Yes, Spray Sunscreen is Your New Skincare Essential
If there’s one skincare product that dermatologists agree you can’t gloss over, it’s sunscreen. Applying it to the face and body daily is essential in protecting the skin from the sun’s damaging UV rays to prevent premature aging and potential skin cancers. But just like the rest of your skincare routine, what you wear on your face likely isn’t the same as what you apply to your body for numerous reasons, and the same applies to sunscreens.
To make things easy, a spray-on sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is a foolproof way to shield any exposed skin on the neck, chest, arms, and legs from the sun. And while you can use these formulas on the face, most people reserve them for the body since they are easy to use on hard-to-reach and larger areas and don’t require excessive rubbing into the skin like some creams and lotions. Regardless of where you use a spray-on sunscreen, finding one that is compatible with your skin type and works for your lifestyle is key. Consider these the best spray sunscreen options you’ll want to stockpile in your beauty cabinet year-round.
Meet the Expert
- Dr. Connie Yang - Board-certified dermatologist and member of Dermstore's Medical Advisory Board
Things to Look for When Choosing a Spray Sunscreen
Just like a traditional sunscreen, not all spray sunscreens are created equally. To ensure your skin reaps the SPF benefits of a product, Dr. Yang recommends using a formula that features the following aspects to protect your skin.
Broad-spectrum protection: “Look for sunscreens that feature ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, or chemical filters like avobenzone and homosalate,” she says. Non-drying formulas: If you can, opt for sunscreens formulated without alcohol, which Dr. Yang says can dry and irritate skin. Added antioxidants: While not mandatory, Dr. Yang shares that sunscreens with added antioxidants can help boost protection from free radical damage.
Best Spray Sunscreen
1. EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40
$46.00
If you like EltaMD’s sunscreen lotions, then you’ll love this antioxidant-rich spray sunscreen. Packed with minerals to defend the skin from UV damage, this lightweight, sheer-finish formula helps to rejuvenate the skin and leave it feeling soft and hydrated. Plus, it features a white-to-clear technology to see where you apply sunscreen to reduce the chance of missing a spot.
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, vitamins C and E, coconut fruit extract, aloe vera, glycerin
Skin Type: Combination, oily, dry, sensitive
2. MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40
$24.00
Treat your skin to this non-greasy sunscreen and watch it dry in seconds to a sheer finish. Packed with good-for-your-skin ingredients, the non-aerosol formula defends the skin against sun and free radical damage so you can enjoy your time outside without worrying about your skin’s safety and health.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, Indian gooseberry extract, vitamin C
Skin Type: All skin types
3. La Roche Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra-Light Sunscreen Spray SPF 60
$26.99
Insert product description
Active Ingredients: Cell-Ox Shield technology, dimethicone, glycerin, vitamin E, silica, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
Skin Type: All skin types
4. Image Skincare Daily Prevention Protect and Refresh Mist SPF 40
$45.00
Some sunscreens can leave dry skin feeling zapped of moisture, but not this spray-on sunscreen, which features a hydrating dry-oil formula and a barely-there feel. Perfect as an initial sunscreen application or for touchups throughout the day, the antioxidant formula leaves behind a gorgeous, natural glow while defending the skin from premature aging.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, vitamin C, ectoin, micro-algae, meadowfoam seed oil, buriti fruit oils
Skin Type: Dry
SPF: 40
5. Vacation Classic Spray SPF 50
$19.00
Coined “the world’s best smelling sunscreen”, this broad-spectrum SPF 50 formula features a unique continuous spray technology to protect every square inch of your skin from the sun. Safe for sensitive skin, this moisturizing sunscreen spray doesn’t harm the environment (it’s reef-compliant) thanks to a non-aerosol propellant and is also dermatologist and pediatrician-tested, so you can use it to protect everyone in the family from the sun’s damaging effects.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, coconut oil, aloe vera, shea oil, vitamin E, banana extract
Skin Type: All skin types
SPF: 50
6. Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Mist SPF 50 with Vitamin C
$24.00
Like a refreshing mist for the skin, this weightless, non-aerosol sunscreen spray for the body leaves it well protected and with an instant glow. Use it at any angle to defend the skin from sunburn and sun damage, no matter if your skin is wet or dry.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, green tea extract, vitamin C, acai extract
Skin Type: Normal, combination, dry, oily
SPF: 50
7. Vacation Orange Gelee SPF 30 Spray Oil
$25.00
With a scent reminiscent of orange, bergamot, and sandalwood, this broad-spectrum sunscreen protects the skin with a mess-free application from every angle. The lightweight spray oil leaves the skin hydrated and moisturized, so you’ll want to reach for this one every time you’re outdoors.
Active Ingredients: : Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, vitamin E, shea and coconut oil, jojoba, maracuja, saffron, bergamot
Skin Type: All
SPF: 30
8. Suntegrity Skincare Milky Mineral Sun Serum Spray SPF 50
$50.00
Protect your skin while keeping it nourished, hydrated, and soft with this mineral sunscreen meets skin serum formulation. Featuring zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this lightweight, non-sticky sunscreen absorbs on contact with no white cast, making it an ideal sun protector for both the face and body.
Active Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, safflower seed oil, sunflower seed oil, grape seed oil, olive fruit oil, vitamin E
Skin Type: All skin types
SPF: 50
9. Supergoop Glow Oil
$40.00
If you prefer a sunscreen-based body oil, swap out your everyday body sunscreen for this non-greasy version. Not only does it absorb quickly, but it also locks moisture into the skin and leaves it with a pretty radiance and a super silky feel.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, argan oil, grapeseed oil, meadowfoam seed oil
Skin Type: Normal, combination, dry, oily
SPF: 50
10. Hydropeptide Solar Defense SPF 40
$49.00
Don’t just protect your skin, refresh it too! This SPF-packed refreshing body spray helps defend the skin with chemical protectors while replenishing the skin’s hydration levels without any greasy residue. We also like that the sunscreen spray features a sweet passionfruit scent and gives a consistent layer of coverage every time you use it to prevent lines, wrinkles, and sun damage from developing.
Active Ingredients: Avobenzene, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, resveratrol, vitamin E, beta carotene
Skin Type: Dry, sensitive
SPF: 40
FAQs
Do Dermatologists Recommend Spray Sunscreens?
Dermatologists want their patients to use any type of sunscreen to protect them from the sun, so when it comes to which types they recommend, it comes down to where on the body you are using each one. Board-certified dermatologist Connie Yang, MD, recommends spray sunscreens, particularly since she says they can be easier to apply to the body. “Spray sunscreens can be great for application to larger surface areas. However, they still need to be rubbed to ensure even, adequate coverage.” She also always recommends spraying them away from the face so that you do not inhale the aerosol.
Is Spray Sunscreen Effective?
According to Dr. Yang, the best spray sunscreens are just as effective at protecting the skin from the sun as creams and lotions when they are correctly applied. However, the key to getting a spray sunscreen that works in your favor is to use it appropriately. “You need to use enough sunscreen and rub it in,” she says. “Shake the can well before spraying and hold it about 6 inches from the skin. Spray each section of skin for at least 6 seconds and then rub the sunscreen in with your hands to ensure even application.” When it comes to using a spray sunscreen on the face, she suggests first spraying it onto your hands and then applying it to the face rather than spraying it directly onto the face.
The Bottom Line
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable skin care routine. No matter the time of year or the season, you’ll always want to take a proactive approach and protect your skin from the sun with sunscreen. Perfect for those days when you’re in a rush or want your skin to boast a healthy glow, the best spray sunscreen can deliver sun defense while offering skin care benefits for healthy, youthful, radiant skin.
Elise Minton Tabin is an award-winning beauty journalist, editor, and beauty expert with more than 16 years of experience. She previously held the title of Executive Beauty Editor at NewBeauty magazine, where she reported on beauty, plastic surgery, anti-aging, health and wellness. She was also instrumental in the launch of the beauty supplement brand Hush & Hush. A self-professed beauty junkie and retinol and sunscreen pusher, Elise knows what’s new, what works and who’s the best to go for every procedure under the sun. Follow Elise on Facebook, Instagram, and on her beauty blog, elisetabin.com
