7 Best Water-Resistant Body Sunscreens to Bring to the Beach (And Beyond)

09.07.2026, 16:49 allure.com

Swimming and sweating are basically inevitable during warm weather—and you need sun protection that can keep up with your plans. That’s why the best water-resistant body sunscreens deserve a spot in your tote: They do what any good SPF can do, just with more staying power.

Unlike traditional sunscreens, water-resistant sunscreens contain silicones, waxes, and other film-forming polymers that help the product cling to the skin in wet conditions, explains Michael Tassavor, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. Luckily, you don’t have to parse lengthy ingredient lists to make sure your product of choice is legit. “By law, a sunscreen can only say 'water-resistant' if it's passed standardized testing,” Dr. Tassavor says. “Just look for that wording on the front.” And, like all sunscreens, your water-resistant pick should also provide broad-spectrum UV protection with a rating of 30 SPF or higher, per the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AAD).

However, you still need to reapply every two hours, regardless of how long the sunscreen is said to be water-resistant. That goes for reupping on SPF after swimming, too. “Reapply immediately after towel drying, even if the rated time hasn't elapsed,” says Sejal Shah, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City. And you should give the product enough time to absorb before heading out into the sunshine, according to Azadeh Shirazi, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in La Jolla, California; about 20 minutes should do the trick.

Don’t sweat your sun protection routine this summer. These elegant, effective, and long-wearing formulas come highly recommended by editors and skin care experts.

EltaMD

Amazon

EltaMD

Allure contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai applying the EltaMD UV Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Why we love it: If you've EltaMD’s sun-care line caters to a wide range of skin concerns and types, from dry to acne-prone. It should be no surprise, then, that the brand nailed it with its water-resistant formula, too. The UV Sport Sunscreen Lotion “holds up beautifully through sweat and water, and feels great on the skin,” Dr. Tassavor says. You can apply it to wet or dry skin, too; either way, it spreads and sinks in cleanly without the chalky or greasy residue you might expect from a “sport” sunscreen. The hybrid formula is powered by mineral filter zinc oxide and two chemical sunscreen ingredients, while vitamin E provides additional protection against free radicals, which contribute to signs of aging, hyperpigmentation, and skin cancer. Its fragrance-free formula plays well with sensitive skin and it’s non-comedogenic to boot, so you can use it on your face without worrying about clogged pores.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce editor Deanna Pai

“I'm a diehard runner—middle of winter, dead of summer, whatever—and while I wear a hat, I haven't always been diligent with my sun protection. This sunscreen has made it easy to stay consistent: It's quick to absorb, I can use it on both my face and body, and it doesn't turn into a greasy mess when I sweat. My only gripe is that I wish it came in a larger size since I go through it so quickly.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

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Blue Lizard

Amazon

Target

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Blue Lizard Sport SPF 50 Spray Sunscreen

Why we love it: For all the positives you hear about mineral sunscreen (it’s gentler on sensitive skin than chemical formulas, and some tinted versions can protect against melasma-causing visible light), it sometimes comes with the drawback that it feels heavy on the skin and leaves a white cast. Blue Lizard’s Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray, however, makes it so you don’t have to compromise. It’s powered by zinc oxide, but all it needs is a quick rub to absorb into the skin. It dries clear and stays put—no telltale chalky residue in sight. Moisturizing glycerin keeps skin calm and nourished, and it’s alcohol-free, since alcohol can irritate and dry out sensitive skin. (FYI: Just make sure to spray it on outside slowly and carefully; otherwise, you might miss a few spots.)

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

“A spray mineral sunscreen that propels like a chemical? I've never—in all my years testing—come across one as effective as this. Upon first application, I knew this was special, especially if you're used to mineral sunscreens that squirt (in a womp-womp, and messy fashion) rather than shower your skin in SPF coverage. The spray is an even, broad mist that propels powerfully—you won't miss a spot with this kind of reach. It's among the fastest 'screens in my arsenal and is finally a sport mineral that is just as convenient and easy to apply as the chemical sunscreens I have.

You really have to shake it up, then rub it into your skin. This isn't going to give you the perfect, truly invisible chemical spray at first—you may get some errant splotches (but they're tiny, I promise!). After spraying, you just need to remember to briefly rub it in before you go. Otherwise, you may have some uneven spots; when you're done, it dries down with zero white cast. On top of it all, there's an impressive 80 minutes of water-resistant coverage; right now, there isn't a better active or beach-day sunscreen for me and my family.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director

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Supergoop

Amazon

Dermstore

Ulta Beauty

Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Supergoop Play Everyday Lotion SPF 50

Why we love it: With a blend of soothing plant extracts, glycerin, and vitamin E, Supergoop’s Play sunscreen is packed with dry skin saviors, protecting your skin from sun damage and keeping it happy and hydrated in one fell swoop. It feels more like a moisturizer than a true sunscreen, thanks to its non-greasy, lightweight consistency that melts right into the skin (no white residue here). Plus, its subtle scent is refreshing rather than overpowering. Sounds like just the sort of supporting character we like to see in a sunscreen made for long days outdoors.

Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen

“This is, hands down, one of my favorite body sunscreens. I’ve taken it all over the world—the sandy beaches of Florida, the Mediterranean Sea, and even the streets of Paris—and it’s consistently reliable. It blends in easily, doesn’t leave a cast, and most importantly for summer, it’s water-resistant, so I never get too worried about sun protection when I’m wearing it in the ocean or pool. (Obviously, I reapply immediately when I get out of the water!) I’m currently using it while on a trip to Florida, but I know this tube will go everywhere (and in any body of water!) with me this summer.” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director

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La Roche-Posay

Amazon

Dermstore

Ulta Beauty

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro Sport SPF 50

Why we love it: It’s one thing for sunscreen to stick around when you’re mainly lounging poolside—it’s another for it to stay in place when you’re running or working out in the heat. We gave La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios UV Pro Sport a Best of Beauty Award last year because it did just that. Dr. Shirazi gives it her seal of approval, too, for its combination of broad-spectrum protection and water resistance up to 80 minutes. It’s formulated to hold up during outdoor activities without staining your clothes or running into your eyes. Better yet, it absorbs fully into the skin with zero cast or tackiness, so you don’t have to worry about it melting into white streaks when you sweat or swim.

Want more LRP sun care in your beach bag? Dr. Tassavor also recommends the brand’s Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60 for its water resistance and phenomenal texture.

Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han

“I am capital-T terrible at applying body sunscreen. But…I'm also somewhat of a homebody and can't stand being outside for long periods, especially in the summer. Since neither is a legit excuse to skip body SPF, I've been testing out a few formulas to see which one I can tolerate best, and La Roche-Posay is very up there—fitting, since I'll probably be bringing this French brand to the South of France when I'm there for a vacation-wedding-hybrid trip in August, which definitely includes some pool and beach time. It feels nourishing as soon as it touches my skin, softening every inch and leaving a slight glow and brightening my tattoos (bonus!). It's not the lightest, nor is it the thickest—while it takes a beat to rub in, it doesn't leave me with a heavy feeling. Good stuff!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

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Vacation

Amazon

Nordstrom

Dermstore

Pai applying the Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 50

Why we love it: Vacation’s Classic Lotion elevates your everyday sun protection routine with its dreamy scent of summer getaways past. Its nostalgic notes include coconut, banana, pool water, and literal swimsuit Lycra. But its fragrance isn’t the only thing that lasts. It blends well and protects skin for up to 80 minutes of sweating. Its nourishing, moisturizing ingredients (hello, shea butter and coconut oil) prevent your skin from drying out, while calming niacinamide helps brighten and calm skin. You’ll come for the vibey scent, but the great-for-your-skin formula will keep you coming back for more.

Tester feedback from Pai

“I keep a large bottle of this sunscreen next to our side door, so my whole family can sunscreen up before we head to the park or out for a walk. I love that it blends in quickly onto my olive skin, doesn’t feel greasy, and actually smells amazing—beachy, but not in a way that feels cloying or overly sweet. It’s made me a lot more consistent with applying sunscreen to my arms and legs, and has spared my very pale husband’s neck this summer.” —Deanna Pai, contributing commerce editor

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Blue Lizard

Amazon

Why we love it: The gentle formula of Blue Lizard’s Baby Mineral sunscreen is why Dr. Tassavor