Spray Sunscreen Warning – Don’t Use on Kids

Spray sunscreen may not be worth the convenience.

Consumer Reports posted an article on its website cautioning people against using spray sunscreens on kids because the mist they create can be inhaled.

The Food and Drug Administration announced last month* that it was investigating the potential risks of spray sunscreens. Of particular concern to us is the possibility that people might accidentally breathe in the ingredients, a risk that’s greatest in children, who—as any parent knows—are more likely to squirm around when they’re being sprayed.

I have definitely experienced this on windy days when I am applying it to myself, so I've avoided them for awhile. They do feel a bit more convenient, but I always found myself rubbing in the sunscreen after spraying to make sure I had full coverage anyway, so I stopped buying sprays. They just seemed to go all over the place.

Indoors, I felt like I might be spraying my furniture. Outside, I felt like I was missing, and I have definitely had the sensation of inhaling a big mouthful of sunscreen. Not a tasty lunch.

Now, the FDA is investigating whether or not these spray bottles are safe. For me, if they are investigating it, and there is another way, I just go the other way.