Top 10 Best Sunscreen Sprays to Buy Online 2020

Here is a list of top 10 best sunscreen sprays that are highly recommended on Amazon. We compared them by factors such as the type of sunscreen, SPF, protection spectrum, and skin-friendliness.

Choosing a suitable sunscreen spray is not easy, since there are various products with somewhat similar ingredients. Therefore, you need to think about factors such as the type of the sunscreen and the SPF ratings to ensure that the product actually works for you. Take a look at this buying guide for more details!

There are two types of sunscreens: chemical and mineral-based. Each type has its own pros and cons, so take these into consideration before you choose a product to purchase! 

Chemical sunscreens (or organic sunscreens) often contain active chemicals such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, or octocrylene. They work by absorbing and dissipating the sun's UV rays.

Compared to mineral sunscreens, chemical ones are easy and quick to apply and don't leave behind a white residue on the skin. However, chemical sunscreens might trigger allergic reactions in people with sensitive skin or worsen skin conditions such as melasma or rosacea.

Furthermore, some chemical blockers such as oxybenzone or octinoxate have been shown to damage coral reefs. So if you want to look for a reef-friendly option, you might want to consider sunscreens with avobenzone and octocrylene instead! 

Mineral (or physical) sunscreens are formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Once applied, they form a protective barrier on your skin and reflect damaging UV rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens which take about 20 to 30 minutes to actually take effect, mineral sunscreens scatter UV rays immediately after they're applied. 

But mineral sunscreens are not always the best. They can rub off easily, so you might need to re-apply more frequently. Moreover, mineral sunscreens tend to leave behind an annoying white residue on your skin. The texture might be a bit thicker than that of a chemical sunscreen, so make sure to really rub the mineral sunscreen in. 

Still, mineral sunscreens have been shown to be gentle on sensitive skin and safe for babies as well as pregnant women. So if your skin is easily irritated, opt for a mineral product instead! 

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a number that shows how well a sunscreen can protect the skin from UVB rays which are the main cause of sunburns and skin cancers. As a general rule of thumb, the higher the SPF number is, the more protection you get.

Typically, an SPF15 sunscreen can block about 93% of UVB rays, SPF30 can stop 97%, SPF50 approximately 98%, and SPF100 about 99%. It's important to keep in mind that no sunscreen can filter out 100% of UVB rays. Generally, dermatologists suggest that you choose sunscreens with high SPF ratings (SPF15 or higher).

However, the SPF number does not indicate how often you should re-apply the sunscreen. No matter how high the SPF rating is, the Federal Food and Drug Administration recommends that people re-apply sunscreen every two hours. 

Many people think that SPF is the only number to pay attention to, but that does not say anything about UVA rays. It's important to know that both of these UV rays can do harm to your body.

According to the American Cancer Society, UVB rays can lead to sunburns and skin cancers, and UVA rays can cause premature aging and skin cancer as well! 

Therefore, you should choose sunscreens that are labeled "broad spectrum" to ensure that your skin is protected against both UVA and UVB rays. According to the FDA, products labeled "broad spectrum" have a UVA protection level equivalent to the SPF rating. 

If you usually exercise outdoors, go to the pool in the summer, or just sweat a lot, you should definitely consider using a water-resistant product to keep your skin protected after water exposure or sweating. 

However, you should keep in mind that "water-resistant" doesn't equal "waterproof". Water-resistant sunscreens typically last for either 40 or 80 minutes after your skin gets wet, so you should re-apply sunscreens after that time period! 

The free radicals generated by UV exposure have been shown to degrade the quality of your skin and accelerate the aging process. Sadly, even a high SPF sunscreen cannot completely shield your skin from those stubborn radicals.

To help neutralize free radical damage better, many brands add antioxidants such as vitamin C, E, or ferulic acid. Some sunscreens are also formulated with coconut oil or ceramides to help lock in moisture and keep your skin hydrated all the time.

If you're looking for some added benefits besides UV ray protection, then make sure to look for products with nourishing antioxidant and hydrating ingredients! 

Using a sunscreen spray can be tricky, since you might accidentally inhale the chemicals or get it in your eyes. If you're not spraying enough, you won't get sufficient sun protection either. So take a look at our tips to avoid such situations! 

Many people prefer using a sunscreen spray over other lotion or liquid options since it's easy and quick to apply. However, using a spray is trickier than applying lotion to your skin. You have to spray a generous amount (about an ounce of sunscreen for an adult) in order to get benefits. 

It's hard to see if you're applying enough, so try to spray until your skin glistens to avoid missing spots. Make sure to rub it in carefully afterward to get even coverage. 

Don't spray sunscreen near your face or mouth, since inhaling spray sunscreen might lead to health hazards. Studies have shown that inhaling titanium dioxide, a common sunscreen ingredient, is carcinogenic to rodents and might be harmful to humans as well. Sunscreens formulated with a high amount of alcohol could also irritate the lungs.

As children tend to squirm while being sprayed, they might accidentally inhale the product. If possible, you should use a lotion sunscreen for kids. But if you have no other options, spray the sunscreen into your hands and rub it on the child's skin.

Try not to use the product on windy days or places either, since strong winds could make it difficult to apply and you might inadvertently inhale the spray.

Also, don't apply sprays if you're near heat or an open fire since sunscreens in aerosol form might be inflammable. Avoid spraying near grills or lit cigarettes, and ensure that your skin is completely dry before you go near any sources of fire.

Check out some suggestions that might help you get started with summer activities!

A sunscreen spray is convenient to use and will help you fight off the bad UV rays. But make sure that you spray a sufficient amount on your skin and really rub it in so that you can reap all the benefits. 

Now that you know how to choose a sunscreen spray and how to use it effectively, go get yourself a product and enjoy playing outdoors! 

Author: Thuy Nguyen

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