Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Summary
Banana Boat Ultra Sport SPF 50 scores 15/100. Four-filter chemical stack: Avobenzone 3% + Homosalate 9% + Octisalate 5% + Octocrylene 10%. The homosalate is over the EU 7.34% maximum and the octocrylene at 10% is on the high end of typical formulations. The inactive base adds undisclosed synthetic fragrance, dimethicone, BHT, methylparaben (Banana Boat is one of the few major sunscreens still using paraben preservatives), and benzyl alcohol. In 2022 Edgewell recalled certain Banana Boat scalp sprays for benzene contamination -- a manufacturing/propellant issue, not directly this lotion, but a quality-control footnote. Owned by Edgewell Personal Care.
At a glance
Key ingredients 9
AvobenzoneNeutral
Chemical UVA filter -- the only FDA-approved broad-spectrum chemical UVA blocker. Photo-unstable; requires stabilizers. Less hormonal concern than oxybenzone/octinoxate.
See more about Avobenzone →Homosalate (9%)Very Bad
Chemical UV filter above the EU 7.34% maximum (endocrine-disruption restriction).
See more about Homosalate (9%) →OctisalateBad
Chemical UV filter. Skin penetration and absorption confirmed in FDA studies. Less hormonal concern than oxybenzone but still systemic.
See more about Octisalate →Octocrylene (10%)Very Bad
Chemical UV filter at the high end of typical formulations. Degrades over time into benzophenone, a Prop 65 carcinogen. Skin sensitizer and aquatic toxin.
See more about Octocrylene (10%) →Fragrance (Parfum)Very Bad
Undisclosed proprietary blend that can legally contain 1000+ chemicals including phthalate carriers and EU-26 allergens. Top trigger for cosmetic contact dermatitis.
See more about Fragrance (Parfum) →DimethiconeBad
Silicone polymer. Non-biodegradable and persistent in the environment.
See more about Dimethicone →BHTBad
Butylated hydroxytoluene -- synthetic antioxidant. NTP lists as 'reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen' at high doses; flagged as endocrine disruptor by EWG.
See more about BHT →MethylparabenVery Bad
Paraben preservative classified by the EU as an endocrine disruptor under review. Mimics estrogen and detected in human breast tissue.
See more about Methylparaben →Benzyl AlcoholNeutral
Preservative. EU permits up to 1%; mild sensitizer for some.
See more about Benzyl Alcohol →Get the full breakdown in the Scout app
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