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If the number-one sunscreen rule is to wear it daily—no matter the season, rain or shine—the second is to reapply diligently. That’s where the best spray sunscreens can come in handy. They’re fast-drying, easy to travel with, and usually white-cast-free—exactly what you need when it’s time to slather on another coat of SPF. To be more specific, you must reapply your SPF every two hours, or even more frequently if you're swimming or sweating heavily. "The convenience and the lightweight, airy application of a mist makes it very easy for reapplication," says Mona Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut.
Our Top Spray Sunscreens
- Best Mineral Overall: EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40, $46
- Best Chemical Overall: Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist SPF 50, $24
- Best for Outdoor Activities: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Invisible Spray Sunscreen SPF 45, $35
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray, $20
- Best Over Makeup: Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF 50, $27
One caveat, though: Most derms don’t consider spray sunscreens as thorough as lotions. “It's not that spray sunscreen is ineffective. It's that most people don't apply enough to achieve the SPF listed on the label,” says Taryn Huizenga, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Spring Street Dermatology in New York City. “When sprayed directly onto the skin, it can go on unevenly or too thin, leaving you less protected than you'd be with a lotion.”
The good news? It’s all in the application. After spritzing it on, rub the spray sunscreen into your skin to more evenly distribute it. And make sure to get out of the wind before you put it on—a strong breeze will send the product into the air and away from your skin. To further ensure thorough application, you can spray the sunscreen directly into your hands, then rub it in like a lotion, according to Dr. Huizenga. It shouldn’t be your first line of defense, but a good sunscreen mist can play a key supporting role in your sun protection routine. With that in mind, these picks come highly recommended by dermatologists and Allure editors. Here’s to protecting your skin all year-round.
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- Is spray sunscreen effective?
- How much spray sunscreen should you apply?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Best Mineral Overall: EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40
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EltaMD
UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40
Amazon
EltaMD
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40.
Sarah Han
Why we love it: EltaMD’s sunscreens are a dermatologist favorite, and UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum sunscreen is no exception: Dr. Huizenga and Brendan Camp, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York, like the surprisingly lightweight mineral formula and its ability to blend seamlessly. It’s white when it comes out of the bottle, but rapidly turns clear when it hits your skin. That easy, elegant finish (plus the fact that it contains skin-soothing aloe vera and glycerin) won it an Allure Best of Beauty Award in 2024. Dr. Camp points out that it also has antioxidants for additional protection against environmental stressors that can damage your skin. The nozzle sprays at any angle and securely locks with a twist, so you can toss it in your beach bag without worrying about leaks.
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“First thing you have to know about this sunscreen: The spray is intense. Like, caught-me-off-guard-intense. So be careful not to overdo it at the beginning because you'll definitely need to blend out the opaque splotches of SPF that appear on your skin. But! I'd rather have a stronger applicator than one of those superfine sprays that feel like they're not actually landing on my skin—adequate UV protection always wins. Beyond the spray, I have zero qualms with the sunscreen. It rubs in nicely without leaving a cast (on my skin), and it's very hydrating. My skin feels super soft but not greasy, the way some sunscreens leave me.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (14%), aloe vera, vitamin E, glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Sizes: 5 oz.
Best Chemical Overall: Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist SPF 50
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Supergoop
Play Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist SPF 50
Amazon
Nordstrom
Dermstore
Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist SPF 50.
Jessica Cruel
Why we love it: Supergoop’s Play Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist is packed with protective ingredients that go above and beyond the SPF 50. In addition to its chemical sunscreens (which dry with zero residue, white cast, or greasiness), it contains antioxidant-rich green tea extract and acai extract to help fend off free radicals, which are unstable molecules that damage cells and, in doing so, can contribute to skin cancer and signs of aging like dark spots and collagen loss. The spray is ultrafine, but has staying power: It’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Dr. Camp says the consistency is so light and refreshing that you’ll genuinely enjoy reapplying throughout your day in the sun. Plus, it comes in summery scents: sunny citrus, vanilla orchid, and whipped coconut.
Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel
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“Supergoop is my favorite body sunscreen brand, hands down. No debate. No discussion. I love this spray for my beach days because it's lightweight and gives off a glow at first application. (I'm a girl who likes to glisten by the pool or ocean.) Then it dries down until it's barely detectable. You won't leave any white cast in the water either. The fine mist goes on evenly and covers a wide area at once. Just to be safe, I like to go over my body twice to make sure I have enough coverage. Recently, they came out with new scents, so that typical sunscreen chemical smell is now a whiff of orange and citrus.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- Key ingredients: homosalate (9.8%), octocrylene (9.5%), octisalate (4.9%), avobenzone (2.8%), vitamin C, green tea extract, acai extract
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sizes: 6 oz.
Best for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray
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Blue Lizard
Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray
Amazon
Walmart
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Blue Lizard Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray.
Shanna Shipin
Why we love it: Made without drying alcohols or irritating fragrances, Blue Lizard’s Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray helps you avoid some of the biggest bad guys for sensitive skin. Then there’s the fact that it’s made with zinc oxide, a mineral sunblock that’s considered a more tolerable pick over chemical sunscreens because it doesn’t penetrate the skin. Instead, it creates a reflective barrier over your skin’s surface. It’s “a strong choice for those looking for a mineral-based formula that is gentle on reactive skin while still offering reliable UV protection,” Dr. Camp says. And you don’t have to worry about it coming out in a weak mist or gloppy mess; its spray is strong and consistent. Just remember to shake the bottle before applying, then rub it in.
Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“A spray mineral sunscreen that propels like a chemical? I've never, in all my years of testing, come across one as effective as this. Upon first application, I knew this was special, especially if you're used to mineral sunscreens that squirt in a womp-womp, and messy fashion rather than shower your skin in SPF coverage. The spray is an even, broad mist that propels powerfully; you won't miss a spot with this kind of reach. It's among the fastest 'screens in my arsenal and is finally a sport mineral that is just as convenient and easy to apply as the chemical sunscreens I have.
"You really have to shake it up, then rub it into your skin. This isn't going to give you the perfect, truly invisible chemical spray at first. You may get some errant splotches, but they're tiny, I promise! After spraying, you just need to remember to briefly rub it in before you go. Otherwise, you may have some uneven spots. When you're done, it dries down with zero white cast. On top of it all, there's an impressive 80 minutes of water-resistant coverage. Right now, there isn't a better active or beach-day sunscreen for me and my family.” —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (24%), glycerin
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Sizes: 5 oz.
Best for Outdoor Activities: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Invisible Spray Sunscreen SPF 45
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La Roche-Posay
Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Invisible Spray Sunscreen SPF 45
La Roche-Posay
Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Invisible Spray Sunscreen SPF 45.
Christa Joanna Lee
Why we love it: If you’re hitting the hiking trails, joining a rec league for the summer, or just enjoying some extra-steamy walks, you need a sunscreen with as much endurance as you. La Roche-Posay tested its Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Invisible Spray Sunscreen in high-heat and humidity conditions to ensure it could hold up during intense activities. Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it won’t melt off at the first sign of sweat or run into your eyes in the middle of your outdoor workout. Better still, it doesn’t feel heavy or oily when you apply it. Dr. Camp says it feels comfortable on the skin and dries quickly. And, he says, with its fragrance-free, hydrating formula, it’s also a great choice for people with sensitive skin.
Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee
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“Summer evenings are usually spent parked on the sidelines of my kids' sports or, when I get a little time to myself, out on a long run. Between all the activities, I burn through body sunscreen faster than just about any other beauty product. After a different spray sunscreen left my sensitive skin feeling uncomfortably dry, this one was a welcome change. It's from a brand that's practically synonymous with sensitive skin care, and the addition of La Roche-Posay's signature thermal spring water makes the formula feel noticeably more hydrating. I wouldn't call it a dry-touch sunscreen. It definitely leaves skin looking moisturized (though if you prefer a matte finish, you might find it just a touch oily). Since there's no fragrance and the chemical formula sprays on invisibly, it's easily a bottle I'll finish in no time.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- Key ingredients: homosalate 10%, octocrylene 7%, octisalate 5%, avobenzone 3%, vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Sizes: 4.3 oz.
Best Over Makeup: Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF 50
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Naked Sundays
Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF 50
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Allure content director Sophie Panych applying the Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF 50.
Sophie Panych
Why we love it: After applying your regular face sunscreen and makeup for the day, lock it in place with Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray. A true overachiever, it provides additional protection against sun damage and free radicals while boosting your skin’s radiance. Hyaluronic acid and watermelon extract moisturize without feeling heavy, and a combo of chemical filters keeps the spray clear and easily blendable. The brand recommends applying about seven pumps, then gently rubbing it into your face. (Sounds intense, but the formula dries quickly—and the glowy finish is worth the extra effort.) It comes in not one but two travel-friendly sizes, so you can re-up on coverage throughout the day without lugging around a full-size bottle of SPF.
Tester feedback from content director Sophia Panych
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“This spray is a summer saviour…seriously. The first time I sprayed it, I was impressed, primarily because it made my skin look beautifully luminous (and not at all oily) and didn't mess up my makeup. It wasn't until I brought it on vacation to Mallorca, where I spent most of the time makeup-free, that I realized just how effective the formula is. The bottle was a mainstay in my beach bag, and I sprayed it on every couple of hours and every time I got out of the water. I left Spain burn-free and my melasma no worse than it already was. Now, it has a permanent spot in my work bag. The icing on the (subtle, watermelon-scented) cake? Even the full-size bottle (75 ml.) can come with you in your carry-on without getting swiped by TSA agents.” —Sophia Panych, content director
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- Key ingredients: homosalate (10%), octocrylene (8%), octisalate (5%), avobenzone (3%), hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sizes: 2.54 oz., 1.01 oz.
Best for Dry Skin: Brush On Block Sol SPF 50 Mineral Spray On Lotion
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Brush On Block
Sol SPF 50 Mineral Spray on Lotion
Amazon
Brush on Block
Allure social director Kassidy Silva applying the Brush On Block Sol SPF 50 Mineral Spray On Lotion.
Kassidy Silva
Why we love it: No ashiness here! You can get the hydrating effects of a lotion and the convenience of a spray with Brush On Block Sol SPF 50 Mineral Spray On Lotion. It contains nourishing avocado oil for added moisture, niacinamide to support your skin barrier, and aloe vera to soothe sun-exposed skin. The continuous spray appears white before rubbing in clear, so you can see exactly where it lands (and where you might have missed a spot). Even with its moisturizing formula, it won’t feel sticky or greasy once it’s dry, and it’ll protect your skin for up to 80 minutes, even if you take a dip or break a sweat.
Tester feedback from social director Kassidy Silva
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“There is one skin-care guarantee every time I step outside of the house: I am wearing sunscreen. I’m a redhead after all! The Brush On Block Sol SPF 50 Mineral Spray On Lotion has become my go-to, especially as I renovate my backyard. I apply it to my arms, legs, face, neck, really any exposed skin with a light layer before massaging it in. While it’s not thick, you do need to give it a few passes to rub it in fully, and it’s a little slower than my family would like when we’re heading outside. But for how well it holds up during the day, especially in the water, it’s worth every minute to me to protect us from the sun. Plus, they make a kids' version of their mineral spray that I use on my daughter daily!” —Kassidy Silva, social director
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: mineral
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (15%), aloe vera, niacinamide, avocado oil
- Fragrance-free: yes
- Sizes: 6 oz.
Best Drugstore: Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70
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Neutrogena
Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70
Amazon
Walmart
Allure senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino applying Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70.
Elizabeth Gulino
Why we love it: Water-resistant protection for up to 80 minutes? A clear, dry finish? A lower price tag than your average chopped salad? Consider us sold on Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70. It’s lightweight and oil-free, and comes out in a strong, continuous spray. You’ll barely notice it after rubbing it in. It stays put and doesn’t melt, run, or burn your eyes. Just take extra care when applying this spray: It contains a chemical propellant, which can be irritating if you breathe it in. Translation: Do your spraying in a well-ventilated area.
Tester feedback from senior staff writer Elizabeth Gulino
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“I'm from the Jersey Shore, and I refuse to be at the beach without multiple forms of sunscreen (as well as my own personal umbrella). I love spray sunscreens because they're easy to use and don't make me feel sticky and greasy. This one from Neutrogena is often at the top of my beach bag, not only because it dries down quickly on the skin but because it doesn't smell as chemical-y as other sprays out there. Make sure to apply generously to ensure full coverage. The sun is sneaky!” —Elizabeth Gulino, senior staff writer
More to know
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- Sunscreen type: chemical
- Key ingredients: homosalate (15%), octocrylene (10%), octisalate (5%), avobenzone (3%), vitamin E
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sizes: 6.5 oz.
Best Scent: Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray
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Sol De Janerio
Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray
Ulta Beauty
Sephora
Revolve
Temporary features director Kara McGrath applying Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray.
Kara McGrath
Why we love it: Want to prevent sun damage, look glowy, and smell delicious in a single spritz? Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance SPF 50 Body Spray brings the beach vibes with notes of warm sand, coconut milk, ylang ylang, and vanilla, and leaves skin with a subtle, hydrated sheen after it sinks in. Niacinamide lends a brightening boost, while coconut water moisturizes without leaving skin feeling too slick. Most importantly, this Best of Beauty Award winner doesn’t leave you vulnerable to UV rays. Its chemical filters provide thorough protection, its antioxidant ingredients reduce the impact of environmental stressors, and the formula stays water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Tester feedback from temporary features director Kara McGrath
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“I love a spray-on sunscreen, but sometimes the spritz can be a bit…splotchy. Not this one: The mist is super-fine so it floats out of the nozzle and onto your skin in an even layer (though you still want to rub it in to be sure). The instant ‘radiance’ part comes from hydrating coconut water, which really makes my tattoos pop.” —Kara McGrath, temporary features director
More to know
LargeChevron
- Sunscreen type: chemical
- Key ingredients: octocrylene (9%), octisalate (5%), avobenzone (3%), coconut water, niacinamide
- Fragrance-free: no
- Sizes: 3 oz.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is spray sunscreen effective?
When used correctly, spray sunscreen can effectively protect you from harmful UV rays. We repeat: When used correctly. The problem is that “sprays are often applied too lightly or unevenly,” Dr. Camp says. “Lotion tends to make it easier to see where you've covered the skin,” so it’s usually considered more effective.
Spray sunscreen can also lose its efficacy if you don’t rub it in. Massage the sunscreen into your skin after spraying it on, or spray a generous amount directly into your hands then apply it like a lotion, Dr. Huizenga says. And take care on uneven or contoured parts of your body, like your shoulders, knees, and ankles, Dr. Camp says. These areas can be harder to cover completely, so you may need to spend a little extra time rubbing in the spray. “Even if the product advertises continuous or even coverage, rubbing it in is a simple step that can improve protection,” he explains.
How much spray sunscreen should you apply?
Unless you already know to be extra careful and thorough when applying spray sunscreen, you probably aren’t using enough of it. “Spray each area of exposed skin until it has an even, visible sheen before rubbing it in, rather than giving it a quick pass,” Dr. Camp says. To make sure you’re getting consistent coverage, take your time and use a product with a continuous spray. Your skin should feel fully coated, Dr. Huizenga says, adding that it’s important to reapply at least every two hours.
Meet the experts
- Brendan Camp, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist based in New York.
- Mona Gohara, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in Connecticut.
- Taryn Huizenga, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but, for example, hair-care products and tools are another story. While some hair products can be used across different textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, and colors (natural and unnatural), they are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are formulated to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls, right?
And for our reviews of the best spray sunscreens, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists with a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete review process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing through the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
