Looking for a convenient way to shield your skin from the sun’s rays? Discover the best spray sunscreens that offer quick and effective sun protection. Perfect for on-the-go, these sprays deliver a refreshing burst of SPF while ensuring you stay protected from harmful UV rays. Explore our top picks for easy, hassle-free sun care.
11 Best Spray Sunscreens for Quick and Effective Sun Protection
Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on May 24, 2024
Sun protection is key to maintaining healthy skin and preventing sun-related damage. Among the myriad options available, spray sunscreens offer a quick, convenient, and effective way to shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Ideal for outdoor adventures, from beach days to hiking trips, spray sunscreens provide even coverage and ease of application, making them a favorite among skincare enthusiasts of all ages.
Whether you prefer drugstore options or high-end mineral formulations, spray sunscreens save time with their easy application and reapplication every two hours. These sprays are lightweight, non-greasy, and often enriched with essential minerals and natural ingredients to keep your skin hydrated and supple.
After thorough research, we’ve curated a list of top-rated spray sunscreens to help you make an informed choice for your sun protection needs.
Our Top Picks
Sun Bum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Price on Amazon
Sun Bum’s Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray combines SPF 50 with skin-loving ingredients for excellent sun protection. It’s free from octinoxate and oxybenzone, making it ideal for summer adventures. This water-resistant and oil-free formula ensures safe and effective sun care.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate
- Skin Type: All
- Size: 6 oz
- Pros: Vegan, gluten-free, cruelty-free, easy application, dermatologically tested, non-comedogenic
- Cons: Fragile sprayer
Best Breathable Formula
Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray
Price on Amazon
Banana Boat’s Sport Ultra SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray is praised for its lightweight, breathable formula that’s perfect for active lifestyles. It offers superior endurance against sweat and water without leaving a greasy residue.
- Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.0%, homosalate 6.0%, octocrylene 6.0%
- Skin Type: All
- Size: 6 oz each
- Pros: Pack of 2, long-lasting, water-resistant, oxybenzone-free, pleasant scent
- Cons: Not reef-friendly
Best Oil-Free Sunscreen
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen
Price on Amazon
Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen features SPF 70 and Dry-Touch technology, offering lightweight and quick-absorbing protection. It’s non-comedogenic and ideal for those who want to avoid greasy residues.
- Key Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 15%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 10%
- Skin Type: All
- Size: 5 oz each
- Pros: Unscented, oil-free, mess-free, water-resistant for 60 minutes, dermatologist-recommended
- Cons: Unsatisfactory packaging
Most Cost-Effective
Coppertone Sport 100 4-in-1 Performance Sunscreen Spray
Price on Amazon
Coppertone’s Sport 100 Sunscreen Spray offers maximum sun protection with SPF 100. It’s resistant to sweat, heat, and water, making it perfect for intense activities. Its weightless, non-greasy formula provides excellent value.
- Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octosalate, octocrylene
- Skin Type: All
- Size: 5.5 oz
- Pros: Cost-effective, hassle-free sprayer, water-resistant up to 80 minutes, moisturizes skin, dye-free
- Cons: May peel off
Best Lotion-Like Texture
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Spray Lotion Sunscreen
Price on Amazon
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Spray Lotion Sunscreen offers SPF 60 and broad-spectrum protection with a lotion-like texture. Enriched with Cell-Ox Shield antioxidant technology, it provides lasting comfort and non-greasy finish.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, glycerin, dimethicone, La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water
- Skin Type: All
- Size: 5 oz
- Pros: Oil-free, non-comedogenic, allergy-tested, fragrance-free, water-resistant, suitable for sensitive skin
- Cons: Slightly thick texture
Best Hypoallergenic Formula
Coola Classic Sunscreen Spray
Price on Amazon
Coola’s Classic Sunscreen Spray features broad-spectrum SPF 30 and a blend of organic ingredients. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and ultra-lightweight, providing hydration with a tropical scent.
- Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene
- Skin Type: All
- Size: 6 oz
- Pros: Gluten-free, vegan, paraben-free, reef-friendly, hypoallergenic
- Cons: Scent may not appeal to all
Most Moisturizing
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Clear Spray Sunscreen
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Hawaiian Tropic’s Silk Hydration Clear Spray Sunscreen offers up to 12 hours of moisturization with SPF 15. Its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula provides excellent hydration without leaving a residue.
- Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octosalate, octocrylene
- Skin Type: Not specified
- Size: 6 oz
- Pros: Oxybenzone-free, pack of 2, light tropical scent, dermatologist-tested, mess-free
- Cons: Prone to leakage
Best Smooth Finish
Bare Republic Clearscreen
Price on Amazon
Bare Republic’s Clearscreen offers high-performance sun protection with a transparent finish. Its non-greasy texture and antioxidant properties make it a standout choice, free from synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals.
- Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octosalate, octocrylene, Vitamin E, raspberry
- Skin Type: Not specified
- Size: 6 oz
- Pros: Cruelty-free, water-resistant, pack of 2, paraben-free, dermatologist-tested, invisible finish
- Cons: Slightly pricey
Best Non-Sticky Texture
EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Price on Amazon
EltaMD’s UV AOX Mist offers broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection with a non-sticky finish. It’s suitable for both face and body, and provides excellent coverage without clogging pores.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamins C and E, aloe vera, coconut, glycerin, zinc oxide
- Skin Type: All
- Size: 5 oz
- Pros: Non-sticky, doesn’t clog pores, travel-friendly, unscented, excellent coverage
- Cons: Leaves a white cast
Best for Sheer Protection
MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40
Price on Amazon
MDSolarSciences’ Quick Dry Body Spray features a non-aerosol 360-degree spray for even application. Dermatologist-developed, it offers vegan, hypoallergenic, and lightweight protection against UV rays and free radicals.
- Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, octosalate, octocrylene
- Skin Type: All
- Size: 6 oz
- Pros: Vegan, non-sticky, sustainable packaging, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, cruelty-free
- Cons: Prone to leakage
Supergoop! Play Antioxidant Body Mist
Price on Amazon
Supergoop!’s Play Antioxidant Body Mist provides SPF 30 protection with a non-aerosol, air-powered application. Its non-greasy, quick-absorbing formula hydrates skin and is resistant to sweat and water.
- Key Ingredients: Vitamin C, avobenzone, homosalate, octosalate, octocrylene
- Skin Type: Dry
- Size: 6 oz
- Pros: Vegan, hydrates skin, non-greasy, absorbs easily
- Cons: Fragile sprayer
How to Choose the Best Sunscreen Spray
1. Skin Type: Select a sunscreen that matches your skin type. For oily skin, opt for oil-free, non-comedogenic formulas. For dry skin, choose hydrating or moisturizing options.
2. Ingredients: Check for key ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in mineral sunscreens, or oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone in chemical sunscreens. Look for added antioxidants and natural ingredients for added benefits.
3. SPF Level: Higher SPF levels provide more protection. Choose SPF 40, 50, or even 100 for extended sun exposure, and SPF 15-35 for moderate protection.
4. Formula: Opt for water-resistant, non-greasy, and quick-absorbing formulas for ease of use and effective protection.
5. Additional Features: Consider factors such as fragrance, hydration, and whether the sunscreen dries invisibly.
Tips for Using Spray Sunscreen
- Avoid spraying directly on your face. Instead, spray into your hands and apply.
- Protect your lungs by avoiding excessive inhalation of the spray.
- For children, spray sunscreen into your hands and then apply to their skin.
- Hold the
