14 Best Spray Sunscreens, Tested by Glamour Editors & Approved by Dermatologists

Over the last six months, we’ve found it’s nearly impossible to talk to dermatologists about sunscreen and not cover EltaMD. Derms love it, editors love it, and our testers love it. Dr. Kopelman calls the brand’s mineral sunscreen spray basically perfect, calling attention to the fact that it’s 100%-mineral-based formula with zinc oxide. “It sprays on so easily, feels smooth and silky on the skin, is moisturizing, is lightweight, and rubs in easily,” she says. “It does not leave any white cast, either.”

Testers found this to be largely true. Unlike clear sunscreen, this spray does mist on white and it takes some rubbing, but with a little bit of patience, it eventually soaks in without leaving a white cast. And because you have to pay attention to where you’re rubbing this sunscreen in, it provides excellent overall coverage for greater efficacy.

• Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
• SPF: 40
• Water-resistant: 40 minutes
• Size: 5 oz.
• What we love: No white residue; mineral formula; water-resistant for up to 40 minutes
• What could improve: Takes some rubbing in

We’ve spoken to our fair share of dermatologists about sunscreen for sensitive skin, and a significant portion of them recommend Blue Lizard. “It’s mineral-based and fragrance-free, and doesn’t contain any phthalates and parabens,” says Dr. Kopelman. “Because it’s ideal for sensitive skin, it’s a great sunscreen for both kids and adults.”

In our evaluations we found the spray to be nothing short of excellent. It does require a little bit of rubbing in, but we really liked that the formula feels more like a lotion than like your typical aerosol sunscreen. It’s not at all shiny, greasy, or sticky. And it doesn’t have the strong chemical scent you get from some sprays. One tester who has particularly sensitive skin said it was well-tolerated—she didn’t experience any burning, stinging, or reaction.

• Active ingredient: Zinc oxide
• SPF: 50+
• Water-resistant: 80 minutes
• Size: 5 oz.
• What we love: Mineral formula; safe for sensitive skin; water-resistant for up to 40 minutes; reef-safe
• What could improve: Takes some rubbing in

“Sprays do tend to be sticker in texture and consistency on your skin,” says Anna Chacon, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Miami. “Spray sunscreens can also feel greasier,” she says, which is not ideal for those with oily skin. But Dr. Chacon recommends this formula as an exception to the rule. “This one is oil-free, lightweight, and nongreasy,” she says, calling it a really good option for those with sensitive skin as well, for the same reasons.

Breakout-prone testers didn’t report any flare-ups while using this spray. Like some other of our favorite spray SPFs, it does spray on white but rubs in so well that it’s virtually undetectable on skin. The brand says it’s perfectly safe for both body and face, but we suggest using caution on your face. The one complaint we heard is that, even when applying it to hands first, it stung eyes.

• Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone
• SPF: 60
• Water-resistant: 80 minutes
• Size: 5 oz.
• What we love: Oil-free; safe for sensitive skin; water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
• What could improve: Some users said it stung their eyes

For a nonaerosol option that packs a punch of SPF, Ray Kleinfelder, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Santa Barbara, California, recommends this pick from Hampton Sun. Yes, it’s a bit pricier than some others, but it’s a bag-on-valve spray, which has three big benefits: It uses a less aggressive propellant, the sunscreen and the propellant are housed separately for less risk of contamination, and the spray it delivers is not as cold. “It’s fast-absorbing and reef-safe from a great, newer company,” says Dr. Kleinfelder.

We love that it’s oil-free, so it’s suitable for the acne-prone. It’s also hypoallergenic, for those with sensitive skin. And if you’re swimming or exercising, you can count on this pick to be water-resistant for 80 minutes.

• Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate. octocrylene
• SPF: 50
• Water-resistant: 80 minutes
• Size: 5 oz.
• What we love: Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes; high SPF 50; non-aerosol
• What could improve: More expensive than most

Dermatologist Debra Jaliman, MD, recommends this sunscreen for the body—especially in those with dry skin—because it counts mostly made of hydrating ingredients like aloe vera, shea butter, and glycerin. It’s moisturizing and won’t parch your skin the way some sprays do, she says. Of course, it also offers ample sun protection (SPF 30), thanks to 14.5% zinc oxide.

Our testers love it for its reliability—it’s widely available and works well. “Mineral sunscreens don’t always spray well, because they tend to be thicker,” says Earley. “This one sprayed very evenly and was easy to rub in.” It does, however, tend to leave a bit of a white cast, particularly on those with darker skin.

• Active ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
• SPF: 30
• Water-resistant: 80 minutes
• Size: 5 ounces
• What we like: Sprays evenly; easy to rub in; contains skin-soothing ingredients
• What could improve: Tends to leave a slight white cast

The dermatologists we spoke to overwhelmingly recommend applying spray sunscreen to the face via your hands, but this one stands out because Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York says it applies more like skin care. You can mist it directly onto skin to reap all of the benefits. “It’s a hydrating face mist that, on top of SPF 40, also includes skin-loving ingredients like meadowfoam seed and buriti fruit oil,” she says. “It’s especially great for those with dry skin types, as it will add a boost of moisture along with UV protection.”

We like that it’s a clear, dry oil. And as such, it’s super easy to apply on the go and reapply throughout the day for all-day sun protection. You can wear it under or over makeup without ruining your look. Just note that it may not be the best choice for those with sensitive skin, since it does contain ingredients like alcohol.

• Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene
• SPF: 40
• Water-resistant: 80 minutes
• Size: 3.4 oz.
• What we love: Great for dry skin; goes on clear; can be layered with makeup
• What could improve: May not be suitable for sensitive skin

Coola also makes a great nonaerosol sunscreen spray that our experts say is ideal for protecting the scalp. Yes, it has the SPF 30 protection from UVA and UVB rays that derms recommend, but it also contains monoi oil, a natural UV hair protector. It nourishes strands like proper hair care, too. According to Melanie Palm, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and cosmetic surgeon at Art of Skin MD, the antioxidant-rich formula helps lock in color and strengthen damaged hair. It can also help prevent breakage and boost shine, thanks to panthenol.

Our testers told Glamour the product works especially well on thicker hair, but those with finer hair said it can leave locks a little bit greasy if you’re too heavy-handed. The pros recommend applying the product to your hand for more targeted, controlled application if this is a concern.

• Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
• SPF: 30
• Water-resistant: 80 minutes
• Size: 2 oz.
• What we love: Hydrates hair and protects the scalp simultaneously; water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
• What could improve: May be too greasy for finer hair

When we poll editors and anonymous testers about sunscreen, Supergoop comes up a lot—and unsurprisingly this spray was a favorite when we reviewed the brand’s products. “The Play mist is incredibly easy to apply: Just spray, rub in, and you’re all set,” our tester said. “And thanks to the added citrus oils—lime, lemon, tangerine leaf—it has a zesty scent that is super refreshing, especially on those humid days.”

We like that the formula has a high SPF 50 and is also water-resistant for 80 minutes. On the downside, this can only offers 3 ounces of sun blocker, which is smaller than the average 5-ounce cans.

• Active ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
• SPF: 50
• Water-resistant: 80 minutes
• Size: 3 oz.
• What we love: Great scent; higher SPF; water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
• What could improve: Smaller than most sprays

It’s not just the name that makes this sunscreen a great pick for travel; it’s the pint-size 2.2-ounce container that tucks expertly into luggage as small as a personal item. It comes from the trending brand that’s all over TikTok, in some part thanks to the fun, nostalgic branding. But we’re happy to report that our testers think what’s inside the bottle is just as worthy of rave reviews.

The chemical sunscreen touts SPF 50 but also includes skin care ingredients that both acne-prone and sensitive skin types can handle: bisabolol, aloe, cucumber, shea oil, maracuja oil, caffeine, banana, coconut, green tea, vitamin E, and ferulic acid. Users say it sprays on completely clear and dries to a matte finish in mere seconds. “My face was dry just as soon as I sprayed the SPF,” our tester told us. “If not for the incredibly yummy tropical scent it leaves behind, I’d second-guess whether I’d actually put any sunscreen on.” This is a favorite of Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle, who took it with her to Ecuador last summer. “I knew I need to reapply during my all-day hike in Quilotoa Lake, and this Vacation sunscreen came in handy. I only wish that the spray was less jetlike and more misty so it’s easier to apply,” says Calle.

• Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octocrylene, octisilate
• SPF: 50
• Water-resistant: 80 minutes
• Size: 2.2 oz.
• What we love: Suitable for all skin types; entirely clear; dries quickly; great scent
• What could improve: Because it dries so fast, you have to be careful not to miss any spots

Another nonaerosol option, but this time from one of the most classic sunscreen brands of all time. We love this choice for families, because you can hold the bottle any which way and it’ll still spray a perfect fine mist of sun protection in your direction. In tests it did occasionally get jammed up, but a few shakes had it working perfectly again. We also appreciate the refillable design, which cuts down on plastic waste.

Because the mist is so fine, the product goes on very evenly. It’s also slightly slick upon application, so you can see exactly where you applied—key for not missing any spots. Still, it absorbs into skin relatively quickly, so kids and adults alike can get back to having fun in the sun. It’s water-resistant for a full 80 minutes, so it’s great for all types of summer water activities just remember to reapply.

• Active ingredients: Homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, avobenzone
• SPF: 45
• Water-resistant: No
• Size: 5 oz.
• What we love: Fine and even mist for easy application; refillable packaging; water-resistant for 80 minutes
• What could improve: Bottle occasionally gets jammed up

This spray sunscreen also has a 360-degree continuous mist for easier application—even if the can is upside down. It’s ultra-lightweight, so the fine mist disperses evenly over skin. It isn’t at all oily, greasy, or tacky, but instead sits almost undetectable on skin. Users say it dries quickly and appreciate that it’s unscented.

We like that it has a host of antioxidants in the mix—specifically vitamin C and Indian gooseberry, both of which protect against sun damage and free radicals. At six ounces, it’s also a bit larger than your average spray sunscreen, which helps add to the overall value.

• Active ingredients: Avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene
• SPF: 40
• Water-resistant: 80 minutes
• Size: 6 oz.
• What we love: 360-degree continuous mist for easy application; water-resistant for 80 minutes; larger size
• What could improve: Some users occasionally report trouble with the nozzle

For those times when you’re lounging at the hotel pool or hanging with friends on the beach and want to show off your best sun-kissed self without actually tanning your skin, reach for this SPF, which is almost like a protective body makeup. It doesn’t conceal, but it does lend what the brand calls “sun-kissed radiance.” Our testers agreed, telling us it offered “the slightest iridescence that sparkles in the sun.”

Beyond the sparkle, the gel is completely sheer, so there’s no white cast to contend with. It does, however, feel more like a face tanning oil than a lotion, so that’s something to be aware of. On the upside, the traditional tropical scent you get in tanning oil is there in full force, and our tester described it as “irresistible.” We also like that it’s full of moisturizing oils and vitamins to enrich skin while protecting it.

• Active ingredients: Homosalate, octocrylene, octisalate, avobenzone
• SPF: 45
• Water-resistant: No
• Size: 5 oz.
• What we love: Great scent; delivers an instant glow; contains moisturizing ingredients; a little goes a long way
• What could improve: A bit oily; not water-resistant