Dermatologists Evaluate the Effectiveness of Spray Sunscreen versus Lotion

As we head into summer and prepare for lake days, the age-old debate of spray versus lotion sunscreen arises once again. While protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is crucial, does the type of sunscreen you use impact the amount of protection it provides?

According to Elizabeth Hale, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical associate professor of dermatology at New York University Langone Medical Center, both spray and lotion sunscreens are safe to use, provided you apply them correctly, choose the appropriate SPF, and use the recommended amount. "All sunscreens have undergone a rigorous FDA process to ensure they are safe and effective," Dr. Hale explained. "Select the formula you are most comfortable with as the safest sunscreen is one you will use regularly."

Dr. Hale recommends daily sunscreen use as it may help reduce the risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. Research also indicates that using sunscreen with at least SPF 15 can decrease the chances of developing squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) by approximately 40% and melanoma by 50%. "Most of the UV damage we get is from incidental sun exposure," Dr. Hale added. Incidental exposure includes activities like running errands, attending events, or working indoors next to a window with the sun shining in.

When it comes to choosing a sunscreen, a higher SPF provides greater protection - up to a point. Vivian Chin, MD, MPH, recommends an SPF of 30 or higher with a broad-spectrum, water-resistant formula. "The SPF number represents Sun Protection Factor, indicating how long you can be in the sun without causing sunburn or skin damage compared to skin without sunscreen," Dr. Chin explained. However, most individuals do not follow the instructions for applying sunscreen as recommended on the package. Applying sunscreen 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapplying every two to three hours helps ensure proper and effective coverage, particularly when engaging in activities that involve sweating or swimming.

For those living closer to the equator or who have a history of skin cancer or skin conditions that increase the risk of skin cancer, a higher SPF like 50 or more is recommended. While spray-on sunscreens are convenient and don't leave a greasy residue like lotions, they can be challenging to apply evenly and may blow away in the wind. Dr. Chin suggests that individuals spray the sunscreen onto their palms and rub it onto their face or body to distribute the spray more evenly.

Since spray sunscreens don't offer as much coverage as lotion sunscreens, individuals may need to use more spray sunscreen than they would lotion in the long run, noted dermatologist Wendy Long Mitchell, MD, FAAD, FACMS, a medical advisor to GRYT. Additionally, spray-on sunscreens are not particularly visible once applied to the skin and contain chemical sunscreen ingredients that may cause allergic contact dermatitis or photo-allergic contact dermatitis in some people, particularly octocrylene, oxybenzone, and octyl methoxycinnamate. If you have sensitive skin, a spray sunscreen may not be the best option.

Benzene is a known chemical carcinogen that has been linked to certain cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, Dr. Hale explained. Typically, benzene is used when manufacturing petroleum and plastic, so everyone is exposed to this chemical on a regular basis in things like gasoline, pollution, and cigarette smoke, she said.

“Back in the summer of 2021, it was detected in trace amounts in certain sunscreens,” Dr. Hale continued. “However, this was a supply chain issue that led to [the] contamination of certain batches of product. This is not currently an issue with sunscreen active ingredients.”

Since then, a study conducted by a third party tested 294 unique batches of sunscreen and after-sun care products and found that benzene was not detected in 73% of the sunscreen products tested (217 batches from 66 brands). They concluded that “avoiding an effective preventative measure against UV radiation could be more harmful than exposure to trace amounts of benzene.”

When people think of sunscreen lotions, they remember the white creams that never seemed to sink in. But Dr. Hale pointed out that lotion sunscreen has come a long way, with formulas that are much more advanced.

The biggest pro of lotion sunscreen is you can see where you are applying it so you don’t miss any areas on your body. But they also can be a little tricky to apply to certain areas—like the scalp. (This is where a spray might be better.)

“I prefer using a lotion sunscreen on the face to prevent possible inhalation from sprays,” explained Dr. O’Connell. “Aerosolized sprays can irritate the lungs if inhaled. I also like using sunscreen specific to the face for the face as they usually will contain hydrating and anti-aging ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.”

While lotions tend to be more expensive than spray sunscreens, lotions are more common and so they are often easier to find, Dr. Chin noted. “But, due to the generally thicker formulas, it can take a little longer to make sure the lotion is all rubbed in and the extra time may discourage people from applying and reapplying.”

Some people dislike the fact that lotion sunscreen can leave a whitish tint on the skin if they contain ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxides, she added. “But there are more elegant formulations nowadays that use micronized ingredients, or tinted sunscreens, to prevent that whitish tint.”

If you’re used to a particular facial sunscreen and prefer a different option for your body, it is perfectly safe to mix and match sunscreens, said Dr. Chin. This is particularly appealing if you are someone who is prone to allergies or rashes. In fact, Dr. Chin recommended a sunscreen lotion (as opposed to a chemical sunscreen) as they are less likely to cause reactions.

“[But], my favorite sunscreen is the one that actually gets used,” Dr. Chin concluded. “If it’s easier for you to apply a spray sunscreen to the body but a separate sunscreen for the face, by all means, do so.”