Alba Botanica Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 Fragrance-Free Broad Spectrum Water Resistant and Biodegradable 5 fl Oz

Based on what I look for in a spray on sunscreen this product is FANTASTIC. BUT... if you don't understand what to expect when buying a spray on mineral sunscreen, you may be disappointed. Mineral sunscreens are generally made of zinc oxide (ZO) or titanium dioxide (TO), which are PHYSICAL sunblocks. That means they work by forming a "skin on your skin" which REFLECTS UVA/UVB back out. By contrast, chemical sunblocks (avobenzone, octinoxate and oxybenzone) work to ABSORB and neutralize UVA/UVB. These chemicals generally leave a shiny finish on the skin, which can look oily. However there are newer formulations of chemical sunblocks which are more matte. While chemical sunblocks are considered safe for humans, many people find chemical sunblocks to be irritating, and they are definitely toxic for marine life. (They burn my eyes terribly.) Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are chalky white substances that inherently leave a white cast on the skin but are non irritating to most people. You can even use mineral sunscreens around the eye area with no discomfort. But as for the white cast, there's no way around this. SPRAY on mineral sunblocks are generally used on the body (not face) and in order to get sufficient protection, they contains a heavy amount of ZO and TD. I ONLY use physical (mineral) sunblocks. This product needs to be shaken hard right before each use in order to evenly distribute the active ingredients. I only use it on my body given the thick heavy white cast it leaves. But when I am getting ready to go biking in the bright sun, it's a VERY FAST way to cover my legs, arms, and neck safe and effectively. I don't really care that I'm white as a ghost while going out for a workout. What I want is mineral sunblock coverage that I can apply rapidly. For this purpose, this product is exceptional. Other reviewers complained that the can still felt full but ran out of propellant so it was wasted. That's caused by not shaking the can heavily before each use. If the spray tip clogs, just like any other spray, just run it under some warm water for a minute or two. Read more

This stuff, and the other colored bottle by Alba are both absolute crap. I wanted them to work so badly, because I've worked very hard researching on EWG etc to eliminate harmful chemicals from my regimen, but this product is just useless. No matter how hard or long we shake it, it still sprays out totally inconsistently: some watery liquid and then some clumpy white stuff....and it doesn't spread easily . Thus far we have been using the Thinksport 50 - which is ok despite being really thick and slightly annoying to deal with. Seems like the organic sunblocks still have a way to go. Read more

Great sunblock, works very effectively Read more

It works as a sunscreen, which is what I wanted. The spray is a little wonky, a thick and thin mist all at once, but overall, reasonably acceptable coverage. However, it has quite a noticeable white cast for being sheer and quite a noticeable stank for being fragrance free. I can deal with the white cast well enough, but the scent, especially for being unscented, is not exactly pleasant and it lingers. I get that it's natural, but it seriously smells like....Play-Doh....or maybe just wet dough? I'll deal with the negatives and use it 'til gone because I'm cheap and that whole sunburn thing will be avoided, but I won't repurchase. Read more

This sunscreen works well in protecting you from the sun. However, it feels so gross on your skin. It’s slimy and just sits on top of your skin. It never completely rubs in. It also makes your skin all white. I couldn’t wait to shower and get it off. I’ve used other mineral sunscreens that do not feel like this. Read more

Love this spray! We've been using the one that comes out white and only recently discovered this sheer one, and I'm hooked! Way easier to apply to kids! Highly recommend. Read more

The top jams . Hard to operate. Read more

Everyone is sunburnt! Tried a “clean” sunscreen from EWG that was a little cheaper than the leading brand. This was awful. First, it came out liquidy and didn’t “stick” like spray sunscreen. Then it came out white and chunky and hard to rub. The arm with the chunky spray was the only one protected and not burnt. The rest of us got burned. Then, the sprayer got clogged with the chunks, and it won’t work anymore! Worst sunscreen purchase ever. Read more