Applying this sunscreen test, the product is a “no Buy.”
Apart from the higher rating (SPF and PA), the UV filters used in this product are identical to Banana Boat Ultra Protect SPF 30. Therefore the same arguments I made in the SPF 30 blog apply here. Click this link to read that blog.
In summary,
(1) Harmful chemicals present are
- Benzophenone-3 (or Oxybenzone)
- Parabens
Oxybenzone is a hormonal disruptor as are parabens. The latter are specifically estrogen mimickers.
You should avoid sunscreens containing Oxybenzone and Parabens – there are alternatives. If you haven’t found your perfect sunscreen, then I’ll help you find it.
(3) UVA and UVB filters present?
We want the UV filters in sunscreens to protect against over-exposure to both UVB and UVA rays. As an Indian I am concerned with UVA as it causes collagen in our skin to break-down. (Collagen gives skin its structure and resilience).
Photoaging is characterised by hyper-pigmentation, wrinkles, dryness and loss of skin elasticity.
And did I mention that UVA is also responsible for tanning??
3a) Does this product have sufficient UVA filters?
Without doubt. The primary UVA filter is Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (or Avobenzone). Avobenzone, which is a gold standard UVA filter. Avobenzone is also notoriously photounstable: it reduces in efficacy by 50%-90% within 60 minutes of application. To stabilise Avobenzone, Banana Boat have added Oxybenzone, Octocrylene and Butloctyl Salicylate. This works a treat.
This sunscreen does provide sufficient UVB and UVA protection – the issue is with its harmful chemicals.
Closing
That’s it from me. I would love to hear from you. Please drop me a line at email@happyskindays.com
See the following links for more information on Oxybenzone and Parabens
See also: Top 5 sunscreen recommendations, Do You Understand The Gibberish On Sunscreen Labels? Myths About Sun-Protection, Why Read a Sunscreen label?
Sources:
Ceresole, R., Y.K. Han, M.A. Rosasco, et al., “Drug-Excipient Compatibility Studies in Binary Mixtures of Avobenzone,” Journal of Cosmetic Science, vol. 64(5), pp. 317-328, 2013.
Nash, J.F., and P.R. Tanner, “Relevance of UV Filter/Sunscreen Product Photostability to Human Safety,” Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine, vol. 30(2-3), pp. 88-95, 2014.