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Sun protection is a non-negotiable. So, it’s a good thing that there are so many different SPF formulas on the market: your best sunscreen for face, best sunscreen overall, and even scalp sunscreens to make shielding yourself from UV rays as easy as possible. And speaking of ease: Sunscreen face sprays and SPF facial mists make application and reapplication throughout the day a breeze—but heads up, they aren’t best as your sole method of protection.

“Sun exposure is the leading cause of premature skin aging, which can lead to fine lines and wrinkles, textured skin, hyperpigmentation, and sun spots,” explains Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, AL. “Even worse, excess sun exposure can cause skin cancer, which can be deadly.” SPF, please! However, you can’t just slather it on in the morning and forget about it. “We know people understand the importance of reapplication, but are not doing so driven by the effort required,” notes Chris Birchby, Founder and Chief Culture Officer of Coola.

That’s where sunscreen face sprays come in, since they’re a quick way to reapply SPF. However, there’s a bit of catch, warns Sarmela Sunder, M.D., double-board certified, fellowship-trained Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon. It can be difficult to use an adequate amount needed to fully protect your skin. “In general, with facial sprays containing SPF, you don’t get enough on the skin for it to actually be protective and behave at that SPF level,” Dr. Sunder says. “So, a lot of times people get a false sense of security, and don’t apply enough.”

So, SPF facial mists are best used in addition to other forms of SPF for a bit of extra security, to help preserve makeup, and add some refreshing reassurance on sunny, summer days. Disclaimer aside, Dr. Hartman reassures: “I like anything that makes it easier for patients to reapply their sunscreen, because it means they’ll be more likely to actually do so. Sunscreen facial mists are a great option to reapply and protect your skin.”

So, scroll on for the crème de la crème of protective facial mist options, according to the experts and just in time for summer fun.

We consulted experts Birchby, Dr. Sunder, and Dr. Hartman, and sifted through tons of online reviews to find the best SPF facial mists available.

The latest addition to Coola’s impressive lineup of SPF formulas is an excellent, well-rounded face mist that not only offers protection from UV rays, but also features antioxidant-rich ingredients like buriti oil and prickly pear extract. “It’s an incredibly lightweight, non-greasy organic sunscreen mist that helps fight free radicals without slowing you down,” Birchby explains, while Hartman notes that the mist is “easy to apply on bare skin or over makeup, and leaves skin feeling dry.”

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Octisalate, Octocrylene | Water Resistance: 80 minutes | Size: 3.4 fl. oz.

This facial setting spray with a high level of broad spectrum sunscreen also includes skin-soothing superstars like glycerin, aloe vera leaf juice, and rosewater. It provides a slightly matte finish that minimizes shine without adding a dry or powdery look to the skin. “This product is so amazing,” one Ulta reviewer writes. “It's a setting spray with sunscreen but it also gives a healthy glow to my skin and leaves it so soft and dewy. Love it!”

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene | Water Resistance: 80 minutes | Size: 3.4 fl. oz.

Not only is this facial mist great for on-the-go sun protection and reapplication, but it makes for a great makeup setting spray, too. This weightless mist contains silica to help absorb oil, English field mustard and chinawood oil to help filter pollution, and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), a superstar ingredient that helps lock makeup in place and extend its wear. “This setting mist is a total game changer and a must have for the summer,” writes one Sephora customer. “It helps set my makeup without leaving any shine or grease.”

SPF: 40 | Active Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water Resistance: 40 minutes | Size: 3.4 fl. oz.

Hartman recommends this oil-free, non-comedogenic SPF spray that offers a powerful level of on-the-go, lightweight sun protection. Developed with the brand’s antioxidant complex, it provides protection against environmental aggressors like sun-induced free radicals, pollution, cold, and ozone. “This product is great for on-the-go reapplication, especially over makeup,” Hartman says. “It’s breathable and non-comedogenic, so it won’t clog pores.”

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water Resistance: 40 minutes | Size: 3.4 fl. oz.

This lightweight, sheer mist offers a simple way to reapply SPF and stay protected. It also feels great on the skin as it helps soothe with witch hazel, a sensitive skin superstar ingredient. One Ulta customer writes: “It's a fine mist, refreshing, works very well, and is lovely in scent. Perfect product.”

SPF: 45 | Active Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water Resistance: 40 minutes | Size: 3.4 fl. oz.

For long days spent in the sun, sand, or water, this SPF spray is the way to go. This spray is formulated for both face and body for a true multitasking formula that provides lightweight, non-greasy protection from the sun while offering powerful antioxidant protection. “This is a great option if you’re going to be more active outside, swimming, riding your bike, hiking, working out,” Hartman explains. “It's water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so even when you’re working hard, you’re still protected.”

SPF: 60 | Active Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone | Water Resistance: 80 minutes | Size: 5.0 fl. oz.

Triple threat alert: this SPF mist does it all, protecting your face, body, and hair from the sun’s rays. The lightweight, non-greasy, and non-sticky texture makes it as comfortable to wear as it is easy to use. It’s also formulated with xylitol, for soft, healthy skin, and ingredients like rose apple leaf extract to protect cells and prevent DNA damage. “This sunscreen is the best I have ever used,” according to one Sephora reviewer. “It’s light and not greasy or sticky. Coverage is great—I burn very easily and this protects my skin very well.”

SPF: | Active Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone | Water Resistance: 80 minutes | Size: 5.0 fl. oz.

This refreshing facial mist is enriched with vitamin C, sea minerals, and other healthy skin ingredients for an added boost to the makeup setting, sun protecting formula. In addition to its broad spectrum sun protection, it also helps protect against blue-light damage while providing a semi-matte finish to the skin. “I use it throughout the day over my makeup,” writes one Ulta buyer. “It controls oiliness and has a spf 45. Because it's a spray it doesn't mess up my makeup and it gives me a matte finish. Love this product.”

SPF: 45 | Active Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water Resistance: None | Size: 4.0 fl. oz.

On a hot, summer day, you might need a bit of refreshment in addition to your sun protection. That’s where this rejuvenating, fine facial mist comes in: with cucumber fruit extract skin stays soothed and hydrated, while polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) locks in UV protection, skincare, and makeup. “This sunscreen mist is the perfect companion for everyday wear or a day at the beach. The fine mist allows for touchless application which won't mess up your makeup when you're on the go,” says one Sephora customer. “It is also a refreshing and revitalizing addition to your beach bag for those hot, sunny days.”

SPF: 38 | Active Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water Resistance: None | Size: .9 fl. oz.

The hydrating, broad spectrum SPF spray by Oars + Alps provides adequate sun protection for both face and body equally well with a light, fresh scent with notes of amber, bamboo and coconut water. This spray nourishes the skin and provides antioxidants with vitamin C and olive leaf extract. It’s also water and sweat resistant, and can be used on wet skin for an added bonus. One Amazon reviewer writes: “I was looking for a sunscreen spray that was not only good for my skin, but also hydrating. This spray hit the nail on the head…plus it smells like vacation, sweet and sunny.”

SPF: 30 | Active Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water Resistance: 80 minutes | Size: 6.0 fl. Oz.

Coola’s hydrating makeup setting spray with SPF 30 is made with cucumber and aloe vera for a relaxing, rejuvenating experience that will make applying and reapplying your sun protection a breeze. “It’s a great choice for those looking for a mist over a lotion; it provides sheer sun protection and keeps your morning makeup fresh all day, while also reducing shine,” explains Birchby. The fine mist applies well over makeup while helping to keep it in place all day with a semi-matte finish, but it works equally well on bare skin to hydrate and calm skin with hyaluronic acid while offering broad spectrum UV protection.

SPF: 30 | Active Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate | Water Resistance: 80 minutes | Size: 1.5 fl. oz.

Bathe your face in this skin, sun, and makeup hybrid mist. Formulated with silica and hyaluronic acid, this spray not only shields from the sun with broad spectrum UV protection, but reduces shine, blurs imperfections, and hydrates the skin. It also provides all of these benefits with an easy to use, ultra-fine mist for an enjoyable experience. “I am thrilled to have found the perfect sunscreen for me,” writes one Ulta reviewer. “I love that the SPF number is so high and I love how the fine mist doesn't make my skin greasy or smudge my makeup.”

SPF: 50 | Active Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, oxybenzone | Water Resistance: None | Size: 3.4 fl. oz.

If you’re looking for your makeup to truly last, this is the facial mist for you. Milani’s formula locks in makeup for up to sixteen hours while providing broad spectrum UV and environmental protection. It’s also super comfortable to wear, with a nearly undetectable lightweight finish that provides a subtle dewy finish. “This is a fine spray that sets makeup while also giving effective everyday sun protection,” notes one Ulta customer.

SPF: 30 | Active Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene | Water Resistance: None | Size: 2.0 fl. oz.

✔️Adequate, broad spectrum SPF. Sun protection factor is the most important aspect to consider in any sort of sunscreen, including facial mists. “At the minimum,” Dr. Sunder recommends SPF 30. “Anything less than that is not really doing anything, and I usually recommend in the 40’s or even 50’s.” Dr. Sunder also notes that it’s especially important to choose an SPF with broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

✔️Helpful ingredients. “When it comes to all sun care products, it’s important to look for products created with healthy ingredients that offer powerful protection and are easy-to-wear,” Birchby notes. And, according to Dr. Hartman, there are lots of great SPF facial mists that also contain active ingredients to “help hydrate the skin or make the appearance of the skin matte,” depending on your concerns. Try looking for ingredients like antioxidant-rich oils, hydrating hyaluronic acid or aloe, and ingredients that are paraben-free. ✔️Lightweight formula. “Ideally, you want a spray that is lightweight, easy to apply, and won’t run down your face,” says Dr. Hartman. In avoiding sticky, heavy, or oily formulas (such as those formulated with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin) you’ll ensure an enjoyable application experience that will keep you applying and reapplying, which is key.