Best Spray Sunscreens of 2024
Check out tips that make applying spray sunscreen safer and more effective, along with the best sprays from CR's tests
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Spray (or aerosol) sunscreens are popular in part because they’re easy to apply, but their convenience comes at a cost. If you aren’t careful when you use them, you may not actually be getting much of the product on your skin, and there are also some safety risks, especially during windy days and near open flames. Follow these tips to stay safe and to make sure you’re getting proper coverage, and check out the highest-scoring spray sunscreens in CR’s tests.
Tips for Applying Spray Sunscreen
Be conscious of where you use sprays. “Make sure you apply spray sunscreen in a well-ventilated area,” says Ashita Kapoor, associate director of product safety at Consumer Reports. Sprays can cause lung irritation if you accidentally breathe them in. Some sprays contain titanium dioxide, which, when inhaled in large amounts, has been linked to cancer in rodent studies. Benzene exposure may also be a concern. In recent years, some sunscreen sprays have been recalled for contamination with the chemical, which is known to cause cancer.
Best Spray Sunscreens
In CR’s tests, we look at how well a sunscreen protects against the sun’s ultraviolet A and B rays. These spray sunscreens are at the top of our ratings. For more information on how CR tests sunscreens, check out our sunscreen buying guide. CR members can delve into our full sunscreen ratings of dozens of lotion, spray, facial, and stick products.
@consumerreports Always apply spray sunscreen in a well-ventilated area—and keep sprays away from an open flame. Learn more through the link in our bio. #skintok #sunscreen #skinhealth #sunscreenisimportant
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