Quick Summary:
Date Tested: 7/21/2023
In this Banana Boat Light as Air SPF 50+ sunscreen lotion review, I find a slight departure from a brand which normally makes thicker “active” sunscreen formulations. Thanks again Christi!
The Banana Boat Light as Air SPF 50+ is a chemical based (organic) lotion which incorporates Avobenzone at 3%, Homosalate at 9%, Octisalate at 4%, and Octocrylene at 5% concentration. A typical cocktail of UV filters, which happens to be utilized this particular formula in a way which makes for a strong UV protective sunscreen lotion. This “Light as Air” lotion focuses on being less thick/greasy which helps keep sand from sticking to it as does typically happens with greasier lotions.
Testing the Banana Boat Light as Air SPF 50+ indicated the lotion filtered UVA by 96.34%, reduced UVB by 94.20%, and reduced total UVI by 96.21%. Great Results!
Banana Boat Light as Air SPF 50+ sunscreen lotion ingredients
Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 9.0%, Octisalate 4.0%, Octocrylene 5.0%
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Diisopropyl Adipate, Silica, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glycerin, Phenoxyethanol, Tapioca Starch, Acrylates/C12-22 Alkyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Caprylyl Glycol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Ceteth-10 Phosphate, Dicetyl Phosphate, Coco-Glucoside, Chlorphenesin, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Hydroxide, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Panthenol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Manufacturers Website: www.bananaboat.com
Banana Boat Light as Air SPF 50+ lotion characteristics at a glance:
- Free From Oxybenzone and Octinoxate
- Lightweight and Non-Greasy
- Viscosity is perfect
Prepared slide ready for testing
The Banana Boat Light as Air SPF 50+ demonstrates a viscosity which I consider pretty much perfect for a sunscreen lotion.
There is a slightly thinner area where the magnetic vice has applied pressure, but the overall distribution of the lotion is still very even. It also exhibits a bit of run as evidenced by some lotion ooze coming out of the cover, but it is slight. Comparing this slide to many others, this tells me the viscosity hits the sweet spot.
Below are the results from 2 hours of testing in my UV testing station.
Banana Boat Light as Air SPF 50+ UV blocking test results
Ultraviolet light quick reference:
UVA: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 315nm – 400nm. The “Aging UV light” – Causes wrinkles.
UVB: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 280nm – 315nm. The “Bad UV light” – Causes skin cancer.
UVI: The global sun UV index. The more a sunscreen can reduce the level of UVI, the better.
UV test results:
Ultraviolet sensor readings:
| Before Sunscreen | After Sunscreen | % UV Blocked | |
| TEMP | 84.4 | 85.88 | |
| UVA | 23324.5 | 853.25 | 96.34% |
| UVB | 1194.5 | 69.25 | 94.20% |
| UVI | 13.705 | .52 | 96.21% |
Want to know more about how I test sunscreen? Head here to read about the details.
Testing notes:
Kudos to Banana Boat for producing a sunscreen which is meant to be used in an active environment yet isn’t too heavy handed on thickness. While I don’t mind a lotion being on the thicker side when used in harsher outdoor environments, this would be a great option for when one may find themselves in ahybrid situation such as being poolside at a beach resort.
Don’t forget if a sunscreen lotion is somewhat lighter in viscosity, to reapply the lotion often and evenly!
Recommended.
Want to try the Banana Boat Light as Air SPF 50+ sunscreen lotion?
Recommended.
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