Body sun cream is a summer essential. Whether you’re staying at home or heading abroad, it’s crucial to apply sunscreen all over your body. That’s especially true with recent heatwaves and high UV ratings. Swimming pools, sea water, or simply sweating can prevent your sun cream from working, but reapplying a greasy sun cream every few hours can become a little tedious.
However, sunscreen technology has come a long way in a few short years, so you no longer need to worry about wearing a body SPF that’ll make your skin feel greasy or oily. In fact, there are plenty of incredibly effective formulas that feel like a softening body lotion. They offer nourishment, hydration and, in some cases, even reduce hyperpigmentation.
One thing worth noting that experts typically agree on is that you should be wearing a minimum of SPF30 on your body, and ideally, you’ll be topping it up every couple of hours, which is even more crucial if you’ve been swimming. You also need to apply around six to eight teaspoons worth of product to ensure you’re getting adequate protection, but there’s no such thing as applying too much, so if in doubt, slather on more.
But with so many sun creams available – and so many options feeling slick and uncomfortable – it can be hard to know which you should buy. That’s why we tested the best body sun creams to help you prevent sunburn.
How I tested
Each of these body sunscreens has been put through its paces between a holiday to Menorca and the blazing sun of this year’s heatwaves. As an SPF-obsessive, I regularly top up my sun protection throughout the day, taking note of the following:
- Application: Is it an oil that glides across the skin, a greasy, runny consistency, or a stiff, unworkable texture?
- Absorption: Does the sunscreen sit on the skin for five minutes before losing its white cast or does it instantly sink in? I aimed to avoid SPFs that left me feeling weighed down or sticky.
- Scent: I considered whether the scents were pleasant, distinctive, or long-lasting.
- Reapplication: I checked to see if the formulas pilled when reapplied throughout the day.
- Value: I explored whether results were good enough to justify each sun cream’s price point.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Lucy Partington is a beauty writer who has worked in the cosmetics industry for more than 10 years. She’s tested everything from moisturisers to best IPL machines. She’s garnered experience speaking to dermatologists and knows the ingredients to seek out (and avoid) for year-round protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
The best body sunscreens for 2025 are:
- Best overall – Ultrasun extreme SPF50: £32, Boots.com
- Best budget buy – Hawaiian Tropic hydrating protection sunscreen lotion SPF50: £6.80, Amazon.co.uk
- Best spray-on formula – Sun Bum original SPF50 sunscreen spray: £17.85, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for sensitive skin – E45 sun body lotion for sensitive skin SPF50+: £13.99, Amazon.co.uk
- Best for hydration – Bondi Sands hydra UV protect SPF50+: £10.99, Cultbeauty.co.uk
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Ultrasun extreme SPF50
Best: Overall
Size: 150ml
SPF: 50
Formula type: Cream
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Why we love it
- High protection
- Good for sensitive skin
- Absorbs well
- Non-greasy
Ultrasun is up there with one of my most loved and trusted suncare brands, and this SPF50 cream is one of the brand’s best. Designed for “intense conditions” (a day around the pool counts as an intense condition, right?), I found the white cream to be lightweight, and it absorbs really quickly and beautifully into the skin, offering high, broad-spectrum protection.
While the brand says one application is usually enough, I still topped it up throughout the day and found that it didn’t pill. One bottle lasted me through a 10-day holiday when it was applied every day.
Buy now £32.00, Boots.com
Hawaiian Tropic hydrating protection sunscreen lotion SPF50
Best: Budget buy
Size: 180ml
SPF: 50
Formula type: Cream
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Why we love it
- Really hydrating
- Absorbs quickly
- Non-greasy
- Smells great
When you use this, you’ll probably wonder the same thing as I did: How can something this good be this affordable? Truly, Hawaiian Tropic’s hydrating protection sunscreen ticked every single one of our boxes, and it’s such a pleasure to use.
The nostalgic smell is combined with 12-hour moisturisation promises, and the dual formula is powered by both cocoa and shea butter to deeply hydrate your skin while protecting it against the sun’s harmful rays. It’s not sticky or greasy; it sinks in quickly and leaves the skin feeling supple and nourished. There really isn’t anything not to love about this, and once you’ve tried it, you’ll probably never go back.
Buy now £6.80, Amazon.co.uk
Bondi Sands hydra UV protect SPF50+
Best: For hydration
Size: 150ml
SPF: 50
Formula type: Cream
Vegan and cruelty-free: Cruelty-free but not vegan
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Hydrating
- Non-greasy
Another firm favourite, I actually repurchased this one after loving it so much on my holiday last year. More like a moisturiser than a sunscreen, it’s nice to apply, thanks to its buttery soft – but not oily – texture. Fragrance-free, it’s suitable for all skin types (including sensitive), and I loved the lit-from-within glow it gave my sun-kissed skin after application. I found the formula to be lightweight yet hydrating on the skin.
Buy now £10.99, Cultbeauty.co.uk
Sun Bum original SPF50 sunscreen spray
Best: Spray-on formula
Size: 200ml
SPF: 50
Formula type: Spray
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Why we love it
- Invisible on skin
- Absorbs quickly
- Lightweight
A true favourite among my group of friends, Sun Bum’s sunscreen spray is a true easy-to-use, no-excuse formula that really delivers on its promises. Not only does it smell like coconuts, but it’s also ideal for even the pickiest of sunscreen wearers. It’s invisible when sprayed onto skin, isn’t sticky and the nozzle makes it easy to apply in hard-to-reach areas.
I also loved how easy it was to re-apply throughout the day, so if you struggle with applying lotions and creams or hate the feel of anything too thick or heavy, try this.
Buy now £17.85, Amazon.co.uk
Ultra Violette extreme screen hydrating body + hand skinscreen
Best: Value for money
SPF: 50
Size: 500ml
Formula type: Cream
Vegan and cruelty-free: Cruelty-free but not vegan
Why we love it
- Big size
- Pump applicator
- Hydrating formula
While £44 might seem expensive on the surface, when you consider this bottle holds a whopping 500ml of product, it’s actually really good value, especially in comparison to other sunscreens I’ve tried.
Bolstered with a blend of nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, aloe vera and pentavitin, it promises up to 72 hours of hydration and it did feel like a really good body lotion. It does have a slight added shimmer, which I liked, but it might not be for everybody, and it has a warm coconut scent which. There isn’t really anything bad to say about this one, and the fact that it’s both water- and sweat-resistant for up to four hours is just another added bonus.
Buy now £55.00, Spacenk.com
E45 sun body lotion for sensitive skin SPF50+
Best: For sensitive skin
Size: 180ml
SPF: 50+
Formula type: Cream
Vegan and cruelty-free: No
Why we love it
- Hydrating
- Absorbs well
- Hypoallergenic
E45 has upped its skincare game over the last few years, and its sun care lineup is strong. This hydrating, gentle cream was a firm favourite among my whole group, and we were all really sad when we squeezed out the very last drop.
Non-greasy, it doesn’t leave a white cast and it moisturises the skin alongside high-factor protection suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. It didn’t block pores and absorbed into the skin really nicely. Even better, it is fragrance-free and didn’t pill when I layered it up throughout the day, and the added vitamin E offered protection against pollution and other environmental aggressors.
Buy now £13.99, Amazon.co.uk
Nuxe delicious sun spray SPF30
Best: Luxe option
SPF: 30
Size: 150ml
Formula type: Spray
Vegan and cruelty-free: Vegan but not cruelty-free
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Marine safe
- Smells good
The combination of the ultra-light formula, the perfect summery scent and the fact that it’s suitable for both face and body make for a seriously great, luxe-but-effective product. While I’d really only recommend using it on your face while you’re around a pool or at the beach, it’s great to know that it can be used all over if necessary.
It feels incredibly lightweight, and the spray nozzle made application really quick and easy. I didn’t find that it left any residue, instead, my skin felt immediately soft and hydrated – but just be aware that it doesn’t have any water-resistant properties, so you’ll need to make sure that you’re super strict on reapplication if you swim or sweat.
Buy now £21.59, Amazon.co.uk
Hello Sunday the one for your body SPF30
Best: Lightweight option
SPF: 30
Size: 150ml
Formula type: Cream
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Why we love it
- Smells good
- Hydrating
- Lightweight
Of all the body sunscreens I tried, this one is on par with Sol de Janerio’s offering in terms of scent – it’s a zesty combination of lime, geranium and mint, which is perfect for the summer months without being traditionally coconutty.
The formula itself is incredibly lightweight and absorbs like a dream, plus it contains ingredients that’ll protect against blue light and pollution as well as the sun’s UV rays. The added hyaluronic acid makes it feel nourishing and hydrating, leaving my skin feeling silky-soft.
Buy now £18.00, Cultbeauty.co.uk
La Roche-Posay anthelios invisible spray SPF50
Best: For reactive skin
Size: 200ml
SPF: 50+
Formula type: Spray
Vegan and cruelty-free: No
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- High protection
- Hypoallergenic
You can’t go wrong with La Roche-Posay when it comes to sunscreen (and skincare in general), and I love how reliable it is as a brand.
The milky formula is easy to spray out of the bottle and rub into the skin, and as with all of the brand’s products, it’s infused with the signature thermal spring water, which works to help restore hydration in the skin.
The sunscreen itself is non-greasy, absorbs well and doesn’t leave any residue or chalky cast behind. If you’re somebody who suffers from sensitivity, irritation, or inflammation, then consider this to be a good choice for you.
Buy now £19.12, Amazon.co.uk
Coola mineral sunscreen spray
Best: Mineral formula
SPF: 30
Size: 148ml
Formula type: Spray
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Why we love it
- Stays put through sweating and swimming in the sea
- Unscented for sensitive skin
- Don't have to wait 15 minutes for it to work (vs. chemical SPF)
- Doesn't pill upon reapplication
Take note
- Noticeable whitecast
Mineral SPFs block the sun’s harmful rays with a physical barrier, while chemical SPFs absorb the UVA and UVB and turn them into heat. Though mineral SPFs can cause a white cast on darker skin, they’re well-suited to sensitive skin because they sit on the surface rather than permeating the epidermis.
I tested Coola’s mineral spray at the beach, including a dip in the sea, more than four hours of wear and multiple reapplications. As you can see above, the formula had a lightening effect on my skin, and took a bit of elbow grease to rub in. While this wasn’t ideal, I was seriously impressed by the spray’s staying power and could still see it on my skin even after 20 minutes of swimming.
I didn’t burn after a day of full sun and, though the whitecast develops with continued application, it didn’t feel uncomfortable or claustrophobic. What’s more, I often suffer accelerated sun damage to the delicate skin around my décolletage, but I felt neither redness nor stinging when using this spray, and would certainly reach for the formula to spot apply on any sensitive areas. This powerful SPF is ideal if you’re particularly pale or sensitive to the sun, but it might not work for dark skin.
Buy now £31.00, Boots.com
Naked Sundays antioxidant body sunscreen creme SPF50
Best: Smoothing formula
Size: 100ml
SPF: 50
Formula type: Cream
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Why we love it
- Firming
- Hydrating
- 80 minutes water resistant
Infused with kakadu plum, a hardworking ingredient that works to help target skin concerns, including hyperpigmentation and uneven skin tone, I was surprised at how lightweight and nourishing this cream felt.
It has a subtle floral scent that isn’t overpowering at all, and I loved how easy it was to apply. The only downside is that it is quite a small bottle – at 100ml, it’s among the smallest tubes that I tested – which means one tube wouldn’t last very long on holiday, so instead I think it’d be a good one to have at home to apply as and when it is needed.
Buy now £26.10, Boots.com
Sculpted by Aimee sun mist body SPF30
Best: For top-ups
Size: 200ml
SPF: 30
Formula type: Spray
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Smells great
The delicious almond scent of this deserves a shout-out because it really does smell incredible, but the formula itself is also great. As well as being invisible on application, it’s not sticky or greasy and doesn’t leave any residue in its wake.
I liked that it was formulated with a blend of kind-to-skin ingredients, so it works to hydrate while protecting against the sun’s rays. Plus, it’s suitable for both face and body so you can apply it directly over make-up for extra added protection when needed. I found it great for using as an afternoon top-up as I preferred to initially use SPF50 protection each morning rather than a 30.
Buy now £28.00, Sculptedbyaimee.co.uk
Sol de Janeiro Rio radiance body spray SPF50
Best: For scent
Size: 200ml
SPF: 50
Formula type: Spray
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Why we love it
- Lightweight
- Absorbs well
- Smells great
Take note
- Spray nozzle may stop working
- Can pill when layered with cream
This sunscreen divided my group, but I was a big fan. The fact it smells like the brand’s cult favourite Rio radiance scent – a blend of vanilla, tuberose and coconut milk – is what makes this stand out. The formula is invisible, non-greasy and really nice to apply. I did find it pilled a little bit when layered on top of a lotion, but once I was aware of that, I just stuck to using the same product all day.
Buy now £36.00, Boots.com
SPF FAQs
Does sunscreen prevent tanning?
Wearing SPF doesn’t prevent tanning, as formulas aren’t able to protect your skin entirely from UVA. Factor 50 will protect you from 98 per cent of rays, while factor 30 shields you from 97 per cent of rays. This means it is still possible to get a tan while helping to protect your skin from sunburn.
Does sunscreen expire?
Sunscreen has a shelf life of between two and three years, with most formulas remaining at their original strength for at least three years. However, once opened, sunscreen generally starts to lose its SPF efficacy after 6-12 months – make sure to read the label for clear guidance. So, although you can use leftover sunscreens the following year, it’s best to purchase a new one. Unopened sunscreen will also have an expiration date, telling you when it’s no longer effective.
What is the difference between body sunscreen and facial sunscreen?
In our guide to how much money you should spend on an SPF, dermatologist Dr Preema Vig took us through the ingredients that are beneficial to have in the best sunscreens, explaining that there are often notable differences between facial and body sunscreens.
“You may like a more moisturising formulation for your body and a special formulation for your face, where you are applying make-up or have oilier skin,” she said. Likewise, if you experience sensitive skin on your face and not your body, Dr Vig suggests using a mineral sunscreen for this area.
“This means that it doesn’t use chemicals like a chemical sunscreen does to block UVA and UVB rays, instead, they use zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to form a broad spectrum filter that blocks UV rays,” she adds.
Ultimately, the main difference between the two product categories is the additional skincare ingredients they contain, or don’t contain, but Dr. Vig assures that most SPFs – be they budget, high-end, face or body – offer the same level of UV protection.
The verdict: Body sunscreens
All in all, you can’t go wrong with any of these formulas as long as you are applying the right amount and reapplying it when necessary. If you’re looking for something affordable, then Hawaiian Tropic is a great option, but Ultrasun is always my failsafe.
Looking for more SPF recommendations? We’ve rounded up the best facial sunscreens
