13 Best Spray Sunscreens To Protect From Harmful UVB And UVA Rays
Don't shy away from the sun with these lightweight, non-sticky formulations at hand.
Dr. Leanne King is a cosmetic chemist and the founder of Beauty Favours. She holds a Ph.D. in chemistry and has been in the beauty industry for over 10 years. Dr. King started as a cosmetic chemist working for large global brands and then moved into research and innovation in skin care science and development.
Read full bio of Dr. Leanne King
Experience: 3 yearsKirtana has a postgraduate degree in mass communication and journalism from St. Joseph’s College, Bengaluru, and 3 years of professional experience. She developed a deep passion for writing after reading the brilliant works of Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl and has chosen a career that is driven by creativity.
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Experience: 5 yearsMedha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest quality.
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Experience: 4 yearsMonomita has a graduate degree in mass communication and video production from St. Anthony's College, Shillong, and a master’s degree in journalism and mass communication from the Royal Global University, Guwahati. She is also a certified skincare coach with a keen interest in skin, hair, tattoos, nail art, and lifestyle trends.
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Sunscreens are an indivisible part of the skincare regimen, and they offer effective protection from sun damage. Dr. Leanne King, a cosmetic chemist, opines, “Sunscreen, a crucial shield against UV rays, works by either absorbing, reflecting, or scattering harmful sunlight, safeguarding the skin from sunburn, premature aging, and potential skin cancers. Its efficacy relies on proper application and reapplication to ensure optimal protection.” But at times, applying the creamy sunscreens can seem messy. Here is where the best spray sunscreens can serve the purpose. These spray sunscreens can effectively combat dark spots, signs of aging like wrinkles, fine lines, and even dry skin like regular sunscreens. The best part is you can spray these easily, even on the areas like your back, as the application is easier when compared to regular sunscreens. These are also less sticky and require less time for application compared to those thick creamy sunscreens.
Since there is a range of spray sunscreens available, you may feel overwhelmed while making a choice. To help you with it, we have compiled a list of the 13 best spray sunscreens. Check out what these are from the article and select the one which best suits your skin type. Continue reading further to know more about them
In This Article
13 Best Spray Sunscreens For All Skin Types With A Buying Guide And Reviews
1. Best Overall:Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Natural Spray
If you are looking for a good spray sunscreen that is non-sticky and has a refreshing scent, the Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Natural Spray is a great choice. Its revolutionary formulation offers optimal sun protection, and it doesn’t include any harmful chemicals, garnering praise from reviewers. This lightweight spray is rich in antioxidants and vitamins that are extracted from native Australian ingredients like kakadu plum, red algae, and eucalyptus for skin that is soft and healthy. This vitamin-enriched spray offers broad-spectrum protection, so you can enjoy a sunny day out without having to worry about sun damage. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product.
- Water-resistant
- Lightweight texture
- Suitable for daily use
- Contains natural ingredients
- Offers broad-spectrum protection
- Dermatologist-tested
- Pediatrician tested
- May clog pores as it contains non-comedogenic ingredients.
"The spray offers a lovely scent and effective protection. It feels feather-light on the skin, making me love it even more. It's comforting to have this reliable, non-greasy shield during long sunny days."
2. Best Reef-Friendly Formula:Banana Boat Ultra Sport Clear Sunscreen Spray
Sports fans, rejoice! Now you can play in the sun while staying protected with the best sunblock spray designed for high-performance activities. The Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Spray is sweat and water-resistant. Its quick-absorbing formula doesn’t leave behind a greasy residue, making it an ideal companion for all your outdoor adventures. The sunscreen is filled with antioxidants and vitamins and offers SPF 50 for skin that is protected from the sun’s harmful rays. This mineral sunscreen spray provides clinically proven protection from UVA and UVB rays, so you can spend more time outside in the sun without any worries. To understand the nuances of the product in detail, you can check out this review of a tester’s experience.
- Absorbs quickly
- Even coverage
- Transparent and clear formula
- Reef-friendly
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
- May contain added fragrances
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
With over 27,195 reviews, this product has become a fan favorite among users.
3. Best Non-Comedogenic Formula:Coppertone Sunscreen Spray
For a summer schedule filled with outdoor activities like hiking, trekking, and camping, only the strongest and safest spray sunscreens will do. The Coppertone Sunscreen Spray checks all these boxes and more, making it the perfect choice! Not only can the formula withstand harsh temperatures and high-intensity activities, but it also has an SPF 50 to protect your skin from the harmful rays of the sun. This broad-spectrum SPF spray includes ingredients like vitamin E and antioxidants to keep your skin moisturized and refreshed all day long, garnering praise from reviewers.
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Non-comedogenic
- Lightweight formula
- Shield 97% of UV rays
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Offers broad-spectrum SPF protection
- It may not be oil-free.
"While this sunscreen does feel a bit heavy to spray on, it doesn't cause any irritation or discoloration. It may need a bit of rubbing in for even coverage and feel slightly sticky on drying, but settles fine. Coming to skin protection, it does the job efficiently!"
Quick TipWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The overwhelming 7,790 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.
Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Natural Spray Best Overall | Banana Boat Ultra Sport Clear Sunscreen Spray Best Reef-Friendly Formula | Coppertone Sunscreen Spray Best Non-Comedogenic Formula | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Items | 1 | - | 3 |
| Dimensions | 2.2 x 2.2 x 7.1 inches | 4.25 x 2.13 x 7.75 inches | 2.13 x 6.25 x 7.38 inches |
| Weight | 6 Ounces | 6 Ounces | 1.3 Pounds |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 27,859 | 27,195 | 7,790 |
| Price | $18.23 | $12.97 | $19.99 |
4. Best Clinically Proven Formula:Neutrogena Beach Defense Water+Sun Protection Sunscreen Lotion
The Neutrogena Beach Defense Water+Sun Protection Sunscreen Lotion is an oil-free sunscreen that protects your skin from sun damage when you are enjoying a day out at the beach. It is fast-absorbing and lightweight and provides UVA/UVB protection. It acts as a shield against all the harsh outdoor summer elements. The lotion stays water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is suitable for all skin types and does not leave any residue on your skin.
- Water-resistant up to 80 minutes
- Recommended by dermatologists
- Clinically proven
- Lightweight
- Paraben-free
- Fast-absorbing
- Oxybenzone-free
- Overwhelming scent
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 11,432 great reviews on Amazon.
5. Best Nourishing Formula:Alba Botanica Hawaiian Sunscreen Spray
Enjoy a warm, sunny day at the beach with this spray sunscreen that protects your skin from harmful UVB and UVA rays. Its SPF 50 formulation is moisturizing and quick-absorbing for skin that is soft, protected, and hydrated. With ingredients like shea butter, coconut oil, and avocado oil, your skin is left feeling moisturized and nourished with each use. This sunscreen spray is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can splash around in the ocean without any worries.
- Cruelty-free
- Reef-friendly
- Vegetarian formula
- No synthetic fragrances or ingredients
- May leave behind a sticky residue
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The extensive 10,857 rave reviews on Amazon prove why we are vouching for this product.
6. Best Hypoallergenic:SunBum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray
Do you love to spend time in the sun but hate the risk of sun damage? The SunBum physical sunscreen spray is the perfect summer buddy for you! This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum SPF protection while leaving your skin feeling moisturized and fresh, attested by multiple positive reviews. You don’t have to worry about it feeling greasy or sticky because it’s filled with non-comedogenic ingredients like vitamin E and oil-free minerals that are suitable for all skin types.
- Cruelty-free
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Vegan and gluten-free
- Dermatologist-approved
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Offers SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection
- May not be reef-safe
"The sun protection it offers is brilliant and it lasts surprisingly long, making it worth the extra cost. I love how it's environmentally friendly, free from oils and gluten, plus no animal testing. Even in the toughest sun conditions, it got me a beautiful tan without a trace of burn. Definitely recommend!"
7. Best In Natural Ingredients:Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen
Filled with sunflower seed oil, avocado extracts, and organic watercress, this naturally formulated hypoallergenic sunscreen spray protects your skin efficiently, even on a hot summer day. The essential fatty acids and vitamins A, D, and E from avocados penetrate the skin and keep it moisturized and nourished. The mineral and botanical-based formula is ideal for both kids and adults with sensitive skin. The broad-spectrum sun protection spray enriched with jojoba oil is excellent for when you have to step out during peak sun hours as it not only protects your skin but also ensures it is hydrated and healthy!
- Cruelty-free
- Reef-friendly
- Hypoallergenic
- Natural ingredients
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Offers broad-spectrum protection
- Dermatologist-tested
- May leave a white cast behind
Quick Tip8. Best Non-Greasy Formula:Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Clear Spray Sunscreen
This lightweight suntan spray is one of the best spray sunscreens available in the market. It contains ingredients like guava extract and mineral oils that your skin will love, along with broad-spectrum protection that will keep sun damage at bay. This non-greasy and oil-free formula also contains mango fruit extract along with shea butter for skin that feels moisturized and hydrated. The scents provided by coconut, passionflower, and plumeria extracts will transport you to a tropical island, no matter where you are.
- Oil-free
- Non-greasy formula
- Hydrating properties
- Travel-friendly packaging
- Broad-spectrum protection
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Dermatologist-tested
- This sunscreen may need frequent reapplication.
"The Hawaiian Tropic sunscreen is pleasantly fragrant, though a tad coconut-strong at first. It isn't greasy and is easy to apply. With its hydrating properties, it keeps my skin soft and protected all day long!"
9. Best Water-Resistant Formula:Hint Sunscreen Spray
When it comes to sun protection, the Hint Sunscreen Spray has got you covered! Hailed as one of the best spray sunscreens, this product is made from tropical ingredients like pineapple and grapefruit extracts, which nourish and hydrate your skin. The formula is hypoallergenic, so people with sensitive skin can use it without worrying about the product aggravating their skin. It’s perfect for a splash in the pool or a day at the beach because of its water-resistant formulation that lasts up to 80 minutes.
- Paraben-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Broad-spectrum protection
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Some may find the tropical scent to be a bit unpleasant.
10. Best Water-Based Formula:Eltamd Skincare UV Aero Broad-Spectrum SPF Spray
The Eltamd unscented spray sunscreen is a water-based, fine mist sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum sun protection. It is a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide as its main ingredient, which is photo-stable and known for its protective ability to shield the skin against the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. You can enjoy a fun day in the pool with this spray-on sunscreen that is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Fragrance-free
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types
- Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Offers broad-spectrum sun protection
- In rare cases, it may lead to skin irritation.
11. Best Oil-Free Formula:La Roche-Posay Ultra Light Sunscreen Lotion Spray
The La-Roche Posay sunscreen is a popular choice known for its oil-free, hypoallergenic formula. With its proprietary Cell-Ox Shield Technology, this dermatologist-tested spray-on sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection. It is antioxidant-rich, which combats the effects of free radicals for skin that is soft and nourished. It offers SPF 60, which protects your skin from the summer sun and replenishes the skin’s barrier with lost moisture. This formula is free from fragrances, alcohol, and parabens, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
- Oil-free
- Paraben-free
- Alcohol-free
- Fragrance-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist-approved
- It may take longer than expected to absorb into the skin.
12. Best Chemical-Free Formula:Coola Sunscreen Spray
Slay your summer getaways with this iconic natural sunscreen spray! The Coola chemical-free sunscreen spray is a fantastic choice for high-intensity activities, and its smooth texture glides effortlessly over all the areas of your body. The water and sweat-resistant formula contains nourishing ingredients like red raspberry oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract to fight free radicals and provide nutrients to your skin. You can apply this sunscreen throughout the day, and we are sure you will not feel greasy or uncomfortable with its reapplication.
- Vegan
- Non-GMO
- Unscented
- Cruelty-free
- Gluten-free
- Paraben-free
- Reef-friendly
- May need frequent reapplication
"I've struggled to find a reef-safe sunscreen that suits my brown skin and this one hits the mark. It's not overly white and applies easily, even in difficult-to-reach areas. It does leave a slight white cast when applied to wet skin, but it fades quickly. It protects by skin well from the harsh sunrays."
13. Best Vegan Formula:Kiss My Face Organics Mineral Air Powered Spray Sunscreen
This organic spray sunscreen has gained much popularity over the years and for the right reasons. It has active ingredients of zinc oxide and titanium oxide to protect you from the harmful effects of the sun. The non-nano mineral formula contains safflower oil that leaves your skin nourished and refreshed. It offers broad-spectrum protection with an SPF 30 and is water and sweat-resistant, making it perfect for high-intensity sports and activities.
- Vegan
- Cruelty-free
- Oxybenzone-free
- Water-resistant for 80 minutes
- Paraben-free
- Non-greasy
- Water-resistant
- It may require constant reapplication
"This sunblock is highly protective, even in sweltering heat. However, it does leave a conspicuous white film, characteristic of the organic zinc oxide used. While a bit sticky initially, it's pleasant once dried."
Now that you have taken a look at our list of the 13 best sunscreen sprays that offer maximum sun protection, here are some points that you need to keep in mind before deciding on the perfect sunscreen for your skin.
Things To Consider When Buying The Best Spray Sunscreen
- Key ingredients
When it comes to spray sunscreens, choose one that offers broad-spectrum protection. This means it will protect you from the harmful UVB and UVA rays of the sun. Remember to also pick mineral and natural sunscreens that contain nourishing ingredients like vitamin E, zinc oxide, jojoba oil, avocado oil, and titanium dioxide to hydrate your skin. Steer clear of harmful chemicals like parabens, alcohol, and oxybenzone, as they harm the surface layer of the skin, which leads to further skin damage. For added safety, look for sunscreens that are child-friendly and dermatologically tested.
- SPF
SPF or the sun protection factor indicates how well the sunscreen protects skin against sun damage. Pick a sunscreen spray that has an SPF of 30 or higher for best results. This ensures that your skin is protected from skin damage and reduces the risk of skin cancer.
- Skin type
It’s crucial that you choose a sunscreen that is ideal for your skin type. If you have dry skin, look for sunscreen sprays that have nourishing and moisturizing ingredients like glycerin, jojoba oil, and avocado oil. If you have oily skin, pick gel-based formulations that are lightweight and non-comedogenic. For sensitive skin, we suggest you opt for hypoallergenic and fragrance-free formulas that are free from alcohol and preservatives.
Note: Dr. Leanne King shares, “Look for sunscreen sprays with both UVA and UVB sunscreens for best protection. UVA light is responsible for skin aging while UVB light is responsible for skin burning so protection from both will help to keep your skin in its best condition. Ultimately, avoid direct sun exposure where possible and apply sunscreen at the correct dosage (approximately 2 mg/cm2 of skin) and on a regular basis.”
The Bottom Line
Sunscreens are an integral part of the skincare routine. Applying creamy sunscreen can make your skin oily, but spray sunscreens can easily reach unreachable areas while causing no greasiness. As with any sunscreen, they protect the skin against sun damage and effectively reduce the signs of aging, fine lines, and wrinkles. The Australian Gold Botanical Sunscreen Natural Spray is best suited for sensitive skin types, while the SunBum Premium Moisturizing Sunscreen Spray is suitable for daily use by all skin types. The Coppertone Sunscreen Spray is the best waterproof option available to protect your skin no matter where you go. The products on our list are non-comedogenic, lightweight, and paraben-free. However, some might leave a sticky residue and may have an overwhelming scent. So, read the reviews above carefully to find the right formula. Choose a higher SPF value if you spend long hours in naked sunlight. You might also want a formula that is waterproof and sweat-resistant. Remember to conduct a patch test before application to check for skin sensitivity.
Why Trust StyleCraze?
Kirtana Divakar, the author of this article, is a skin care enthusiast who loves to write comprehensive beauty content for her readers. She believes that spray sunscreens provide your skin with maximum sun protection. She analyzed user feedback and went through various platforms to provide you with the best spray sunscreens. The products listed above are reef-friendly, water-resistant, and non-greasy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a spray sunscreen as effective as a tube sunscreen?
Yes, spray sunscreens will protect your skin from harmful UV rays and sun damage just as effectively as a tube sunscreen, if not better. Sunscreen sprays are more convenient to apply and travel-friendly too.
How long does a spray sunscreen last?
Most sunscreen sprays last for up to 80 minutes, after which it will need constant reapplication.
Does sunscreen spray cause cancer?
It depends on the ingredients that are termed as lung irritants, hence it’s recommended that you use sprays that contain natural ingredients.
Are spray sunscreens safe for the environment?
Yes, mineral-based sunscreens are environment-friendly and free of toxic chemicals.
Is spray sunscreen good for the face?
Yes. Spray sunscreens are safe for your skin, but they can irritate your lungs if inhaled. This means you should never apply sunscreen to your face directly. Instead, spray it into your hands and gently apply it to your face, being careful not to get the nozzle or your hands near your eyes or mouth.
Does spray sunscreen work over makeup?
Yes, spray sunscreen works over makeup as it has SPF, protecting you from harsh sun rays. However, because it does not provide the same coverage as creams and lotions, you must spray it liberally to ensure that the sunscreen covers every inch of your face and neck.
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