Imagine this: you’re heading outside for a fun day, maybe to the park or the beach. You reach for sunscreen, but then you stop. What’s actually *in* that bottle? It feels like a guessing game, doesn’t it? Picking a natural spray sunscreen can be tricky. You want to protect your skin from the sun, but you also want to use products that are good for you and the planet. It’s tough to know which sprays are truly natural and which ones have ingredients you’d rather avoid.
This is why we’re diving deep into the world of natural spray sunscreens today. We’ll break down what “natural” really means when it comes to sun protection. You’ll learn how to spot the good stuff and steer clear of the less-than-ideal ingredients. By the end of this post, you’ll feel much more confident about choosing a spray sunscreen that keeps you safe from the sun’s rays without any of the worries.
So, let’s get started and uncover the secrets to finding the perfect natural spray sunscreen for your next outdoor adventure!
Our Top 5 Natural Spray Sunscreen Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Natural Spray Sunscreen Detailed Reviews
1. Alba Botanica Sunscreen Spray for Face and Body
Rating: 9.1/10
Get ready for sunny days with Alba Botanica’s Hawaiian Coconut Sunscreen Spray. This sunscreen offers SPF 50 protection, which means it helps keep your skin safe from the sun’s rays. It’s also water-resistant, so it can handle splashes and sweat. This spray is good for both your face and body, making it easy to use. It’s made with good stuff from nature, like aloe vera and coconut, and it’s biodegradable, which is great for the environment.
What We Like:
- High SPF Protection: It offers SPF 50, which is strongly recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation to protect your skin from the sun.
- Skin-Friendly Ingredients: This sunscreen uses 100% vegetarian ingredients and botanicals, including aloe vera, safflower oil, and avocado oil.
- Lightweight and Fast-Drying: The spray goes on light and dries quickly, so it doesn’t feel heavy or sticky.
- Biodegradable Formula: It’s good for the planet because it’s biodegradable.
- Pleasant Scent: The Hawaiian coconut scent makes applying sunscreen enjoyable.
- Water Resistant: It stays on even when you’re swimming or sweating.
What Could Be Improved:
- Spray Nozzle Consistency: Some users might find the spray can be a little uneven at times.
- Availability of Larger Sizes: While a 5 fl. oz. bottle is convenient, larger sizes might be preferred for extended trips or families.
This Alba Botanica sunscreen is a fantastic choice for protecting your skin while being kind to nature. It’s an easy and effective way to stay sun-safe all day long.
2. BLUE LIZARD Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+
Rating: 8.7/10
Get ready for your next adventure with BLUE LIZARD Sport Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50+. This sunscreen is made for active people. It protects your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. It’s a dermatologist-recommended brand that you can trust. This spray offers broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It’s also water-resistant, so it stays on when you sweat or swim. The formula uses Zinc Oxide, a natural mineral. It’s vegan and good for sensitive skin.
What We Like:
- It uses only mineral ingredients like Zinc Oxide for great protection.
- The spray is easy to put on and feels light, not greasy. It rubs in clear!
- It’s made with electrolytes to help energize your skin, perfect for athletes.
- It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so it works even when you’re sweating hard.
- The formula is vegan and free of yucky stuff like parabens and fake scents, making it gentle for sensitive skin.
- It’s reef-friendly, meaning it doesn’t have ingredients that can harm ocean life.
What Could Be Improved:
- Spray sunscreens can sometimes be tricky to get an even coat, so you might need to rub it in well.
- While it rubs in clear, some mineral sunscreens can leave a slight white cast if not fully blended.
This BLUE LIZARD sunscreen is a fantastic choice for anyone who loves the outdoors. It offers strong protection and feels good on your skin.
3. Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Sunscreen Spray SPF30 – Natural Zinc Oxide – Extra Sensitive Skin – Water Resistant – Vegan – Fragrance-Free – Air-Powered Spray – For all ages
Rating: 8.6/10
Finding a sunscreen that works for everyone in the family, especially those with sensitive skin, can be a challenge. The Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Sunscreen Spray SPF30 is designed to be just that – a gentle, effective, and easy-to-use sunblock for all ages. It uses natural zinc oxide to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, and its lightweight, sheer formula makes it comfortable to wear all day long.
What We Like:
- It’s super gentle and safe for delicate skin, even for babies.
- The formula is water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes, great for active days.
- It’s made with natural zinc oxide and free from harsh chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- The air-powered spray makes it quick and easy to apply, and it absorbs fast.
- It’s vegan, fragrance-free, and dermatologist-tested to be safe for sensitive skin.
- It’s made in the USA and is B Corp Certified, meaning the company cares about people and the planet.
What Could Be Improved:
- The “continuous spray” might require a bit of shaking and careful application to ensure even coverage.
- While it’s water-resistant, frequent reapplication is still necessary, especially after swimming or sweating.
This sunscreen is a fantastic option for families looking for natural protection. It offers peace of mind with its safe ingredients and effective coverage.
4. Hello Bello SPF 50 Kids Mineral Sunscreen Spray
Rating: 9.5/10
Getting sunscreen on wiggly kids can be a challenge, but Hello Bello’s SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Spray makes it a breeze! This spray is made for those hard-to-reach spots and for when your little ones just won’t sit still. It uses non-nano zinc oxide, which is a mineral sunscreen that protects your skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it has sunflower and safflower oils to keep skin moisturized. It’s perfect for toddlers and children, and adults can use it too!
What We Like:
- It offers SPF 50 broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
- The spray is great for covering tricky areas.
- It’s hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, making it gentle on sensitive skin.
- The formula is vegan and never tested on animals, earning Leaping Bunny certification.
- It’s reef-friendly, so it’s better for the ocean.
- The sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- It’s non-greasy and made without synthetic fragrances, parabens, or phthalates.
- Hello Bello also gives back, donating products to families in need.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some users might find the spray mechanism a bit tricky to control for very precise application on tiny areas.
- While water-resistant, reapplication is still necessary after swimming or sweating.
This sunscreen is a solid choice for protecting your family’s skin from the sun while being mindful of the planet. It offers great protection and is made with good ingredients.
5. Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray – Broad Spectrum Moisturizing Sunscreen with Vitamin E – Hawaii 104 Act Compliant (Made without Octinoxate & Oxybenzone) – 6 oz
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready for sunny days with Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Spray! This is the classic sunscreen that started it all for Sun Bum, and it smells just like summer. It’s made to protect everyone who loves spending time outdoors. This spray is also good for your skin because it moisturizes and keeps it safe from the sun’s harmful rays.
What We Like:
- It offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection, keeping your skin safe from UVA and UVB rays.
- The formula is moisturizing and packed with Vitamin E, which is great for your skin.
- It’s Hawaii 104 Act Compliant, meaning it’s made without octinoxate and oxybenzone, which is better for coral reefs.
- The spray is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, perfect for swimming or sweating.
- It’s non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog your pores, and it’s suitable for all skin types.
- Sun Bum is committed to safe sun practices, so this sunscreen is free of oxybenzone, octinoxate, gluten, parabens, and is cruelty-free.
- The spray uses a Bag on Valve (BOV) system, meaning it doesn’t use chemical propellants like traditional aerosols.
- It’s FSA/HSA eligible, offering peace of mind for your sun protection needs.
What Could Be Improved:
- The spray can be a bit tricky to get an even coat without missing spots, so you might need to rub it in a little.
- The scent, while summery, might be a bit strong for some people.
This Sun Bum sunscreen is a fantastic choice for protecting your skin while enjoying the outdoors. It makes staying safe in the sun easy and enjoyable.
Your Guide to Natural Spray Sunscreen: Sunshine Safe & Easy!
Sunscreen is super important to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Natural spray sunscreen offers a convenient way to get that protection without some of the ingredients you might want to avoid. This guide will help you pick the best one for you.
What to Look For in Natural Spray Sunscreen
Key Features to Look For
- SPF Level: This tells you how well the sunscreen protects against sunburn. Aim for SPF 30 or higher for good protection.
- Broad Spectrum Protection: This means it guards against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause aging, and UVB rays cause sunburn. You need protection from both!
- Water Resistance: If you plan to swim or sweat, look for “water resistant” or “very water resistant.” This means it stays on for a certain amount of time in water.
- Non-Nano Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide: These are the natural ingredients that physically block the sun’s rays. “Non-nano” means the particles are too big to go into your skin.
- Fragrance-Free or Natural Scents: Some people are sensitive to strong smells. Look for unscented options or those with natural essential oils.
Important Materials in Natural Spray Sunscreens
Natural spray sunscreens usually use mineral blockers. These are:
- Zinc Oxide: This is a white powder that sits on top of your skin. It acts like a shield against the sun. It’s great for sensitive skin.
- Titanium Dioxide: This is another mineral that works like zinc oxide. It also sits on your skin and blocks the sun.
These minerals are considered safe and effective. They don’t get absorbed into your body.
Factors That Can Affect Quality
Improving Quality:
- Good Spray Nozzle: A nozzle that sprays evenly and doesn’t clog makes a big difference.
- Easy to Rub In: Even though it’s a spray, you might need to rub it in a little. Some sprays leave less of a white cast than others.
- Moisturizing Ingredients: Some natural sunscreens have ingredients like aloe vera or vitamin E that make your skin feel good.
Reducing Quality:
- Propellants: Some sprays use chemicals to push the sunscreen out. Look for ones that use air or natural propellants if you’re concerned about these.
- Sticky Feel: A sunscreen that feels sticky or greasy after applying isn’t ideal.
- White Cast: Some mineral sunscreens can leave a noticeable white film on the skin, especially on darker skin tones.
User Experience and Use Cases
Natural spray sunscreens are popular because they are quick and easy to use. They are great for:
- Busy Mornings: Just a few sprays and you’re ready to go.
- Applying to Kids: Kids often don’t like sitting still for lotion. A spray can be much faster.
- Covering Large Areas: Spraying sunscreen makes it easy to cover your back or legs quickly.
- Reapplying: It’s simple to add more sunscreen throughout the day when you’re outdoors.
However, it’s important to apply spray sunscreen correctly. Spray it in a well-ventilated area and don’t inhale it. You should also rub it in to make sure you have an even layer of protection.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the main difference between natural spray sunscreen and regular spray sunscreen?
A: Natural spray sunscreen uses mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block the sun. Regular spray sunscreens often use chemical filters.
Q: Are natural spray sunscreens safe for sensitive skin?
A: Yes, they are often good for sensitive skin because the mineral ingredients are less likely to cause irritation.
Q: Do I need to rub in natural spray sunscreen?
A: Yes, it’s a good idea to rub it in to ensure you have an even layer of protection and to avoid missing any spots.
Q: Can I use natural spray sunscreen on my face?
A: Some are formulated for the face, but always check the label. Be careful to avoid spraying directly into your eyes.
Q: How often should I reapply natural spray sunscreen?
A: Reapply at least every two hours, or more often if you swim or sweat.
Q: Does “non-nano” matter in natural spray sunscreen?
A: Yes, “non-nano” means the mineral particles are larger and don’t get absorbed into your skin, which is generally preferred.
Q: Are natural spray sunscreens reef-safe?
A: Many natural spray sunscreens are considered reef-safe because they avoid certain chemicals that can harm coral reefs. Look for labels that say “reef-safe.”
Q: How do I know if my natural spray sunscreen is still good?
A: Check the expiration date. If it looks or smells different, it’s best to replace it.
Q: Can I use natural spray sunscreen under makeup?
A: Some people do, but it’s best to let it dry completely first. You might prefer a spray specifically designed for use under makeup.
Q: What are the best natural spray sunscreens for kids?
A: Look for high SPF, broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and formulas that are gentle and easy to apply. Fragrance-free options are also good for kids.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Melody Smith is a passionate writer, outdoor enthusiast, and camping expert based in the Seattle Metropolitan Area. With a deep love for nature and adventure, she shares her personal experiences, tips, and insights on MyCampingPro.com. A seasoned camper and traveler, Melody combines her creative background in design and writing with her love for the great outdoors, offering practical advice and inspiring stories to help others make the most of their outdoor experiences. When she’s not exploring the wilderness, you can find her painting, collecting vintage treasures, or diving into a good book.