The best body sunscreens of 2025 — recommended by celebrities, dermatologists and experts
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is now the most common cancer in the United States. The best way to prevent it on places like your arms, legs and chest? Consistent, daily use of the best body sunscreens, specifically high-quality products with broad-spectrum protection; those that block the damage caused by both UVA and UVB rays.
"The American Academy of Dermatology recommends reapplying sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, and more frequently if swimming or sweating," says Los Angeles facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kay Durairaj. "For mature skin, which may already show signs of photo-damage, diligent reapplication is not just beneficial, it's essential for maintaining skin health and vitality."
And, while many of us (especially those with sensitive skin) are acquainted with the best sunscreens for our faces, most of us don't know how or what to look for in a well-made body sunscreen. Read our frequently asked questions below for more on how to select the right sunscreen for you. And check out our picks below as recommended by dermatologists, celebrities and the Yahoo Shopping editors.
Update, March 20, 2025: We checked all product prices and availability. Our number one pick for the best body sunscreen remains unchanged.
It's easy to think you can just use any sunscreen, anywhere, but there's a reason to invest in different iterations for different anatomy — beyond just Big Sunscreen trying to rip you off. The skin on our faces tends to be thinner and more easily irritated and sunburned than the skin on our bodies, which means facial sunscreens are designed to be stronger, more hypoallergenic and less greasy (to avoid both acne flare-ups and burning your eyes) than those made for your arms, back and legs. Because face sunscreens are formulated more like skin care (often with high-end skin care ingredients), they tend to be more expensive. They're also packaged in smaller quantities, often not ample for repeatedly covering larger swaths of skin.
"When choosing a good sunscreen for body, it's usually easier [than for face]: you can select from more options," explains cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban. "Oil-based, spray, mist, light body lotion or heavier cream formulations can most often be applied without issue for normal skin." Though she cautions: "Those with super sensitive or reactive skin do need to select those that will not irritate or exacerbate skin conditions."
Other considerations when choosing a new body SPF: deciding between mineral or chemical sunscreens (the main difference: chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and act as a kind of sponge for harmful rays, while mineral sunscreens use literal minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to create a physical shield that protects skin from UV light, which is why they're sometimes referred to as physical sunscreens).
You should also select a product with a SPF 30 or higher, one that you enjoy (or at least don't mind) applying, with a scent and texture that's pleasant to you. Remember, the most important aspect of sunscreen shopping is finding one you'll actually use.
Experts I spoke with gave a resounding "yes!" to this question but only if there are no alternative face sunscreens around (the idea being that any sunscreen is better than no sunscreen). Sun protection for your face is usually more lightweight, contains antioxidants and anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid and is usually better for the more tender facial dermis (these products also often contain complexion-smoothing qualities, as in the case of the best tinted sunscreens). There are exceptions of course — some quality sunburn preventers, like Supergoop's Play, are formulated to work on both face and body.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration mandates that any sunscreen remain effective for at least 36 months; after that the strength of your sunscreen may diminish and deteriorate. Many sunscreens have expiration dates and should be discarded immediately after the date marked. According the Mayo Clinic, you should also toss any product in which "the color or texture changes significantly."
Los Angeles facial plastic surgeon Dr. Kay Durairaj
Board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Ava Shamban
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