Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSpray vs. LotionEffectivenessSpray Pros and ConsLotion Pros and ConsSkin IrritationSafety

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Spray vs. Lotion

Effectiveness

Spray Pros and Cons

Lotion Pros and Cons

Skin Irritation

Safety

Sunscreen is available in multiple formats, including lotions and sprays. Lotions and sprays can be effective if used properly. However, applying enough spray to all needed areas can be difficult.

Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can cause painfulsunburnand lead to skin cancer. Using sunscreen as part of your daily routine, especially when spending extended time in the direct sun, can help prevent these harmful effects.

Sunscreencan also help prevent signs of premature skin aging, including wrinkles and age spots. It is important to wear sunscreen daily, regardless of the time of year or weather. UV exposure happens year-round, and up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate the clouds.

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A person spraying sunscreen on their arm outdoors

Sunscreen Spray vs. Lotion

The key to both sunscreen lotion andsprayis applying enough of the product. With both formats, it is common to use too little, reducing their effectiveness. This is particularly true of sprays. You need to spray each body area for up to six seconds to achieve a similar level ofsun protection factor (SPF)as sunscreen lotion.

Using spray or lotion depends on personal preference and which part of the body you apply it to. Lotion may be better for dry skin and the face, while sprays might be easier to apply to a squirmy child’s body.

Other formats also have their merits, such as sticks for around the eye area and gel on hairy areas such as the scalp or chest and legs.

What Makes an Effective Sunscreen?

Effective sunscreens protect against both UVA (ultraviolet A) and UVB (ultraviolet B) rays. The twotypes of sunscreenare:

Chemical sunscreens contain components such as:

Physical sunscreens contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

Some sunscreens are a combination of chemical and physical types.

When choosing a sunscreen, look for one that offers:

Applying it correctly is also important to effectiveness:

Sun-Safety TipsNosunscreencan fully protect skin from the sun. In addition to using sunscreen:Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.Wear sun-protective clothing, including clothing andsunglasseslabeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number.Be extra cautious around water, snow, and sand, which reflect sun rays and increase the risk of sunburn.Avoidtanning beds.

Sun-Safety Tips

Nosunscreencan fully protect skin from the sun. In addition to using sunscreen:Stay in the shade as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.Wear sun-protective clothing, including clothing andsunglasseslabeled with an ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) number.Be extra cautious around water, snow, and sand, which reflect sun rays and increase the risk of sunburn.Avoidtanning beds.

Nosunscreencan fully protect skin from the sun. In addition to using sunscreen:

Pros and Cons of Sunscreen Spray

Pros of using sunscreen spray include:

Cons of using sunscreen spray include:

When applying spray sunscreen to yourself or others:

Pros and Cons of Sunscreen Lotion

Pros of sunscreen lotion include:

Cons of sunscreen lotion include:

Can Sunscreen Irritate My Skin?

Certain sunscreens, particularly ones that contain fragrance, can cause irritation, rash, and/or allergic contact dermatitis in some people.

Sunscreens that contain PABA-like ingredients may cause aphotoallergic skin reaction(increases the risk of sunburn) in some people.

If you experience a reaction, switch to a sunscreen with a different active ingredient.

Are Both Sunscreen Types Safe to Use?

The FDA regulates sunscreen products as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, which requires them to be monitored and to have the ingredients determined to be “generally regarded as safe and effective” (GRASE).

The standards for OTC sunscreen products are very high and based on scientific evidence. No ingredients sold in the United States have been deemed harmful to human health.The FDA continues to evaluate spray sunscreen products for safety and effectiveness.

The FDA is calling for more data on certain ingredients to determine if they can continue to be classified as GRASE. These include the following.

Ingredients commonly used in the United States:

Ingredients not frequently used in the United States:

This does not mean these ingredients are unsafe, and the FDA does not ask the public to stopusing sunscreensthat contain them. It just means further investigation has been determined to be warranted.

Any Sunscreen Is Better Than No SunscreenUnprotected exposure to the sun’s rays is amajor risk factor for skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States.Major health organizations and experts, such as the American Academy of Dermatology Association, recommend using sunscreen, regardless of its format (like lotion or spray).If you are concerned about safety, talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider about a sun-protection plan that is right for you.

Any Sunscreen Is Better Than No Sunscreen

Unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays is amajor risk factor for skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States.Major health organizations and experts, such as the American Academy of Dermatology Association, recommend using sunscreen, regardless of its format (like lotion or spray).If you are concerned about safety, talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider about a sun-protection plan that is right for you.

Unprotected exposure to the sun’s rays is amajor risk factor for skin cancer, the most common cancer in the United States.Major health organizations and experts, such as the American Academy of Dermatology Association, recommend using sunscreen, regardless of its format (like lotion or spray).

If you are concerned about safety, talk to your dermatologist or healthcare provider about a sun-protection plan that is right for you.

Concerns About Flammability With Spray Sunscreen

Many spray sunscreen products contain flammable ingredients, such as alcohol.The FDA notes there have been cases of people applying and wearing spray sunscreen near open flames, catching fire, and suffering significantburns.

Look for a flammability warning on the product’s label, and, if found, choose a different product if you will be using it near an open flame. This is especially important if using the product on children.

When applying and wearing these products, avoid:

Summary

Lotion and spraysunscreenare safe and effective when used properly. Lotion is often recommended over sprays because it is easier to make sure enough product has been applied and that the application is even, with no missed spots.

Inhaling ingredients and propellants when applying spray sunscreen is a safety concern that is under review. Spray sunscreen is often flammable, so care must be taken not to use it or wear it near open flame.

14 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Addor FAS, Barcaui CB, Gomes EE, Lupi O, Marçon CR, Miot HA.Sunscreen lotions in the dermatological prescription: review of concepts and controversies.Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2022;97(2):204-222. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.05.012.Harvard Health.Which is best for optimal sun protection — sprays or lotions?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Sunscreen FAQs.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to apply sunscreen.Poison Control.Are sunscreen products safe?UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics.Sunscreen spray vs. lotion.Sander M, Sander M, Burbidge T, Beecker J.The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. CMAJ. 2020;192(50):E1802-E1808. doi:10.1503/cmaj.201085UC Davis Health.What you should know about sunscreen, SPF, and protecting your family.National Park Service.I didn’t know that!: reef-friendly sun protection.Columbia University.Safety tips for sunscreen sprays.Ottawa Hospital.Does expired sunscreen still work? Straightforward answers to your burning sunscreen questions.Westchester Medical Center Health.What type of sunscreen — spray or lotion — is best for preventing skin cancer?American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to use stick and spray sunscreens.Food & Drug Administration.Sunscreen: how to help protect your skin from the sun.

14 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Addor FAS, Barcaui CB, Gomes EE, Lupi O, Marçon CR, Miot HA.Sunscreen lotions in the dermatological prescription: review of concepts and controversies.Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2022;97(2):204-222. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.05.012.Harvard Health.Which is best for optimal sun protection — sprays or lotions?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Sunscreen FAQs.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to apply sunscreen.Poison Control.Are sunscreen products safe?UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics.Sunscreen spray vs. lotion.Sander M, Sander M, Burbidge T, Beecker J.The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. CMAJ. 2020;192(50):E1802-E1808. doi:10.1503/cmaj.201085UC Davis Health.What you should know about sunscreen, SPF, and protecting your family.National Park Service.I didn’t know that!: reef-friendly sun protection.Columbia University.Safety tips for sunscreen sprays.Ottawa Hospital.Does expired sunscreen still work? Straightforward answers to your burning sunscreen questions.Westchester Medical Center Health.What type of sunscreen — spray or lotion — is best for preventing skin cancer?American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to use stick and spray sunscreens.Food & Drug Administration.Sunscreen: how to help protect your skin from the sun.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Addor FAS, Barcaui CB, Gomes EE, Lupi O, Marçon CR, Miot HA.Sunscreen lotions in the dermatological prescription: review of concepts and controversies.Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2022;97(2):204-222. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.05.012.Harvard Health.Which is best for optimal sun protection — sprays or lotions?American Academy of Dermatology Association.Sunscreen FAQs.American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to apply sunscreen.Poison Control.Are sunscreen products safe?UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics.Sunscreen spray vs. lotion.Sander M, Sander M, Burbidge T, Beecker J.The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. CMAJ. 2020;192(50):E1802-E1808. doi:10.1503/cmaj.201085UC Davis Health.What you should know about sunscreen, SPF, and protecting your family.National Park Service.I didn’t know that!: reef-friendly sun protection.Columbia University.Safety tips for sunscreen sprays.Ottawa Hospital.Does expired sunscreen still work? Straightforward answers to your burning sunscreen questions.Westchester Medical Center Health.What type of sunscreen — spray or lotion — is best for preventing skin cancer?American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to use stick and spray sunscreens.Food & Drug Administration.Sunscreen: how to help protect your skin from the sun.

Addor FAS, Barcaui CB, Gomes EE, Lupi O, Marçon CR, Miot HA.Sunscreen lotions in the dermatological prescription: review of concepts and controversies.Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. 2022;97(2):204-222. doi:10.1016/j.abd.2021.05.012.

Harvard Health.Which is best for optimal sun protection — sprays or lotions?

American Academy of Dermatology Association.Sunscreen FAQs.

American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to apply sunscreen.

Poison Control.Are sunscreen products safe?

UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics.Sunscreen spray vs. lotion.

Sander M, Sander M, Burbidge T, Beecker J.The efficacy and safety of sunscreen use for the prevention of skin cancer. CMAJ. 2020;192(50):E1802-E1808. doi:10.1503/cmaj.201085

UC Davis Health.What you should know about sunscreen, SPF, and protecting your family.

National Park Service.I didn’t know that!: reef-friendly sun protection.

Columbia University.Safety tips for sunscreen sprays.

Ottawa Hospital.Does expired sunscreen still work? Straightforward answers to your burning sunscreen questions.

Westchester Medical Center Health.What type of sunscreen — spray or lotion — is best for preventing skin cancer?

American Academy of Dermatology Association.How to use stick and spray sunscreens.

Food & Drug Administration.Sunscreen: how to help protect your skin from the sun.

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