14 Best Spray Sunscreens, According to Dermatologists 2024
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Coola Suncare Ocean Salted Sage Scalp & Hair Mist (SPF 30)
Coola also makes a great nonaerosol sunscreen spray that our experts say is ideal for protecting the scalp. Yes, it has the SPF 30 protection from UVA and UVB rays that derms recommend, but it also contains monoi oil, a natural UV hair protector. It nourishes strands like proper hair care, too. According to Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD, the antioxidant-rich formula helps lock in color and strengthen damaged hair. It can also help prevent breakage and boost shine, thanks to panthenol.
Our testers told Glamour the product works especially well on thicker hair, but those with finer hair said it can leave locks a little bit greasy if you’re too heavy-handed. The pros recommend applying the product to your hand for more targeted, controlled application if this is a concern.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocryleneSPF: 30Water-resistant: 80 minutesSize: 2 oz.What we love: Hydrates hair and protects the scalp simultaneously; water-resistant for up to 80 minutesWhat could improve: May be too greasy for finer hair10/18
Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Mist (SPF 50)
When we poll editors and anonymous testers about sunscreen, Supergoop comes up a lot—and unsurprisingly this spray was a favorite when we reviewed the brand’s products. “The Play mist is incredibly easy to apply: Just spray, rub in, and you’re all set,” our tester said. “And thanks to the added citrus oils—lime, lemon, tangerine leaf—it has a zesty scent that is super refreshing, especially on those humid days.”
We like that the formula has a high SPF 50 and is also water-resistant for 80 minutes. On the downside, this can only offers 3 ounces of sun blocker, which is smaller than the average 5-ounce cans.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocryleneSPF: 50Water-resistant: 80 minutesSize: 3 oz.What we love: Great scent; higher SPF; water-resistant for up to 80 minutesWhat could improve: Smaller than most sprays11/18
Vacation Super Spritz Face Mist (SPF 50)
It’s not just the name that makes this sunscreen a great pick for travel; it’s the pint-size 2.2-ounce container that tucks expertly into luggage as small as a personal item. It comes from the trending brand that’s all over TikTok, in some part thanks to the fun, nostalgic branding. But we’re happy to report that our testers think what’s inside the bottle is just as worthy of rave reviews.
The chemical sunscreen touts SPF 50 but also includes skin care ingredients that both acne-prone and sensitive skin types can handle: bisabolol, aloe, cucumber, shea oil, maracuja oil, caffeine, banana, coconut, green tea, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. Users say it sprays on completely clear and dries to a matte finish in mere seconds. “My face was dry just as soon as I sprayed the SPF,” our tester told us. “If not for the incredibly yummy tropical scent it leaves behind, I’d second-guess whether I’d actually put any sunscreen on.” This is a favorite of Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who took it with her to Ecuador last summer. “I knew I need to reapply during my all-day hike in Quilotoa Lake, and this Vacation sunscreen came in handy. I only wish that the spray was less jetlike and more misty so it’s easier to apply,” says Calle.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octocrylene, octisilateSPF: 50Water-resistant: 80 minutesSize: 2.2 oz.What we love: Suitable for all skin types; entirely clear; dries quickly; great scentWhat could improve: Because it dries so fast, you have to be careful not to miss any spots