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You need to wear sunscreen every day. And for the people in the back, you need to wear sunscreen every day! It's the key to youthful skin and protection from UV damage and skin cancer.
Now, the type of sunscreen you apply daily is entirely up to you and your skin's necessities. Sunscreens in the form of lotion or cream are fantastic all year, but as the season of wearing less and going out more approaches, spray sunscreens demand your attention.
Unlike traditional sunscreens in a squeezable tube, spray sunscreens cover a larger area of your body and dry clear. Sunscreen mists are ideal for makeup lovers who want to protect their skin without disrupting their flawless look or outdoor enthusiasts who need a quick refresher in between hikes.
Ahead are the 14 best spray sunscreens for all your summer excursions.
Pros
Water-resistant
Cons
- Mist can come out blotchy
The star of this mist is the Cool Motion technology, which continues to protect the skin no matter how much you sweat or move thanks to its water-resistant formula.
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Strong smell
Trying to top up your SPF with a full face of makeup has its challenges, but the Habit N°38 mist takes on this task with ease. Each spray leaves your skin feeling and looking hydrated, and the cucumber scent is reminiscent of summer.
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Pros
- Doesn't disrupt your makeup
Cons
- Can feel greasy
Set your makeup and protect your skin against harmful UV rays all in a few spritzes. The weightless texture dries down to a matte finish to control shine throughout the day.
4
Best for Longwear
Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF Makeup Setting Spray SPF 50
Pros
- Fine mist
Cons
- Pricey
As the name suggests, this fan-favorite product from Kate Somerville takes the guesswork out of reapplying sunscreen by creating a formula that dries down to a matte finish and extends the wear of your makeup.
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5
Best Drugstore Option
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Lightweight Sunscreen Spray SPF 45
If you're spending long hours in the sun, opt for his drugstore gem from Neutrogena. The formula is light as a feather, dries down clear, and is so affordably priced you can re-apply as much as you want worry-free.
6
Best for Full Body
PCA Skin Active Protection Body Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Pros
- No white cast
Cons
- Pricey
PCA's spray sunscreen checks all the boxes. No white cast? Check. Lightweight? Oil-controlling? Check. What's not to love?
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Pros
- Fine mist
Cons
- Strong scent
Coola's sunscreen spray is a fine mist that evenly dispenses the product without leaving a greasy, weighed-down feeling wherever you spray.
Pros
- Fast-absorbing
Cons
- May leave white cast
The Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Mist is a cooling, continuous spray that calms the skin as it protects, thanks to non-nano zinc oxide and California Poppy. Plus, it's reef-safe.
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Pros
- Perfect for full body spray
Cons
- May leave white cast
EltaMD offers sunscreens in just about any form, but the spray will quickly be your favorite as it absorbs into the skin easily and remains lightweight no matter how many layers you apply.
10
Best for Fast Absorption
MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40
Pros
- Fast-drying
Cons
- Strong scent
Not only does this sunscreen provide great coverage, but it's also a non-sticky formula that dries down matte and doesn't irritate sensitive skin.
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11
Best for Outdoor Activities
Sun Bum Face Mist SPF 45
Pros
- Fast absorption
Cons
- Strong smell
This sunscreen is compact enough to fit inside just about any bag, perfect for frequent hikers, gardeners, or runners.
12
Best for Vacation
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen Clear Spray SPF 50
Pros
- Non-sticky formula
Cons
- Strong scent
If you want to smell like a tropical vacation no matter where you are, this sunscreen spray smells like coconuts and protects the skin in the hottest of temperatures.
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Pros
- Easy to blend
Cons
- Pricey
This is a fan favorite from Shiseido for its high SPF coverage and feather-light finish. One reviewer says it's worth every dime: “This is my favorite sunscreen on earth. I love how light and non-greasy it is, I can spray it on my face and hair with no issues. It's expensive and I don't like to spend money in general but I'll pay for this every time.”
14
Best for Hydration
Eucerin Advanced Hydration SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
Now 11% Off
Pros
- Lightweight
Cons
- Can feel greasy
While Eucerin's sunscreen spray needs to be rubbed in, it dries down clear and non-sticky without leaving behind any residue.
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15
FAQs
Why is sunscreen—no matter what form—important?
Short answer? Sunscreen protects the skin from sun damage and reduces the risk of skin cancer. Dr. Alexis Parcells, board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Sunnie Skincare says that good sun protection comes from proper application. "A proper application will prevent burns. The key here is compliance. Find a formula that works for you, and stick to it. Getting into the habit of applying daily will keep skin protected and hydrated," she explains.
What's the difference between mineral, physical, and chemical sunscreen?
“Mineral or physical sunscreen consists of active ingredients that form a physical barrier against the sun’s rays. This blocks dangerous UV rays from coming into your skin, altering your DNA, and creating permanent damage to your skin. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide formulas were once thick and goopy, but more modern formulas [like spray sunscreens] are easier to apply and tolerate makeup application smoothly,” she explains.
Chemical sunscreens on the other hand are formulated with active ingredients. “These active ingredients absorb sun rays and release them as heat through the skin. Common chemical sunscreen compounds include oxybenzone, and avobenzone These tend to be lighter and have more of a sheer effect. They are your common spray sunscreens,” she adds.
How often should spray sunscreen be applied?
Sunscreen should be applied at leasy every two hours, if possible. Dr. Parcells says to also consider your skin tone to determine how often you should apply sunscreen. “Your skin’s tone and photosensitivity often determine how long SPF will be effective against UV rays that eventually cause skin damage. As a general rule, SPF 35+ should be applied first thing in the morning,” she explains. “When exposed to the sun for more than 2 hours, consider a higher SPF and frequent reapplication.”
It's also important to note the expiration date of your sunscreen so it can be as effective as possible. “If your sunscreen has been left out in the sun, smells, or appears chalky, throw it out.”
Is it safe enough to spray over makeup?
“SPF in make-up is not sufficient alone—think of it as a bonus to your SPF base layer. When you first wake up, cleanse your face, apply SPF moisturizer, and then your makeup. And yes, spraying SPF over makeup as a final step can be effective, as long as you are not frequently sweating it off,” she says.
