The Top 9 SPF Sprays A Beauty Editor Can't Live Without
There's no denying that an SPF spray is way more convenient than rubbing a sunscreen lotion all over your body. SPF sprays, or aerosol sunscreens, are one of the must-have beach bag essentials you should bring with you on vacation and are key in the prevention of skin cancer and skin aging.
But not all SPF sprays are created equal; some feel terrible on the skin, while others don't actually provide the sun protection they claim. Below, I've rounded up my absolute favorite SPF sprays of all time, for both the body and the face.
9 Best SPF Sprays I Always Reach For
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
If you're in the market for one of the best non-toxic sunscreens in a spray bottle, look no further than Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Spray SPF 30. I am just so impressed with this pick, especially because it's zinc-based but still disappears on the skin.
You do have to rub this formula into your skin after applying it (which I guess is true for most SPF sprays), which can be sort of annoying. That said, if you don't love mineral sunscreens and want a chemical option that isn't white, it's best to go with a different SPF spray on this list. Available on Amazon ($20)
Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active Sunscreen SPF 30
With rave reviews on Amazon and a favorite among CNN Underscored readers, this Hawaiian Tropic choice feels virtually weightless on the skin. The spray mechanism makes it a continuous flow, allowing a wide distribution of sunscreen—meaning less time you have to spend applying it on your body. I also like how this pick is pretty affordable at around $9 per bottle. Plus, it smells DELICIOUSLY of coconut—the scent that always makes me feel like I am on vacation. If you prefer fragrance-free formulas, this option isn't for you.
Available on Amazon ($18 for 2–pack)
Supergoop! PLAY Antioxidant Body Mist SPF 50 with Vitamin C
This sunscreen spray, on the pricier side at $24, is well justified: it's filled with good-for-your-skin ingredients, such as antioxidants and vitamin C. These help to shield your skin from free radicals while the broad spectrum SPF works to provide sun protection from UV rays.
One of the cool things about this product is that it comes in a unique bag-on-valve technology. This type of bottle helps to keep the SPF spray free of chemical propellants. It also allows you to apply the formula until the last drop. Another thing I like about this option is that you can easily spray this upside down (like when you're trying to reach your back). And it sprays on completely clear, too.
Available at Amazon ($24)
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 45
You may have read about Neutrogena recalling some of its sunscreens from the market due to the presence of benzene in high quantities a few years ago. The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Weightless Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70 and SPF 100+ are some of those recalled products. However, the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 45 was not one of them. This pick reminds me a lot of the summers of my childhood. I remember buying Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF sprays for myself and making sure not to share any with my family. Because they were always on the expensive side for sunscreen sprays from the drugstore, I did not want my four-member family to consume most of my high-end sunscreens!
My favorite part about this SPF spray is that it smells so fresh and elevated. It's very easy to apply all over the body, and it absorbs into the skin quickly, too.
Available at Amazon ($27)
Banana Boat Sport Ultra SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
This has been a mainstay in my family's beach bag for years. It has a bajillion reviews on Amazon and does what it needs to do, without the fuss or high price tag. I love that this formula seriously stands up to sweat and water. It's perfect for those who spend a lot of time in the ocean or pool. It does not contain active ingredients oxybenzone and octinoxate, is SPF 50+ protective, and doesn't feel greasy or uncomfortable on skin.
Available on Amazon ($13 for 2-pack)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Sunscreen Spray Lotion SPF 60
This is another fancy sunscreen spray that I like to use from time to time. It has the highest SPF rating of all those I have listed, really ideal for folks with sensitive skin (like myself). This is a chemical sunscreen that comes on white and must be rubbed in. Once rubbed in, it doesn't leave any sort of white cast behind. I love that it is paraben-, fragrance-, and oil-free, and it won't irritate sensitive skin—something often hard to find with SPF sprays.
Available on Amazon ($27)
Can You Spray SPF Over Makeup?
Based on my own experience, I probably wouldn't spray any of the above SPF sprays on my face over my makeup.
That's because most of them aren't designed to be applied to the face. Plus, you don't know if any of the SPF sprays ingredients will break down your foundation's ingredients. Because of this, I would use one of the SPF sprays below to apply over your makeup as many of these were designed for that exact purpose.
SPF Spray Over Makeup
Pacifica GLOW BABY Brightening Setting Mist
This SPF setting mist is a favorite among many, for a few reasons. First of all, it contains SPF 45, which is a decent amount of sun protection. Secondly, this formula has vitamin C, sea algae, and sea minerals in it to brighten up your skin tone while adding hydration too. Thirdly, it's very easy to reapply throughout the day over your makeup. I also appreciate that this pick is cruelty-free, vegan, and comes in sustainable glass packaging.
Available at Amazon ($16)
Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF – SPF 50 Face Sunscreen and Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray
This pick is definitely on the pricier side, coming in at $39 a bottle, but it's worth the price tag if you're looking for an effective sun protector with a matte finish. This bottle has a nice, fine mist to it that won't ruin your makeup underneath. Unfortunately, it does have a pretty strong scent, so beware if you are really sensitive to fragrances.
Available at Amazon ($44)
Vacation Super Spritz SPF 50
Not only is the packaging super fun, but the formula really delivers, too. I love that this is specifically designed to apply over makeup and that it's small enough to throw into your beach bag. I don't know if this would be the best option for those with sensitive skin; the first ingredient is alcohol, which could be pretty irritating for some.
Available at Amazon ($24)
Do SPF Sprays Work?
Yes, SPF sprays do work. The trick is to use them correctly and often, just like you would a sunscreen lotion.
Is Sunscreen Lotion or Spray Better?
This is a tricky answer. Most dermatologists will tell you the best sunscreen is the one that you will apply regularly and often, whether that be a lotion or spray sunscreen. FYI, you should be applying all your sunscreens about 15-20 minutes before sun exposure. Most folks find SPF sprays to be a lot more convenient. But sometimes it is easier to get burned with them on since many do not apply them correctly. Or they forget to cover one area of their skin. Sunscreen lotions are better at preventing sunburns and skin cancer, but are less used by people as they take some time to apply.
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