Spray Sunscreen Near a Grill?Check the Flammability Warning
SkinArticlePlan around the label before applying or wearing a product near flames.
In this article
Before choosing sunscreen for an outdoor gathering, check whether its label warns that it is flammable. FDA1 guidance says some sunscreen sprays contain flammable ingredients. A sun-protection label does not settle this separate safety question.1
Check the setting
Will you be near a grill, candles or another flame source? The FDA1 advises avoiding products with a flammability warning when you will be near flames, choosing a non-flammable sunscreen instead.1
Read the warning before use
Check the exact product’s label rather than assuming every spray has the same ingredients or warning. Ask a pharmacist or manufacturer about unclear wording.
Remember wearing, not just spraying
While applying and wearing sunscreen labeled flammable, FDA1 guidance says not to smoke and to avoid open flames and sparking materials.1 Do not treat a dry-looking application as permission to ignore the warning.
Keep sun protection in the plan
Sunscreen should be used with other sun-protection measures.1 Plan shade and protective clothing alongside a product appropriate for your setting.
Skin, Head to Toe includes a label decoder and a visit script. Use them to organize product questions for professional advice. See the book.
This article is for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It isn't a substitute for diagnosis or treatment from a qualified healthcare professional who knows your health history. Please don't ignore professional advice or delay getting care because of something you read here. If you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. Girl Playbook does not endorse any specific product, test, or provider.
Girl Playbook sells this book. It provides education and worksheets, not individualized medical care.
Sources
The research behind this article, in the order it’s cited. How we source our articles.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration, UndatedSunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun (opens in a new tab)abcdefg
Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we’ll check it.
