Spray vs. Lotion in 2025: Is Spray Sunscreen Safe After the Benzene Recalls?
After years of benzene headlines, here's why aerosols carried the highest detected levels - and how to pick and apply a spray that's actually safe.
Consumer Reports' 2025 testing found no detectable benzene in any of the spray sunscreens it evaluated. Benzene is not an intended ingredient - it has been linked to inactive components like carbomers and the hydrocarbon propellant isobutane, which is why aerosols have historically carried the highest detected levels.
Dermatologists and toxicologists note that benzene is a manufacturing contaminant rather than a sunscreen filter, so the concern is product purity and format, not the SPF actives themselves. Experts add that the practical risk from an occasional spray is low, but lotions remain the most reliable way to apply enough product evenly.
Questions we get a lot
Is spray sunscreen safe to use in 2025?
Independent testing by Consumer Reports in 2025 did not detect benzene in the spray sunscreens it tested, so the sprays currently on shelves are not inherently dangerous. The bigger practical issue with sprays is under-application - many people don't spray enough or rub it in. If you choose a spray, apply a heavy, even coat and rub it in to be sure your skin is covered.
Why is benzene found more often in spray sunscreens than lotions?
Benzene is a contaminant, not an active ingredient, and it has been linked to inactive components like carbomers and hydrocarbon-derived propellants such as isobutane used in aerosols. Because aerosols rely on those propellants, sprays have historically shown the highest detected benzene levels. Lotions avoid the propellant pathway entirely.
How should I apply spray sunscreen so it actually protects me?
Hold the can close, apply a generous and even layer, then rub it in so there are no gaps. Never spray directly onto your face - mist it into your hands and pat it on instead, and reapply every two hours. Doing a second pass helps make up for product lost to wind and overspray.
r/SkincareAddiction: 'After all the benzene recalls, is it actually safe to use spray sunscreen this summer or should I just switch to a lotion?'