5 Best Spray Sunscreens for Easy Body Application

Frequently asked questions

“Using sunscreen is most important, regardless of type, to protect your skin from sun exposure,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. But keep in mind that you must make sure to apply it correctly and reapply every two hours. “Spray sunscreens tend to be harder to control, and you have to be mindful of the surface area you are aiming at,” Dr. Chacon says—it’s 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.

When it comes to application, you still need to make sure the sprays are completely absorbed by the skin. “Sunscreen sprays are just as effective at blocking UV rays as lotions,” says Dr. Kopelman. But 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.” And remember, applying sunscreen won’t prevent you from tanning.

Spray sunscreen can irritate the mouth, throat, and lungs if inhaled—particularly in those with asthma, derms tell Glamour. “I 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,” says Dr. Kopelman. “If you are going to use a sunscreen spray on your face, spray it into your hands and then apply it to your face,” she says.

According to Brooke Jeffy, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona, you should always apply sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30. “Use a one-ounce portion, or the equivalent of a shot glass,” says Dr. Jeffy. “Less is not more when it comes to sunscreen. Be generous!”

The biggest mistake when using a spray sunscreen is not reapplying them. “They all need to be applied generously and reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming or significant sweating,” says Dr. Jeffy. And as far as disadvantages go, Dr. Jeffy says sprays need to be applied to the point where the skin appears wet and then rubbed in. A light mist will not suffice, she says. As long as sprays are applied liberally and frequently, sprays can be just as effective as sunscreen lotions or creams.

During our evaluations, we assessed the best sunscreen sprays for lightweight consistency, quick absorption rate, lack of white cast, and a broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher (derms say this is a must for efficacy). After more than a year of testing, we’re confident that these are some of the best SPFs out there.

• Jody A. Levine, MD, board-certified dermatologist in New York
• Zaineb H. Makhzoumi, MD, director of clinical services and head of dermatologic surgery and oncology at University of Maryland Medical Center
• Hannah Kopelman, MD, dermatologist in New York
• Melanie Palm, MD, board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD
• Brooke Jeffy, MD, board-certified dermatologist based in Arizona