Sunscreen Spray vs. Lotion: Which Is More Effective? Which Is Safer?

Sunlight is integral to our well-being. From helping our bodies make essential vitamins like vitamin D to feeding our crops and powering our technology, solar energy is essential. Yet, these rays of sunlight can cause severe damage to our skin when we don’t take steps to protect ourselves. 

Because UV rays can cause skin cancer and sunburn, the FDA recommends that people over six months old use sunscreen daily. With the proper SPF sunscreen, you can significantly mitigate the risks of UV exposure. Still, there are different types of sunscreens, each with pros and cons. For instance, is sunscreen spray vs. lotion better suited for your needs?

What makes sunscreen effective?

What makes spray vs. lotion sunscreens effective will differ. 

For spray sunscreens, they: 

  • Traditionally use a chemical absorbent. Chemical absorbents capture and absorb UV radiation rays before they can reach the skin underneath. With this type of sunscreen, dermatologist Dr. Hannah Kopelman says, “Look for ingredients like octinoxate and octocrylene; those are the ingredients that make sunscreen effective.”
  • May be easier and quicker to apply than lotions. Spray sunscreens are relatively simple to apply, with a point-and-spray design.

As for lotion sunscreens, they: 

  • Traditionally use a mineral-based physical blocker: These types of sun protection utilize mineral-based barriers to reflect the sun away from your skin. Dr. Kopelman prefers mineral-based options as “mineral sunscreens are safer for the environment and better for sensitive skin.”
  • May be easier to properly apply without leaving bare, unprotected spots: Because lotions are meant to be applied by hand and rubbed in, they may result in fewer bare spots that could get overlooked when using spray sunscreen.

In general, sunscreens use one of two forms of protection. These protections are either a physical blocker, usually mineral-based, or a chemical absorbent. Physical blockers actively reflect sunlight, protecting your skin by redirecting that which would cause harm. Chemical absorbers, on the other hand, work by absorbing the UV radiation before it can reach your skin. Both can be effective in preventing sun damage. 

Still, according to dermatologist Dr. Kopelman, whether sunscreen spray or lotion, it’s vital to “choose broad spectrum with both UVA and UVB coverage. Preferably with an SPF of 30 or above.” 

Spray sunscreen pros

  • Spray sunscreen is quick and easy to apply. This can be deceptive, as many people don’t use enough sunscreen when spraying. Proper coverage requires roughly six seconds of spraying per body area.
  • Spray sunscreen may be easier for some people to apply. Dr. Kopelman says that people with more body hair “sometimes find this type [of sunscreen] easier to apply.” Using a spray sunscreen may make it easier to fully cover areas with more body hair, as opposed to using a lotion that must be applied by hand.
  • Chemical-based spray sunscreens are often less likely to leave a visible white film on the skin, unlike lotions and mineral-based sunscreens. When applied, mineral-based sunscreens, especially lotions, can leave a visible white film on the skin. This is not harmful, but some may not want it to affect their appearance. 
  • Parents may find spray sunscreens easier to apply on children. It may be easier to apply than lotion, but it’s crucial to ensure you use enough sunscreen to protect all sun-exposed parts of your child fully. 

Spray sunscreen cons

  • It may be more difficult to gain even and adequate coverage. Dr. Kopelman says that with spray sunscreens, “you can get uneven, inadequate coverage.” Ensuring proper coverage may be more difficult because the application process is so quick and easy and doesn’t leave a visible film.
  • You need to be cautious around the face. Propellants that make spray sunscreen come out of the container can irritate the lungs, and the sunscreen itself can aggravate the eyes and mouth if it gets in. Dr. Kopelman iterates that it’s important to “take precautions when using spray sunscreen to avoid the eyes, nose and mouth.”
  • It can be harmful to the environment. Many spray sunscreens contain chemicals that can be problematic for the environment. The National Park Service published an article highlighting harm to ecosystems that can be caused by the chemicals in spray sunscreens. 
  • It may irritate sensitive skin. Chemical-based spray sunscreens have been known to irritate sensitive skin. Some people experience no trouble from the contact of these sunscreens, but others can develop irritations and rashes where the chemicals touch their skin.
  • Some spray sunscreens have been recalled for containing benzene. Benzene has the potential to cause cancer and was found in several sunscreens during a broad 2021 sunscreen recall. Oddly, this chemical wasn’t intentionally being added. Instead, experts theorize that compounds within the propellent for spray sunscreen may have interacted to create benzene within the product. 
A person with short curly brown hair applying lotion sunscreen on their face with their hand. A person with short curly brown hair applying lotion sunscreen on their face with their hand.

A close-up of a hand with a silver ring on one finger spraying a yellow container of spray sunscreen onto someone else's back. A close-up of a hand with a silver ring on one finger spraying a yellow container of spray sunscreen onto someone else's back.

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