These Face and Body Spray Sunscreens Are So Freaking Easy to Apply (2024)

This Eucerin spray offers SPF 50 protection from UVB and UVA rays while also providing some hydration and antioxidant goodness to your skin. Dermatologist Dornechia George Carter, MD, recommends this chemical sunscreen for those with deeper skin tones who want to avoid a white cast. “It provides excellent protection and looks great after application.”

• Key ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
• Sunscreen type: Chemical
• Protection: SPF 50
• Spray type: Aerosol

THE REVIEW: “I love this product. It’s the only spray sunscreen I’ve ever used that didn’t make me feel greasy,” one reviewer writes. “It makes my skin feel soft. Definitely recommended.”

Neutrogena’s Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray provides water-resistant protection without leaving a white cast, which is why it’s another one of Dr. Carter’s recommendations. Plus, it’s got a high protection of SPF 70.

• Key ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
• Sunscreen Type: Chemical
• Protection: SPF 70
• Spray type: Aerosol

THE REVIEW: “I have vampire skin and need to protect myself from the sun so I don’t burn to ashes. I wanted a sunscreen that could withstand sweat because I like to go on long bike rides during the summer,” one tester writes. “This sunscreen is the only one that would stay put and wouldn’t rub off.”

If you want sunscreen that’ll give you a supermodel glow, let me introduce you to Cay Skin’s hydrating body mist sunscreen. The skincare brand was created by real-life supermodel Winnie Harlow, who wanted an SPF that would protect her skin without leaving a white cast. Not only does this spray contain chemical SPF, it’s also got vitamin C and hyaluronic acid to brighten and moisturize.

• Key ingredients: avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene
• Sunscreen type: Chemical
• Protection: SPF 50
• Spray type: Aerosol

THE REVIEW: “Worth it!! This is the best SPF mist I’ve ever used, no joke. I love the way it feels on my skin and it’s fast drying with no white cast,” writes one tester. “10/10 must have for this summer.”

Black Girl Sunscreen is known for its sunscreen specifically formulated for deep skin tones, meaning it won’t leave a white cast and blends in like a dream. The brand finally released its cult-favorite formula in a spray, which comes in a convenient travel-friendly size you can take anywhere.

• Key ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
• Sunscreen type: Chemical
• Protection: SPF 30
  
• Spray type: Aerosol

THE REVIEW: “This SPF spray is light and makes my skin glow all day,” writes one reviewer. “Convenient smaller size that I can stick in my beach bag or purse, love the continuous spray. Definitely will buy this again and again.”

Yes, sunscreen is great, but you know what would make it even greater, IMO? Sparkles. And lots of ‘em. Coppertone’s Shimmering Sunscreen combines sun protection with illuminating shimmer, so you don’t have to worry about layering any other products over your sunscreen in pursuit of the perfect summer glow.

• Key ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
• Sunscreen type: Chemical
• Protection: SPF 50
• Spray type: Aerosol

THE REVIEW: “LOVE this,” writes one reviewer. “I no longer forget to put on sunscreen as this is part of my new routine. Love the shimmer (much more than anticipated), especially on my arms and legs.”

You know that greasy, slimy feeling that a lot of sunscreens leave behind? With this spray sunscreen, you actually don’t have to worry about that. The lightweight formula dries down to a sheer, matte-ish finish, which means you won’t feel sticky and gross right after you apply. But don’t worry—it’s not drying. The blend of oils (buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and raspberry seed oil) will keep you moisturized.

• Key ingredients: zinc oxide
• Sunscreen type: Mineral
• Protection: SPF 50
• Spray type: Aerosol

THE REVIEW: “I’ve tried a couple different mineral sunscreens and this is by far my favorite one,” one tester writes. “Any mineral sunscreen is going to be hard to spread, but this is the easiest I’ve found.”

Beauty products for sensitive skin are kind of like a minefield—you never know what’s going to set your skin off. This spray sunscreen is a pretty safe bet, though. It’s formulated with botanical ingredients, like chamomile and aloe.

• Key ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene, octyl salicylate
• Sunscreen type: Chemical
• Protection: SPF 50
• Spray type: Aerosol

THE REVIEW: "I have tried every spray-on sunscreen brand out there, however, I have very sensitive skin and would develop a minor rash," writes one tester, adding, "Alba Botanica protects against sun damage, is easy to use, and does not cause any rashes."

If your skin is hella reactive, this spray sunscreen is basically made for you. There’s no oxybenzone (or gluten, soy, dairy, or nuts) in this super-gentle formula, so it protects against those UVA/UVB rays without irritating your skin or causing irritation.

• Key ingredients: zinc oxide
• Sunscreen type: Mineral
• Protection: SPF 30
• Spray type: Aerosol

THE REVIEW: "I've never liked using sunscreens under makeup or applying it just to go out for a walk, but this is light enough that the skin can still breathe and I forget I am wearing it almost immediately," reads one tester's review.

Obviously, sunscreen is the number one anti-aging product, but this spray sunscreen also has other MVP ingredients that help the cause. It’s filled with vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps fight free radical damage that can speed up the aging process.

• Key ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
• Sunscreen type: Chemical
• Protection: SPF 50
• Spray type: Non-aerosol
  

THE REVIEWS: "Best ever! This is the easiest SPF application, and I only use this on my face," writes one tester. "It keeps skin moisturized and glowing all day," writes another.

You can go ahead and spritz on this spray sunscreen without worrying your conscience. Not only is it a cruelty-free product, but it’s also vegan and a reef-safe sunscreen, all while giving you non-sticky UVA/UVB protection. A true winner.

• Key ingredients: avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
• Sunscreen type: Chemical
• Protection: SPF 50
• Spray type: Aerosol

THE REVIEWS: "I just spent a week at the beach and didn't burn a drop—other sunscreens be damned!" writes one reviewer.

IMO, the best thing about this SPF is that it won’t leave you feeling greasy. The formula has a lightweight matte finish, and it’s also packed with moisturizing ingredients—so it'll help keep your makeup from melting without feeling tight or dry.

Just remember that any spray (whether a sunscreen spray or a setting spray with SPF) cannot and will not protect you as well as traditional lotion sunscreens . “I wouldn’t depend upon it to be your sunscreen,” Dr. Carter warns. It's impossible to spray on the amount needed—and gauge how much you're even spraying on—to be adequately protected from UVA and UVB rays.

• Key ingredients: avobenzone, homozalate, octisalate, octocrylene
• Sunscreen type: Chemical
• Protection: SPF 45
• Spray type: Non-aerosol

THE REVIEW: "This mist controls oiliness and has SPF 45; it doesn't mess up my makeup and it gives me a matte finish," writes one tester.

This air-powered (no aerosol!) mist is gentle on the skin and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It goes on white so you'll never miss a spot, and dries down quickly without leaving an oily residue.

• Key ingredients: zinc oxide
• Sunscreen Type: Mineral
• Protection: SPF 30
• Spray type: Non-aerosol

THE REVIEWS: "This has a chemical-free, mineral base and it works great; it's such a great product and stays on," one tester writes.

If you’re someone who is a liiitle impatient (cough, cough me), this quick-dry spray sunscreen will have you ready to take on the heat ASAP. The best part? It won’t sting your sensitive skin, and it’s lightweight, so you won’t feel greasy!

• Key ingredients: avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene
• Sunscreen Type: Chemical
• Protection: SPF 40
• Spray type: Non-aerosol

THE REVIEWS: "This stuff is absolutely worth it if you're like me and hate the greasy slimy feel of other sunscreens and don't want to continually re-apply," one tester writes. "Even the sand didn't stick to me!"

There's definitely some speculation and fear-mongering claims floating around the Internet regarding the safety of spray sunscreen, but Dr. Gohara says, generally speaking, spray sunscreen is safe. The FDA hasn’t officially made any claims about whether or not spray sunscreen is dangerous, although it is worth noting that it can cause potential lung irritation or problems for those with asthma, Dr. Chiu explains. But the fact of the matter is, as long as you’re being smart when applying it (i.e., eyes closed, breath held, spraying outside or in a well-ventilated area, and avoiding direct inhalation), you should be fine.

Another hesitation about purchasing a spray sunscreen? "Often, they're given a bad name because some aerosols can have a negative impact on the environment," Dr. Gohara says. You'll be pleased to know that there are a ton of sunscreen mists that don’t contain aerosol, and, yes, we've included them.

Spray sunscreen is effective, but only if you use the recommended amount of sunscreen—one full teaspoon for each arm and leg—which can be difficult to gauge when spraying your body with a fine mist. To that end, Dr. Carter cautions against the “sunscreen cloud” trend of simply spraying a gentle mist of sunscreen around your body and hoping it falls evenly on your skin. “To get the best efficacy out of a spray sunscreen, you want to spray until a sheen is visible on the skin, then rub it in and allow it to dry,” Dr. Carter says.

If you do have access to traditional lotion sunscreens, Dr. Carter suggests relying on them as your main protection and only using a spray sunscreen for touch-ups. And remember: “Everyone should reapply their sunscreen every 90-120 minutes, particularly when profusely sweating or swimming,” she says.

Yes, spray sunscreen can be good for your facial skin (provided you patch-test first for allergies and irritation), especially if you choose a formula with added skincare benefits. Not only that, but sunscreen in all forms will help protect your face against premature aging, skin damage, and skin cancer. "Your face captures over 50% of your daily sun exposure, and it doesn’t forget it," says Marmur, which is why it's so important to diligently use an SPF of at least 30 every single day.

As for whether or not spray sunscreen is safe to spray on your face, the answer is yes, with one obvious caveat: It can sting your eyes and potentially irritate your throat and lungs if you're not careful when applying (i.e., if you inhale the formula with your eyes wide open while spraying it on). Still, if the risk concerns you, Dr. Carter recommends applying a “generous and visible amount” to your hands and then applying to your face to reduce the risk of lung irritation—and to get a better idea of how much you’re actually using.

Determine your sunscreen formula preference: mineral or chemical?

There isn’t a ton of difference in function between chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens. Both will protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, and both can provide high SPF protection regardless of your skin tone—the only difference is how. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide, which essentially sit on your skin like a shield to reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, however, use ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate, which absorb UV rays, convert them to heat, then scatter and diffuse them. Chemical sunscreens are sometimes favored over mineral formulas because they’re less likely to leave a white cast, while mineral sunscreens are often gentler on sensitive skin. Still, there’s no right or wrong formula: The best spray sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use every single day.

Know your skin type

If you've ~practically perfected~ your skincare routine and you're worried that adding spray sunscreen to the mix might cause breakouts, irritation, or a white cast, totally feel you. Our list features several innovative formulas that are lightweight, fast-absorbing, and contain good-for-your-skin ingredients. We selected spray sunscreens for every skin type and concern—from oily and acne-prone, to dry and aging.

SPF 30 or more

The absolute bare minimum SPF you need is SPF 30, Dr. Gohara says. Any SPF less than that? Consider it a no-go. “Have a few that you like for when you're participating in different activities, or dependent on the weather,” says Dr. Marmur.

• Dornechia George Carter, MD is a board-certified dermatologist based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas. As the founder of Affinity Dermatology, she specializes in preventative skincare and the treatment of common skin conditions, like sun damage, acne, and eczema.
• Annie Chiu, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of The Derm Institute in Manhattan Beach, CA. Dr. Chiu specializes in non-invasive cosmetic dermatology and aesthetics.
• Ellen Marmur, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of MM Skincare and Marmur Medical in New York, NY. Her expertise includes skin cancer diagnosis and surgery, Mohs surgery, reconstructive surgery, women’s health dermatology, cosmetic surgery, and aesthetic procedures.
• Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Physicians in Hamden, CT. Dr. Gohara currently teaches at Yale and is the president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society. Her areas of expertise include medical and surgical dermatology and skin of color.

Olivia Truffaut-Wong is an editor at Cosmo with 10 years of experience writing about culture and beauty. She’s covered everything from the best volumizing hair products to the best eyelash curlers. Her spray sunscreen pics were based on the many bottles bought and tested over the years, as well as research from reviews and interviews with experts.

Siena Gagliano is an associate editor at Cosmopolitan and has three years of experience writing about beauty, fashion, and lifestyle news. She’s an expert at researching and writing skincare stories, like the differences between mineral vs. chemical sunscreen and the best clear sunscreens, and feels especially knowledgeable in spray sunscreen thanks to being a beauty editor and therefore an advocate for SPF. She regularly tests and analyzes spray sunscreen on her own skin for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists to assess new formulas and products.

Hanna Flanagan is the associate shopping editor at Cosmopolitan with four years of experience researching, writing, and editing stories such as the best beach hats for sun protection. Her spray sunscreen picks were based on product reviews, ratings, and personal testing, along with information from experts.