10 Best Sunscreen Mist Picks To Beat The Heat
Tired of rubbing the same smelly, white cast, sticky sunscreen into your skin year after year?
It's important to use a high-quality broadspectrum sunscreen year-round to protect your delicate skin against the harsh UV rays from the sun. However, you can do this without sacrificing the comfort of your skin!
Introducing: Sunscreen Mist! With summer comes the sun, and with the sun comes the burning need for protection.
As the season's rays continue to beat down, it is essential to choose the right sunscreen mist that will have you glowing all summer long!
To make the decision easier, we’ve rounded up our top 10 favorite sunscreen mists on the market today so you can find your perfect fit.
What Is Sunscreen Mist?
Summer is a time for fun in the sun, but it's important to also protect yourself from the harmful UV rays that come with it, which can cause irritation, premature aging, and skin cancer.
Sunscreen is a crucial part of any summer routine to keep your skin safe from the damage of UV Radiation.
Sunscreen mists are a great on-the-go option for quick and easy protection or an alternative for anyone who hates sunscreen lotion.
With its convenient packaging and variety of SPF levels, you can find the perfect mist to fit your needs.
How Do You Use It?
To start, make sure you shake the bottle well before spritzing it onto your skin. Hold the bottle away from your face, and spray the mist generously over exposed skin.
Don't forget to apply it over your makeup, if you're wearing any. This is a convenient way to protect your skin against harmful UV rays, especially if you're spending time outdoors.
Some Things To Keep In Mind
When it comes to protecting our skin from harmful UV rays, sunscreen mist seems like a convenient option. However, we should be careful while using it. Inhaling the mist can cause irritation to our lungs, so we should avoid spraying it directly onto the face.
Instead, we should spray it on our hands and then apply it to our faces. It should also be noted that whilst Sunscreen mist provides sufficient coverage, sunscreen lotions usually offer greater protection.
Sunscreen spray can be applied to dry or wet skin, and will not usually be rubbed off with towel drying.
How To Make The Most Out Of This Article
We all have our own skincare goals and we want to help you reach yours.
Before you dive into our reviews, take a minute to jot down the top 2 to 3 concerns that you hope to solve with this product.
Throughout the reviews, we highlight key features to help you browse with ease. Read on to spot the best sunscreen mists for your needs!
Best Lightweight Anti-Aging Sunscreen Mist: Yours Sunny Side Up Sunscreen Mist
Why We Are Passionate About It
Yours Sunny Side Up Sunscreen Mist is formulated with Soliberine, Vitamin E, and Swiss Buddleja flower extract to protect your skin from UV rays and blue light, as well as anti-aging and antioxidant properties. This water-based broad-spectrum mist spf 30 sunscreen mist will keep you safe without feeling heavy on your skin or looking greasy afterward. Packed with natural ingredients, it also features moisturizing Vitamin E to help fade dark spots and repair skin damage caused by smoke, pollution, and sun exposure.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Soliberine, Vitamin E, and Swiss Buddleja flower extract.
This product is made vegan, cruelty-free, phthalate-free, and sulfate-free.
Face Mists
Best Standard: Sun Bum Face Mist
Why We Are Passionate About It
Sun Bum Face Mist, which is dermatologist and sonny-approved, is a refreshing, lightweight SPF 45 sunscreen that provides sheer protection against the sun's harmful ways. It is also non-comedogenic, oil-free, and water-resistant, making it suitable for all skin types. If you're looking for a solid, standard sunscreen face mist, then this is the sunscreen mist for you! And if you're looking for a sunscreen face mist that works for sensitive skin, babies, and children, check out Sun Bum's Baby Bum Mineral 50 sunscreen spray!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include witch hazel bark/leaf extract.
This product is made Oxybenzone-, Octinoxate-, Gluten-, Cruelty-, and Paraben-Free.
Best Matte & Sheer Setting Mist: COOLA Organic Makeup Setting Spray with SPF 30
Why We Are Passionate About It
COOLA Organic Makeup setting spray offers an invisible matte finish that won't disturb your makeup look and will help it stay put for longer. Infused with antioxidant-rich peony leaf, juniper berry, and phoenix stem cells, plus hydrating organic aloe leaf extract and refreshing cucumber extract, this spray locks in hydration while giving you a natural radiance. With 94% of users agreeing it solves the problem of how to apply sunscreen over makeup, you can trust that COOLA's spray will effectively protect your skin from the sun's harsh rays.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include organic aloe leaf extract, organic cucumber extract, peony leaf, juniper berry & phoenix leaf stem cells.
This product is made organic, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Body Mists
Best Standard: Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Spray
Why We Are Passionate About It
Sun Bum is a trusted, tried-and-true sunscreen brand that anyone can use for broadspectrum sun protection. The Original Sunscreen spray is non-comedogenic, providing moisturizing long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays without clogging the pores. The Sun Bum sunscreen spray is also packed with Vitamin E and is great for all skincare types.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include green tea, and acai.
This product is made hypoallergenic, oxybenzone-free, octinoxate-free, gluten-free, cruelty-free and paraben-free, oil-free, water-resistant, and reef friendly.
Another trusted standard is the Supergoop! PLAY antioxidant body mist. This product is reef-friendly, made with clean ingredients, and great for active days. This non-aerosol sunscreen mist is lightweight and refreshing with antioxidant-rich ingredients like green tea and acai to nourish the skin. It works well for sensitive skin and children!
Best for Sensitive Skin & Kid Safe: Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen
Why We Are Passionate About It
Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen is a fast-absorbing, ultra-sheer, and lightweight sunscreen perfect for babies, kids, and adults alike. Formulated to be gentle enough for very sensitive skin, this Sheer Zinc Sunscreen resists both water and perspiration for up to 80 minutes without requiring constant reapplication. Enriched with their famed Organic Nutri-Soothe Complex™, this sunscreen will leave your skin soft, hydrated, and well-protected from the sun. Free of any fragrances or potentially harmful chemicals like oxybenzone or octinoxate, Babo Botanicals’ Sheer Zinc Sunscreen will ensure you and your loved ones are perfectly safe while basking in the sun’s warmth.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include non-nano mineral zinc oxide and sunflower extract.
This product is made Gluten, soy, dairy, peanut, almond, and walnut free.
Best for Glow: Coppertone Glow Shimmer Sunscreen Spray
Why We Are Passionate About It
Coppertone Glow Shimmer spray is a lightweight formula that offers broad spectrum protection with an added shimmering glow, ensuring you have a natural-looking radiance while staying safe in the sun. This fast drying water-resistant formula keeps your skin hydrated for up to eighty minutes. Plus, it's free from parabens, PABA, and other common skincare irritants so you know that it is a gentle yet effective option for all skin types. If you're looking for an effective sunscreen spray that leaves skin radiantly glowing, then gives this one a shot!
What's in it & How's it Made?
This product is made free from parabens, PABA, phthalates, octinoxate, and oxybenzone.
Best Face & Body: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Spray Lotion Sunscreen
Why We Are Passionate About It
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Spray Lotion Sunscreen is a weightless, non-greasy sunscreen perfect for skincare enthusiasts looking for an easy way to protect their skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays. This spray lotion contains Cell-Ox Shield® Technology which incorporates UVA/UVB protection with antioxidants to ensure all everyday sun exposures are covered. And thanks to its water resistance for up to 80 minutes, you can be sure your skin stays protected wherever life takes you!
And most importantly, this protective Sunscreen comes infused with renowned La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water — rich in selenium — which reinforces antioxidant efficacy. With added hydration and anti-oxidant properties, your skin will thank you!
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include cell-ox shield technology and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water.
This product is made non-comedogenic, octinoxate-free, and alcohol-free.
Best High SPF: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist (SPF 70)
Why We Are Passionate About It
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist is the lightweight sunscreen you've been looking for to keep your skin safe from UVA and UVB rays. This unique formula combines superior UVA/UVB protection with a non-greasy, water resistance that won't leave a residue. It's formulated with Helioplex sunscreen technology for advanced protection and absorbs quickly so you don't have to worry about that sticky feeling upon application.
Plus, it's free of oxybenzone and free of oil, so no clogging up your pores. And coming from the #1 dermatologist-recommended suncare brand, you can trust this powerful yet lightweight mist to provide quality skincare care that won't break down in the sun. For another great option, check out Neutrogena Beach Defense Spray Sunscreen.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, and Octocrylene 10%.
This product is made oxybenzone-free.
Best Hair Mist: Coola's 70%+ Organic Ocean Salted Sage Scalp and Hair Mist
Why We Are Passionate About It
Coola's 70%+ Organic Ocean Salted Sage Scalp and Hair Mist is a water-resistant mist is designed with SPF 30 protection that helps prevent UV-related issues like color fade while also being reef-friendly - saving our oceans and keeping you safe in the sun! This product is 70% organic and farm-to-face, meaning the products come straight from an organic farmer's field into the product. Plus, it smells good! If you're looking to protect your scalp from sun damage, this is the product for you.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Monoi Oil and Gotu Kola extract.
This product is made gluten-free, cruelty-free, and vegan.
Best Plant-Powered: Coola Organic SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
Why We Are Passionate About It
Introducing Coola Organic SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, the perfect solution for keeping your skin healthy and protected. This plant protection complex features nature's most powerful ingredients, including red raspberry seed oil, buriti oil, meadowfoam seed oil, and prickly pear extract to help fight free radicals and enhance your skin's health with antioxidant-rich nutrients.
With each spritz of this continuous non-aerosol, water-resistant spray you'll be taking care of your skin as well as the planet. Plus, Coola is unscented and provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection along with anti-aging benefits.
What's in it & How's it Made?
Key ingredients used include Cucumber, Algae, Strawberry, and Red Raspberry Seed Oil.
This product is made organic, vegan, and cruelty-free.
Sunscreen Mist FAQs
Trying to understand the ingredients and safety of sunscreen can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to the skincare world.
You want to make sure that the sunscreen you’re using is safe and effective, but how can you make sure when there’s so much contradictory information out there?
Read on to answer your burning questions about sunscreen mist!
Do you need to rub in mist sunscreen?
While the answer may vary depending on the brand and specific product, it's generally recommended to lightly rub in the mist sunscreen after spraying it on. This ensures even coverage and can help the sunscreen better adhere to your skin, providing better protection from harmful UV rays. Additionally, rubbing in the mist sunscreen can help prevent it from getting in your eyes or mouth, making for a more comfortable application overall.
Can you put sunscreen mist over makeup?
The good news is that yes, it is possible! However, you should be cautious about the type of mist you use and how you apply it. Look for a sunscreen mist that is labeled as "non-comedogenic" and "suitable for use over makeup." Then, hold the bottle about six inches away from your face and spray in a circular motion. Remember to close your eyes and mouth while applying to avoid inhaling the product.
What are the disadvantages of spraying sunscreen?
While sunscreen is a great way to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun's rays, there are a few disadvantages to using spray-on sunscreen. For one, it can be difficult to achieve full coverage with spray-on sunscreen, which can leave your skin exposed to the sun's harmful UV rays.
Additionally, many spray formulas contain alcohol and other drying ingredients that can strip the skin of its natural oils, leading to dryness and irritation. Finally, there is some concern that inhaling the particles from spray-on sunscreen could be harmful to your health, particularly if used in enclosed spaces.
Why can't you spray sunscreen on your face?
While spraying sunscreen may seem like a convenient and easy option, it can actually do more harm than good. It can be dangerous to just point and spray directly onto your face. Sunscreen sprays can easily get into your eyes, mouth, and nose, causing irritation or even harm. To be safe, it's best to apply sunscreen lotion, cream, or spray with your hands, making sure to cover all areas of your face for maximum protection from the sun's harmful rays.
What goes first sunscreen or off spray?
While there isn't a definitive answer, it is generally suggested that only sunscreen should be applied first. Sunscreen is meant to safeguard the skin from the sun's UV rays, which can cause skin damage and cancer, while the off spray works as a shield to keep the bugs from attacking. By applying sunscreen first, you are making sure that your skin is properly protected from the sun's rays. After that, you can apply an off spray to ward off pesky mosquitoes and other insects.
Best Sunscreen Mist - What We Recommend
Sunscreen mists are an easy way to get some much-needed protection for your skin without having to re-apply a lotion. They can come in convenient bottles and sprays that you can easily carry around with you, and they are also available with a variety of SPF levels so you can find the perfect one to protect your skin.
We've provided this resource to help you find what is best for you, reviewing 10 of the top sunscreen mists on the market right now. Protecting your skin is important, so investing in the right sunscreen mist product will serve you well. We hope that this information we’ve provided has been informative and helpful. Happy summer and don't forget to wear sunscreen!
Happy shopping!
How We Curated Our List
There are many options for the best sunscreen mist on the market with many different ingredients from green tea extract to avobenzone. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what product is best for you, especially if you're just starting your spf protection journey or have super sensitive skin that doesn't allow you to test just any product.
We've taken the guesswork out of it for you and compiled a concise list of high-quality products that will fit both your budget and your needs. Whether you're looking for a luxury option or something more affordable, we've got you covered.
Thanks for reading!
Next Up: 5 Must-Have Vegan Sunscreen Brands For Your Everyday Sunscreen Solution
Like these stories? You will (probably) love our monthly newsletter.
