14 Best Spray Sunscreens We Tested 2025, Dermatologist-Approved
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When it comes to protecting your skin from the sunâs harmful rays, convenience is keyâand thatâs exactly what the best spray sunscreens bring to the table. Gone are the days of greasy hands and uneven coverage. With just a quick mist, you have a fast, mess-free way to shield your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
âSprays can be 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 evenly and thoroughly,â says Jody A. Levine, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. It doesnât take long to apply them to your entire body, and with proper application, theyâre just as effective as sunscreen lotions, she says.
To help you find the best ones, we tested nearly two dozen formulas recommended by both dermatologists and our expert editorial team. During our evaluations, we assessed each one for the most important attributes in a great sun blocker: lightweight consistency, quick absorption rate, no presence of a white cast, and broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher (derms say this is a must for efficacy!). After more than a year, weâre confident that these are some of the best SPFs out there.
The best spray sunscreens, at a glanceBest Overall: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist, $27Best With SPF 50: Supergoop! Play Antioxidant Body Mist, $24Best Hydrating: Eucerin Advanced Hydration Sunscreen Spray (SPF 30), $13Best Mineral Sunscreen: EltaMD UV AOX Mist, $46Best for Oily Skin: Vacation Super Spritz Face Mist, $23Best Overall: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body MistOriginal photo from Brigett Earley testing Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen (SPF 70)
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen (SPF 70)
If you want the convenience of a spray, you definitely want something thatâs actually convenient. Read âa quick-drying formula that doesnât require tons of rubbing.â 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 itâs a good SPF pick for the entire bodyâscalp includedâsince itâs 100% clear and lightweight.
Iâve 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 tooâIâm talking 10 seconds or less. Itâs 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 doesnât feel all greasy, tacky, or shiny afterwards.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone / SPF: 70 / Water-resistant: 80 minutes / Size: 5 oz.
What we love: Nongreasy; dries quickly; water-resistant for up to 80 minutesWhat could improve: May not be the best choice for sensitive skin, since itâs a chemical sunscreenBest Drugstore: Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Spray2/14
Sun Bum Mineral Sunscreen Spray (SPF 30 or 50)
âThis mineral-based formula is affordable and very moisturizing, and doesnât leave your skin feeling dry or irritated,â says Hannah Kopelman, MD, a dermatologist in New York. âItâs also fragrance-free, making it a suitable choice for sensitive skin types.â
Like other mineral-based sprays, we found, this does come out white, but it has a milky consistency thatâs easy to rub in. It may leave a slight white cast on darker skin tones, but I was able to easily rub things fully into my fair to medium skin. I found it to be one of the more hydrating options, too, thanks to ingredients like glycerin, sunflower oil, jojoba, and bisabolol.
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 30 or 50 / Water-resistant: 80 minutes / Size: 6 oz.
What we love: Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes; slightly larger size than most spraysWhat could improve: May leave some white castBest Mineral Sunscreen: EltaMD UV AOX Mist3/14
EltaMD UV AOX Mist Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 40)
The thing about EltaMD is that everyone seems to love itâderms, editors, and our testers. Dr. Kopelman says the mineral sunscreen spray is one of the brandâs standout products, calling attention to the fact that itâs a 100%-mineral-based formula with zinc oxide. âIt sprays on so easily, feels smooth and silky on the skin, is moisturizing, is lightweight, and rubs in easily,â she says. âIt doesnât leave any white cast either.â
Testers found this to be largely true. Though itâs not clear, the formula is thin and runny, so itâs easy to rub in. After a few seconds the formula was completely invisible on my skin. It did, however, feel greasier and looked shinier than some other options, which may not be ideal for those with oily skin.
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide / SPF: 40 / Water-resistant: 40 minutes / Size: 5 oz.
What we love: No white residue; mineral formula; water-resistant for up to 40 minutesWhat could improve: The finish is a bit greasyBest for Face: Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Spray4/14
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Spray (SPF 40)
Yes, itâs on the pricier side, but think of this spray sunscreenâsuitable for both face and bodyâas an addition to your skin care routine. The ingredient list doesnât just count UV blockers, but also contains a number of antioxidant-rich botanicals like green tea and licorice root extract that help prevent damage from other environmental aggressors. Itâs also oil-free for acne-prone skin.
In tests we found the sprayer a bit finicky, but what comes out is even and completely clear and dries to a sheer, matte finish. Because of this, I found this face sunscreen to be an excellent choice for daily application over makeup.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 40 / Water-resistant: 80 minutes / Size: 5 oz.
What we love: Skin-care-worthy ingredients; completely clear; great over makeupWhat could improve: Pump occasionally clogsBest for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Spray5/14
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Spray (SPF 50)
When shopping for sunscreen for sensitive skin, youâll find dermatologists often recommend Blue Lizard, because âitâs mineral-based and fragrance-free, and doesnât contain any phthalates and parabens,â says Dr. Kopelman. âItâs a great sunscreen for both kids and adults.â
Though in previous tests we found the formula to be a bit goopy and white for a spray, the brand recently underwent an impressive rebrand and reformulation. The new spray is superfine and sprays evenly for targeted application. And though it looks white at first, it instantly begins to melt into skin, drying completely clear. Itâs not at all shiny, greasy, or sticky. We also like that it contains aloe to help soothe sun-parched skin.
Active ingredient: Zinc oxide/ SPF: 50+ / Water-resistant: 80 minutes / Size: 5 oz.
What we love: Mineral formula; safe for sensitive skin; water-resistant for up to 80 minutes; cooling on contactWhat could improve: Spray is so targeted that you need a lot to cover your whole bodyBest for Acne-Prone Skin: Seaweed Bath Co. Clear Moisture Mineral Sunscreen Spray6/14
Seaweed Bath Co. Clear Moisture Mineral Sunscreen Spray (SPF 30)
It may be a mineral sunscreen, but this SPF stays true to its name by drying completely clear. Initially, the formula is a milky ivory color, but less than 30 seconds of rubbing helps it absorb fullyâwithout any white cast.
The nonaerosol spray is suitable for all skin typesâeven the more sensitive or acne-proneâand we like that it contains good-for-skin ingredients suchas algae, coconut, and hyaluronic acid to hydrate skin while protecting it. I was also impressed by the dreamy tropical scent. Itâs like nothing Iâve tried beforeâa subtle combo of coconut and citrus that really lingers.
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide / SPF: 30 / Water-resistant: 80 minutes / Size: 6 oz.
What we love: Suitable for all skin types; entirely clear; dries quickly; great scentWhat could improve: Feels slightly greasy at firstBest for Scalp: Coola Suncare Scalp & Hair MistOriginal photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Coola Suncare Ocean Salted Sage Scalp & Hair Mist (SPF 30)
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Coola Suncare Ocean Salted Sage Scalp & Hair Mist (SPF 30)
Coola 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 shopping editors love it too. âThis lightweight spray actually changed my sunscreen routine for the better. Back in 2018, I attended a graduation in the blaring Washington, DC, sun without a hat on or any coverage, and I got terrible sunburn on my scalp. Thatâs when I discovered that there was such a thing as scalp sunscreen, and I eventually came across this mist in a bottle,â says Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary. âIt 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 havenât been burned since.â
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 30 / Water-resistant: 80 minutes / Size: 2 oz.
What we love: Hydrates hair and protects the scalp simultaneously; water-resistant for up to 80 minutesWhat could improve: May be too heavy for finer hairBest for Oily Skin: Vacation Super Spritz Face MistOriginal photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Vacation Super Spritz Face Mist (SPF 50)
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Vacation Super Spritz Face Mist (SPF 50)
This chemical sunscreen, from a TikTok-viral brand, touts SPF 50 but also includes tons of skin care ingredients that both acne-prone skin 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. Itâs favorite of Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who took it with her on a recent trip to South America. âI tucked this sunscreen spray in my fanny pack during my hike at Quilotoa Lake in Ecuador for reapplication throughout the day, and loved it. I have combination, oily skin and this sunscreen worked perfectly to hydrate and protect. I only wish that the spray was less jetlike and more misty so it would be easier to apply,â she says. All in all, itâs a great combination sunscreen thatâs portable and easy to reapply.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octocrylene, octisilate / SPF: 50 / Water-resistant: 80 minutes / Size: 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 spotsBest for Kids: Banana Boat Sport 360 Coverage Sunscreen Spray9/14
Banana Boat Sport 360 Coverage Sunscreen Spray (SPF 50)
We love this nonaerosol option for families because you can hold the bottle any which way and itâll still spray a perfect fine mist of sun protection. In tests I found it did occasionally get jammed up, but a few shakes had it working perfectly again.
Because the mist is so fine, the product goes on very evenly. Itâs also slightly slick upon application, so you can see exactly where you appliedâkey for not missing any spots. Still, it absorbs into skin relatively quickly, so kids and adults alike can get back to having fun in the sun. Itâs also water-resistant for a full 80 minutes, so itâs great for all types of summer water activitiesâjust remember to reapply.
Active ingredients: Homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, avobenzone / SPF: 50 / Water-resistant: No / Size: 5 oz.
What we love: Fine and even mist for easy application; refillable packaging; water-resistant for 80 minutesWhat could improve: Bottle occasionally gets jammed upBest With SPF 50: Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Mist10/14
Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Mist (SPF 50)
When we poll editors and testers about sunscreen, Supergoop comes up a lotâand unsurprisingly, this spray was a favorite when we reviewed the brandâs products. âThe Play mist is incredibly easy to apply: Just spray, rub in, and youâre all set,â says Glamour tester Michella OrĂ©. âAnd thanks to the added citrus oilsâlime, lemon, tangerine leafâit has a zesty scent that is super refreshing, especially on those humid days.â
We like that the formula has a high SPFâ50âand is also water-resistant for 80 minutes. The chemical SPF also sprays on completely clear, so it’s a suitable pick for all skin tones. And though it’s a bit shiny on contact, I found it dries down quickly, leaving skin silky smooth.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 50 / Water-resistant: 80 minutes / Size: 6 oz.
What we love: Great scent; higher SPF; water-resistant for up to 80 minutesWhat could improve: Scent is polarizingBest Hydrating: Eucerin Advanced Hydration Sunscreen Spray11/14
Eucerin Advanced Hydration Sunscreen Spray (SPF 30)
If youâre looking for sun protection that wonât dry out your skin, Eucerinâs new spray sunscreen is a solid pick. The dermatologist-developed formula is lightweight, goes on clear, and doesnât leave that greasy or sticky feel, but does contain plenty of hydrating ingredients. Humectants and hyaluronic acid help lock in moisture, while antioxidants help guard against free radicals in the environment. Itâs also fragrance-free and alcohol-free, so even though itâs a chemical SPF, itâs more likely to be tolerated by sensitive skin types.
I wasnât a huge fan of the smell (it has a slightly powdery scent reminiscent of baby products) but liked that the mist went on completely clearâno rubbing required to avoid a white cast. And even though it feels a bit like a dry oil at first, it absorbs really nicely within about a minute, leaving skin exceptionally silky.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 30 / Water-resistant: 80 minutes / Size: 6 oz.
What we love: Lightweight; completely clear; offers UV and free radical protectionWhat could improve: Scent isnât greatBest for Travel: Oars + Alps Face and Scalp Mist12/14
Oars + Alps Face and Scalp Mist (SPF 35)
This versatile sunscreen mist can cover every inch of your head, since itâs both a face sunscreen and a scalp SPF. The clear mist is superfine and nongreasy, so your hair and skin donât feel wet upon application. It dries almost instantly without any residue.
I took it on a recent vacation to Florida (the size is great for plane travel and reapplying throughout the day!), and was impressed by just how quickly the superfine mist absorbedâalmost on contact. It didnât feel wet, tacky, or greasy on my skin or my scalp. I liked it so much that I used it on the rest of my body a handful of times, though I wouldnât recommend this, since the application is very targeted and the bottle is smallâI needed a lot of product to cover my whole body. Still, I appreciated the 80 minutes of water resistance, especially since I was spending my days at the pool.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 35 / Water-resistant: 80 minutes / Size: 1.5 oz.
What we love: Dries almost instantly; very fine and even mist; great scent; water-resistant for 80 minutesWhat could improve: Very small bottleMost Lightweight: MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray13/14
MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray (SPF 40)
This spray sunscreen also has a 360-degree continuous mist for easier applicationâeven if the can is upside down. Itâs ultralightweight, so the fine mist disperses evenly over skin. It isnât at all oily, greasy, or tacky, but instead sits almost undetectable on skin. In tests I found it dries quicklyâin less than 10 seconds.
We like that it has a host of antioxidants in the mixâspecifically vitamin C and Indian gooseberry, both of which protect against sun damage and free radicals. Itâs also unscented, which is great for more sensitive skin types, but on the downside, I thought the natural scent was a bit chemically.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene / SPF: 40 / Water-resistant: 80 minutes / Size: 6 oz.
What we love: 360-degree continuous mist for easy application; water-resistant for 80 minutes; dries very quicklyWhat could improve: Natural scent is a bit chemicallyBest Scent: Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Water Mist for Body14/14
Hawaiian Tropic Weightless Hydration Water Mist for Body (SPF 30)
This nonaerosol mist delivers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection while packing a punch of moisture, thanks to hyaluronic acid. We also like that the water-based, vegan formula is alcohol-free and unlikely to clog pores, making it suitable for most skin types.
It doesnât go on clearâthe texture is almost like a runny lotionâbut it did fully rub into my fair to medium skin, even with a tan. And my dry skin really soaked it up for a smooth, silky finish. The only reason I didnât reach for it more? Itâs not water-resistant.
Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene / SPF: 30 / Water-resistant: No / Size: 5.2 oz.
What we love: Great scent; nongreasy and absorbs quickly; nonaerosolWhat could improve: Not water-resistant; bottle leaked a bit during travelYour sunscreen spray questions, answeredAre spray sunscreens effective?
âUsing sunscreen is most important, regardless of type, to protect your skin from sun exposure,â says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. But keep in mind that you must make sure to apply correctly and reapply every two hours. âSpray sunscreens tend to be harder to control, and you have to be mindful of the surface area you are aiming at,â Dr. Chacon saysâitâs easier to miss a spot with sprays. She recommends asking for help if you need to make sure you cover all areas of your body and rub it in well.
Do you have to rub spray sunscreens in?
âSunscreen sprays are just as effective at blocking UV rays as lotions,â says Dr. Kopelman. âBut you have to make sure you are rubbing them in evenly throughout your skin once you spray them on, so that you don’t miss any spots or end up with a streaky sunburn or suntan.â And remember, applying sunscreen wonât prevent you from tanning.
Are sunscreen sprays dangerous to breathe in?
Spray sunscreen can irritate the mouth, throat, and lungs if inhaledâparticularly in those with asthma, derms tell Glamour. âI recommend spraying outdoors in a non-windy environment to avoid inhaling any of the aerosolized particles into your lungs and to make sure you are applying them evenly,â says Dr. Kopelman.
âIf you are going to use a sunscreen spray on your face, spray it into your hands and then apply it to your face,â she says, advising against spraying it directly onto your face.
