Good for you for putting on sunscreen, but should you change the type you reach for? There are plenty of options on the shelves—and more are on the way thanks to the FDA approval of the first new sunscreen ingredient in years. So which kind gives you the most protection?
I talked to chemists in the Good Housekeeping Institute Beauty Lab and dermatologists to learn the advantages of the three most common sunscreen formats: spray, stick, and lotion.
Lotion is the best bet for most people
You can’t go wrong with lotion sunscreen: There are excellent options available for virtually every skin type, including sensitive, acne-prone, oily, dry, and mature skin.
“In our most recent sunscreen survey, a majority of our panel indicated that they prefer to use lotions as their body sunscreen,” says GH Beauty Lab Senior Chemist Danusia Wnek. “In our studies, lotions also typically perform better than sprays on average. They tend to have nicer texture, are less tacky and greasy, and have a higher overall satisfaction compared to sprays.”
When you’re layering sunscreens, it’s best to start with a lotion. “For most people, sunscreen lotions should be the foundation of their sun protection routine,” says Kseniya Kobets, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care. “Lotions spread more evenly across the skin, making it easier to achieve the amount needed to reach the labeled SPF.”
Many modern formulations also include beneficial skincare ingredients such as antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, glycerin, niacinamide, ceramides, squalane, and barrier-supporting ingredients that help address dehydration, redness, inflammation, and environmental damage.
Tinted sunscreen lotions can also help even skin tone while providing additional visible light protection from iron oxides, which is especially helpful for melasma and hyperpigmentation.
Choose sprays and sticks if you’re applying on the go
“Spray sunscreen is great for convenience and for covering large or hard-to-reach areas, plus it can be quicker to apply,” Wnek says. “But it cannot be used in a windy area and can take a while to dry.”
She also notes that it shouldn’t be sprayed directly onto face. Instead, to apply to the face, spray it on hands first and rub into the face. Also, she cautions that people often don’t apply enough for adequate coverage which can lead to patchy application, so application needs to be generous.
Sticks are also super convenient, mess-free, and precise. “They are great for smaller and harder-to-reach areas like the ears, your hairline, and the back of the head,” says Dendy Engelman, M.D., F.A.C.M.S., F.A.A.D., a double board-certified cosmetic dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at Shafer Clinic NYC. “Since these formulations are in a solid stick format, they are easier to take on-the-go—and there’s no risk of them spilling inside your bag. However, sunscreen sticks are often not concentrated enough, and one simple swipe usually won’t do the trick, meaning that it’s easy to under-apply.”
Apply generously to get the stated protection level
✔️ Lotion: Dr. Kobets generally recommends about 1/3 to 1/4 teaspoon, or approximately the length of two fingers, for the face and neck. For the body, most adults need about one ounce (a shot glass amount) to adequately cover exposed skin. Apply as the first layer of sun protection and allow it to dry evenly before applying makeup or other products.
✔️ Spray: The challenge with SPF sprays is they can be easy to under apply or apply in a spotty manner, so it’s important to be thorough, says Elizabeth K. Hale, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Advisor at Vacation. She advises to spray generously until the skin glistens and then, to ensure it is evenly applied, use your hand to distribute it.
✔️ Stick: To be certain you apply enough stick SPF, Dr. Engelman recommends multiple swipes over the skin—more than you think necessary. Reapply every two hours or right after water exposure. Gently blending with your fingers will help the product spread evenly.
Is it OK to combine SPF formats?
It sure is! Sometimes you don’t have to choose—all three types have their place and purpose.
“Layering formats can be a smart and effective way to support consistent UV protection,” Dr. Hale says. “Lotions are a great base layer because they’re easier to apply evenly and generously, and they can fit seamlessly into a morning skincare routine before makeup. From there, sticks and sprays can be helpful for tricky areas where you may not want to use a lotion, such as the hairline, and they’re great for reapplication throughout the day. ”
The takeaway: The amount you apply matters more than the type
Ultimately, in the great debate of spray vs. stick vs. lotion, the format isn’t as critical as correctly applying whatever you pick.
“We have seen time and time again in our studies that consumers are not applying enough sunscreen to achieve proper sun protection,” says Wnek. “In fact, we found that they apply only about one-third the amount needed—and even less of tinted versions. It’s imperative to apply the adequate amount onto skin, rub it in for an even application, allow it to dry for 15 minutes, and reapply when you will be in the sun or in water.”
Dr. Kobets agrees. “If the SPF value and application thickness are the same, lotions, sticks, and sprays can all provide excellent sun protection,” she says. “The biggest differences come down to application, cosmetic elegance, skin type compatibility, and how likely someone is to use them correctly. In real life, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll apply generously and reapply consistently.”
No matter which type you opt for, the rules remain the same: Be sure to reapply every two hours when outdoors and soon after sweating, swimming, or towel-drying. “It’s not that one format wears off faster than another but that some—especially sprays and sticks—are easier to under-apply,” Dr. Hale says.
