Sunscreen Spray and 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 Food and Drug Administration 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 or 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. 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 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. 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. 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. 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. 
  

Lotion sunscreen pros

• It can be easier to ensure proper coverage. Kopelman "prefer[s] lotion sunscreen because you know you're getting adequate, even coverage." Lotions not only leave a visible film, in most cases but also involve manually applying them with your hands, making it easier to ensure adequate coverage. 
• It can be safer and more comfortable to apply around the face. Lotions can be more comfortable to apply around those areas where spray sunscreens could irritate. Lotion sunscreens are "great for all parts of the body, especially the face, nose and neck," according to Kopelman. The Mayo Clinic states that "mineral sunscreens are considered safer for you and the environment."
  
• It can be better for the environment. Spray sunscreens often contain a variety of extra chemicals when compared to lotions. Also, the nature of the application -- spraying -- means that these chemicals are more likely to end up in the surrounding environment. Earth.org states that "much of the stream [spray] ends up in the environment without ever protecting anyone's skin."
  
• It may be better for your skin. "Lotion sunscreens are often less irritating, especially if you have sensitive skin," says Kopelman. Because spray sunscreens may irritate sensitive skin, people with such sensitivities often prefer lotion sunscreens. She also points out that lotion sunscreens are generally "more moisturizing than spray sunscreens" and can feel better on the skin. 
  

Lotion sunscreen cons

• Lotions can be more challenging to apply to some hard-to-reach parts of the body. Lotions have advantages, but they "can be hard to apply to some areas that are easier with spray sunscreen," says Kopelman. If you've ever tried applying lotion to the middle of your back, you'll have some idea of what she means. Pointing and spraying can be easier for such areas rather than trying to contort enough to get your hands there.
• Children may have a difficult time with lotions. As many parents know, children are often eager to get out into the sun or water and rarely feel the need to wait for sunscreen. Because it's often quicker and simpler, Kopelman points out that "spray sunscreens can be easier to apply to children."
  
• Applying lotion sunscreen can be more involved and time-consuming. Kopelman says that even with adults, "applying lotions can take longer … than spray sunscreens." The time spent applying lotion sunscreen may double with the benefit of ensured coverage, but it does come at the cost of more time spent.
  
• Lotions are known to leave a visible white film. The visible white film left by many lotion sunscreens (especially mineral sunscreens) can be problematic for some. It may help you to identify where you've correctly applied the sunscreen, but it can also leave behind an undesired residue. 
  

Is spray sunscreen safe?

While there have been incidents, like the benzene-caused sunscreen recall in 2021, spray sunscreens are generally considered safe. Our expert, Kopelman, says, "The FDA goes through a very rigorous process to ensure that the sunscreens on the market are safe. It can take years for a new sunscreen to make it through review and onto the market." 

Aware of the benzene recall, Kopelman pointed out that "any spray sunscreen that wasn't considered safe has been removed from the market." She highlights that safety depends on people not "inhaling the sunscreen or spraying it into their mouths, nose or eyes."

What are common mistakes when using spray sunscreen?

• Applying from too far away. Spray sunscreen needs to be applied close to the skin. Kopelman informs us that "people often spray it from too far away, and it blows off in the wind. You should hold the spray bottle about one to two inches away from your skin" when applying.
• Even spray sunscreen should be rubbed into the skin. Many people don't realize that with spray sunscreen, it's still helpful to rub it into your skin for maximum efficacy. Kopelman says that "not rubbing it in and spreading it evenly" can result in inadequate, uneven coverage and may lead to sunburns.
  
• Not reapplying often enough. Kopelman points out another common "mistake is that people are not reapplying it often enough." The dermatologist highlights that sunscreen should be reapplied at least every two hours. 
  

Which form of sunscreen is best?

In general, experts, including Kopelman, seem to recommend mineral-based lotions over chemical-absorbent spray sunscreens. The dermatologist "prefer[s] lotion and mineral-based (physical)," adding, "Mineral-based because I know I'm not going to get a reaction or irritation if I have sensitive skin. It's also safer for the environment. Newer mineral sunscreens also don't leave that white film when you apply it."

There are many myths about sunscreens, but lotion sunscreens are often considered safer for both people and the environment, making them an appealing choice. Still, there may be situations where spray sunscreens make more sense, for instance, when trying to apply on your own to hard-to-reach spots or when applying to children. 

No matter which sunscreen you use, make sure you use it daily, safely, with at least SPF 30 and with reapplication in mind.