When it comes to sun protection, some is always better than none. But with so many different types of sunscreen to choose from, it leaves you to wonder whether one option is more effective than another. That’s what we’re here to find out.

In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between sunscreen spray and sunscreen lotion, including the pros and cons of each. If you’re wondering which one is better, you’ll find the answer below.

At the heart of the issue, both sunscreen spray and lotion have the same purpose: to protect your skin against the sun’s harmful UV rays. The biggest difference between them is how they’re applied (including how much you need to ensure full coverage).

Here are a few details to consider:

• Sunscreen lotion should be applied by hand and rubbed evenly into the skin—you need at least an ounce to cover your whole body.

• Spray sunscreen can be quick and convenient to apply, but you should still rub the spray into your skin to ensure even coverage.

• When applying spray sunscreen, keep spraying until your skin glistens and then rub it in—that’s how you know you’ve used enough.

In the end, it really comes down to a matter of preference. If you struggle to be consistent about applying sunscreen lotion on a daily basis, switching to spray is a better option than forgoing coverage entirely. But if you know you might forget to reapply sunscreen later, starting with a solid base layer of sunscreen lotion may help minimize your risks.

Now that you understand the differences between sunscreen spray and sunscreen lotion, you may be wondering which of the two is a better choice. Unfortunately, there’s no straightforward answer. As with all skincare products, the “best” option depends on the individual as well as the situation in which it’s being applied.

But don’t stop reading! We can’t tell you definitively that sunscreen lotion is more effective than sunscreen spray (or vice versa), but we can help you figure out which is better suited to specific applications. Here are our recommendations:

1. Daily Wear

Lotion is generally the best option for daily wear, especially a lightweight formula that doesn’t leave a greasy residue or white cast on your skin. You’ll get an even layer of protection with sunscreen lotion and it’s easy to integrate into your daily routine.

2. Sports and Outdoor Activities

Start with a base layer of sunscreen lotion before you head outside then use sunscreen spray for regular reapplications. Keep in mind that you may need to be more judicious with repeated applications if you’re sweating heavily or engaging in water activities.

3. Beach and Pool Days

Sunscreen lotions tend to hold up better against water and sweat than sprays, so start with a good base layer of lotion and reapply as often as recommended by the product manufacturer (generally 40–80 minutes). If you use spray for reapplication, keep in mind that it may be hard to get even coverage on windy days.

4. Kids

If your kids don’t like to sit still (especially when they’re having fun), sunscreen spray might be the more practical solution. The best option is to start with a base layer of lotion and reapply whatever and whenever you can.

5. Dry or Sensitive Skin 

Sunscreen lotion tends to be gentler on dry and sensitive skin than spray, especially if it’s enriched with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or squalane. Just be sure to choose a non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog your pores.

6. Hard-to-Reach Areas 

The best use for sunscreen spray is to ensure complete coverage, especially for hard-to-reach areas. Even if you start with a base layer of lotion, it doesn’t hurt to hit your back, shoulders, and the backs of your legs with a little spray and rub it in as much as you can.

Important Reminder: Whether you choose sunscreen spray or lotion matters less than how and how often you apply it. Proper application technique is crucial for optimal sun protection and reapplication is necessary if you want to maintain a consistent degree of defense against harmful UV rays.

If you want to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, you need broad-spectrum coverage. To help you find the perfect product to meet your needs, we’ve gathered our top three recommendations for sunscreen spray and sunscreen lotion below.

A little sunscreen goes a long way in reducing your risk of skin cancer and UV damage, but how you apply it matters. Choosing a product that you’ll actually use (and use correctly) is more important than arbitrary arguments about what kind of sunscreen is the “best.”

What matters is finding the sunscreen that’s best for you and Exclusive Beauty Club is here to help. We stock a long list of dermatologist-recommended brands and a wide range of products, including tinted sunscreen, moisturizer with SPF, mineral sunscreen, and more.

Shop our sunscreen collection to find your perfect fit or check out this list of our top recommended products to get started.