Dermatologists Love These Body Lotions With SPF (2024)

We know you have plenty of questions about sun protection, like is an SPF of of 100 really a better choice (nope!), or do I have to wear sunscreen if I have dark skin? (Yes, on that last one: melanin does not prevent skin cancer, but there are plenty of great SPF formulas that won't leave behind the dreaded whitish cast.) Dermatologists are constantly dispelling sunscreen myths and misinformation based on these queries, and another big one is: Do I need to use a separate sunscreen and moisturizer as part of my skincare regimen?

When it comes to the face, the answer is easy—no! Brands have introduced a plethora of great moisturizers that also have built-in sunscreen—just make sure it has an SPF of at least 30—so that you don't need to buy two different products. But can the same be said of formulas designed for the skin below your chin? Will a body lotion with SPF offer as much protection as a straight-up sunscreen? It all comes down to the number, says Alicia Zalka, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and founder of the brand Surface Deep. "Many body lotions that also contain sunscreen only have an SPF of 15 to 20, which is fine for a quick outdoor jaunt or a day spent mostly indoors," she says. "But if you're going to spend any significant time outside, you need to wear a sunscreen with a higher SPF and be sure to reapply it every two hours."

We've rounded up plenty of great picks here—recommended by Zalka and other dermatologists. Many of them are under $20 and a few smell downright divine.

For the best protection, Zalka recommends applying the amount of product that would fill your mouthwash cap or a shot glass, and making sure that every inch of exposed skin is evenly coated. This zinc oxide-based formula also contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to keep skin smooth and hydrated (just don't use it if you plan on swimming or sweating profusely; it's not water-resistant).

This lightweight, fast-absorbing, water-resistant lotion moisturizes and stays put when the barometer rises (you still need to put more on every 120 minutes or so though). "The formulation itself is silky and it's easy enough to carry around for reapplication,"says Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., a dermatologist in West Islip, New York. As an added bonus, it also contains beta carotene-richsunflower extract for protection against free radical damage and rosemary leaf extract to calm skin.

Sensitive skin types on a budget will go gaga for Cetaphil's offering, which is 100% mineral based and can be purchased for less than $10. That's why Zalka loves it, but she wants everyone to remember to slather it onto these commonly-missed spots:the tops of feet and toes ("Flip flops and sandals allow a lot of sun to reach your feet," she says), your ears, and the back of your neck.

"Some sunscreens have that tell-tale chemical smell, but this one has a very pleasant fragrance as a little extra bonus,"says Zalka. You can thank the eucalyptus, clove, and vanilla extracts for that. But what makes this formula extra nourishing is the addition of argan and meadowfoam seed oils, which lock in moisture.

"This is absolutely one of my all-time favorites,"says Shari Marchbein, M.D., a dermatologist in New York, NY. What's so great about it? La Roche-Posay's proprietary technology provides a high-level of broad spectrum sun protection. And it'sa luxuriously hydrating formula that also contains the brand's special thermal spring water, the water-loving humectant glycerin, and niacinamide to soothe skin that may have been out in the sun too long. "It's the ultimate," says Marchbein.

This one's definitely a splurge, but you'll understand why it's worth your dough once you get it on your skin. The texture is a dream—watery-thin, hydrating, and fast-absorbing—and it's infused with the brand's Nobel Prize-winning technology thatRévive founder Gregory Brown used to treat burn victims.

Free of fragrance and artificial dyes, this is an idealoption for someone with sensitive, highly-reactive skin, says New York City dermatologistOrit Markowitz, M.D., founder of OptiSkin. This cream seals in moisture withsunflower oil, pro-vitamin B5, and a hefty dose of glycerin, offering the ultimate in hydration.Apply it—and all sunscreens—at least 15 minutes before sun exposure.

A creamy sunscreen andmoisturizer hybrid in an eco-friendly tin that's available in both regular and tinted formulations? What's not to love? "This product also contains antioxidants and essential oils, which is why it's one of my go-tos,"says Zalka. It gets its SPF from non-nano zinc oxide; the moisturizing properties come from natural hydrators like coconut oil, jojoba oil, kokum butter, and beeswax.

Even if you don't plan on spending much time outdoors, it's always a good idea to protect your skin from UV damage (after all, we know the sun's rays can penetrate glass). For those days, Zilka loves this budget-friendly pick, which contains a mix of green tea, aloe vera, and chamomile plus a generous serving of antioxidants and alpha hydroxy acids to help fight existing sun damage.

Marchbein approved, the lightweight water-gel texture is what you'll notice first about Neutrogena's Hydro Boost formula. But once you slather it on, you'll no doubt be impressed at how quickly it absorbs and how sumptuous it feels, especially for the price. Glycerin and hyaluronic acid provide 8-hour hydration while chemical filters offer UV protection with no white cast.

Yes, it contains broad spectrum UV protection. And yes, it has an airy whipped-lotion texture that's a delight to smear on. But what makes this product one of our best bets is the beautifully subtle glow it imparts to skin. You can thank the light-reflecting minerals in the formula for that.

Sunscreen actives like zinc oxide andavobenzone protect skin from ultraviolet radiation, but the sun also produces damaging free radicals that these ingredients do little to scavenge. Coola's product controls for that, with a special blend of plant extracts—red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, and prickly pear extract—to pick up the slack. Hydrators like organic glycerin, safflower seed oil, and aloe leaf juice round out the formula. No wonder it's one of Zalka's faves.

This is Zalka's wintertime pick (yes, you still need to wear sunscreen in winter). Since it has a lower SPF, she doesn't recommend it if you're planning on being outdoors during the dog days of summer, but it does contain a glycolic acid complex to help smooth skin and even its tone.

No one wants breakouts on their face, and no one wants breakouts on their body either. The solution:This oil-free non-comedogenic SPF with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. What also makes the formula unique is that it includes ceramides (moisturizing fats found naturally in skin) as well as hyaluronic acid, sealing in water so skin stays supple. "This is creamy but has a slightly lighter texture, making it perfect for summer,"says Markowitz.

Another Marchbein favorite, ISDIN's emulsion combines mineral UV protection in the form of zinc oxide with photolyase, aDNA repair enzyme derived from plankton that helps to repair sun damage on the cellular level, and vitamin E, an antioxidant that defends against environmental damage.

"Another great formula that feels very hydrating," says Marchbein. It's also non-greasy and water resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great option for outdoor summer days. But wearing it doesn't mean you have carte blanche to bake in the sun: "If you're going to be in direct sun for more than 30 minutes, you should also be wearing sun protective clothing as well as a hat and sunglasses," says Zalka.

Argan oil queen Josie Maran added sun protection to her whipped body butter formula and the results are nothing short ofspectacular. Hydrators like the aforementioned oil and shea butter lock in moisture so skin feels silky-smooth.