The 10 Best Body Lotions With SPF to Buy in 2026

From contouring creams to toning moisturizers, there’s no shortage of products that promise to nourish your skin. Despite what cosmetic manufacturers want you to believe, though, you don’t have to apply half a dozen topical ointments to achieve a truly radiant glow. In fact, as long as you lead a healthy lifestyle, all you really need is a good body lotion with SPF.

The right formula will hydrate your skin while blocking harmful UV rays that cause cancer, not to mention fine lines, wrinkles, and discoloration. To help you find the perfect product for your skin type and lifestyle, we’ve compiled a list of the best body lotions with SPF that are on the market today.

What Should You Consider Before Buying a Body Lotion with SPF?

When choosing a body lotion with sun protection, make sure to consider the following. SPF lotions vary immensely in their formulas, and different skin types, activities, and personal preferences call for different kinds of ingredients. We’ve factored all such variables into our selection process, and we’ve compiled a list of suitable lotions for virtually every combination.

Sun Protection Factor

Lotions with a higher sun protection factor, or SPF, block more UVB rays. Products that are labeled “broad spectrum” also block UVA rays.

Since both UVA and UVB rays are dangerous—the former cause burns, fine lines, and wrinkles, while the latter play a critical role in the development of skin cancer—dermatologists advise everyone to look for a lotion with broad spectrum protection that has an SPF of at least 15. While an SPF lower than 15 will prevent burning, it won’t protect against skin cancer or premature aging.

If you review our guide to SPF, however, you’ll see that most people could benefit from a much higher SPF. Those who spend a lot of time in direct sunlight, for example, need considerably more protection, as do those who have fair skin and are prone to burning.

Skin Type

Different skin types will respond differently to the same body lotions. As such, it’s important to determine whether you have dry, oily, or combination skin before selecting a body lotion with SPF. If you’re unsure of your skin type, we’ve included a simple test for determining it below.

Ingredients

If you have dry skin, you should look for a lotion that contains emollients. These clinically proven moisturizers form an oily layer on top of the skin that traps and holds moisture. Our two most hydrating picks—Eucerin’s Daily Hydration Cream and Aveeno’s Mineral Sunscreen are loaded with emollients.

If you have oily skin, on the other hand, you’ll want to avoid lotions that contain additional oil and will therefore exacerbate the issue. Instead, opt for a non-greasy, non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores, like Neutrogena’s Age Shield Face Sunscreen. Although this is marketed as a face lotion, you can apply it to other areas of your body that are prone to breaking out, like your back.

Longevity

When it comes to water resistance, cosmetic manufacturers must toe the line between breathability and longevity. Lotions that can withstand total submersion for hours might feel like shellac when applied. Those that are too lightweight, however, will rinse away at the first sign of a sweat.

If the thought of narrowing down the various body lotions with SPF is overwhelming, never fear! We’ve done our research, and we can say with confidence that you’ll find the perfect product for your needs and budget among those listed here.