How to choose body sunscreen that isn't sticky

Which textures should you try?

The base carrying the sunscreen filters helps determine the product's consistency. Lotions are generally thinner than creams, while gels become more fluid on contact with skin. These are general formulation differences, not a promise that every gel or lotion dries without tackiness. Manufacturers use texture names differently, so 'milk' and 'lotion' are not a binding agreement about how sunscreen will feel.1

Format	What to expect	When to consider it
Lotion	Generally thinner than a cream; can contain water, oil or alcohol.	A starting point when you want a less thick formula, including on hairy areas.
Gel	A water or alcohol based formula that becomes more fluid on contact with skin.	Especially useful for hairy areas.
Cream	Thicker than a lotion and often moisturizing.	Worth considering when dryness matters more than a light consistency.
Spray	A delivery format that still needs rubbing in for even coverage.	An application preference, rather than a shortcut around spreading sunscreen.
Stick	Needs four passes back and forth over each area, followed by rubbing in.	Useful for smaller areas such as the backs of your hands.

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If your body skin is dry, look for 'moisturizing' or 'dry skin' on the label rather than choosing solely by thinness. A cream is generally thicker than a lotion, even if the bottle would prefer a more glamorous job title.1 2

Keep protection separate from texture

SPF mainly describes protection against UVB, the ultraviolet radiation responsible for sunburn. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB. A higher SPF gives greater expected protection, but applying too little can leave you below the protection printed on the bottle. A comfortable finish is useful; a thinner application is not the way to get it.4 5

For UK shopping, look for SPF 30 or higher and at least four star UVA protection. UVA protection can also be shown by 'UVA' inside a circle, indicating that the sunscreen meets the EU standard. Check the expiry date and the open jar symbol showing how many months the product lasts after opening.5

Does mineral or chemical mean less sticky?

Mineral and chemical describe the sunscreen filters, not the thickness of the base. Chemical filters absorb ultraviolet radiation; mineral filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide also protect primarily through absorption. Choose the format and finish separately from the filter category. Micronised mineral filters have improved ease of application and reduced white residue, so mineral sunscreen does not automatically mean a conspicuous white layer.4

How to apply body sunscreen properly

1Apply before going outside. If you expect enough sun exposure to risk burning, apply 30 minutes before leaving and again just before going out.
2Cover all exposed skin. Include your neck and ears, and remember exposed feet and backs of hands. Clothing can protect covered areas.
3Use enough for the area you are covering. For an entire adult body, aim for around 6 to 8 teaspoons. Spread sunscreen evenly rather than making the layer thinner to reduce its feel.
4Reapply every two hours outdoors and follow the manufacturer's instructions. Apply again straight after swimming, sweating or towel drying, and whenever sunscreen has rubbed off.

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Water resistance does not remove the need to reapply after swimming. Water washes sunscreen off, and its cooling effect can make burning less obvious. Use shade and protective clothing alongside sunscreen rather than treating a high SPF as permission to stay out longer.3 5

Is a spray an easier option?

For a spray, hold the nozzle close and apply generously until skin glistens, then rub it in thoroughly. Most adults need at least about one ounce to cover skin not covered by clothing, with larger bodies needing more. That is a guide for exposed skin, while the teaspoon amount above describes covering the entire body. A light mist is not enough.3

Avoid spraying on windy days, when coverage is harder to control. Do not inhale sunscreen or spray near your face or mouth; spray into your hands before applying to your face. Keep aerosol sunscreen away from heat, flames and smoking, and make sure it is rubbed in and dry before approaching an open flame.3

What if sunscreen stings or your skin is sensitive?

For sensitive skin, look for 'sensitive skin' on the label and avoid fragrance, parabens and oxybenzone. If sunscreen stings or burns, switch to a fragrance free formula whose sunscreen filters are only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. For oily or acne prone body skin, look for 'noncomedogenic', meaning formulated not to clog pores. For white residue, a tinted sunscreen matching your skin tone can help, but it still needs the same protection essentials.2

Where this answer comes from

1Topical formulationsdermnetnz.org
2How do I know if I'm using the right sunscreen?aad.org
3How to use stick and spray sunscreensaad.org
4Sunscreens: A Complete Overviewdermnetnz.org
5Sunscreen and sun safetynhs.uk