I could write a dissertation about the best sunscreen products in my sleep. SPF is my holy grail, my can’t-live-without, my must-have. I’ve tried dozens upon dozens of formulas through the years, and I’m confident that there’s nothing as quick, easy, and convenient to apply as one of the best spray sunscreens. Because whether I need to reapply sunscreen over makeup or want a non-sticky full-body mist to use on the beach, a super-fine SPF spray is always going to be my MVP.
The convenience can’t be beat, and while a spray can be just as effective as a cream sunscreen formula, it’s important to take a little extra caution during application to avoid bizarre tanning patterns (been there, done that, not cute) or sunburn. The recipe for success? Hold the bottle no more than six inches away from your body and thoroughly rub everything into the skin. As for the face? Start with a cream formula (mineral or chemical will do) and reach for a facial-friendly spray SPF for reapplication.
To get a crash course in all things spray sunscreen, I strongly encourage you to keep reading. Not only have I rounded up some of my personal favorite products, but I also tapped board-certified dermatologists Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D., and Hadley King, M.D., to get their top application and safety tips. From fine mists with a barely-there feel to makeup setting sprays loaded with SPF, here’s a definitive guide to the best spray sunscreens.
The Best Spray Sunscreens
- tk
When I picture sexy summer skin, I imagine a hydrated, soft, and radiant complexion—and with this SPF, you get all three. The formula contains antioxidants vitamin E (for protection against free radicals) and vitamin C (for skin-brightening benefits), alongside hyaluronic acid, which works to draw moisture in for a hydrated, plump effect. But the cherry on top is the fine shimmer that leaves the most stunning sheen on your skin.
What I Love: Non-aerosol mist that has a continuous spray; Shimmer looks glowy not glittery; Dries down to an ultra-hydrating, non-sticky texture
What I Don't: Testers note that it spilled when placed in their bags traveling
SPF: 42
Type: Chemical
Broad Spectrum Protection? Yes
Review for MC:
The latest and greatest in suncare innovation? SPF that smells like anything but SPF. Coola is a brand in on the trend that does it well, offering four different scents—guava mango, as pictured, tropical coconut, peach blossom, and piña colada—with varying SPF protections. Each iteration smells like the yummiest beachside treat, and the texture is never sticky and always hydrating—the latter thanks to a plant-based antioxidant and oil blend.
What I Love: Non-aerosol; 90 minutes of water-resistance; Only natural fragrances, not synthetic
What I Don't: The scent is typically only apparent when applying
SPF: 50
Type: Chemical
Broad Spectrum Protection? Yes
Review for MC:
If you associate the Brazilian skincare brand, Sol de Janeiro, with anything, it's soft, smooth, delicious-smelling skin. Couple that with UV protection and a radiant finish, and you get the Rio Radiance SPF Spray. Not only does it look like a glass veil when applied, but it also contains niacinamide, which is a superstar when it comes to evening skin tone.
What I Love: Non-aerosol spray; Niacinamide is an active that evens and brightens skin tone
What I Don't: Not water-resistant
SPF: 50
Type: Chemical
Broad Spectrum Protection? Yes
Review for MC:
A mineral sunscreen is a great option for those with sensitive skin, and this formula couples a 100 percent zinc-based SPF with soothing and hydrating antioxidants like aloe and algae for a formula that feels as good on your skin as it is for your skin. Mineral sunscreens also start working as soon as they are applied, so rest assured you're not racking up any extra minutes of added sun exposure. Bonus: The Clear Moisture Mineral SPF from The Seaweed Bath & Co. contains a tropical scent featuring notes of melon, fresh grass, and neroli.
What I Love: Non-aerosol spray; 100 percent zinc oxide-based; Contains a slew of antioxidants
What I Don't: Will apply with a white cast until fully rubbed in
SPF: 30
Type: Mineral
Broad Spectrum Protection? Yes
Review for MC:
Applying the typical SPF-smelling, intense spray directly to your face is never a fun situation, and to be frank, not the best for your lungs. That said, there's something about the convenience of a spray that makes it easy to reapply (which is something you should be doing every two hours). This formula from Oars + Alps solves all those problems with its refreshing facial mist that works like a mid-day pick-me-up spray with its hydrating formula, and gives you another boost of SPF 35 in the meantime.
What I Love: Perfect for travel and on the go; Contains soothing and hydrating aloe; An ultra-fine mist, not spray
What I Don't: Contains fragrance, so those with sensitive or acne-prone skin may experience irritation
SPF: 35
Type: Chemical
Broad Spectrum Protection? Yes
Customer Review: "This stuff is amazing! Smells fantastic, easy and thorough application, and doesn’t make me feel like I’m 'caked' in sunscreen, which I hate. I have issues with the feel of sunscreen on my skin, and thus it was a game changer for me!" — Amazon
First things first: this SPF smells like heaven—and that’s not an exaggeration. Delicious coconut scent aside, the formula is a winner. It’s going to protect you from UVA and UVB rays, while also soothing and hydrating your body thanks to ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and antioxidants.
What I Love: Non-aerosol, continuous mist; Humectants pull in water while emollients trap it in for ultra-smooth skin
What I Don't: Testers report that if you don't rub it in quickly enough, it can pill
SPF: 30
Type: Chemical
Broad Spectrum Protection? Yes
Review for MC: "As a product tester and review writer of 5 years with over 20 years in the beauty industry, I've come across a lot of sunscreens and have seen them evolve over the years. Vacation Inc. is a company that is the embodiment of retro! This sunscreen is a spray, and I love that the top twists to lock and unlock for safety and easy use. It's got an SPF 30, which is very good and is highly effective when out in the sun for a lengthy period of time. Even a day at the beach, this would be my go-to product to have with me." — Ulta
Not-so-fun fact: One of the most commonly missed places on our bodies when it comes to SPF application is the scalp, and particularly the exposed part, which means it's an area that is extra prone to skin cancer. And with typical sunscreen formulas leaving a greasier sheen that's better meant for your skin, it's easy to see why most people aren't diligent about applying it to their hair. Coola's SPF 30 Scalp and Hair Mist takes all those issues out of the equation with its lightweight (yet hydrating) formula that was designed for the easy-to-miss spot.
What I Love: Prevents UV-related hair color fading; Sea salt scent is similar to sea salt sprays; Contains targeted nozzle for easy application to the part
What I Don't: Because it's a spray, it will leave a bit of shine, so if you prefer a matte formula, opt for a powder sunscreen
SPF: 30
Type: Chemical
Broad Spectrum Protection? Yes
Customer Review: "Coola's scalp and hair mist sunscreen is very impressive! The SPF 30 protection is essential, and the inclusion of cica and monoi oil makes it feel truly nourishing. The scent? Light, clean, and absolutely delicious – a subtle, refreshing fragrance that doesn't overwhelm. I love that it's vegan, gluten-free, and organic; those details matter to me. The spray bottle makes application incredibly easy, and the mist is fine and even. Best of all, it leaves my scalp and hair feeling clean and refreshed, never greasy or weighed down. " — Nordstrom
If you're looking for a 2-in-1, this double-duty formula acts as an SPF and matte-finishing makeup spray. That's right—this spray will keep your makeup in place and add a soft, blurred finish for a long-lasting look. We’re not the only ones that love this formula—it’s also Dr. Zubritsky’s fave.
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I'm incredibly lazy when it comes to applying body lotion, so thankfully this sunscreen removes that step. While it applies conveniently through a spray, it feels just like an ultra-hydrating lotion without any leftover greasiness. I will say you do have to rub it in just a tiny bit, but I'd say it's worth it to know you'll be fully protected against the sun.
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Dr. Zubritsky loves this SPF “because it contains antioxidants like Vitamin C for extra protection.” She says it’s ideal for all the summer activities (read: hiking, swimming, sports) because it’s water resistant. While you should reapply your sunscreen every two hours, it’s best to lather up after 80 minutes if you’re sweating or decide to go for a dip.
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tk
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When I'm on vacation, I want to smell like I'm on vacation. Think: coconuts and the salty ocean breeze. This sunscreen perfectly captures that scent, so this is a big winner in my book. Not only because of the lovely scent but also because it feels weightless on the skin and has a nourishing formula, not to mention it's reef-safe.
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I'm sure you know and love EltaMD's cult-favorite UV Clear sunscreen. Well, I'm here to tell you this spray version is just as good. While this ultra-fine mist sprays out white (a bonus for being able to see exactly where you spray), it absorbs into skin in seconds with a completely clear finish—no white cast or streaks in sight! The formula is also jam-packed with antioxidants to fight anti-aging. A win-win!
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Making sure that little kids are protected from the sun is tough. Trying to coat them in a cream? Near impossible. But with a spray like this La Roche-Posay option, it’s a heck of a lot easier. We love this formula because it’s water resistant, offers antioxidant protection, and leaves a silky finish.
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How to Apply Spray Sunscreen
“When using sunscreen, I recommend applying at least one ounce of sunscreen to the entire body—this is the equivalent of a shot glass,” says Dr. Zubritsky. “This can be hard to determine using a spray-on sunscreen, so a good rule of thumb is to apply the spray until the skin glistens.”
You’ll want to keep the bottle close to the skin (no more than a six-inch distance) and rub the product in. For reference, a standard-size bottle of spray sunscreen should last only six body applications. Let that sink in: one bottle is worth only six body applications.
Is Spray Sunscreen Safe?
A few years ago, Johnson & Johnson recalled some of its sunscreens after detecting low amounts of benzene, a known carcinogen, in certain aerosol formulas. According to board-certified dermatologist Hadley King, M.D., "We still don't know how effectively benzene penetrates through the skin, or how the benzene behaves after skin penetration," because most research has looked at what happens when it's inhaled or ingested, not applied to the skin.
Inhaling benzene can be harmful to the lungs, says Dr. King. And research suggests contamination may stem from isobutane, a propellant used in aerosol sprays, she adds. If you prefer sprays, she suggests looking for non-aerosol options, applying them outside or in a well-ventilated space, and holding your breath for a few seconds while spraying. At the end of the day, "avoiding an effective preventative measure such as sunscreen could prove more harmful than exposure to trace amounts of benzene," Dr. King says.
What's The Difference Between Chemical and Mineral Sunscreens?
If you prefer spray sunscreens over other formulas, you'll have to decide whether to use chemical or mineral sunscreens, with each having its own pros and cons. Here, Dr. King breaks down the difference between the UV filters and gives her recommendations for each.
- Chemical sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin, says Dr. King. These formulas typically contain UV filters like oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and avobenzone. Chemical formulas tend to be sheerer and lighter than mineral options, making them a great choice for deeper skin tones, since they're less likely to leave a white cast.
- Mineral or physical sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens (also known as physical sunscreens) use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to create a barrier on the skin that reflects UV rays. Dr. King recommends these formulas for people with sensitive or acne-prone skin, since they're less likely to cause irritation. They're also photostable, meaning they don't break down when exposed to sunlight.
Why Trust Marie Claire?
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
How We Tested
Marie Claire is an authority on sunscreen, having written countless stories about must-have SPF formulas, such as the best sunscreens overall and the best body sunscreens, among others. The products on this list have all been tried and tested by one of our editors or hand-picked by beauty writers after testing the product over a few weeks.
While the best spray sunscreen for you will vary based on personal preference, you truly can't go wrong with one of the items on this list.
Meet the Experts
Lindsey Zubritsky, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist at Premier Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center in Mississippi, where she specializes in general, surgical, cosmetic, and pediatric dermatology. A Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology and one of its official social media ambassadors, Dr. Zubritsky is passionate about debunking skincare myths and educating the public through her digital platforms.
Hadley King, M.D., is a board-certified dermatologist who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology. She is also a Clinical Instructor of Dermatology at the Weill Medical College of Cornell University.
After residency, Dr. King worked as an attending physician at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, during which time she specialized in cutaneous oncology and photodynamic therapy. She also has a background in immunology, and her research has been published in a variety of medical journals, including the Journal of the American Medical Association.
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