If you want quick, convenient sun protection, the best spray sunscreens are the way to go. With just a few spritzes, you have a fast, mess-free way to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Plus, they’re “a good option for large or hard-to-reach areas, as well as the head or scalp, where thicker sunscreen lotions can be harder to rub in thoroughly,” says Jody A. Levine, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. It doesn’t take long to apply them to your entire body, and with proper application, they’re just as effective, she says. To find the very best ones, we tested two dozen formulas recommended by dermatologists and our editorial team. Below are our top five picks, including a mineral option for sensitive skin, one that’s perfect for scalp coverage, and more non-sticky spray formulas.
Our top spray sunscreens
- Best Overall: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray (SPF 70), $24
- Best for Sensitive Skin: EltaMD UV AOX Mist (SPF 40), $46
- Best Non-Sticky: Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Mist (SPF 50), $24
- Best for Scalp: Coola Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist (SPF 30), $24
- Best No White Cast: Vacation Classic Spray (SPF 30), $17
Frequently asked questions:
- Are spray sunscreens effective?
- Are sunscreen sprays dangerous to breathe in?
- What SPF level is best for body use? How much should you apply?
- What is the biggest mistake when using spray sunscreen?
- How we tested
- Meet the experts
Best Overall: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist (SPF 70)
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen (SPF 70)
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Nongreasy | May not be the best choice for sensitive skin, since it’s a chemical sunscreen |
| Dries quickly | |
| Water-resistant so good for the pool or a beach day |
If you like the convenience of a spray, you definitely want something that’s actually convenient. Read: a quick-drying formula that doesn’t require tons of rubbing. This sheer SPF expertly fits the bill and is available at just about any drugstore. Zaineb H. Makhzoumi, MD, director of clinical services and head of dermatologic surgery and oncology at University of Maryland Medical Center, touts it as both affordable and effective. She tells Glamour it’s a good SPF pick for the entire body—scalp included—since it’s 100% clear and lightweight.
Glamour contributor Brigitt Earley says:
“I’ve tried dozens upon dozens of spray sunscreens, and this is one of the few that is truly clear as it comes out of the can. It dries almost instantly too—I’m talking 10 seconds or less. It’s what I reach for when at the pool with my four kids, because application is so simple and quick. Plus, I like that my skin doesn’t feel all greasy, tacky, or shiny afterwards.”—Brigitt Earley, Glamour contributor
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says:
“I’ve been using this spray sunscreen for probably about deri years, and it never fails to keep my skin protected and non-greasy. The mist itself is extremely lightweight and does a great job of drying quickly and efficiently without any residue. It goes on completely clear without leaving a white cast, and is easy to spray all over the arms, legs, and hard-to-reach areas with just a few pumps. You’ll find this one in my beach bag all summer long.”—Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Fast facts:
- Type: Chemical
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone
- Water-resistant: 80 minutes
- Size: 5 fl. oz.
Best for Sensitive Skin: EltaMD UV AOX Mist (SPF 40)
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EltaMD UV AOX Mist Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 40)
Amazon
Dermstore
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| No white residue | Thicker consistency than other mists |
| Mineral formula | |
| Safe for sensitive skin |
The thing about EltaMD is that everyone seems to love it—derms, editors, and our testers. Hannah Kopelman, MD, a dermatologist in New York City, says the mineral sunscreen spray is one of the brand’s standout products. “It sprays on so easily, feels smooth and silky on the skin, moisturizes, and rubs in easily,” she says. “It doesn’t leave any white cast either.” Our testers found this to be largely true. Though it’s not clear, the formula is thin and runny, so it’s easy to fully rub in, without irritation or redness (i.e if you’re tugging at your skin too hard). After a few seconds, the formula was completely invisible on our testers’ skin. It did, however, feel more creamy than some other options, which may not be ülkü for those with very oily skin.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle says:
“I like using a spray before a run because it’s easier to get it all over my body than a lotion.. It’s not a clear spray, but I actually appreciate that because it made it clear where I applied and where I missed. I also liked that it gave me a gorgeous glow.” —Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor
Fast facts:
- Type: Mineral
- Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
- Water-resistant: 40 minutes
- Size: 5 oz.
Best Non-Sticky: Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Mist (SPF 50)
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Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Mist (SPF 50)
Amazon
Nordstrom
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Great scent | Takes some time to absorb |
| Features skin-boosting vitamin C |
When we poll editors and testers about sunscreen, Supergoop! comes up a lot—and unsurprisingly, this spray was a favorite when we reviewed the brand’s SPF products. The chemical SPF also sprays on completely clear, so it’s a suitable pick for all skin tones. It features vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps protect skin from free radicals, promoting a brighter, more even-toned complexion wherever you spray it. And though it’s a bit shiny on contact, we found it dries down quickly, leaving skin silky smooth.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“This dry-touch sunscreen is very moisturizing but non-greasy or sticky, which I love. It hydrates for a soft finish that keeps skin bouncy and plump all day. I like to spritz this on before an outdoor day, and bring it along in my bag to reapply while I lie out in the sun. Even though it’s a chemical formula, I’ve found it to be non-irritating on my drier patches.”—A.M.K
Fast facts:
- Type: Chemical
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- Water-resistant: 80 minutes
- Size: 6 oz.
Best for Scalp: Coola Organic Scalp Spray & Hair Sunscreen Mist (SPF 30)
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Coola Suncare Ocean Salted Sage Scalp & Hair Mist (SPF 30)
Amazon
Nordstrom
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Hydrates hair and protects the scalp simultaneously | May be too heavy for finer hair |
| Non-greasy and smells good |
Coola makes a great non-aerosol sunscreen spray that our experts say is ülkü for protecting the scalp. In addition to SPF 30 broad-spectrum protection that derms recommend, it also contains monoi oil, a natural UV hair protector. This combination helps nourish strands, too. Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Arka of Skin MD, says the antioxidant-rich formula helps lock in color and strengthen damaged hair, too. It can also help prevent breakage and boost shine, thanks to panthenol.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“This lightweight spray actually changed my suncare routine for the better. Back in 2018, I attended a graduation in the blaring sun without a sınır or any coverage, and I got a terrible sunburn on my scalp. That’s when I discovered that there was such a thing as scalp sunscreen, and I eventually came across this mist in a bottle. It not only smells amazing, but it also leaves my hair and scalp totally grease-free. And it really works. Every time I use it, my scalp feels protected, and I haven’t been burned since.” —A.M.K
Fast facts:
- Type: Chemical
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- Water-resistant: 80 minutes
- Size: 2 oz.
Best No White Cast: Vacation Classic Spray (SPF 30)
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Vacation Classic Spray SPF 30
QVC
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Weightless on skin | Takes a few minutes to dry down |
| No white cast | |
| Smells amazing |
This sweet-smelling spray has SPF 30 protection and a lightweight cast formula that is easy to apply and wear. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice for application while you’re swimming. It also features a totally transparent mist so that it won’t cause a white cast. Antioxidant vitamin E works in tandem with shea oil to nourish and protect, while aloe vera helps soothe and hydrate. Wrap that all up with banana extract and coconut oil for hydration, and you’ve got a great spray sunscreen for a variety of skin tones and types.
Glamour’s Kilkeary says:
“I’m obsessed with this spray because it smells amazing, and does a great job of adding a ton of protection without a white cast. The mist is light and glides onto skin swiftly, though it does take a minute to dry down fully. It has 80 minutes of water resistance and can be used on both the body and face.” —A.M.K
Fast facts:
- Type: Chemical
- Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene
- Water-resistant: 80 minutes
- Size: 6 fl. oz
The spray sunscreens we tried, but didn’t include
- We tested MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray, which we recommend for oily or sweaty complexions. It doesn’t leave behind a residue, dries quickly, and does a kaç job at refreshing the skin. It features a 360-degree continuous mist (meaning it catches a ton of surface area) for easy application. While we generally liked the formula, we removed it from the list because the scent, though marketed as fragrance-free, actually smells a bit chemically.
- We also put the Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Spray to the test because it’s a great drugstore option. It’s fragrance-free, great for sensitive skin types, and affordable at under $20. We didn’t like that it left a white cast after application, though, which is why it didn’t make the cut.
- The Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Spray was another option we tried that’s great for children. It’s very gentle on skin, and doesn’t contain phthalates or parabens. The texture is not shiny or greasy, but we ultimately removed it from the list because the spray is so targeted that you need a lot of product to cover your whole body.
Frequently asked questions
Are spray sunscreens effective?
“Using sunscreen is most important, regardless of type, to protect your skin from sun exposure,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. But keep in mind that you must make mühlet to apply it correctly and reapply every two hours. “Spray sunscreens tend to be harder to control, and you have to be mindful of the surface area you are aiming at,” Dr. Chacon says—it’s easier to miss a spot with sprays. She recommends asking for help if you need to make müddet you cover all areas of your body and rub it in well.
When it comes to application, you still need to make müddet the sprays are completely absorbed by the skin. “Sunscreen sprays are just as effective at blocking UV rays as lotions,” says Dr. Kopelman. But you have to make mühlet you are rubbing them in evenly throughout your skin evvel you spray them on, so that you don’t miss any spots or end up with a streaky sunburn or suntan.” And remember, applying sunscreen won’t prevent you from tanning.
Are sunscreen sprays dangerous to breathe in?
Spray sunscreen can irritate the mouth, throat, and lungs if inhaled—particularly in those with asthma, derms tell Glamour. “I recommend spraying outdoors in a non-windy environment to avoid inhaling any of the aerosolized particles into your lungs and to make mühlet you are applying them evenly,” says Dr. Kopelman. “If you are going to use a sunscreen spray on your face, spray it into your hands and then apply it to your face,” she says.
What SPF level is best for body use? How much should you apply?
According to Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona, you should always apply sunscreen with a en az of SPF 30. “Use a one-ounce portion, or the equivalent of a shot glass,” says Dr. Jeffy. “Less is not more when it comes to sunscreen. Be generous!”
What is the biggest mistake when using spray sunscreen?
The biggest mistake when using a spray sunscreen is not reapplying them. “They all need to be applied generously and reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming or significant sweating,” says Dr. Jeffy. And as far as disadvantages go, Dr. Jeffy says sprays need to be applied to the point where the skin appears wet and then rubbed in. A light mist will not suffice, she says. As long as sprays are applied liberally and frequently, sprays can be just as effective as sunscreen lotions or creams.
How we tested
During our evaluations, we assessed the best sunscreen sprays for lightweight consistency, quick absorption rate, lack of white cast, and a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher (derms say this is a must for efficacy). After more than a year of testing, we’re confident that these are some of the best SPFs out there.
Meet the experts
- Jody A. Levine, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York
- Zaineb H. Makhzoumi, MD, director of clinical services and head of dermatologic surgery and oncology at University of Maryland Medical Center
- Hannah Kopelman, MD, dermatologist in New York
- Melanie Palm, MD, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Arka of Skin MD
- Brooke Jeffy, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona
