Sunscreen is as much a holiday packing essential as your passport. Whether you’re travelling to crystal clear waters and balmier climes, or popping down the road to the UK coast, the best body sunscreen (and face SPF) could be the difference between beachside bliss or blisters.
According to consultant dermatologist Dr. Conal Perrett, “Consistent sunscreen use significantly reduces the risk of skin cancer. In the UK, skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer, with melanoma rates having more than doubled over the past few decades. Just one severe sunburn during adolescence can raise the risk of melanoma later in life, and people under 35 who experience UV rays face up to a 75 per cent higher chance of developing the cancer.”
While these statistics sound alarming, Dr. Perrett assures me that, when applied as directed, sunscreen can “protect the skin from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation.” Of course, finding a formula that suits your skin’s concerns, such as dryness or sensitivity, is also important, so I got busy testing all manner of creams, mists and sprays in search of the very best products. Below, you’ll find my final selection of the best body sunscreens for every budget and skin goal.
Read more: 16 face moisturisers with SPF that make daily sun protection simple
The best body sunscreens of 2026 are:
- Best overall – P20 original sun cream spray SPF 50+: £17.44, Amazon.co.uk
- Best budget buy – Soltan protect and moisturise suncare spray SPF30: £5.50, Boots.com
- Best mineral formula – Sol De Janeiro Rio radiance body lotion SPF50: £40, Boots.com
- Best for sensitive skin – CeraVe invisible hydrating sunscreen SPF30 For body and face: £21, Lookfantastic.com
- Best moisturising formula – Clarins youth-protecting sunscreen SPF50: £27, Sephora.co.uk
Read more: Expert reveals exact amount of SPF to use, and it’s more than you’d think
P20 original sun cream spray SPF50+
Best: body sunscreen overall
SPF: 50+
Mineral or chemical: Chemical
Water resistance: 80 minutes (4 x 20-minute sessions, according to P20)
Reef safe: All bottles produced after 2022 are reef safe
Size: 200ml
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes
Why we love it
- Zero white cast
- A little goes a long way
- Fragrance free
- Recently reformulated to protect reef life
Take note
- 10 hour staying protection promise is misleading
P20’s SPF50+ spray goes on quickly and easily, and is much less faff than a lotion, so takes the top spot as the best body sunscreen I’ve tested. It’s a dry oil (versus lotion or stick), so it sinks into the skin almost instantly, leaving it looking more conditioned than shiny, without so much as a glimpse of chalkiness.
On first application, two sprays covered nearly half my calf, and it dried down so well I almost forgot I was wearing SPF. For anyone who suffers skin sensitivity, the lack of a strong sunscreen scent makes it even more appealing. Its slippery texture means you can coat yourself from head to toe in minutes, and on days so hot where even moving from your pool lounger feels like a chore, the P20 spray glides onto skin speedily without dragging or harsh rubbing.
P20 bottles may no longer promise “once a day” protection, but many of us still remember the brand’s pre-2016 claims that a single application would see you through hours in the sun. Since then, rising melanoma rates have dimmed confidence that a single layer of SPF could last all day. So while Riemann still says its P20 SPF50+ can offer up to 10 hours of UVA/UVB protection, few people now take that as licence to skip reapplication after swimming, sweating or even something as commonplace as clothing chafing against the skin.
Buy now £29.99, Amazon.co.uk
Soltan protect and moisturise suncare spray SPF30
Best: budget body sunscreen
SPF: 30
Mineral or chemical: Chemical
Water resistance: Yes (time not specified)
Reef safe: No
Size: 200ml
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes
Why we love it
- Super affordable
- Easy to see where you’ve applied
- No pilling
Take note
- Pump is slightly stiff
Soltan’s protect and moisturise SPF proves you don’t have to splash the cash to secure a reliable holiday sunscreen. As budget buys go, it gets a lot right: it dries down well, doesn’t pill and leaves a slight sheen on the skin that means you can track where you’ve applied. This proved surprisingly useful as someone who often misses a spot and winds up burnt. Though, it’s not necessarily nourishing – skin feels comfortable rather than saturated, and the hint of shine made my dry skin appear hydrated .
The formula doesn’t stretch especially far per spritz, but that feels fair for less than £6, especially with the larger-than-most 200ml bottle. There’s a touch of tackiness once applied, but nothing intrusive and, importantly, it settles without pilling.
I was plastered in Soltan growing up as a fair-skinned redhead, and the scent is classic Soltan. For anyone that doesn’t know it, I’d describe it as floral, soapy and faintly reminiscent of mosquito repellent, but in a recognisably sunscreen way versus an unpleasant one. The pump is a touch stiff, which was my only real gripe, but the spray still makes application easy enough. It’s also possible this was simply a defect of my bottle.
Ultimately, for an affordable sunscreen, Soltan’s suncare spray is practical, pleasingly unfussy and the sort of formula you’d grab at the airport without second guessing yourself.
Buy now £5.5, Boots.com
Kopari Beauty sunglaze sheer body mist sunscreen SPF 30
Best: Korean body sunscreen
SPF: 30
Mineral or chemical: Chemical
Water resistance: 80 minutes
Reef safe: No
Size: 140ml
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes
Why we love it
- Mist pump makes it easy to cover a large expanse of skin
- Features skin-loving hyaluronic acid and vitamin C
- Gorgeous scent with a hint of almond
- Gives skin an ethereal glow
Kopari’s sunglaze SPF30, the best Korean body sunscreen I tried, takes your standard spray sunscreen and elevates it in a continuous mister. The spray isn’t as fine as an aerosol (such as the Evian face mist) but it covers entire limbs with a single squeeze of the trigger and easily outperforms most pump sprays. The removable travel lock, which slots neatly between the trigger and bottle, also earned my favour as someone who’s been burned by many a suitcase spillage through the years.
Rubbing it in takes less than 25 seconds per section (roughly a calf or thigh) and leaves skin with a lit-from-within, bronzed glow. Perfect for golden-hour cocktails as the sun dips, it gives skin a luminous sheen and protective SPF boost in one fell swoop.
Kopari describes the scent as ‘sweet coconut,’ but to me it leaned more almond-like. Though, this was far from a drawback and hit a perfect summer sweet spot between subtle and overpowering.
Buy now £36, Spacenk.com
Dior solar the protective milk SPF30
Best: luxury body sunscreen
SPF: 30
Mineral or chemical: Chemical
Water resistance: Unspecified
Reef safe: No
Size: 125ml
Vegan and cruelty-free: No
Why we love it
- Premium, elevated scent
- Non-greasy
- No white cast
Take note
- Expensive and small quantity
Dior’s solar protective milk is the sort of beauty item you’ll want on full display, be it at the beach beach or peeking out of your toiletry bag in a behind-the-scenes Instagram. From the chic, gold-capped packaging to the elevated apricot scent, this is undoubtedly the best luxury body sunscreen I tested. The subtle yet memorable fragrance carries well, too.
The formula itself leaves the can as a milky white fluid, but rubs in without a hint of white cast. Two short sprays covered roughly two-thirds of the top half of my leg. While the 125ml bottle is perhaps a little stingy – especially for the price – you get a little more mileage than first impressions suggest. It spreads easily, feels non-greasy and leaves skin looking supple and healthy once dried down.
If we’re splitting hairs, it’s ever so slightly tacky to the touch, so I’d recommend washing your hands after application. I also noticed a little pilling if I rushed rubbing it in, but these were minor issues.
It’s marketed for use on the face as well as the body, which adds to its holiday-packing appeal. Expensive, yes, and not the bottle I’d choose for a fortnight of liberal beachside reapplication, but for those who like their SPF with a little French glamour, Dior deserves a spot on your wishlist.
Buy now £42, Boots.com
La Roche-Posay anthelios invisible suncare spray SPF50
Best: body sunscreen for glow
SPF: 50
Mineral or chemical: Chemical
Water resistance: 80 minutes (4 x 20 minute sessions)
Reef safe: Mixed – sprays with octocrylene are still on sale, but the brand is rolling out new, eco-friendly formulations
Size: 200ml
Vegan and cruelty-free: No
Why we love it
- Gives skin a healthy luminescence
- Pleasant, summery scent
Take note
- Prone to pilling
- Slightly heavier feel
La Roche-Posay’s anthelios invisible suncare spray SPF50 was the body sunscreen I tested for glow. Once worked into the skin, it left my limbs looking healthy, fresh and lightly luminous, with a subtle sheen that I’ll certainly enjoy on bare shoulders and legs come summer. It’s not greasy, but there is a slight stickiness to the finish – though, this helps contribute to that dewy, almost glazed effect.
The fresh and pleasant scent is another plus, and I definitely preferred it to the chemical aroma of non-fragranced SPFs.
Application itself is straightforward. It rubs in easily and spreads quickly across larger areas, though I did notice a touch of pilling on application, which I imagine would only increase with perspiration and trapped moisture on a hot day.
Nonetheless, if you like your SPF to double as a skin-finishing product, this is an easy warm-weather win.
Buy now £23.9, Boots.com
Bali Body watermelon tanning oil SPF50
Best: body sunscreen oil
SPF: 50
Mineral or chemical: Chemical
Water resistance: None
Reef safe: Not entirely – free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, but contains octocrylene
Size: 100ml
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes
Why we love it
- A tiny splodge of product spread across a huge area
- Light, subtle smell won’t overpower your perfume
Take note
- Tiny amount of product for price
- Heavy feel
Despite the small 100ml bottle, this body sunscreen oil proved impressively economical in testing. Just a grape-sized puddle spread across almost the entire top of my thigh, so it quickly felt like far better value than its compact size first suggested.
The texture was one of the richer ones I tested – arguably the heaviest of the bunch – but thankfully it didn’t feel sticky. While the finish is slightly greasier than dry-touch sprays or lotions, it still sits comfortably on skin and gives it a more moisturised feel that will appeal if you like your SPF to double as bodycare. The watermelon scent is equally well balanced, with a light aroma that’s subtle enough not to clash with any fragrance layered on top.
I’ll admit I’d long written off tanning oils as a fast track to burning, largely because so many popular formulas top out at SPF20 or less. Bali Body’s watermelon iteration, however, surprised me and paired the glowy finish you’d expect from an oil with reassuring UV protection and clear on-bottle guidance to reapply hourly and after swimming. In fact, it’s exactly the sort of compact, joy-to-use formula I’d pack for a hand luggage-only holiday.
Buy now £22.9, Amazon.co.uk
Sol De Janeiro Rio radiance body lotion SPF50
Best: mineral body sunscreen
SPF: 50
Mineral or chemical: Mineral
Water resistance: 40 minutes
Reef safe: Yes
Size: 200ml
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Why we love it
- Mineral SPF generally causes less issues for sensitive skin
- Gorgeous sunny, tropical scent
- Very lightweight for a mineral/physical sunscreen
Take note
- Dispenser nozzle is impractically small
Sol de Janeiro’s Rio radiance SPF 50 is a mineral formula that could convert even the most devoted of chemical-SPF lovers. Mineral SPF puts a tangible barrier between your skin and the sun, whereas chemical sunscreens use filters such as octocrylene and avobenzone to absorb UVA and UVB rays before they reach your skin. In the past, these physical formulas often looked like a smear of white, but this is truly the lightest, most elegant mineral body sunscreen I’ve used.
If you’ve ever plastered on an old fashioned surfer’s zinc, such as Sun Zapper (£9.99, Amazon.co.uk), you might be hesitant of these no-budge formulas – but the Rio radiance SPF couldn’t be more different. You’ll suffer neither laborious blending nor the thick, pasty texture that’s often part and parcel of the category. Rather, it spreads smoothly, absorbs well and leaves behind a subtle shimmer that flatters bare skin beautifully.
Then there’s the scent. I tested the wider Rio radiance collection in 2024 and was wowed by its fragrance. In fact, it was my favourite of all the SPFs I tested – warm, solar and deeply nostalgic, like bottled holiday memories. It gives the formula an indulgent quality that certainly makes reapplying feel less of a chore. My only gripe is the nozzle which feels slightly too narrow and impractical to cover yourself from head to toe at speed. Still, the formula itself makes your application efforts worthwhile.
Buy now £40, Boots.com
CeraVe invisible hydrating sunscreen SPF30 for body and face
Best: body sunscreen for sensitive skin
SPF: 30
Mineral or chemical: Chemical
Water resistance: 80 minutes
Reef safe: No
Size: 177ml
Vegan and cruelty-free: No
Why we love it
- Non-comedogenic
- A little goes a long way
- Fragrance-free
Take note
- Smaller quantity than competitors
- Takes longer than most to rub in and achieve a streak-free finish
CeraVe’s invisible hydrating SPF30 feels less like a traditional sunscreen and more like a very good body moisturiser that just so happens to come with broad-spectrum protection. True to the brand’s skincare-first reputation, the formula is packed with three ceramides, vitamin E and glycerin. This means it works harder than your typical sunscreen, supporting the skin barrier and keeping limbs soft, comfortable and hydrated – all while shielding the skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays.
It stretches surprisingly far, too. One modest squeeze covers far more than you’d expect, making the smaller 177ml bottle feel more generous in practice. It takes a little longer to rub in than some dry-oil sprays (around 40 seconds per thigh or calf) and you’ll want to be thorough to avoid streaks on first application. But, once it’s fully worked in, it sinks down beautifully. After a few minutes, I felt as though there was nothing on my skin at all.
Technically speaking, this formula is unscented, but the sun cream-y smell is familiar nonetheless. Regardless, sensitive skin types will definitely appreciate the lack of artificial fragrance. Better still, it’s non-comedogenic and designed to be suitable for both face and body, making it an excellent one-bottle holiday option for anyone who wants dependable hydration without juggling (and stuffing your suitcase with) multiple tubes and sprays.
Buy now £21, Lookfantastic.com
Clarins youth-protecting sunscreen SPF50
Best: moisturising body sunscreen
SPF: 50
Mineral or chemical: Chemical
Water resistance: Not specified
Reef safe: Yes
Size: 150ml
Vegan and cruelty-free: No, neither
Why we love it
- Lovely scent
- Leaves skin feeling silky and hydrated
- One grape-sized bead will covers an entire thigh
Take note
- Slight white cast unless fervently rubbing in
Last year, I took a couple of Clarins’s youth-protecting sunscreens on holiday with nine friends, and despite having a variety of other SPFs on hand, it was Clarins’s creamy lotions that proved the most popular. I’ve personally used the brand’s suncare range for years, and every season I’m endlessly impressed by its signature fresh-floral-tropical scent.
It’s easy to overdo it with this formula because one small squirt (about the size of a 10p coin or a grape) stretches a long, long way. The 150ml tube initially seemed modest, but I quickly revised my first impressions. In fact, I’d argue Clarins’s lotions go further than many spray formulas of the same size.
The sunscreen is super hydrating, but keep in mind that it leaves a slight white case. Alongside those all-important chemical shields, you’ll find argan oil and vitamin E to nourish dry, neglected skin. Afterwards, your limbs are left feeling quenched, smooth and free from scaling. I’ve no doubt I’ll use this product for years to come.
Buy now £27, Sephora.co.uk
Garnier ambre solaire SPF 50 hydrating sun water
Best: clear body sunscreen
SPF: 50
Mineral or chemical: Chemical
Water resistance: 40 minutes
Reef safe: No
Size: 150ml
Vegan and cruelty-free: Yes, both
Why we love it
- Non-greasy
- Affordable
- Skin feels silky after use
Take note
- The small bottle and less spreadable formula mean it’s unlikely to last a full week’s use
You might do a double take when first spritzing Garnier’s hydrating sun water, as it arguably looks more like orange juice than sunscreen. Don’t be put off. A quick shake of the bottle and a few swipes to rub it in leaves skin looking and feeling almost entirely product-free. It dries down within 30 seconds or so and, in its wake, skin feels smooth and hydrated. The only slight quirk is that the formula clings to your palms after application, so a quick hand wash afterwards is worthwhile.
Despite the ‘water’ branding, it has enough slip to spread comfortably, though it doesn’t stretch quite as far as some dry-oil sprays, like P20 above. I found around four sprays covered the top of one thigh, which perhaps doesn’t make the 150ml bottle the best choice for a week-long holiday.
The scent is faint but pleasant – somewhere between cake batter and a lightly scented candle – and noticeable enough to feel enjoyable, but never so strong it follows you around.
While many clear sunscreens can feel gimmicky and make it hard to track which areas you’ve covered, this one gets a big tick for its weightless finish. For anyone who wants high protection but can’t hack a heavy, claustrophobic coating, you may have found your match in Garnier’s sun water.
Buy now £8.5, Lookfantastic.com
Piz Buin tan and protect tan intensifying sun spray SPF30
Best: spray body sunscreen
SPF: 30
Mineral or chemical: Chemical
Water resistance: Not specified
Reef safe: No
Size: 150ml
Vegan and cruelty-free: No
Why we love it
- Affordable
- Absorbs quickly
- Pleasant coconut scent
Take note
- Not hydrating
If you want an aerosol sunscreen that’s quick to apply, Piz Buin’s tan and protect is the best body sunscreen spray I’ve tested. It disperses evenly and covers a fairly standard amount per spritz, but at this price point, it feels generous enough. If you’re someone who values speed and convenience (and, of course, reliable protection) over elaborate skincare extras, it won’t disappoint.
True to its fast-absorption claims, it dries down quickly, without stickiness or pilling. Unlike the glide-on consistency of P20’s original spray, there’s a little drag when rubbing in the tan and protect formula. While I tested it on Brighton’s pebble beaches, this grippier texture would be less than ideal on sand, where the aim is usually to get yourself slathered before half the beach attaches itself to your legs.
The scent is truly lovely and smells soapy yet creamy, with a coconut surround that’ll transport you to the tropics, even if you’re holidaying in the Costa del Solihull. It doesn’t deliver much in the way of hydration and, unfortunately, I noticed some lingering skin scaling (from my own body care negligence) after application. That said, Piz Buin is a brand I’ve looked to again and again through the years for reliable protection. In short, this is a dependable SPF spray that should supplement your existing body care. For an affordable holiday staple, it does the job very well.
Buy now £10, Lookfantastic.com
Your body sunscreen questions answered
What is the best body sunscreen?
If I had to choose just one, P20’s original sun cream SPF50+ spray would be the body sunscreen I’d pack again and again, thanks to its high protection, dry-oil texture and barely-there finish – all of which made the applying and wearing SPF feel easy. It struck the best balance of comfort, value and practicality, but it wasn’t the only one to impress me.
Soltan’s protect and moisturise formula was hard to fault for the price, while Clarins’s youth-protecting sunscreen felt more like body care with SPF benefits. For mineral devotees, Sol de Janeiro’s Rio radiance is one of the most lovely formulas I’ve tried and doesn’t feel heavy like a typical physical SPF. Ultimately, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll apply generously and reapply often, but for sheer all-round performance, P20 takes the crown.
How I tested body sunscreens
To find the best body sunscreens, I took all the formulas featured (plus a handful more that didn’t make the cut) down to the beach over the course of a month. I wore them through long days in the direct sun and even put their water resistance claims to the test while braving a number of spring sea dips. Each sunscreen was applied, re-applied and worn for several hours at a time. I paid close attention to how each formula behaved on my skin and judged them on the following criteria:
Does sunscreen prevent tanning?
“Sunscreen does not completely prevent tanning, but it does significantly reduce the intensity of UV exposure, which in turn limits the degree of tanning,” reveals Dr. Perrett.
“It’s important to understand,” he adds, “that a tan is actually a sign of skin damage. Even when tanning occurs, DNA damage is happening at a cellular level, which contributes to premature ageing and increases skin cancer risk.”
How often should you reapply sunscreen?
“Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours as a general rule, and more frequently if you are swimming, sweating or towel drying,” explains Dr. Perrett. He cautions, “Even ‘water-resistant’ sunscreens lose effectiveness over time, so consistent reapplication is key to maintaining adequate protection throughout the day.”
Does sunscreen expire?
“Yes, sunscreen does expire,” confirms Dr. Perrett. Expanding on this, he tells me, “Most formulations are designed to remain stable for around two to three years, but this can be shortened if the product is exposed to heat or direct sunlight, such as being left in a beach bag.”
Dr. Perrett warns that “Expired sunscreen may not provide the level of protection stated on the label, so it’s important to check the expiry date and replace it regularly.”
If your SPF doesn’t have an expiration date, he suggests looking out for the following:
If you’re really not sure, he advises, “As a general rule, if you’ve had a sunscreen open for more than a year, particularly if it’s been used in warm conditions, it’s safest to replace it to ensure reliable protection.”
How much sunscreen should I apply to my body?
“As a guideline, an adult should use approximately 30-35 millilitres of sunscreen to cover the entire body, this is roughly equivalent to a shot glass full,” Dr. Perrett informs me.
For anyone guilty of slapping on their SPF carelessly, he alerts me that, “Most people significantly under-apply, which can reduce the level of protection by up to half, so being generous with application is essential.”
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Lucy Smith is a senior shopping writer and has been with IndyBest since 2024. She’s covered sun protection on numerous occasions, including reviewing the best SPF moisturisers and speaking to medical expert Dr Marko Lens to discover how much sun cream we should be using. Lucy regularly reviews a broader range of skincare products, from hyaluronic acids to moisturisers for oily skin, meaning she knows the industry standard for skin-loving ingredients and – importantly – when a product is form over function. What’s more, living by the sea (which intensifies UV exposure), Lucy was just the person to put a variety of body sunscreens to test – without leaving UK shores.
This affordable SPF gave a ‘flattering finish’ – and it’s less than £8
