The 10 Best Spray Sunscreens for Men, According to Dermatologists

By Emily Lemon On Apr 1, 2022

Courtesy of Retailer

I’ll say it loudly for everyone in the back: rubbing in sunscreen is the worst. I know I’m not the only one who has spent countless minutes rubbing, rubbing, rubbing trying to get that goop to disappear into my skin when I would much rather be sitting by the pool, jogging down the beach or doing basically anything else. It’s one of the reasons too many people forgo sunscreen completely–the process of applying it is tedious.

That’s exactly why spray sunscreens were invented. They make application easier–just press the nozzle and a stream of screen curtains your skin immediately. They’re convenient as all hell and far more easy to reapply than your traditional lotion. And in my book, anything that makes application (and reapplication) of sunscreen easier is a win for us all.

Even though spray sunscreens are more convenient to apply, they still come with some instructions to avoid user error. North Creek, Washington-based dermatologist Navid Malakouti, MD, says he tends to recommend his patients against spray sunscreens because “people tend to apply them haphazardly which leads to funny sunburn patterns” and areas of the body left unprotected. There’s also the risk that you could be applying less sunscreen than you really need, says Morgan Rabach, MD, a dermatologist in New York City. “There’s sort of a false sense of security” associated with sprays, she says, and people also tend to forget you still have to rub in a spray so it doesn’t just wash off the surface of your skin from sweat or water.

There are a few ways to get around these issues when using sprays, according to Dr. Rabach. Chemical sunscreens should be applied inside, since they take about 20 or 30 minutes to go to work. “Start from the top of your body and work your way down and do it in front of a mirror” to make sure you don’t miss any areas. “Have someone help you with your back or other areas you can’t reach,” she says. And never spray directly onto your face. Spray the sunscreen into your hands first and then rub it in.

Whether you choose a spray out of convenience or some other type of sunscreen, the most important thing is that you actually wear it. If you think using a spray (properly) will help you get the sun protection you need, more power to you. And any of the spray sunscreens on this list are a safe bet.

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Aero Full-Body Sunscreen Spray SPF 45

Dermatologists love this brand for not only it’s mineral-based sun protection, but also because the sunscreens it makes are gentle on skin. This spray is no exception, which is why Marie Jhin Lassila, MD, a Silicon Valley-based dermatologist, likes it. The continuous spray nozzle makes it easy to apply and it’s water resistant up to 80 minutes–perfect for the beach or outdoor workout.

Read more: Best Mineral Sunscreens for Men

Play Antioxidant Sunscreen Mist with Vitamin C SPF 50

This chemical sunscreen spray has everything you want in a sunscreen and more. The chemical blockers offer powerful protection from the sun and it’s water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes (it’s called Play for a reason). But it’s also packed with antioxidants from vitamin C, green tea extract and acai extract to help your skin stay hydrated and protect itself from free radical damage.

Ultimate Sun Protection Spray Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Okay, this spray is a bit of a splurge, but the formula speaks for itself. It’s shockingly light and once you spray it on and rub it in, leaves your skin feeling hydrated and smooth, not sticky or greasy. It’s also completely clear so won’t leave any sort of white cast, just a slight healthy-looking sheen. Best of all, it’s still sweat and water resistant and won’t gunk up your face either.

Read more: Best Sunscreens for Dark Skin Tones

Hydrating Antioxidant SPF 50 Spray

This Men’s Health Grooming Award-winning sunscreen spray not only smells great (no cloying sunscreen smell here), but is also loaded with vitamin C to help your skin protect itself from sun damage in addition to the high protective factor. Even with all that, it goes on without a trace.

Clearscreen Sunscreen Spray SPF 50

This clear sunscreen spray is made for outdoor adventures. It’s lightweight, goes on completely clear without leaving a sticky film behind, and is loaded with antioxidants to keep your skin healthy and protected. There’s no icky things like parabens or synthetic fragrances in the formula either, so it’s suitable for sensitive skin.

Read more: Best Natural Sunscreens

Mineral Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 50+

“There’s nothing better than a clear mineral physical blocker,” says Orit Markowitz, MD, a dermatologist in New York city, which is why she recommends this powerful spray sunscreen. The protection you get is from zinc oxide and it’s free from chemical fragrances which make it suitable for sensitive skin, but it still sprays on clear so you don’t need to worry about looking like a ghost.

Read more: Best Zinc Oxide Sunscreens

Mineral SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray

If you’re more into mineral-based sun protection, this spray derives it’s protective factor from zinc oxide, a physical sun blocker. It might take slightly longer to rub in, but once you do, it won’t leave your skin feeling greasy or sticky. Another bonus: mineral blockers like this tend to be soothing to sensitive skin and this one is hypoallergenic for those with irritation issues.

Read more: Best Sunscreens for Acne-prone Skin

Banana Boat Sport Ultra, Reef Friendly, Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50, 9.5oz.

When you’re outside, you need a sunscreen that works as hard as you do. This spray screen is specifically formulated for when you’re going to be especially active–like a long run outside or a day of surfing. It’s water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes and won’t bleed down into your eyes when you start to push yourself.

Read more: Best Reef-safe Sunscreens

Botanical Sunscreen Natural Spray SPF 70

If you need a slightly higher protective factor, this sunscreen spray has you covered. Even though it’s an SPF 70, it doesn’t leave a weird white sheen on your skin and sprays on easily and thoroughly. The formula contains botanical extracts like kakadu plum, eucalyptus and red algae to provide antioxidant protection and nourishment to the skin as well.

Organic Sunscreen SPF 30 Spray

There’s a lot to love about this sunscreen spray, which harnesses plant extracts to nourish and protect your skin in addition to the chemical sunscreens in the formula. But what we love most is the tropical scent that doesn’t smell chemically and the continuous spray nozzle that helps you reach every area on your body easily (you can even spray it upside down).

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