Trending Types of Sunscreens: Do They Actually Work?

About Nicole Pajer

Nicole Pajer is a Los Angeles-based freelance published in The New York Times, Woman's Day, AARP, Parade, Wired, Glamour, People and more.

You’ve been using your trusty tube of SPF for decades and have a brand you swear by. But you may also be curious about some of the trending sunscreens that people are talking about these days – especially on TikTok. Sunscreen body mists, powdered sunscreens that go over makeup and sunscreen body oils have hit the market. Do they really help to protect you from the sun? We caught up with experts to bring you the scoop.

Sunscreen Body Mists

Sunscreen body mists are a type of sun protection product that is formulated as a sprayable mist instead of a traditional lotion or cream. They are specifically designed to be lightweight and easier to apply, as they can be simply misted onto the skin. These sunscreens are packaged in a bottle with a nozzle that you can hold down, which allows you to mist it over large areas of your body, which can make them easier to apply and a popular option for those harder to reach places.

So do they work? These are effective if labeled broad-spectrum SPF 30+, but they must be applied generously and rubbed in. “A common mistake is under-applying or spraying too far from the skin,” says Dr. Raechele Cochran Gathers, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of DrRaechelelDerm.com.

Keep in mind that these are lightweight sprays which, if you spray liberally and rub it in well, can be effective. But nobody applies enough of it, adds Dr. Stephanie Taylor, a board-certified dermatologist in Stowe, Vermont. “I've seen lots of patients get burned on their back and shoulders using these mists,” she says. “They've used them thinking that they were protected, but they weren't.”

Powdered Sunscreen

Makeup wearers listen up. This type of sunscreen doubles as a powder and also contains an SPF component. It is usually packaged in a compact and comes with a pad to apply it with or as loose powder in a tube with a built-in brush. It goes on like makeup and isn’t greasy, making it appealing to those who want sun protection without the shine. It’s also easy to reapply throughout the day and can be tucked into a purse for easy transport.

What to know about this type of sunscreen: It works but isn't the best option for your go to SPF, says Cochran Gathers. “Powdered sunscreen is best for reapplication, especially over makeup,” she says. “It’s not reliable for full initial protection because coverage can be uneven or too light,” she says. Thus, it’s a good idea to apply lotion sunscreen to your face, then put on your makeup, and use this powdered sunscreen to touch it up throughout the day.

Powdered sunscreens often contain tint so they can also act as a bronzer and add some color over your cheeks to help hide the white of some of those mineral-based sunscreens.

Sunscreen Body Oils

Those looking for a little extra hydration might be attracted to sunscreen body oils, as this form of sun protection products combines the moisturizing and nourishing benefits of body oils with broad-spectrum sun protection that shields from UV rays. This can be especially appealing to those with skin that tends to run on the drier side.

So are they a good option? “These oil sunscreens can protect well if they contain approved UV filters and have SPF 30+ on the label,” says Cochran Gathers. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that oils may wear off faster than lotion sunscreens. “Thus, they should be reapplied every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating,” says Cochran Gathers. You can also look for brands that are water resistant, which can help them stay on for longer when swimming.

Final verdict?

“For seniors or those with sensitive or thinning skin, lotions or creams remain the gold standard, offering more reliable, even coverage,” says Cochran Gathers. That doesn’t mean you can’t use other formats of sunscreen, like spray-on or powder, but it’s important to apply them according to the instructions and to make sure you are covering all areas of your body, she adds.

A few more things to consider when using SPF of any kind:

Keep in mind that some sunscreens work best for different areas of the body: Another thing to note is that some types of sunscreens will likely be best for your face or your body so you can mix and match. For instance a tinted powder sunscreen may work well for touching up your face but won’t work as well on your body, where a lotion or oil may work best.
Look for this on the label: Choose sunscreen that is broad-spectrum and SPF 30 or higher, says Cochran Gathers.
Reapply throughout the day. Reapply every two hours, and more often if swimming or sweating.
Apply enough: When applying sunscreen, make sure that you cover all areas of your body. A good rule of thumb of how much to use for your head-to-toe application:
“Most adults need a shot glass full for the body,” says Cochran Gathers.

The bottom line? “New SPF formats like mists, powder and spray can work—but they’re only as good as your application habits,” says Beverly Hills, California-based dermatologist Dr. Tess Mauricio. Follow the advice above to help you stay sun safe all summer long – no matter which type of SPF you choose.

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