Last updated: 23/07/2024
Summer has finally arrived, meaning your legs, arms and everything in between are ready to bask in the sun. And while you’ve probably learnt the importance of SPF for your face and how reapplying every two hours is imperative, have you considered the best body sunscreens to shield your limbs from the midday rays?
Whether you like melt-into-skin moisturisers or something you can spritz, we’ve rounded up Cult Beauty’s best body SPF’s, you’ll want to reapply again and again and again...
BEST BODY SUNSCREEN
From SPF mists that spritz cooling sun protection to milky formulas that melt into your skin, these are our best body sunscreen selections...
With a moisturising, milky texture, Lancaster’s Sun Beauty Body Milk SPF30 is the antioxidant-rich powerhouse that protects while promoting your tan. Lightweight and fast-absorbing, this sunscreen is formulated with the brand’s proprietary Tan Activator Complex that combines orange, coffee and buriti-oils to encourage a faster, deeper-looking tan — all while shielding against UV damage.
SHOP ALL LANCASTER >>> Ideal for those who love taking dips in the ocean, Bondi Sands’ SPF 50+ Fragrance Free Suncreen Lotion delivers water-resistant sun protection for up to four hours. Absorbing effortlessly into your limbs, this vitamin E-rich, silky smooth solution hydrates the skin leaving it glowy, plumped and safe in the sun.
SHOP ALL BONDI SANDS >>> Adored (and used daily) by surfers, Sun Bum’s Original SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion works to neutralise free radicals from the sun, preventing the skin from feeling dry, dehydrated and dull. Plus, with a delicate coconut scent reminiscent of days riding waves on Laguna Beach, it’s a must-have that’s a scented delight for your skin *and* your senses.
SHOP ALL SUN BUM >>>
An ideal all-rounder- La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Ultra-Light SPF50+ Sun Protector Spray is a welcomed addition to your sunscreen line up – especially if you’re prone to sun sensitivity and prickly heat. Water-resistant, deeply hydrating *and* non-sticky, it’s infused with the brand’s Thermal Spring Water and Mexoplex UV filtering system, defending against UVA, UVB and infrared rays!
SHOP ALL LA ROCHE-POSAY >>> BEST SUNSCREEN FOR FACE AND BODY
If you like a two-fer and are conscious about packing light, then these are the best sunscreens for your face *and* body...
With a water-resistant formula packed with good-for-skin ingredients, Caudalie’s Vinosun High Protection Spray SPF50 makes sunscreen reapplication quick, easy and convenient. Powered by antioxidants and with a creamy, luxurious texture, this mist delivers four hours of protection, that you can quickly spritz just before you jump, slink or cannon ball into the water.
SHOP ALL CAUDALIE >>> Ideal for those midday top ups (when the sun is at the highest point) is Ultra Violette’s Preen Screen SPF 50+ Reapplication Mist. Offering a lit-from-within glow and powered by skin-enhancing niacinamide, this sun spritzer not only protects your complexion from rays, but balances sebum production and minimises the look of pores too. Plus, fusing bisabolol with aloe vera extract, it soothes and comforts the skin after a day spent in the sun.
SHOP ALL ULTRA VIOLETTE >>> Creating a safety veil over your face and limbs, Shiseido’s Expert Sun Protector Face and Body Lotion SPF50+ unites advanced technologies for unparalleled sun shielding. Infused with the brand’s proprietary HeatForce and WetForce means this SPF works harder to defend your skin against hot weather, water and sweat. Not only that, but it also acts as flexible webbing to ward off free radicals, deliver invisible, water-resistant sun protection and doubles up as a primer designed to be applied under make up too. Is there anything it can’t do?!
SHOP ALL SHISEIDO >>>
BEST MINERAL SUNSCREEN FOR BODY
Confused about mineral and chemical sunscreens? Fear not, we’ve got the ultimate guide here. In short, mineral SPFs provide a physical barrier on your skin to shield you from the damaging effects of sunshine. Now, let's dive into some of the best...
Instantly transporting you to Copacabana (even if you’re just sunbathing in your garden or Hyde Park), Sol de Janeiro’s Rio Radiance Body Lotion SPF 50 is the body screen powered by niacinamide, cupuaçu butter and pongamia seed. Not only does it hydrate, plump and nourish your skin, but it shields against environmental aggressors instantly... Oh and did we also mention it leaves a luminous finish and has an irresistible coconut and creamy vanilla scent too?
SHOP ALL SOL DE JANEIRO >>> With cutting-edge technology, that works to cool the surface of your skin, Thank You Farmer’s Safe Sun Fluid Age 0880 is the sun care saviour that’s fast-absorbing and won’t leave a white cast. Crafted with centella asiatica, adenosine and portulaca oleracea extract, plus skin care staples niacinamide, soy lipids and lotus water, this K-Beauty formula sinks into skin, instantly leaving it feeling cool, comforted and collected – regardless of the mercury reading...
SHOP ALL THANK YOU FARMER >>>
Do you have more questions about the body SPFs? Well, don’t worry, we’ve got the answers to your most burning question below...
Is SPF 30 or 50 better for your body?
This totally depends on the level of protection you want from the sun. SPF30 has been shown to block 97% of harmful UV rays and once applied takes 30x longer for the skin to burn than without it. However, SPF 50 should be considered a more appropriate level of protection, if you have sensitive skin as it blocks 98% of UV rays and takes 50x longer for the skin to burn if you don’t apply it.
Can you still tan with SPF 50?
Yes, although you won’t get much of a tan. Research has shown that only 2% of harmful UVA/UVB can enter your skin while wearing SPF50, but this still allows your skin to tan. If you did want to tan, then we would recommend using SPF30. But if you’re prone to burning and have sensitive skin we recommend sticking with SPF50.
What SPF do most dermatologists recommend?
Any sunscreen that has a minimum SPF rating of 30+. Dermatologist recommend reapplying every two hours and that a full shot glass of sunscreen should be used from head to toe. To be more specific you should use — half a teaspoon for your face and neck, one teaspoon per arm, two teaspoons per leg and two teaspoons for the front and back of your torso.
And there you have it, a full run down of the best body SPF at Cult Beauty. Now, have you decided which famed formula you’ll be applying. Are you more partial to mineral SPF or a on-the-go spray?
SHOP ALL BODY SPF>>> 
