8 Best Spray Sunscreens for Quick and Easy Reapplication

29.07.2026, 20:01 allure.com

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 based in Connecticut.

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—too much 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 and 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.

EltaMD

Amazon

EltaMD

Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the EltaMD UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum SPF 40

Why we love it: EltaMD’s sunscreens are a dermatologist favorite, and UV AOX Mist Broad Spectrum sunscreen is no exception: Both 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 a Best of Beauty Award in 2024. Dr. Camp also points out that it contains 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

“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 a cast (on my skin tone) and it's very hydrating. My skin feels super soft but not greasy like some sunscreens leave me.” —Sarah Han, commerce editor

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Supergoop

Amazon

Nordstrom

Dermstore

Allure editor in chief Jessica Cruel applying the Supergoop Play Antioxidant Body Sunscreen Mist SPF 50

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 ultra-fine, but has staying power: It’s water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Dr. Camp says its consistency is so light and refreshing that you’ll genuinely enjoy reapplying throughout your day in the sun. Plus, it comes in two summery scents, sunny citrus and whipped coconut.

Tester feedback from editor in chief Jessica Cruel

“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 now is a whiff of orange and citrus.” —Jessica Cruel, editor in chief

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Blue Lizard

Amazon

Walmart

Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Blue Lizard Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray

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 afterward.

Tester feedback from senior commerce director Shanna Shipin

“A spray mineral sunscreen that propels like a chemical? I've never—in all my years 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

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La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay

Allure contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Pro-Sport Invisible Spray Sunscreen SPF 45

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, with its fragrance-free, hydrating formula, it’s also a great choice for people with sensitive skin, he notes.

Tester feedback from contributing commerce writer Christa Joanna Lee

“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, 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 completely invisible, it's easily a bottle I'll finish in no time.” —Christa Joanna Lee, contributing commerce writer

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Naked Sundays

Amazon

Ulta Beauty

Allure content director Sophie Panych applying the Naked Sundays Hydrating Glow Mist Setting Spray SPF 50

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 a heavy feel, 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 reup on coverage throughout the day without lugging around a full-size bottle of SPF.

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