These Spray Sunscreens Make Application Simple (2024)

“Your first line of defense is always going to be sunscreen,” Dr. Corey L. Hartman previously told Vogue. A consideration that makes us eager to unveil the best spray sunscreen. “Everyone should wear at least SPF 30 on their face daily and reapply every two hours if outside in the sun, or sitting next to a window.”

Hartman, founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama, emphasizes that diligent sun protection can help prevent dark spots, sun-induced hyperpigmentation (read: melasma), and work as a preventative measure for even-toned skin. “If you are working hard to treat hyperpigmentation or even [and] brighten skin, you also need to make sure you protect your skin from the sun so you don’t incur additional damage,” he says.

While we’ve certainly waxed on about the importance of wearing sunscreen daily, most of our favorites fall in the realm of creamy moisturizers or luminous formulas perfect under makeup. All stellar, reliable picks of course but not the most convenient options when it’s time to reapply or if you’re somehow unable to massage in a new layer throughout the day. Let’s be real: liquid SPFs atop makeup or applied to the body on the go aren’t incredibly realistic.

And so, it’s clear that your summer beauty bag requires the best spray sunscreen for handy, lightweight application. Below, an edit of face and body spray-on sunscreen formulas to protect your skin on vacation—and beyond.

For the Face

Supergoop! (Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40

Few brands do sun protection as well as Supergoop!—which is why we’re coveting this facial mist all summer long. The weightless mist is lauded for the infused SPF 40 and its ability to help filter pollution to the skin; though, we see it as a solution to combat oils throughout the day—crafted to reduce shine and leave a matte finish.

Habit N°41 SPF Mister

Commerce director Julie Tong shares her love for Habit’s spray sunscreen—keeping it in her bag for a morning spritz. “It feels refreshing on, with hints of rose geranium, lavender, and rosemary,” she says. “It’s hard to believe it actually protects my skin, but it does!”

Soleil Toujours Clean Conscious Set + Protect Micro Mist SPF 30

Soleil Toujours’ Micro Mist allows for facial protection and makeup setting—a thoughtful pairing for any travel makeup bag. With a blend of hydrators like aloe and green tea leaf extract, expect this super-fine mist to not only lock in your look but replenish skin’s moisture.

For the Body

Supergoop! Play Antioxidant Body Mist SPF 50 with Vitamin C

A spray sunscreen infused with vitamin C benefits? Yes, please! Also featuring green tea and acai extract, Supergoop!’s non-aerosol mist offers both sun and antioxidant protection that can even be applied to wet skin.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Sunscreen Lotion Spray SPF 60

A fan of La Roche-Posay’s Toleriane SPF-infused moisturizer? Give the brand’s spray formula a try. Crafted with sports and outdoor activities in mind, this is designed for 360-degree spray application—meaning it should treat even hard-to-reach spots with ease.

Vacation Classic Spray SPF 30 Sunscreen

Vacation’s Classic Spray features the brand’s signature scent designed to evoke the feeling of tropical travels—even if you’re right at home. While the delightful fragrance might be enough to warrant your buy, the formula also goes on clear and is infused with coconut oil, banana extract, shea oil, and vitamin E to leave skin hydrated and soothed.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protection spray is loved for its lightweight feel and versatile wear—a formula suited for the face, body, and hair. Reach for this if you’ll be sweating or at the beach as it’s sand-proof and water-resistant.

MDSolarSciences Quick Dry Body Spray SPF

Low on time? Ensure you have a quick dry sunscreen on hand—like this option by MDSolarSciences. Infused with vitamin C and the natural antioxidant Indian gooseberry, the fragrance-free spray offers protection against sun damage and free radicals for up to 80 minutes of water-resistant coverage.

PCA Skin Active Protection Body Broad Spectrum SPF 30

What we love most about PCA Skin’s continuous spray formula is that it boasts anti-aging benefits thanks to a blend of ingredients that target pollutants and environmental stressors. This is water-resistant and reef-safe, too.

Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray

Fashion market editor Madeline Fass is partial to Sun Bum’s Original Sunscreen Spray for its infused SPF 50 and ease of application before a beach or pool day. Earning bonus points as an affordable drugstore pickup, expect oil-free, water-resistant wear with UVA/UVB protection—and moisturizing benefits thanks to the featured vitamin E.