How to Reapply Sunscreen, Plus the 10 Best Products to Try

There’s a simple answer.

“No matter what SPF value your sunscreen is, it always needs to be reapplied every 2 hours — or immediately after heavy sweating or swimming,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, an associate professor of dermatology and the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

This is because the sunscreen reacts with UV rays and loses its effectiveness. Additionally, Zeichner explains that you literally sweat away your sunscreen when it’s hot outside.

Sometimes, reapplying sunscreen is easier said than done. You might not have access to a mirror or your usual sunscreen lotion. And you might have a full face of makeup or a hairstyle that you don’t want to mess up.

According to Zeichner, it helps to have a good foundational layer of sunscreen beneath your makeup to start.

Then, “you can use a setting spray with SPF or use a powder sunscreen to reapply during the day without messing up your makeup. It doesn’t do as good a job as truly reapplying sunscreen — but it’s good enough in low risk environments, like if you’re sitting in the shade and wearing a hat,” he adds.

He recommends reapplying sunscreen in the center of your face and working your way out and up. This helps so that you don’t miss the perimeters of your face, especially the hairline. Don’t forget your ears, neck, and hair part while you’re at it.

And for your body? A sunscreen that has ultra-moisturizing ingredients will help do double duty as a midday lotion.

We wanted to select products that work for all sunscreen preferences and daily lifestyles. We considered the following:

• Customer reviews. The best way to know if a product works or not is to see what real customers have to say. We chose products with overwhelmingly positive reviews.
• Company reputation. The companies here are known for their reliable sunscreens and products. Many of the brands are also vegan and cruelty-free.
• UV filters. We included a large variety of chemical and mineral filters. There’s something for every preference on this list.

Pricing guide

The price for sun protection varies, depending on the UV filter, type of product, and brand. We chose products in a range of price points, represented as:

• $ = under $20
• $$ = $20–$40
• $$$ = over $40

For your face

COOLA Full Spectrum 360 Refreshing Water Mist Sunscreen SPF 18

• Price: $$$
• Sunscreen type: chemical

The ultra-refreshing and lightweight formula of this sunscreen spray makes it a standout. It contains organic aloe and coconut water, as well as chemical UV filters.

This product is 70 percent certified organic, synthetic fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and vegan.

Reviewers say it doesn’t feel sticky, and they enjoy the fresh scent. Be aware that some reviewers say the bottle tends to leak. So you might not want to store it horizontally, or you might want to store it in a separate pouch when on the go.

While it’s not the highest SPF (derms typically recommend SPF 30 or more), it’s a great spray when you’re in a pinch. Plus, it’s easy to apply, so you can spray it on often without feeling like you’re overdoing it.

Milani Make It Last Setting Spray SPF 30

• Price: $
• Sunscreen type: chemical

Part sunscreen, part setting spray, this product is an all-in-one spray. It has chemical UV protection in addition to an antioxidant-rich pollution shield that also protects skin from environmental aggressors.

You can use this spray after applying makeup to set it (the company says it locks makeup on for 16 hours), or you can take it with you to spray as needed.

However, this spray does feature fragrance. So, if you have sensitive skin, you might want to try something else.

Mineral Fusion Brush-On Defense SPF 30

• Price: $$
• Sunscreen type: mineral

Packaged in a convenient travel-friendly container, this powder sunscreen features an attached brush, so you can dust on sunscreen without any additional tools.

The translucent matte formula can be applied anywhere you need it: your face, your shoulders, your hair part.

This completely mineral-based sunscreen is hypoallergenic, vegan, gluten-free, talc-free, and fragrance-free.

Reviewers love the lightweight powder, saying that it’s ideal for travel, use on the go, and use on toddlers who resist sunscreen lotion. Some reviewers complain that the formula can be drying, so it might not be best for those with extra dry skin.

Suntegrity Pressed Mineral Powder Compact SPF 50

• Price: $$$
• Sunscreen type: mineral

Worried about the messiness of a loose powder? This pressed compact features a translucent mineral sunscreen powder.

The mirrored compact comes with its own sponge that fits neatly in its own section of the compact, so you don’t have to worry about it getting messy or generating bacteria.

The formula is organic, gluten-free, and vegan.

Because the product is fairly new, there aren’t very many reviews. However, plenty of other Suntegrity products are rated highly.

Some reviewers mention that the powder leaves a white cast, so it might not be the best for those with darker skin tones.

For your makeup bag

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50

• Price: $$
• Sunscreen type: mineral

So, you reapplied your face sunscreen, and now you feel a little washed out. That’s totally normal. Renew your glow with a dab of SPF-filled blush. You can use this color balm as a blush, bronzer, or lip color. Swipe it on directly from the stick or use your fingers to distribute the product.

The balm is fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested, hypoallergenic, and noncomedogenic.

According to reviews, the three shades are flattering on a variety of skin tones, and the color is buildable.

Some reviewers say the shimmer is very noticeable. So, if you prefer matte makeup, you might want to try another product.

Supergoop! Shimmershade Illuminating Cream Eyeshadow SPF 30

• Price: $$
• Sunscreen type: part mineral, part chemical

Yes, your eyelids can get sunburned, too. And trust us — it hurts.

While you might remember to apply some of your face sunscreen to your eyelids in the a.m., it might be harder to remember to reapply it. That’s where these eyeshadows come in.

After your swim or your morning in the park, you can swipe on a layer of this cream eyeshadow to add a pop of color as well as some SPF.

The shimmery shadow comes in four shades: First Light, Golden Hour, Daydream, and Sunset.

Reviewers praise the shadow’s ability to last and the non-sunscreen scent. However, some mention that it’s best paired with an eyeshadow primer for optimal pigmentation.

For your hair

COOLA Ocean Salted Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30

• Price: $$
• Sunscreen type: chemical

If you’ve ever experienced a scalp burn, you know just how frustrating they can be. This hair mist is designed to protect your hair and scalp from harsh UV rays.

It also contains hydrating and antioxidant-rich ingredients to help nourish your hair and prevent color fading.

Similar to the other COOLA product featured on this list, it’s 70 percent certified organic and vegan. However, this spray does feature synthetic fragrance. Reviewers generally enjoy the “ocean salted sage” scent, saying it’s strong at first, but wears off over time.

One reviewer who shaved their head due to hair loss from alopecia areata says they love that they can use this all over their scalp without the sunscreen feeling heavy.

Bumble and bumble Surf Styling Leave In

• Price: $$
• Sunscreen type: not specified

The sun can damage your hair in a variety of ways: making it dry, frizzy, and dull. If you don’t have a hat on you, it’s a good idea to keep it treated throughout the day with a protective treatment.

You can use this treatment after swimming to style and add protection to your hair. Just scrunch it into wet hair and go.

The leave-in treatment also softens hair with a blend of aloe, kelp extract, coconut fruit extract, and algae extract.

It’s important to note that there’s no SPF in this product. Instead, the company says the gel cream has a UV filter blend that protects hair from the drying effects of the sun.

Reviewers say the product gives their hair soft waves, and some with color-treated hair say it helped tame their frizz.

For your body

Supergoop! Glow Oil SPF 50

• Price: $$
• Sunscreen type: chemical

When it gets really hot and sunny out, sunscreen isn’t the only thing you need. Your skin needs deep hydration, too. This body oil provides both.

The formula features lightweight but nourishing oils, including meadowfoam seed oil and grape seed oil.

The oil is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for poolside use. The company also recommends it postshower for a hydrating glow.

Reviewers say the oil absorbs easily and doesn’t feel sticky or greasy.

It might be great for those who don’t enjoy the texture of traditional sunscreen lotions and sprays — especially if they’re bothered by the white or chalky feeling reapplication sometimes leaves.

Eir Surf Mud Body Butter SPF 30

• Price: $$$
• Sunscreen type: mineral

If oil isn’t really your jam, you might enjoy a body butter for your mid-afternoon reapplication. This whipped butter is mineral-powered, vegan, and partially organic. Plus, it comes in a plastic-free reusable container.

The ingredients list is super pared-down, featuring oils, butters, and cocoa powder (which makes it smell like chocolate cake).

However, because the body butter is made with zinc oxide, you might have to spend some more time rubbing it in. There’s also a chance it could leave a white cast on those with darker skin tones.

Reviewers say they love the scent and that it feels great on their skin.

When in doubt, SPF it out.

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to reapplying your sun protection. No matter if you choose mineral or chemical filters, make sure to reapply sunscreen to your face, body, and hair every 2 hours or immediately after sweating or working out.

Forgot to pack your sunscreen? Find some shade and wear a hat with a brim that’s at least 4 inches wide all the way around — your good old-fashioned dad cap will leave your ears and neck vulnerable.

“If all else fails, you can take a towel and put it over your head to create your own shade,” Zeichner says.

Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that. Here’s your reminder to pack your SPF.

Jen Anderson is a copy editor at Healthline. She specializes in wellness and beauty content. When not typing away, you can find Jen practicing yoga, diffusing essential oils, watching Food Network, or guzzling a cup of coffee. You can follow her adventures on Twitter and Instagram.