Spray-on sunscreens are a quick, easy and "goop-free" way to apply sunscreen, but do you ever feel like you're spraying more on the people around you than on your own skin? And do they irritate skin or feel as nice as lotions? Answer these questions to decide if a spray-on version is right for you:

Question 1: Do you have normal skin?

Most spray-on sunscreens are alcohol-based (they have to be in order to be sprayable). This means that they can only contain chemical sunscreens, like Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, and Oxybenzone, and not physical blockers, like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. This might be a problem if you find chemical sunscreens irritating.

Question 2: Are you ok with your skin feeling a little sticky?

To make the sunscreen coat skin evenly, film forming ingredients (like Acrylates/ Octylacrylamide Copolymer) are added. They help to prevent the alcohol solution from pooling in nooks and crannies of your skin, but they also make your skin look and feel a bit sticky after application.

Question 3: Do you apply sunscreen thoroughly?

Spray formulas are just as effective at blocking the sun as any other, but you may be applying less than you realize. A lot of the spray can end up carried off in the wind or mis-aimed onto your towel, which is wasteful and makes you miss spots.

If you answered yes to all the questions above, then a spray-on sunscreen is for you!

Bottom Line
If you do end up choosing the convenience of spray-on sun products then you need to be extra diligent about application. I recommend two coats to ensure even coverage. Apply indoors (if possible) or in a sheltered area away from the wind, and rub the product in after spraying.

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Must-Read Sunscreen Guide
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