9 Best Chemical Body Sunscreens That Actually Do Their Job

26.05.2025, 16:38 allure.com

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If you’ve ever spent 20 minutes trying to rub in a stubborn mineral sunscreen into your arms and legs, you might already understand why the best chemical body sunscreens are as popular as ever. Despite the heated debate, these sunscreens absorb quickly, don’t cling to body hair, and won’t leave you coated in a chalky white cast—win, win, and win. The key to finding the right one? Looking past the label and zeroing in on the textures, finishes, and formulas that work with your skin type and daily routine.

To help you navigate the sea of options, we tapped Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York, NY, and Purvisha Patel, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Memphis, TN, to weigh in on how chemical sunscreens work in comparison to mineral sunscreens, who they’re best for, how often to reapply, and what to avoid if your skin is on the sensitive side. Whether you want something hydrating, fast-absorbing, sweat-resistant, or sheer enough to disappear on deeper skin tones, there’s a chemical formula for everyone.

From glow-boosting mists to non-comedogenic sprays and daily-use body lotions, these picks are backed by dermatologist insight and editor approval. Below, you’ll find nine chemical sunscreens that protect for all skin types, concerns, and finish preferences.

Supergoop!

Amazon

Jesa Marie Calaor applying Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 Face & Body Sunscreen

Why we love it: Supergoop’s PLAY Everyday Lotion does exactly what its name promises: It keeps your skin protected through movement, sweat, swimming, and sun-filled days alike. To make that possible, the lightweight lotion absorbs quickly, feels breathable on both face and body, and leaves behind a hydrated finish with no white cast or greasy residue.

Plus, it’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes and has a fresh, subtle scent that doesn’t overpower—no sickly-sweet coconut scent here. Inside, you’ll also find sunflower extract to defend against environmental stressors, rosemary leaf extract to calm and condition skin, and rice bran extract to deliver antioxidant support and softness.

Tester feedback from senior editor Jesa Marie Calaor

“Unlike the lotion sunscreen of yore that takes rigorous rubbing to blend into your skin (if it ever does), this one melts right on. The lightweight formula feels like a lotion that deeply moisturizes without leaving a white cast on my tan skin. Best part: It doesn't feel heavy or sticky throughout the day.”

More to know

Key ingredients: sunflower extract, rosemary leaf extract, rice bran extractSize: 5.5 oz.

Vacation

Nordstrom

Dermstore

Revolve

Nicola Dall'Asen applying Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30

Why we love it: Vacation’s Classic Lotion SPF 30 is an '80s summer in a bottle. The lightweight, fast-absorbing SPF blends seamlessly into skin without leaving behind a greasy film or chalky cast. It offers broad-spectrum protection and wraps you in the brand’s signature scent—a nostalgic blend that smells like a beach vacation. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and layers effortlessly under makeup or body care. In addition to UV filters, the formulation includes skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide, which helps brighten and even skin tone, aloe vera leaf juice to calm and hydrate, and avobenzone, a tried-and-true chemical filter that protects against UVA rays.

Tester feedback from senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen

“Heavily tattooed folks such as myself often call the sometimes-arduous process of applying full-body sunscreen ‘protecting the investment’ (UV rays cause premature ink fading), and my favorite way to do that is to bring a massive tub of Vacation's Classic Lotion every time I'm on an outdoor excursion. It's high-octane sun protection in a creamy but lightweight format that sinks into skin easily—one that smells good enough to eat (if you like tropical fruits, that is).”

More to know

Key ingredients: avobenzone, niacinamide, aloe vera leaf juiceSize: 3.4 oz.

Sol de Janeiro

Amazon

Revolve

Ulta Beauty

Kara McGrath applying Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray

Why we love it: If you’re chasing that just-got-back-from-the-beach glow, Sol de Janeiro’s Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray delivers it in one sun-protective step. The non-aerosol mist gives skin a radiant sheen while shielding it with broad-spectrum SPF 50. Powered by niacinamide to visibly brighten, pongamia seed extract to defend against environmental stressors, and coconut water to hydrate, it keeps skin feeling as good as it looks.

The biggest bonus, though? It’s scented with the brand’s signature Cheirosa ’87 fragrance, a beachy blend of solar tuberose, coconut milk, and warm sand, and the 360-degree spray makes full-body application effortless, even on your back and shoulders. It’s also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.

Tester feedback from content director Kara McGrath

“I love a spray on sunscreen, but sometimes the spritz can be a bit... splotchy. Not this one: The mist is super-fine so it floats out of the nozzle and onto your skin in an even layer (though you still want to rub it in to be sure). The instant ‘radiance’ part comes from hydrating coconut water, which really makes my tattoos pop.”

More to know

Key ingredients: niacinamide, pongamia seed extract, coconut waterSize: 6.7 oz.

Skin Aqua

Stylevana

Sarah Kinonen Skin applying Aqua Tone Up UV Essence Lavender

Why we love it: Japanese beauty brands consistently deliver some of the best sunscreens on the market, and Skin Aqua’s Tone Up UV Essence in Lavender lives up to that standard. It pulls double duty, offering broad-spectrum protection while instantly brightening the skin. The lavender tint neutralizes dullness and evens out tone, making it a favorite for those looking to add a subtle radiance boost to their routine.

The non-greasy essence blends seamlessly and wears beautifully under makeup without pilling or streaking. In addition to shielding against UVA/UVB rays with SPF 50+ PA++++, the formula is infused with sodium hyaluronate for lasting hydration and vitamin C derivative (ascorbyl phosphate) to visibly brighten over time.

Tester feedback from associate beauty director Sarah Kinonen

"Last year, I visited Tokyo for the first time and quickly fell in love with the city, its culture, and its… skin care. The sunscreen, ugh! It’s just so good. So good I had to pay an ‘overweight fee’ for my suitcase, but I digress. One of my favorites is the Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence Lavender. It’s super lightweight, blends easily, and has a bit of a brightening effect. It can be used on both face and body, which shows its versatility and, most importantly, backs up my rationale for buying two extra tubes at Duty Free right before my flight home."

More to know

Key ingredients: sodium hyaluronate, ascorbyl phosphateSize: 1.7 oz.

Hawaiian Tropic

Amazon

Jailynn Taylor applying the Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen SPF 70

Why we love it: There isn’t a surf shop or beach store you won’t find this sunscreen in, and for good reason. Hawaiian Tropic’s Sheer Touch Lotion SPF 70 has earned cult status for its ultra-radiant finish, oil-free feel, and nostalgic, tropical mango scent. The formula glides on sheer and leaves skin looking luminous, not greasy, thanks to its vitamin C and E infusion, which also helps nourish and condition. It provides broad-spectrum SPF 70 protection and holds up for up to 80 minutes of water or sweat.

Tester feedback from contributor Jailynn Taylor

“I remember my mom reaching for Hawaiian Tropic’s Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen on pool days when I was growing up, and more than 15 years later, it’s still a staple in my beach bag. Unlike other formulas, it doesn’t have that harsh, telltale sunscreen smell, and even without reapplying (I know, I know), I’ve never burned while wearing it—I thank the higher SPF. It blends effortlessly into my deeper summer complexion without leaving a cast and leaves behind a subtle, radiant glow that makes my skin look even better in the sun.”

More to know

Key ingredients: vitamin C, vitamin E

Size: 8 oz.

SunBum

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: Sunscreen doesn’t have to be a separate step from the rest of your body-care routine. Sun Bum’s Daily Body Lotion SPF 50 combines broad-spectrum protection with 24-hour hydration, so you can moisturize and shield your skin in one easy swipe. The formula is lightweight and enriched with vitamin E and antioxidants to help nourish skin and combat environmental stress, all while keeping your moisture barrier in check. Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it’s also paraben-free, and reef-compliant—basically, it checks every box for a beach bag or bathroom shelf staple.

Expert feedback from Dr. Patel

Patel recommends this option for anyone who struggles to remember daily sunscreen. “I like Sun Bum Daily 50 Body Lotion because you can apply it like a regular body lotion right after showering, so you don’t forget to put on SPF for the day,” she says.

More to know

Key ingredients: vitamin E, antioxidantsSize: 8 oz.

La Roche-Posay

Amazon

Dermstore

Ulta Beauty

Why we love it: This French sunscreen is beloved by many, including our dermatologist experts, for its ability to provide weightless protection without any residue. La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60 is a velvety, quick-absorbing lotion that delivers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection for both face and body. It uses the brand’s Cell-Ox Shield Technology, a blend of photostable chemical filters and antioxidants, to defend against sun damage and oxidative stress. Bonus: It’s also enriched with La Roche-Posay’s signature thermal spring water to calm and hydrate skin, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Dr. Patel recommends this pick for sensitive skin in particular, noting that it “is hypoallergenic