Why Is Spray Sunscreen Bad? 6 Reasons to Stay Away from Spray

by Million Marker Staff

Practice sun safety without inhaling toxic chemicals, like benzene, oxybenzone, and parabens. Glisten in some fun in the sun with the support of non-aerosol sunscreen. Here are 6 reasons why sunscreen spray is not recommended by Million Marker.

Protect your skin, health, and environment by avoiding spray sunscreens.

Sunscreen is the most important way to protect yourself from skin cancer and early signs of aging. We know many of us hate the feeling of lathering upon layer upon layer of sunscreen. Therefore, a spray sunscreen seems like an ideal option, right? In reality, spray sunscreens are inefficient at providing adequate coverage, contain chemicals that can be bad for our health, and may harm the environment. Don’t worry! You can still enjoy the outdoors all year round with our low-tox sunscreen tips! Keep reading to discover the reasons why you should avoid spray sunscreens and safer sunscreen options to consider for fun-in-the-sun adventures. 

Propellers May Release Harmful Chemicals

You might want to think twice before you spritz that sunscreen bottle. Aerosol spray sunscreens may contain harmful chemical ingredients such as:

These common ingredients have been linked to hormone disruptions due to their ability to imitate the sex hormone estrogen [1].

Benzene

Benzene is another contaminant that has been found to be released from certain spray sunscreens [2]. This toxic chemical can be inadvertently formed as a byproduct when certain ingredients in the sunscreen react with each other. Other environmental factors, such as light or heat, can also increase the risk of benzene contamination, which isn't very concerning when sunscreen is typically applied in the sun. 

While benzene is commonly present in aerosols. A study by Valisure looked at benzene levels in 78 sunscreens. 27% had detectable levels of benzene, including aerosols and lotions [3]. Some products contained up to three times the FDA concentration limit of 2 parts per million! 

Exposure to benzene can lead to blood disorders and a weakened immune system [4]. Spray sunscreens aren’t the only personal care products that can contain harmful chemicals such as oxybenzone, parabens, and benzene. Avoid other aerosol products such as dry shampoos, spray deodorants, and hairspray. 

High Risk of Inhaling and Ingesting Harmful Chemicals

You don’t want that in your mouth! Spray sunscreens release tiny particles that can be inhaled, potentially causing lung irritation, respiratory problems, and long-term health concerns. 

This is particularly concerning because the small particles can easily make their way deep into your lungs and cause major health problems. In particular, children are at risk when using spray sunscreens because they may not try to avoid spraying into their mouth or face, inadvertently inhaling some of the product.

May Contain Nanoparticles

All sunscreens aren’t created equally. Nanoparticles are extremely small particles that are dangerous when inhaled. Like we discussed before, it’s hard to avoid inhaling flying sunscreen spritz on a windy beach day! 

Nanoparticles are commonly found in mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Mineral sunscreens are generally considered safer than chemical sunscreens due to their broad-spectrum protection and fewer health concerns. However, it's advisable to choose non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide formulations to minimize the potential risk of nanoparticle absorption.

When applied directly to the skin in lotions or creams, nanoparticles in sunscreens pose minimal risk [5]. Studies have shown that these particles typically remain on the surface of healthy skin and do not penetrate significantly into deeper layers. One study found that less than 0.01 percent of zinc entered the bloodstream after applying sunscreen twice daily for five days [6].

However, the use of spray sunscreens containing nanoparticles raises concerns about inhalation risks. When inhaled, these particles can potentially enter the bloodstream through the lungs, which may lead to adverse health effects. For this reason, the FDA has proposed additional testing for powder and aerosol sunscreens to ensure that no harmful nanoparticles are released that could damage the lungs.

It’s Highly Flammable

Sunscreens may make things hot! Aerosol sunscreens contain flammable propellants that are needed to spray the product in a fine mist. 

However, their seemingly convenient design falls short due to the flammable ingredients that are heightened in hot weather, where sunscreen is most commonly applied. 

Even after the product has been applied, alcohol and other flammable components linger on the screen until you are completely dry. Minimize the risk by switching over to our Approved List of Sunscreen Products.

Misses Your Body, But Not the Environment

Say bye-bye to coverage! Spray sunscreens are notoriously bad at applying a full layer of coverage. Adequate sun protection is crucial, and sunscreen should be applied every 2 hours.

Certain chemicals in spray sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, are harmful to marine life due to reef damage from coral bleaching [7]. 

Environmental elements, poor product packaging, and insufficient coverage can put you at risk when trying to enjoy the sun safely. Additionally, many spray sunscreens contain aerosol propellants that can contribute to global warming and air pollution. Protect your skin and the environment by staying away from spray sunscreens.

What Should I Use Instead of Spray Sunscreen?

What do I use instead? All hope isn't lost! There are plenty of sun- and skin-safe sunscreens you can choose from. We recommend mineral sunscreens because they don't contain chemical UV filters that can expose you to toxic chemicals. 

Additionally, lotion sunscreens can be easily applied for full coverage. Plus, you won’t inhale the chemicals in the product! 

Want to browse a full list of Million Marker Approved Sunscreens? Look no further.

Get Tested for Harmful Chemicals

Benzene isn’t the only toxic chemical to watch out for. Everyday personal care products can also expose you to harmful chemicals. Knowing what aspects of your lifestyle help or hurt your health is important. 

Our Detect & Detox Test Kit is an individualized, at home test that measures your levels of chemical exposures, including the common ingredients found in sunscreens, such as oxybenzone, parabens and phthalates. 

Test today and enjoy more time out in the sun safely!

Resources

[1] https://www.ewg.org/research/cdc-americans-carry-body-burden-toxic-sunscreen-chemical 
[2] https://www.consumerreports.org/toxic-chemicals-substances/benzene-known-carcinogen-in-spray-sunscreens-deodorants-a1136768493/
[3] https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/is-sunscreen-safe
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK570338/
[5] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26262634/ 
[6] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969711015129
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214158819300534 

 

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