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The best body SPFs for summer that won’t leave you chalky, sticky or oily
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Summer is fast approaching, and if you’re already counting down the days to your holiday, make sure you’re well prepared with enough sunscreen to avoid any painful sunburn.
As Brits, as soon as it’s hot, we all go a bit mad, especially when we’re on holiday, lounging around a pool or sunbathing on the beach, but that doesn’t mean your skin has to suffer for it.
This year, that half-empty bottle rattling around the bottom of your suitcase isn’t going to cut it. Your skin deserves proper sun protection, without the faff of a sticky, greasy, thick cream that makes a mess.
That’s why I’ve curated a shopping guide to the beauty editor-approved body suncreams that feel luxurious, take seconds to rub in or leave your skin looking tinged with a chalky grey residue.
Whether you’re after a budget-friendly SPF that won’t drain your bank balance, a spray formula that requires minimal effort or a luxury option that doubles up as a moisturiser, there is something in it for everyone.
These are the best body suncreams your skin needs this summer – all you have to do is pack them.
The best body suncreams 2026
Ultrasun Sports Spray 50SPF Sun Protection
You cannot go wrong with Ultrasun.
This clear spray leaves no white cast, absorbs in just seconds, and protects against UVA and UVB rays.
Reapplying it is a doddle thanks to the lightweight mist, making it perfect for an activity-filled beach day or a chilled one around the pool.
There’s no mess, stress or greasy film left on the skin. It’s worth every penny.
Bondi Sands SPF 50+ Everyday Lotion Value Pump Pack
This is an excellent budget option, and this giant 500ml bottle will last you ages.
While it may look like a traditional white sunscreen, it has none of the thick, heavy texture you remember from when you were a kid.
Instead, it’s easy to see where you’ve applied or might have missed, and it works great for all skin types, including sensitive and eczema-prone.
I like to bring this on group trips where someone will inevitably forget to bring SPF – it’s so massive, it’s lasted me almost a year.
E45 Sun Body Lotion SPF50
If you have very sensitive skin, finding a body suncream that ticks all your boxes can be a minefield.
This E45 tube is a favourite of mine, because I can always rely on it not to irritate my eczema.
There’s no fragrance, it doesn’t pill no matter how many times you reapply, and it leaves my skin gently moisturised.
I’ve use it for years and it’s never let me down.
Lancaster Sun Beauty Protective Water SPF50
I love the lightweight texture of this; it’s something in between an oil and a watery fluid – either way, I could apply it with my eyes closed.
There’s no stickiness or tacky feel, and it can be reapplied over and over again without leaving you feeling slick with oil.
It’s pricey but absolutely worth it if you like a low-maintenance sun care product.
Coola Daily Protect Scalpmist SPF50
It’s easy to forget about applying suncream to your scalp until it’s sunburnt and brushing your hair becomes agony.
It can also cause your hair colour to fade, so if you’ve just spent a fortune at the hairdresser’s changing your highlights, you need to know about this.
This Coola product has a thin nozzle that can apply product down your parting without getting the rest of your hair wet, while the formula won’t make it greasy either.
Supergoop! Glow Stick™ SPF 50
Love a glowy skin moment? This protective stick is the quickest and easiest way to achieve dewy shoulders, collarbones and decolletage.
Formulated with a blend of lightweight oils, it leaves skin looking sun-kissed without sun damage.
You can use it all over the face too, as it’s great for reaching those smaller nooks, like behind your ears, your eyelids, and your lips.
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Sensitive Advanced Dry Mist Sun Spray
A sunscreen mist is an easy way to top up your UV protection, especially if you’re on a city break and wandering around in the sun all day.
Spray it as liberally as you like, and lightly rub in – you barely need to touch your skin.
This is a great one for all skin types, including young kids, and it doesn’t take up much room in your suitcase or beach bag.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Hydrating Sunscreen for Body Lotion SPF50+
If you love being in the water on holiday, you’ll want a water-resistant option like this from La Roche-Posay.
It won’t slide off your skin, but will provide UVA and UVB protection from the sun’s rays, while allowing you to still enjoy sunbathing on a lilo.
It has a milky lotion texture and leakproof packaging that has never let me down.
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