Safer Spray Sunscreens for Kids, Teens and Adults

For years I’ve been trying to persuade my kids to use anything but spray sunscreens.

The problem is getting kids (especially teens) to actually use sunscreen ^[1]. We all know it’s all about the convenience and finding a brand that blends into your skin.

Every summer I test out non-toxic sunscreens and put together my list of favorite safer sunscreens ^[2]. I’ve even put together a list of sunscreens that don’t leave a film of white paste behind ^[3]. The good news is that there are plenty of safer sunscreens ^[4]to choose from. But they’re almost always a lotion, not a spray.

There’s no denying that despite their convenience, spray sunscreens ^[5] pose an inhalation risk and may not fully cover your skin (it’s easy to miss a spot). But with some kids and teens we have to pick our battles. Safer spray sunscreens could be the only way to go if we want them to protect their skin from the sun.

If you’re hunting for the safest spray sunscreens here are a few family favorites.

Goddess Garden Organics Kids Sport Spray Sunscreen ^[6] ($13 for 6 oz)

^[7]Goddess Garden Organics Kids Sport Spray Sunscreen ^[6] is our sunscreen of choice for camp this summer. The ingredients are safe and it doesn’t go on thick and white ^[3]. I love that it comes in a pump bottle ^[8] and a spray ^[6]. More good news, the spray isn’t an aerosol spray.

All Good Sport Sunscreen Spray ^[9] ($27 for 6 oz)

^[10]I’m pretty excited about All Good Sport Spray ^[9]. There are so many positives including that it’s non-aerosol and uses non-nano zinc. The spray isn’t greasy and doesn’t leave a white, sticky film on your skin. It’s pretty pricey, but a little goes a long way. They also have a kid’s spray ^[11] which is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Both sprays are non-aerosol.

Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Spray ^[12] ($15 for 6 oz)

^[13]Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Spray ^[12] is made from zinc, is fragrance-free sunscreen and is perfect for extra sensitive skin. It is water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes.  After applying you do need to rub in the sunscreen. As with all zinc spray sunscreens, it’s important to shake them before application.

All Terrain KidSport SPF30 Oxybenzone-Free Natural Sunscreen Spray ^[14] ($11 for 3 oz)

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The All Terrain KidSport SPF30 Natural Sunscreen Spray ^[14] is more of a pump sunscreen than a spray. I really like that it’s non-whitening, non-greasy, fragrance-free and won’t cause eye sting so it is great for kids (and adults!) with sensitive skin. Reading through the reviews, several customers had trouble with the spray nozzle clogging. Running the nozzle under hot water could help.

If you’re going to make the switch to spray sunscreen make sure you never spray sunscreen around your face or mouth. When applying spray sunscreens on children, pay attention to the wind and spray in a direction that won’t blow into their faces. Lower your inhalation risk by applying it on your hands and then wiping it on your face. All zinc sunscreen sprays should be shaken well before applying.

Do you have any favorite safer spray sunscreens?

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