Most spray sunscreens look the same on paper. The real difference is in how they feel, how easy it is to use properly, and how consistently you’ll reach them. Here’s the bottom line.
SPF and broad protection
SPF 30 or higher with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection is basic. SPF 30 is sufficient for most external uses if you apply properly and reapply on schedule. SPF 50 gives you a bit more margin for error, which is useful if you tend to forget to reapply or spend a lot of time at high altitudes. SPF 100 is not a force field. It buys you more time before burning, but it doesn’t change the basic math of needing to reapply.
Suitable for sensitive skin
Ultimately, everyone’s skin is different. After reading hundreds (almost thousands) of sunscreen reviews online at this point, we can say with authority that there is no one sunscreen that works for everyone.
Often when it comes to sensitive skin, however, we know that customers want both sun protection and a product that won’t cause redness, irritation, breakouts, dryness, breakouts, or other side effects.
Sunscreens that contain chemical filters, fragrances, and other skin care chemicals can cause these types of irritation in sensitive, acne-prone, and/or eczema-prone skin. While there is no single solution, experts agree that those with sensitive skin should look into:
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Mineral (ie, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) or hybrid formulas (mineral and chemical), as chemical filters tend to cause more irritation than their mineral counterparts.
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Oil- and fragrance-free products, as these ingredients can cause breakouts and/or irritate sensitive skin.
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Alcohol-free products and denatured alcohol, which can dry and irritate the skin. This is most common in sunscreen sprays, where alcohol is added to help the products dry faster.
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If dry skin or eczema is a problem, gentle hydration comes from ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, vitamin E, and/or colloidal oatmeal.
If you’re looking for these qualities in a spray sunscreen, look for products that are described as “non-aerosol” (usually meaning they don’t contain chemical explosives, which can be irritating), alcohol-free, and fragrance-free.
Water and sweat resistance
For anything that works outdoors, look for 80 minutes of water resistance, which is the maximum the FDA allows products to claim. This is important for pool days, long hikes, or any situation where you’re going to sweat. It doesn’t mean you apply once and you’re done for the day. It means the protection holds well while your skin is wet before you reapply.
Chemical versus mineral formulas
Chemical sprays like Banana Boat Light As Air feel light, disappear quickly from the skin, and are less likely to leave visible residue. Mineral sprays using zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are better tolerated by sensitive or reactive skin but tend to be hard, sticky, and more likely to leave a white cast, especially at high zinc concentrations. And there is nothing better in the world. If you have sensitive skin, the mineral is worth the extra effort. If you prefer something that is invisible, dries quickly and is not close to natural water, a chemical spray will probably be used continuously.
How does it spray
This is where most sprays fall apart in performance. A nozzle that requires a lot of hand strength, a spray that quickly turns into a cloud of smoke, or a mist that spreads so much that it stays in the air rather than on your skin: any of these will result in you using less than you should. Look for sprays that come out in a controlled stream or mist, cover the skin predictably, and don’t require flexibility for use in hard-to-reach areas.
Odors and potential irritants
Most sprays contain fragrance, alcohol, or essential oils that smell good and dry quickly. For most people this is fine. For people with sensitive skin, asthma, or fragrance allergies, it’s worth looking for fragrance-free or alcohol-free options with a shorter list of ingredients. If you’re not sure how your skin will react, a small patch test before covering your entire body is worth the thirty seconds it takes.
White cast and finish
Mineral sprays tend to leave a white cast, which may be more visible at deeper skin levels. Chemical sprays often leave a subtle sheen. Dry-touch formulas can feel a little powdery, which some people like and others find dry. None of these finishes affect UV protection, but they absolutely do affect whether you’ll get the bottle back.
Effect of environment
Most spray sunscreens are not suitable for use at the beach, lake, or river. Aerosol sprays disperse small particles that include inactive ingredients and propellants that can harm the aquatic environment, and many contain ingredients that have been proven to harm coral reefs. If you spend time in or around natural water, use one of ours The best Reef-Safe sunscreens in turn. For parks, trails, and yards away from natural water, a sprayer is the logical choice.
Dermatologist approved
I American Academy of Dermatology recommends that everyone use a sunscreen that provides:
Buy sunscreen that meets the above requirements (this information is usually on the front of the bottle). Every single sunscreen we review meets those basic requirements. If you’re looking for fun and useful facts about sun protection, please enjoy the AADA website as well as Skin Cancer Foundation.