Sunscreen Lotion Formula Analysis: Usability and Water Resistance
Question
Regarding a cool-feel sunscreen lotion formula for outdoor sports, based on the following ingredients:
- Aqua (water, USP) 71.65%
- Octocrylene, USP 6.0%
- Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone, USP) 4.0%
- Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone, USP) 3.0%
- Ethylhexyl Benzoate 3.0%
- Cetearyl Alcohol (and) Dicetyl Phosphate (and) Ceteth-10 Phosphate 1.4%
- Phenethyl Benzoate 1.0%
- Phenoxyethanol 1.0%
- Caprylyl Glycol 0.50%
- Methylparaben 0.25%
- Aloe Barbadensis (aloe barbadensis leaf juice) 0.01%
- Is this formula actually usable?
- Is it waterproof?
I noticed that a product I purchased contains Homosalate, but this formula, taken from the website http://www.bananaboatlover.com, does not list it. Could you please advise?
Answer
Analysis of the Sunscreen Lotion Formula
Based on the ingredients provided for the sunscreen lotion formula, here is an analysis:
Sunscreen Filters: The formula contains Octocrylene (6.0%), Benzophenone-3/Oxybenzone (4.0%), and Avobenzone (3.0%). These are all chemical UV filters commonly used in sunscreens.
- Octocrylene primarily protects against UVB and helps stabilize Avobenzone.
- Oxybenzone protects against UVB and short UVA rays, also helping to stabilize Avobenzone.
- Avobenzone is a key UVA filter, providing broad-spectrum protection when stabilized.
- The combination of Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, and Octocrylene in these ratios (3:4:6) is similar to patented technologies designed to keep Avobenzone stable and effective under UV exposure. Therefore, this combination of filters should provide effective sun protection.
Other Ingredients: The formula includes emollients (Ethylhexyl Benzoate, Phenethyl Benzoate), a thickener/emulsifier blend (Cetearyl Alcohol, Dicetyl Phosphate, Ceteth-10 Phosphate), preservatives (Phenoxyethanol, Caprylyl Glycol, Methylparaben), and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice for skin conditioning.
Water Resistance: The ingredient list does not explicitly include common film-forming polymers or other ingredients typically used to make a sunscreen formula waterproof or very water-resistant for activities like outdoor sports. While some ingredients might offer a slight degree of water resistance, a strong waterproof claim cannot be guaranteed based solely on this formula.
Comparison to Purchased Product (Homosalate): You noted that your purchased product contains Homosalate, while this formula does not. Homosalate is another chemical UV filter that primarily absorbs UVB rays. It also acts as a solvent for other UV filters like Avobenzone and Oxybenzone, which can help improve the overall efficacy and feel of the sunscreen. Different manufacturers use various combinations of UV filters and other ingredients to achieve specific SPF/PA levels, textures, and water resistance properties. The absence of Homosalate in this particular formula does not necessarily mean it won't work, as it uses other filters and potentially other solvents/stabilizers (like Octocrylene and Oxybenzone for Avobenzone stability).
Conclusion:
The formula contains a valid combination of chemical sunscreen filters that should provide sun protection. However, based on the listed ingredients, it is not possible to confirm if it is waterproof. The effectiveness and waterproof properties would need to be verified through specific testing.
Related Products Mentioned
Phenoxyethanol (Extra Pure)
Octocrylene
Cetearyl Alcohol (50/50, e.q. Lanette O)
Oxybenzone (Benzophenone-3)
Homosalate