to rub in. I adore this one by Shiseido for its high protection and easily blendable formula that goes on clear and dries down sheer.'—Nerisha Penrose
Size: 5 fl oz
Key ingredients: Antioxidants, thermal spring water
If long beach days are on the docket this summer, here's a reliable companion to take with you, whether on land or by the sea. La Roche-Posay's Melt-In Sunscreen glides on smoothly and has a non-greasy dry-down that makes re-application a pleasant experience instead of a dreaded one.
Ulta rating: 4.3/5 stars
An ELLE editor says: 'I love this multi-use sunscreen because I can put it on my face and my body. I recently was at the Miami Open and this was my sunscreen of choice. It leaves your skin moisturized, not oily, and quickly absorbs into your skin. It easily blends in and leaves no white cast, which is an automatic win for me and my melanated skin.' —Danielle James, ELLE.com beauty director
Size: 5.5 fl oz
Key ingredients: Sunflower, rosemary and rice bran extract
Sunscreen has to hit many marks to be considered good, and absorbability is high on that list. This Supergoop bestseller effortlessly melts into the skin without feeling overly greasy and imparts soothing and hydrating properties via botanical extracts.
Nordstrom rating: 4.5/5 stars
An ELLE Editor says: 'This sunscreen has accompanied me on a lot of vacations because it's reliable, doesn't leave a white cast, and feels more like a daily lotion than a sunscreen. I love re-applying it because it has a comforting, almost nostalgic scent that reminds you of better days no matter where you are.'—Nerisha Penrose
Key ingredients: Shea, cocoa seed oils, self-tanning technology
Whether you're OOO or simply in need of a little color, this tanning lotion from Vacation is the pick-me-up you need. This lotion gives an instant tan that you won't need to lounge around in the sun for long hours, and keeps the color on your skin even after you've washed off.
Nordstrom rating: 3.7/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer says: 'I used this product yesterday after purchasing it at Nordstrom. It glides on nicely and washes off your palms without leaving a stain. A wonderful product for instantly taking lily white legs and giving them a sunkissed glow! I only applied one coat, but if you want more color, then let the first coat dry and then apply the second. It showered off this morning and leaves behind a soft tan with no hint of orange. I highly recommend this product for someone who wants a quick kiss of gentle color, or to even out tan lines. Does contain a small amount of self tanner so will leave a beautiful glow!'
Size: 5.4 fl oz
Key ingredient: Provitamin B, vitamin E
Aesop's iteration of a body sunscreen smells as heavenly and invigorating as its other offerings. Not only does it smell great, but it also has a host of other benefits. 'Formulated with spearmint leaf, panthenol (provitamin B5), and tocopherol (vitamin E), this moisturizing body lotion offers SPF 50 protection from UV rays.
Nordstrom rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Nordstrom reviewer said: 'This is the second time I purchase this and I love it. Super lightweight and I love the scent.'
Size: 6 fl oz
Key ingredients: cupuaçu butter, grapeseed oil, non-nano zinc oxide
How can a sunscreen be a 'total package,' you ask? Well, Versed has the answer: loads of nourishment (cupuaçu butter and grapeseed oil) and sun protection. Rich antioxidants and butters enrich the skin with hydration and moisture that makes you forget what you're wearing is actually SPF. 'As a mineral sunscreen, this product contains zinc to provide SPF 30 protection, as well as moisturizing cupuaçu butter and soothing antioxidants from grapeseed oil,' says Dr. Brendan Camp.
Target rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Target reviewer said: 'I love this sunscreen! It is formulated with non-nano zinc oxide which has shown to be the least harmful to marine life as far as sunscreen ingredients go. So many sunscreens claim to be "reef safe" but all they really mean is "oxybenzone free" which is great and all, but misleading. Especially since almost all common sunscreen ingredients are not reef-safe (including most zinc if it is in nano form). All of the people leaving negative reviews dislike the feel and the white cast of this sunscreen, but it is AMAZING as far as nan-nano zinc sunscreens go. The white cast goes away if you give it time to soak in a little (I am white, so this is most likely a bigger problem for darker skin folks), and it is not as greasy or gross as many over-the-counter chemical or physical sunscreens go. Give this a try if you're concerned for how sunscreen ingredients affect marine life!'
Key ingredients: Glycolic acid
Sun protection is required to get the best results from exfoliation. 'This SPF body lotion provides SPF 15 protection and includes glycolic acid to gently exfoliate rough skin, shea butter to moisturize, and vitamin E for antioxidant protection,' Dr. Camp adds. Glytone's Daily Body Lotion contains 6.2 percent glycolic acid, to be exact, used to treat hyperpigmentation and keratosis pilaris.
Dermstore rating: 4.8/5 stars
A Dermstore reviewer said: 'I can't live without my Glytone Daily Body Lotion Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 15. I use it every morning. It's extra moisturizing while exfoliating dead skin throughout the day and gives my skin an SPF 15 from the sun's harmful rays. Love-Love my Glytone and would recommend to anyone!'
Size: 3.4 oz
Key ingredients: Sea moss, cocoa seed butter
If you want to glow like a supermodel, Cay Skin's Isle Glow Body Lotion will have you ready for your close-up in a few swipes. Formulated with SPF 45, this lotion uses cocoa butter, and nectar to deliver moisture and radiance; sea moss is the MVP of the formula that protects the skin's barrier.
Sephora rating: 4.3/5 stars
A Sephora reviewer said: 'This is a beautiful lotion with sunscreen. My skin feels nice and soft and looks healthy and glowy, but not shimmery. It's easily reapplied and doesn't feel heavy on my skin. I've repurchased this multiple times and will continue to do so. I've been really impressed with the Cay Skin products I've tried so far.'
Size: 3 fl oz
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, ceramides
A lightweight, easy-to-use, hydrating sunscreen is waiting for you right in the aisle of your favorite drugstore. Ceramides and niacinamide strengthen the skin's barrier and restore moisture.
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer said: 'Fragrance free sunscreens are hard to find at my local store. This is a great one!. It goes on smoothly and does not feel greasy. SPF 30 protects me when I'm out in the south Texas sun.'
Just as the sun can damage your face, it can also wreak havoc on your skin without you even knowing. 'Sunscreen on the body protects all of your skin from UV radiation. Because you can get skin cancer anywhere you have skin, it is important to protect it from the sun using sunscreen, sun-protective clothing, and sun avoidance, as well as to get regular skin checks with a board-certified dermatologist,' Dr. Camp explains.
'The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using one ounce of sunscreen to cover the body, which is about the amount in a shot glass.'
Dr. Brendan Camp is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology.
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this piece, ELLE.com's beauty commerce editor. Nerisha Penrose spoke to a dermatologist to find the best body lotions with SPF on the market.