<p>Spray sunscreens also absorb way faster than other forms of sunscreen, adds dermatologist <a href=”https://www.laserskinsurgery.com/meet-the-doctors/dr-blair-murphy-rose/” target=”_blank”>Blair Murphy-Rose, MD</a>. They’re still made with <a href=”https://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/g43517827/best-mineral-sunscreens/” target=”_blank”>mineral</a> or chemical filters, says dermatologist <a href=”https://www.mdcsnyc.com/provider/marisa-k-garshick-md” target=”_blank”>Marisa Garshick, MD</a>, so even though they feel really lightweight, spray sunscreens still use active ingredients to protect your skin from UV radiation. They’re just as effective in helping to reduce your risk of sunburn and skin cancers as other sunscreen formulations, adds Dr. Murphy-Rose.</p><p>Ahead, check out the best spray sunscreens, loved and tested by dermatologists.</p>” />
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1
Best Organization-Recommended Sunscreen Spray
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Spray Lotion Sunscreen

1
Best Organization-Recommended Sunscreen Spray
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Spray Lotion Sunscreen
This spray, recommended by not only the Skin Cancer Foundation, but also Dr. Garshick and Dr. Camp, applies as a visible lotion, but absorbs very easily. Plus, “It has a 360-degree spray making it easy to use and great for someone doing outdoor activities,” Dr. Garshick says.
Its SPF level is 60, and Dr. Camp says that the thermal spring water offers the added benefit of antioxidant protection.
2
Highest-Rated Spray Sunscreen From Amazon
Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray

2
Highest-Rated Spray Sunscreen From Amazon
Sun Bum Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray
This formula, recommended by Dr. Garshick, is ultra-sheer and absorbs extremely quickly, so it won’t leave any greasy residue behind. “It also contains vitamin E to help protect against free radical damage and is oil-free and cruelty-free,” she says.
Need more proof that this is a dang good sunscreen? Take a look through its over 17,000 five-star ratings on Amazon. Customers adore the lightweight formula.
3
Best Spray Sunscreen For The Face Over Makeup
EltaMD UV AOX Mist

3
Best Spray Sunscreen For The Face Over Makeup
EltaMD UV AOX Mist
Both Dr. Garshick and Dr. Camp recommend this spray sunscreen from EltaMD. With a sheer finish, the lightweight spray will leave your skin feeling hydrated, but not greasy, Dr. Garshick says. “It has a white-to-clear technology that makes it easy to see how much you’re applying but then absorbs easily without a white cast,” she adds.
In addition to zinc, Dr. Camp loves that the sheer formula contains Vitamins C and E to provide antioxidant protection.
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4
Best Water-Resistant Spray Sunscreen
Supergoop! Play Antioxidant Body Mist

4
Best Water-Resistant Spray Sunscreen
Supergoop! Play Antioxidant Body Mist
“This non-aerosol spray is both sweat- and water-resistant, making it a great option for someone who is active,” Dr. Garshick says. Plus, the vitamin C leaves your skin looking radiant, she adds.
Camp also recommends it—she loves that it’s made without chemical propellants.
5
Best Spray Sunscreen For A Glow
Black Girl Sunscreen Continuous Sunscreen Spray

5
Best Spray Sunscreen For A Glow
Black Girl Sunscreen Continuous Sunscreen Spray
This water-resistant sunscreen is made with chemical active ingredients (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene) that Dr. Camp recommends looking for in a sunscreen. Plus, it has glycerin, a hydrating ingredient that Dr. Garshick recommends.
Reviewers love it, with one customer even saying it’s the “holy grail.”
6
Best Spray Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray

6
Best Spray Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray
This spray from Neutrogena is high AF in SPF and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a prime beach sunscreen. Plus, it’s oil-free and has over 5,000 Amazon ratings, with an average of 4.7 stars. Reviewers with sensitive skin love that it protects their skin from the sun without irritating it or making them break out.
“This sunscreen uses Helioplex technology to protect the skin against UVA and UVB, this is especially great for beach days,” says Dr. Garshick. “It is lightweight and absorbs easily.”
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7
Fastest-Drying Spray Sunscreen
MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray

7
Fastest-Drying Spray Sunscreen
MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray
This spray comes at the rec of Dr. Garshick. Not only is it lightweight and fast-absorbing—hence its name, but she loves that this spray also contains antioxidants to help protect against free radical damage.
The rave reviews can’t stop rolling in on this product. People say the coverage is fantastic, that it really does dry quickly, and feels high-quality.
8
Best Editor-Approved Spray Sunscreen
Soleil Toujours Antioxidant Sunscreen Mist

8
Best Editor-Approved Spray Sunscreen
Soleil Toujours Antioxidant Sunscreen Mist
Women’s Health senior commerce editor Neha Tandon is a big fan of this mist. It has chemical ingredients that our experts recommend looking for in a ‘screen: avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate.
“I love the lightweight feel of this and that it has vitamin C in it, so I feel like I’m actually getting skincare out of my sun care,” says Tandon. “The vegan, cruelty-free formula is a huge bonus for me, too.”
9
Best Eco-Friendly Spray Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Spray

9
Best Eco-Friendly Spray Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Spray
Both Dr. Garshick and Dr. Murphy-Rose recommend this Blue Lizard spray. “This fragrance-free spray is especially good for those with sensitive skin,” Dr. Garshick explains. “It contains zinc oxide, providing protection against UVA and UVB and is also water-resistant.”
This is our fave pic for the best eco-friendly spray sunscreen—it’s made with an earth-friendly propellant, which basically means it has a low global warming potential.
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10
Best Spray Sunscreen With Plant-Based Ingredients
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen

10
Best Spray Sunscreen With Plant-Based Ingredients
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen
Now 14% Off
This mineral sunscreen will protect your skin with zinc oxide (a clarifying ingredient derms love) and nourishing sunflower oil. It’s also water-resistant and made with 13 (!!!) natural, plant-based ingredients.
Amazon reviewers adore it because it has wide spray nozel to make application easy, doesn’t feel greasy on the skin, and really protects your skin from getting burnt.
11
Best Scalp And Hair Spray Sunscreen
Sun Bum Protecting Scalp & Hair Mist

11
Best Scalp And Hair Spray Sunscreen
Sun Bum Protecting Scalp & Hair Mist
“The scalp is an area that can easily be overlooked when applying sunscreen,” says Dr. Camp. “This product is designed to make it easy to protect scalp skin from burns.”
With SPF 30, reviewers say this doesn’t weigh hair down, isn’t greasy, and works for all hair types. The coconut smell is *amazing* and really protects scalps from getting burnt.
12
Best Dermatologist-Created Spray Sunscreen
Eucerin Advanced Hydration Sunscreen Spray

12
Best Dermatologist-Created Spray Sunscreen
Eucerin Advanced Hydration Sunscreen Spray
“Containing hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen helps to protect the skin while also boosting moisture,” says Dr. Garshick. “Also formulated with antioxidants, it won’t leave the skin feeling greasy.”
This non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic spray is great for all skin types, she adds, and it was developed by dermatologists, per the website, so you know it’s a solid pick.
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13
Best Spray Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Banana Boat Sensitive Sunscreen Spray

13
Best Spray Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
Banana Boat Sensitive Sunscreen Spray
This hypoallergenic zinc mineral sunscreen is great for its gentle feel, say reviewers on Amazon. It’s unscented, doesn’t feel greasy, and reviewers with eczema absolutely love it.
With an SPF of 50, it’ll protect you from both UVA and UVB rays, and it’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes—that makes it the perfect sunscreen whether you’re sitting by the pool or sweating it out on the pickleball court.
14
Best Family Spray Sunscreen
Thinksport Kids All Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray

14
Best Family Spray Sunscreen
Thinksport Kids All Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray
Now 17% Off
“This sunscreen, safe for the whole family, contains zinc oxide and is a great option for all but especially for those who are active and spend a lot of time outdoors,” Dr. Garshick says. Plus, it’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
This mineral spray has an SPF of 50, so it’s sure to keep your skin protected.
15
Best Celebrity-Loved Spray Sunscreen
Coola Mineral Sunscreen Spray

15
Best Celebrity-Loved Spray Sunscreen
Coola Mineral Sunscreen Spray
ICYMI, Alicia Silverstone loves COOLA Sunscreen. And, so does Dr. Murphy-Rose—you love to see it.
This reef-safe mineral spray is made with zinc oxide, an active ingredient that Dr. Garshick loves. But, it’s also chemical-free and has a sheer application, giving skin a matte look. Amazon reviewers love the non-greasy formula and high-quality ingredients in it.
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16
Most Travel-Friendly Spray Sunscreen
BeautyCounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist

16
Most Travel-Friendly Spray Sunscreen
BeautyCounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist
BeautyCounter’s Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist is a total rockstar, per Dr. Camp’s recommendation. “Continuous mist application makes using this SPF 30 mineral sunscreen easy and efficient,” he says.
This zinc oxide sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and while it does spray on white, it quickly dries into your skin.
17
Best Gentle Spray Sunscreen
Black Girl Sunscreen Kids Spray & Play Continuous Sunscreen Spray

17
Best Gentle Spray Sunscreen
Black Girl Sunscreen Kids Spray & Play Continuous Sunscreen Spray
This affordable sunscreen provides protection to any and all of your little ones. It’s reef-safe and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so the SPF 50 formula will last a while before kids need to reapply.
The active ingredients (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene) are those you’d see in chemical sunscreens, which Dr. Camp recommends. It also has chamomile to fight inflammation and carrot seed oil with vitamins A and E.
How Our Team Chose The Best Spray Sunscreens

For the past five years, Women’s Health editors, including our editorial assistant Addison Aloian and senior commerce editor Neha Tandon tested the bestselling, most popular, and top-rated spray sunscreens. Our team consulted dermatologists Dr. Brendan Camp, Dr. Marissa Garshick, and Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose and then evaluated thousands of customer reviews and ratings to narrow down the best 17 items for a wide range of skincare needs and preferences.
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Do dermatologists recommend spray sunscreens?

Yup. “They offer a convenient option for people who are on-the-go,” says Dr. Garshick. Plus, Dr. Murphy-Rose points out that you may especially want a spray sunscreen for hard-to-reach areas such as the part of your hair or scalp.
Just make sure it follows this criteria of the American Academy of Dermatology, per Dr. Camp:
- has a minimum SPF of 30
- offers broad spectrum coverage
- is water-resistant
Is spray sunscreen as effective as other types?

Sprays are aerosolized products, unlike lotions or powders, says Dr. Camp. For that reason, it may be more difficult to see how much spray sunscreen you’re actually applying and whether it’s rubbed in before perhaps being blown away by the wind.
Just be sure you’re getting enough product into your skin—just as much as you would with any lotion.
Addison Aloian (she/her) is an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. When she’s not writing about all things pop culture, health, beauty, and fashion, she loves hitting leg day at the gym, shopping at Trader Joe’s, and watching whichever hockey game is on TV. Her work has also appeared in Allure, StyleCaster, L’Officiel USA, V Magazine, and Modern Luxury Media.
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