Blue Lizard SPF#30+ Sensitive Australian Sunscreen 5 oz.

~~$22.35~~ $18.63

(as of 26/08/2010 06:03 - info)

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Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide Formula
Bottle Turns To Blue In UV Light
Immediate UVA/UVB Protection
Chemical And Fragrance Free
Dermatologist Recommended

This is one of the better, high-SPF formulas around for chemically-sensitive and health-conscious users. But, it is not exactly “pristine” in its ingredient list as the base lotion contains many synthetic chemicals. Additionally, not all the Blue Lizard formulas are the same as far as “active” sunscreen agents. Out of all the Blue Lizard sunscreens, the “Sensitive formula” and “Baby Lotion” have the least added UV-absorbing, synthetically-made chemicals. Some of these typical sunscreen chemicals (methoxycinnamate, benzophenone, homosalate, octinate) are suspected for potential adverse health affects. Certainly, they are not “organic,” “natural” or “pure” – they are synthetic chemical derived in a lab and have a high photoactivity that is not desirable for health reasons. The other Blue Lizard formulas use these as “active ingredients” for suncreening which rely on absorbing UV light to achieve the SPF rating.

In contrast, this Blue Lizard “Sensitive” formula achieves it’s very high protection factor (SPF 30+) using much more inert, mineral pigments (titanium dioxide and zinc oxide). These materials mostly REFLECT light to achieve high SPF (which is better than absorbing light as the synthetic chemicals do). These pigments are added into the lotion base and carefully dispersed into a super-fine particle size (“micronization”). At these finer particle sizes, the effectiveness is much greater, giving high UV protection without that famous “white nose look” sported by many a lifeguard (that resulted from more “course” dispersions of zinc oxide). But, because of these whitening agents, this product will still can leave a slight pale cast.

Compared to the other chemicals typically used in suncreens, the titanium dioxide and expecially zinc oxide used in this formula are MUCH LESS a health concern for toxicity, allergenicity, carcinogenicity (assuming one does not drink a quart of it). BUT, while these sunscreen agents in this Blue Lizard formula are much less a health concern, the “base” formula is NOT by any mean “chemical free” (as the label incorrectly suggests). Its ingredient list reads like a page from a chemistry textbook (EDTA, propylene glycol etc). Such are the broad, FDA labeling loopholes. “Chemical-free” here refers to the “active suncreen ingredients” and not these other materials in the base lotion. Such misleading labeling is confusing and a disservice to the consumer really.

If you want an equally effective suncreen but one using the purest base formulas made only with naturally-occuring, certified “organic” ingredients, then the best choice is Aubrey Organics “SUN” SPF 25. Its one of the purest formulas around (as is all their products). In the world of “green-sounding” products, Aubrey is the ‘real deal’ and completely avoid suspect ingredients. This is important because lotions of any type applied to skin are directly absorbed into the body (like eating food). So, the healthiest formulas will have only materials that you could also eat! But, you wouldn’t want to eat most of the unpronouncible chemicals in other formulas – including some in the Blue Lizard formula – but you could with the Aubrey Organics product. Blue Lizard is a good formula but Aubrey Organics SUN is purer with no “suspect” synthetic chemicals.

This is one of the few sunscreens I can use without breaking out in an itchy rash. It works well but I wish it came in SPF 60 or higher. Otherwise it’s very good. I used to use Fallene Total Block SPF 65 clear. It was wonderful and I could use it without an allergic reaction, but they’ve changed the formula this year and when I used it recently I got a sunburn after only an hour of playing tennis.

I ONLY use this on my babies under 2 years old. It works great and I don’t feel like I am putting any harsh chemicals on them.

If you want to smell like a new car… otherwise it provides the coverage you were looking for.