Dermatologists often say that the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear — and for many, that’s spray sunscreen. Adults and kids alike often find spraying SPF onto their skin simpler and more convenient than rubbing in a thick, white, creamy variation. The good news? Spray sunscreen is just as effective as its lotion, cream and gel counterparts, says Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist who practices in New York City. But in order to protect yourself from UV rays, you have to apply it correctly, which is easier said than done.
I spoke to medical experts about the dos and don’ts of using spray sunscreen, as well as how to shop for it. I also gathered dermatologist-recommended options to purchase, in addition to Select staff favorites.
SKIP AHEAD How to shop for spray sunscreen | Best spray sunscreen to shop | How to apply spray sunscreen
Best for sensitive skin$undefined$26.99
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How we picked the best spray sunscreens
When shopping for spray sunscreen, dermatologists recommend thinking about the following factors.
- SPF rating: All the experts I spoke to recommend wearing sunscreen that has a SPF rating of at least 30. That’s in line with the recommendation from the American Academy of Dermatology and Skin Cancer Foundation.
- Broad-spectrum protection: Sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection shield skin from UVA and UVB rays, both of which can cause sun damage like sunburns.
- Type: You’ll need to decide between purchasing a chemical or mineral sunscreen, or a hybrid option that contains chemical and mineral active ingredients. I explain more about the difference between the three types below and why you may choose one over the others, but each option adequately protects the skin, so it’s entirely a personal preference, says Green.
- Water-resistance: If you plan to be in water or may sweat while wearing spray sunscreen, be sure to choose a water-resistant option. The sunscreen’s label should tell you how long its formula is water-resistant for.
The best spray sunscreens to shop
All the spray sunscreens below offer broad-spectrum protection and a SPF rating of at least 30.
Best overall: Sun Bum Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
- Matte finish
- Fragrance-free
- Reef-safe
- Nothing to note at this time
Many NBC Select staff members say this Sun Bum spray sunscreen is their go-to option, and it’s also recommended by Dr. Jaimie DeRosa, a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon and the founder of DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. The sunscreen’s unscented, zinc-based formula leaves a matte finish on the skin. It’s made from a gluten-free, vegan and cruelty-free formula, meaning it’s not tested on animals.
SPF rating: 30 | Water-resistant: 80 min. | Type: Mineral
Best sheer: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist (three pack)
- No white cast
- Non-greasy feel
- Won’t clog pores
- Nothing to note at this time
Neutrogena’s spray sunscreens are popular among our experts, and Green specifically likes the brand’s unscented Ultra Sheer option. “It seamlessly blends into skin without leaving a white cast and does not feel greasy,” she says. The formula is also oil-free and non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog pores, and is suitable for those with acne-prone skin.
SPF rating: 30, 45 or 70 | Water-resistant: 80 min. | Type: Chemical
Best sport: Banana Boat Ultra Sport SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
- Reef-friendly
- Non-greasy feel
- Great for outdoor activities
- Contains fragrance
I always have a bottle of Banana Boat’s Ultra Sport Sunscreen Spray at home and lather it on before doing outdoor activities like running. Its lightweight formula dries quickly and doesn’t leave my skin feeling greasy or sticky. The sunscreen’s scent is also not overbearing, which I appreciate as someone who is sensitive to fragrances.
SPF rating: 15, 30, 50 and 100 | Water-resistant: 80 min. | Type: Chemical
Best matte: Coola Organic Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
- Dries sheer
- Contains antioxidants
- Fragrance-free
- Nothing to note at this time
When you spray Coola’s unscented sunscreen on the skin, it goes on white and dries sheer, leaving behind a matte finish, according to the brand. In addition to zinc oxide, the sunscreen contains antioxidants to help fight free-radical formation that can occur from sun exposure, says DeRosa. It comes in a non-aerosol can.
SPF rating: 30 | Water-resistant: 80 min. | Type: Mineral
Best for sensitive skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Spray Sunscreen SPF 60
- Antioxidant-infused
- Safe for sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free
- Nothing to note at this time
Lindsay Schneider, NBC Select commerce editor, has used La Roche-Posay’s sunscreen lotion, and the brand also offers a spray sunscreen that’s made with an unscented, oil-free, alcohol-free formula. It contains thermal spring water, a soothing antioxidant, and is safe for sensitive skin, according to the brand.
SPF rating: 60 | Water-resistant: 80 min. | Type: Chemical
Best mineral: Supergoop! Play 100% Mineral Body Mist SPF 30
- Fragrance-free
- Blends in sheer
Non-aerosol bottle
- Nothing to note at this time
DeRosa recommends Supergoop’s zinc-based spray because it contains ingredients that are rich in vitamin E and vitamin B5, including aloe vera, marigold, sunflower seed and chamomile extracts. In her experience, it sprays on white but blends in sheer on most skin tones. The sunscreen is also safe for sensitive skin, and it comes in a non-aerosol bottle.
SPF rating: 30 | Water-resistant: 80 min. | Type: Mineral
Best for kids: Blue Lizard Kids’ Mineral Sunscreen Spray
- Reef-safe
- Dries clear
- Non-irritating
- Nothing to note at this time
Bianca Alvarez, NBC Select associate reporter, has three young siblings, all of whom have sensitive skin like her. She says they like using this Blue Lizard mineral sunscreen spray because its gentle formula is non-irritating and it dries clear. Alvarez also appreciates that the fragrance-free sunscreen is water-resistant and reef-safe: “My siblings used this during a 8-day family cruise, where we did water activities like snorkeling. We had such peace of mind knowing that their sunscreen was protecting their skin and the reefs we were swimming near,” she says.
SPF rating: 50 | Water-resistant: 80 min. | Type: Mineral
Best for babies: Hello Bello SPF 50 Kids Mineral Sunscreen Spray
- Reef-friendly
- Lightweight feel
- Blends well
- Nothing to note at this time
Becca Delman, NBC photo editor, started using this sunscreen with her son when he was about 1.5 years old and it’s still one of her favorite spray options. She likes its lightweight feel and says it blends into her son’s skin well, so it doesn’t leave behind an oily or gritty residue. The sunscreen’s vegan formula is also hypoallergenic and moisturizing.
SPF rating: 50 | Water-resistant: 80 min. | Type: Mineral
Best for kids with sensitive skin: Coppertone Pure and Simple Kids Sunscreen Spray
- Hydrating
- Fragrance-free
- Plant-based ingredients
- Nothing to note at this time
Coppertone’s fragrance-free Pure and Simple Spray Sunscreen has a gentle, hypoallergenic formula, so it’s a great option for those with allergies and sensitive skin, says Green. The sunscreen contains zinc oxide as well as plant-derived ingredients like tea leaf extract, sea kelp extract and lotus extract to hydrate skin, according to the brand.
SPF rating: 50 | Water-resistant: 80 min. | Type: Mineral
Best smelling: Vertra Coconut Vanilla Body Spray SPF 50
- Reef-safe
- Hydrating ingredients
- Dries clear
- Contains fragrance
“Nobody wants a lingering chemical smell on their skin, but sometimes that’s unavoidable with sunscreen,” says Alvarez. “Vertra’s spray does not smell like typical sunscreen — its coconut vanilla scent makes it much more enjoyable to wear and apply, both for me and my siblings,” says Alvarez. The sunscreen also doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue on Alvarez’s skin, and its wide nozzle helps her quickly cover a large area of skin. Vertra’s spray contains hydrating avocado oil and aloe, and it dries clear.
SPF rating: 50 | Water-resistant: 80 min. | Type: Chemical
Best splurge: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Spray SPF 40
- Great for touch ups
- Won’t clog pores
- Clear formula
- Small bottle
- Higher price point
If you’re looking for a spray that makes SPF touch ups easy, Alvarez recommends Shiseido’s. “It’s so convenient to have in my bag and is perfect for reapplying sunscreen to my face and spots on my body,” she says. The bottle’s narrow nozzle also makes spraying targeted areas easy, like your scalp. The sunscreen has a hydrating formula that goes on clear and dries quickly, plus it’s non-comedogenic.
SPF rating: 40 | Water-resistant: 80 min. | Type: Chemical
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How to apply spray sunscreen
“The efficacy of sunscreens, no matter the formulation, lies in proper application,” says Green. And one of the biggest disadvantages of spray sunscreen is that it’s easy to apply incorrectly. To make sure you’re applying spray sunscreen the right way, follow the guide below.
A step-by-step guide to applying spray sunscreen
- Hold the spray bottle’s nozzle about three to four inches away from your skin.
- Spray multiple passes across each part of your body. Two to three times per arm and three to four times per leg is a good rule of thumb, says Dr. Corey L. Hartman, a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Between each spray, rub the sunscreen into skin until it’s entirely blended in. “If you skip this step, the spray will only protect where it actually hits the skin,” deeming it ineffective for full-body protection, says Hartman.
- Spray sunscreen works best as a body sunscreen, experts told me. But if you want to use it as a face sunscreen, spray it into your hands first and rub it into your skin. Never spray sunscreen directly onto your face as you’ll risk inhaling it and getting it into your eyes, say dermatologists.
Mistakes to avoid while applying spray sunscreen
“The biggest mistake that people make with spray sunscreen is that they don’t apply enough and spray too quickly, so they’re missing areas of skin during application,” says DeRosa. The solution? Apply a generous amount. A good rule of thumb is if you can’t see it on your skin after spraying, there’s probably not enough. You can (and should) apply multiple coats of spray sunscreen. “I suggest applying the spray, spreading it on the skin, and coming back 10 minutes later to reapply,” says Dr. Eileen Deignan, board-certified dermatologist and the chief of dermatology at Emerson Hospital.
It’s also important to avoid inhaling spray sunscreen or getting it in the eyes, nose or mouth, which can cause irritation. To make sure spray sunscreen actually reaches your body, hold the nozzle close enough to your skin, apply it slowly and don’t use it in windy conditions, says Green. Also don’t forget about your ears, scalp, feet and hands.
When to reapply spray sunscreen
You need to constantly reapply all types of sunscreen regardless of whether you’re exposed to water. Reapply every two hours if you’re spending time outdoors or sitting next to a window, says Hartman. And if you’re swimming or sweating, reapply sunscreen every 80 minutes and after drying off, even if you’re using a water-resistant formula, says DeRosa.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Michele Green is a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist based in the Upper East Side of New York City.
- Dr. Corey L. Hartman is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama.
- Dr. Jaimie DeRosa is a double board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon. She’s the founder and lead facial plastic surgeon at DeRosa Center Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Boston and Palm Beach.
- Dr. Eileen Deignan is a board-certified dermatologist and the chief of dermatology at Emerson Hospital. She practices medical dermatology at the Dermatology Associates of Concord.
Why trust Select?
Zoe Malin is an associate updates editor at NBC Select who writes about skin care, including articles on ingrown hair, razor burn, tinted sunscreen and sunscreen for acne-prone skin. For this article, she interviewed four experts about the best spray sunscreen and rounded up their favorite options, plus products NBC Select staff recommend.
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