Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+ Review

Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+
1.6
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.9 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
50
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+ Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+ has to offer:
 
  • A bit of moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 1.6 out of 10.
  • Very high sun protection for prolonged sun exposure, such as spending the day at the beach, hiking, or outdoor sports.

Key Benefits of Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+:
 

Slight Moisturizing When Used Alone

According to CreamScan analysis, Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+ is slightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 1.6 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? This product has relatively comparable levels of Humectancy and Occlusivity: a low Humectancy of 2.9 out of 10 and a low Occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10.

This type of product provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to overall moisturizing efficacy when used as part of a skincare routine, alongside another moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Very High Sun Protection for Prolonged Sun Exposure, All Skin Types, and High-risk Conditions

With an SPF of 50, Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+ provides very high sun protection, suitable for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, beach vacations, or high-altitude environments.

This level of SPF blocks 98% or more of UVB rays, offering the highest level of defense against sunburn. Broad-spectrum formulations also provide strong protection against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging, pigmentation, and DNA damage.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF is ideal for all skin types, particularly fair, sensitive, or post-treatment skin (e.g., after laser or chemical procedures). It is also highly recommended for individuals at greater risk of skin cancer.

For extended outdoor activities or water exposure, choose a water-resistant formula and reapply every two hours for maximum effectiveness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+ to your skincare routine:
 

As a Standalone Moisturizer, It Has Relatively Low Moisturizing Potential

If you use Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+ for moisturizing purposes, please keep in mind that it provides relatively light moisturizing on its own, and, more importantly, it’s not optimal for any skin type.

On one hand, it has low occlusivity, which suits oily and combination skin. On the other hand, it has a low estimated concentration of humectants, which are essential for effective moisturizing of all skin types, including oily skin.

Therefore, if used as a standalone moisturizer, this product should be paired with a humectant-rich moisturizer for optimal skin hydration.

Pros & Cons of Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50+ to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides relatively light moisturizing on its own but can contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine
  • Provides very high sun protection, ideal for intense sun exposure in tropical climates, high-altitude environments, and beach vacations, suitable for all skin types

Cons: 

  • Minimal moisturizing efficacy, even for oily skin - something to keep in mind if this is the only moisturizer in your routine.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6.5
4.5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Zinc Oxide
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Isohexadecane
Function:
Origin:
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl PCA
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
C30-38 Olefin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8
Function:
Origin:
Alumina
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.9
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
1.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.9 10
2.9
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
1.6
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.9 10
2.9
All humectants
2.9
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
None
All soothing 0 5 No
All soothing
0
None
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Caprylic Acid
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Caprylic Acid
Zinc Oxide
Est. %6.5
Function
Origin
Zinc OxideA white mineral powder mainly used in skincare as a physical sunscreen. It protects against UVA light that leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and fine lines. Zinc oxide can also be used as a colorant to enhance the whiteness of a product.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %4.5
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Isohexadecane
Est. %3
Function
Origin
IsohexadecaneA clear, colorless liquid that is commonly used as an emollient. It is made up of pure hydrocarbons and leaves a dry feeling on the skin upon application. It also increases the spreadability of a product.
Butyloctyl Salicylate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Butyloctyl SalicylateA synthetic emollient and solvent. It is primarily used as a carrier oil to disperse minerals in, including pigments and sunscreen minerals. It can also absorb UV light, thus boosting the SPF of sunscreen products.
Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer
Cetyl PCA
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cetyl PCA
Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone
C30-38 Olefin
Est. %1
Function
Origin
C30-38 Olefin
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene
Dimethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
PEG-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-8A synthetic liquid that serves as a humectant. It also works as a solvent because of its ability to dissolve a wide range of ingredients.
Alumina
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AluminaA mineral derived from the metal ore known as aluminum. It is commonly used as an abrasive and also acts as a thickening viscosity controlling agent (and thus as a bulking agent). Alumina is also a great opacifier.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.