Sport Ultra SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
One of the best-selling sunscreens in the U.S. Recalled in 2021 for benzene contamination. Contains oxybenzone, a hormone disruptor banned in several jurisdictions.
This is a rating of this specific product only — not the company. Other products from this brand may score differently.
Sunscreen is applied to large surface areas of skin and left on for hours — making chemical absorption a significant concern. Banana Boat Sport Ultra was recalled in 2021 after independent testing found benzene contamination — a known human carcinogen linked to leukemia. The product also contains oxybenzone, which absorbs through skin into the bloodstream (confirmed by FDA studies), disrupts hormones, and is toxic to coral reefs. Spray sunscreens carry additional inhalation risk during application.
Why We Rated It This Way
Recalled in 2021 for benzene contamination (a known carcinogen). Contains oxybenzone, which the FDA confirmed absorbs into the bloodstream and disrupts hormones. Banned in Hawaii and Key West.
Chemical & Health Analysis
Each chemical of concern is broken down below — what it is, where it comes from in this product, what it does to the body, and who is most at risk.
Benzene (contamination)
Propellant in spray formula
Known human carcinogen. Linked to leukemia and other blood cancers. Found in Banana Boat Sport Ultra in 2021, triggering a voluntary recall. Inhaled during spray application.
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)
Active UV-filtering ingredient
Absorbs through skin into bloodstream. Endocrine disruptor — mimics estrogen. Banned in Hawaii and Key West due to coral reef toxicity. Detected in breast milk, blood, and urine.
All health claims are based on published, peer-reviewed research from the NIH, WHO, IARC, and peer-reviewed journals. This information is for educational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.