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View Full Version : Is everyone sticking with CB sunscreen this year?



infomama
03-18-2010, 07:47 PM
We have both CB and Blue Lizard left over from last year but I think I remember some pink skin..of course I don't know which one I had one them when they burned. Honestly when it comes to sunscreen I really don't care how much it costs (within reason..I'm not going to spend $40 for a tube of sunscreen). Lots of BL has parabens so I am leaning away from it.
Anyone discover something wonderful last summer?

elektra
03-18-2010, 07:53 PM
The CB is so dang thick! I am hoping to find something that blends in better. I think that's the "beauty" of it though right? That it is more of a barrier than the chemical reaction (?) that other sunscreens need to do their thing?

wellyes
03-18-2010, 07:58 PM
Watching this thread!

We are all Blue Lizard Sensitive all the time here, it's great - physical block, not chemical block - but it is not waterproof. Still need a good solution for the pool and beach. We went on vacation last month and I ended up buying something that Skin Deep would wholly disapprove of (I can't remember, Banana Boat or Coppertone) for DD because I needed something truly waterproof and figured chemical is better than burning, at least in short term.

soontobe
03-18-2010, 08:01 PM
what is the CB one?

BelleoftheBallFlagstaff
03-18-2010, 08:02 PM
what is the CB one?

California Baby.

And yes, we will use it. I use Mychelle for my face.

crl
03-18-2010, 08:39 PM
I use California Baby stick for DS' face and neck (his preference) and Blue Lizard Baby everywhere else. Then I use Badger sunscreen when we're going to be in the water. It's more expensive than BL, that's why I only use it when we're in the water.

Catherine

fauve01
03-18-2010, 08:56 PM
i can't stand those thick white lotions. a friend of mine told me Kinesys is OK, although i have not checked the list myself. it's pricey, but we like how it goes on and works. we used it all summer at the pool and beach. i got our spray at amazon.

http://www.kinesys.com/

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=kinesys

ok, i just looked and it has avobenzone. not what the OP wants. but maybe it will give someone else here an option since it is paraben free.

anne + DD 10-03

newg
03-18-2010, 09:07 PM
We used Neutrogena Baby Free and Clear last year.....for myself and DD......I plan on using it again this year.

How long does sunscreen last by the way?? I have some leftover from last summer...is it still good??

sunshine873
03-18-2010, 09:21 PM
We used Neutrogena Baby Free and Clear last year.....for myself and DD......I plan on using it again this year.

How long does sunscreen last by the way?? I have some leftover from last summer...is it still good??

Us too. I liked the Neutrogena Baby. It has both zinc oxide & titanium dioxide (which our Ped recommended.) It's a #3 in the skin deep database (if you follow that.) This year there's also a stick (which I'm so going to buy) and it gets a #2.

I've heard sunscreen is only good for 6 months, but I don't know if that's true or not. I was just planning on buying all new this year...didn't want to chance it.

BelleoftheBallFlagstaff
03-18-2010, 09:38 PM
Most have an expiry date.

Jo..
03-18-2010, 10:19 PM
Badger sunscreen. We switched.

http://www.amazon.com/Badger-SPF30-Sunscreen-Face-Body/dp/B0012ZMBDQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1268965250&sr=8-1

SnuggleBuggles
03-18-2010, 10:21 PM
Yes, I plan to use CB.

Beth

ett
03-18-2010, 10:25 PM
I've heard sunscreen is only good for 6 months, but I don't know if that's true or not. I was just planning on buying all new this year...didn't want to chance it.

I thought it was one year but most do have an exp. date printed on it.

newg
03-18-2010, 10:28 PM
hmmmmm........off to check all the exp. dates. I have the stick form too. I kept those stashed in my purse, stroller and swim bag. They are very handy!!

BelleoftheBallFlagstaff
03-18-2010, 10:29 PM
Badger sunscreen. We switched.

http://www.amazon.com/Badger-SPF30-Sunscreen-Face-Body/dp/B0012ZMBDQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1268965250&sr=8-1

I'm the opposite I went from Badger to CB!

KrisM
03-18-2010, 10:30 PM
i can't stand those thick white lotions. a friend of mine told me Kinesys is OK, although i have not checked the list myself. it's pricey, but we like how it goes on and works. we used it all summer at the pool and beach. i got our spray at amazon.

http://www.kinesys.com/

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=kinesys

ok, i just looked and it has avobenzone. not what the OP wants. but maybe it will give someone else here an option since it is paraben free.

anne + DD 10-03

We used the Kinesys spray as well. I used Blue Lizard as the primary rub on type, but sometimes a spray is what we need/want and this is what I picked.

gatorsmom
03-18-2010, 10:34 PM
The kids like the CB stick for them. They say it's like drawing on themselves witha big crayon. LOL. And I hope they stay good because I bought several of them last year to keep in my purse, diaper bag and car and THEY ARE EXPENSIVE.

For DH and I, I buy the Vanicream SPF 60. It is thick but rubs in pretty well. You do have to reapply it after swimming, though.

octmom
03-18-2010, 11:41 PM
Has anyone tried/ heard anything about Supergoop? I came across it when following a link a few days ago: http://supergoop.com/

I bought several bottles of Kiss My Face sunspray lotion last summer because I was supposed to send in a spray for camp (easier for teachers) but I didn't want one that was full of junk. I'm not sure if it's available anymore. I've got a few bottles stashed away. The expiration date on the bottles is in 2011, so I'll use it this year.

let73
03-18-2010, 11:50 PM
I'm thinking about trying Coppertone Pure and Simple:
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=213377&catid=66388
Has anyone tried this? It got a 3 on the ewg cosmetic safety database.

TwinFoxes
03-19-2010, 12:24 AM
I've never heard of Badger before, but it looks interesting. For those that use it:
1) how does it smell?
2) is it easy to apply?
3) is it available at brick & mortar stores?

:signthankspin:

BelleoftheBallFlagstaff
03-19-2010, 12:30 AM
I've never heard of Badger before, but it looks interesting. For those that use it:
1) how does it smell?
2) is it easy to apply?
3) is it available at brick & mortar stores?

:signthankspin:

Smells heavily of lavender.
Harder to apply than CB. Which is why I switched from Badger to CB.
Available in our natural grocery store.

crl
03-19-2010, 12:32 AM
I've never heard of Badger before, but it looks interesting. For those that use it:
1) how does it smell?
2) is it easy to apply?
3) is it available at brick & mortar stores?

:signthankspin:

I'll try to answer. It doesn't really smell like anything. I just stuck my nose right next to the tube I bought a couple of weeks ago and I caught the faintest whiff of, I don't know, lotion?

It rubs in really easily but leaves a greasy film. It doesn't leave a white look at all. (Just smeared some on my hand to make sure.)

I found it at Sports Basement this year--$12 for 2.9 ounces, package says "compare at $16.00". I've found it at REI before (the REI in Arlington VA actually), don't remember the price and haven't looked at one this year.

Catherine

maestramommy
03-19-2010, 06:39 AM
We used Burts Bees last year, and will probably stick with it this year. Doesn't smell so great, but works well.

egoldber
03-19-2010, 06:55 AM
I've used this one in the past:

http://www.cvs.com/CVSApp/catalog/shop_product_detail.jsp?filterBy=&skuId=308282&productId=308282&navAction=push&navCount=3&no_new_crumb=true

It used to be on the Skin Deep database with a good rating, but I can't find it now. It goes on sale pretty regularly and I prefer using something I can find readily available.

lorinick
03-19-2010, 08:34 AM
We use Neutrogean free and clear. We love it. blends very easy and was water proof. Will buy again this summer.

KrisM
03-19-2010, 08:47 AM
I'm thinking about trying Coppertone Pure and Simple:
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=213377&catid=66388
Has anyone tried this? It got a 3 on the ewg cosmetic safety database.

I forgot we used that as well. Seemed fine to me. Last year, there were lots of Coppertone coupons out, so it was much cheaper than others.

lchang25000
03-19-2010, 08:50 AM
We will be using the Neutrogena one too.

Neatfreak
03-19-2010, 08:53 AM
I like the Neutrogena much more than CB and Blue Lizard, so that's what I will stock up with. I am a huge fan of the Kinesys spray, though - sometimes it's just the perfect product - and I'm glad that has an alright rating for a non-physical from the EWG folks.

soontobe
03-19-2010, 09:36 AM
so last year the pedi told me that ds (then about 6-8 months) needed 60 spf. is that true again this year? I would love to get a 'healthier' sunblock, but I don't see them in the higher spf.

also which ones come in spray/stick?

also I just looked at the skin deep database. can someone explain how it works? how do they get the final score? and what does the "sun hazard' vs ''health hazard' mean?

THANKS!!!

wellyes
03-19-2010, 09:47 AM
so last year the pedi told me that ds (then about 6-8 months) needed 60 spf. is that true again this year? I would love to get a 'healthier' sunblock, but I don't see them in the higher spf.

From what I understand, SPF 30 offers better than 95% protection and anything higher than that is only marginally better at best. I know that in Europe & Australia they limit the SPF number that manufacturers are allowed to advertise since it gives a false sense of security (people think they can go longer without reapplying with a really high SPF which isn't the case at all). So I've pretty much stuck with SPF 30.

soontobe
03-19-2010, 09:49 AM
ok thanks. also is there are reason i would want to use a lotion instead of a stick? I'm thinking about just going with 2 sticks of CB? thoughts on that?

also on skin deep do you want a lower or higher "score"?

ett
03-19-2010, 10:06 AM
ok thanks. also is there are reason i would want to use a lotion instead of a stick? I'm thinking about just going with 2 sticks of CB? thoughts on that?

also on skin deep do you want a lower or higher "score"?

The stick cost more than the lotion. Also, I think it would be harder to use the stick to apply to a large area of the body. It would be easier to miss spots with the stick.

You want a lower score on Skin Deep.

soontobe
03-19-2010, 10:18 AM
thanks:)!

do CB or bagder make a spray? are there any other "low" rated sprays besides the Kisney one?

Andi98989
03-19-2010, 10:20 AM
I found the Neutrogena Stick SPF 60 Pure & Free Baby at our Meijer Outlet last year for $1.10 each. The expiration date on it is December 2010, so I grabbed a few of those to use this summer.

http://www.walmart.com/ip/Neutrogena-Stick-SPF-60-Pure-Free-Baby-Sunblock-.47-oz/12167165?sourceid=1500000000000007346330&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=12167165

AnnieW625
03-19-2010, 10:42 AM
We have Blue Lizard Sensitive and it seems to work fine. I'll also most likely get the Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby too to compare. Glad to hear there is a stick I think that will be easier to apply on the new baby. I discard all sunscreen (and really all products) when they expire.

Tondi G
03-19-2010, 11:21 AM
we use California Baby unscented. I've also used UV Naturals (but man is that stuff greasy, but it kept my kids sun burn free while on a cruise in Mexico in the middle of the HOT summer!).

I have the Neutrogena baby pure and free stick for quick re-applications of face... down the nose, across the cheeks, across the forehead. Then the kids can jump back in the pool. I will be buying a new one soon.

I would like to find a spray form of sunscreen that isn't toxic cause me and my older DS managed to get a bit of a sunburn on our scalps last summer..... there is no way you could put CB in ones hair and not have it look totally disgusting!

Edited to add I wonder if these wipes would do the trick for heads/scalp? http://www.supergoop.com/shop/index.php/action/item/id/45/ maybe the spray would be better... I don't know? http://www.supergoop.com/shop/index.php/action/item/id/44/

KrisM
03-19-2010, 11:31 AM
I would like to find a spray form of sunscreen that isn't toxic cause me and my older DS managed to get a bit of a sunburn on our scalps last summer..... there is no way you could put CB in ones hair and not have it look totally disgusting!

Edited to add I wonder if these wipes would do the trick for heads/scalp? http://www.supergoop.com/shop/index.php/action/item/id/45/ maybe the spray would be better... I don't know? http://www.supergoop.com/shop/index.php/action/item/id/44/

We use the Kinesys spray for heads.

Tondi G
03-19-2010, 11:51 AM
We use the Kinesys spray for heads.

does it make your head look super greasy?

essnce629
03-19-2010, 02:55 PM
I LOVE the UV naturals sunscreens-- the adult and baby ones, not the "sport" (which smells really bad for some reason. It comes in large containers that last the whole summer and even though it's expensive, I actually think it comes out cheaper than CB in the end since you get 5.3oz instead of 2.9oz. I like that it's kind of "greasy" since it has a lot of natural oils in it and is really good for DS's eczema. It also doesn't leave the skin all white. I like Badger sunscreen too, but I like that more for everyday on DS's face since you can only get it in a small container like the CB. I usually order UV Naturals every year right before summer-- one adult and one baby. The formulations are the same in the adult and the baby, but I think the amount of the oils is different (the baby one has more I think?). Both Amazon and Drugstore.com have it.

niccig
03-19-2010, 03:43 PM
Watching this thread!

We are all Blue Lizard Sensitive all the time here, it's great - physical block, not chemical block - but it is not waterproof.

Huh? I use the same Blue Lizard. Yes, you do have to reapply after being in the water, you have to do that with all sunscreens, but I've found Blue Lizard to be better than others in the water. They use the Australian standards for sunscreen which are staying on longer in the water than the USA standards..I do reapply because nothing will stay on if your child is in the water for hours. But that's part of all sunscreens. DS does wear a rashguard, boardshorts and I make him put on his hat when he's not in the water, so he is more covered up than just in a bathing suit and less skin exposed to the sun.

ett
03-19-2010, 03:48 PM
Huh? I use the same Blue Lizard. Yes, you do have to reapply after being in the water, you have to do that with all sunscreens, but I've found Blue Lizard to be better than others in the water. They use the Australian standards for sunscreen which are staying on longer in the water than the USA standards..I do reapply because nothing will stay on if your child is in the water for hours. But that's part of all sunscreens. DS does wear a rashguard, boardshorts and I make him put on his hat when he's not in the water, so he is more covered up than just in a bathing suit and less skin exposed to the sun.

That's what I thought too. That you have to reapply any type of sunscreen after being in the water. Which is why I asked another question in this thread (http://www.windsorpeak.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=353860) about whether their is a difference between water resistant and waterproof, because the CB sunscreen says water resistant.

niccig
03-19-2010, 04:11 PM
I found this

Is there a difference between "waterproof" and "water-resistant?"
How well the sunscreen stays on the skin after swimming, bathing or perspiring is just as important as the SPF level. The FDA considers a product "water-resistant" if it maintains its SPF level after 40 minutes of water exposure. A product is considered "waterproof" if it maintains its SPF level following 80 minutes of exposure to water. If you participate in outdoor recreational activities including swimming, you may want to choose a waterproof sunscreen.
Source:
http://www.melanomafoundation.org/prevention/facts.htm

It goes on to say that you have to reapply if in water for 40 minutes for water-resistant and 80 minutes for waterproof, but you also have to reapply if you dried off with a towel as that rubs off some of the sunscreen.

Bottom line, reapply and often.

ett
03-19-2010, 04:20 PM
I found this

Is there a difference between "waterproof" and "water-resistant?"
How well the sunscreen stays on the skin after swimming, bathing or perspiring is just as important as the SPF level. The FDA considers a product "water-resistant" if it maintains its SPF level after 40 minutes of water exposure. A product is considered "waterproof" if it maintains its SPF level following 80 minutes of exposure to water. If you participate in outdoor recreational activities including swimming, you may want to choose a waterproof sunscreen.
Source:
http://www.melanomafoundation.org/prevention/facts.htm

It goes on to say that you have to reapply if in water for 40 minutes for water-resistant and 80 minutes for waterproof, but you also have to reapply if you dried off with a towel as that rubs off some of the sunscreen.

Bottom line, reapply and often.

This is helpful info. But I wonder if all the sunscreen companies are following this definition when labeling their products.

MamaSnoo
03-19-2010, 04:30 PM
I like the CB and have used it for myself, but it really aggravated DD's eczema last year. BL was much better, so I guess we will be going with that again this year.

I used the nuetragena baby stick for the face last year. It is stiff, and was hard to get on DD, but worked well for her and me, without irritation.

niccig
03-19-2010, 04:39 PM
This is helpful info. But I wonder if all the sunscreen companies are following this definition when labeling their products.

Well, I think they are supposed to, but whether they do or not :shrug: I don't know if there is any policing of the standards.

I just keep reapplying, hat, rashguard etc.

hillview
03-19-2010, 04:53 PM
We use CB exclusively for the kids and I use it on occasion.
/hillary

babybell
03-19-2010, 04:57 PM
Has anyone ever use the Aveeno sunscreen for babies? Is it good?

LarsMal
03-19-2010, 05:19 PM
I might give CB another try this year. My kids have had reactions to CB products in the past. With all of the allergies in our house I have a hard time finding something everyone can use (and if they kids can use it, something *I* won't react to putting it on them!). I have an allergy to formaldehyde, so I can't use BL (Diazolidinyl Urea is a formaldehyde releasing agent).

So, unfortunately, I've had to go with the Coppertone Oil-free, fragrance free. Even though it has "bad" stuff in it, it's the only thing we've all been okay with. sigh...

Hopefully they'll be okay with CB sensitive this year.

ETA: Not that it makes me feel a whole lot better, but I was a little relieved to see the Coppertone I use is only a 4 or 5, so not in the red zone! Still would like to be in the green though!

Katigre
03-19-2010, 05:36 PM
We have CB, TruKid, and Blue Lizard Sensitive. TruKid is my favorite. Spreads 10x better than CB (which is like trying to spread toothpaste IMO).

http://trukid.com/

http://safemama.com/2009/04/13/safemamas-2009-safer-sunscreen-cheat-sheet/

infomama
05-06-2010, 10:40 AM
Had anyone tried UV Natural? http://www.buygreen.com/uvnaturalsunscreen.aspx

Still on the hunt. Maybe it was expired (gosh, I hope this is why) but I used CB on my Dds the other day and they got a bit pink.

trales
05-06-2010, 10:52 AM
We started with Vanicream this year. great rating on the skin deep database. Easy to spread, no smell.

DrSally
05-06-2010, 10:57 AM
We started with Vanicream this year. great rating on the skin deep database. Easy to spread, no smell.

I've been thinking about trying this for myself. The cetaphil I use stings my face a bit. Do you think it would be appropriate for everyday use on the face (not too thick)?

brittone2
05-06-2010, 11:28 AM
Had anyone tried UV Natural? http://www.buygreen.com/uvnaturalsunscreen.aspx

Still on the hunt. Maybe it was expired (gosh, I hope this is why) but I used CB on my Dds the other day and they got a bit pink.

I've used UV Natural in the past. It is greasier than CB, but not as white. So it depends IMO on what bothers you more. It has been a few years since I used it but it also used to contain macademia nut oil, so you may want to be wary if you haven't introduced nuts. However, I think I remember discussion that they might have phased out the nut oil? eta: just checked your link...no nut oil. They must have replaced it w/ sesame oil. I think sesame allergies are on the rise, so if that's a concern it might be something to skip. We used the nut oil one in the past and didn't have any problems doing so, but I think it was back when I only had DS1 and he had already been introduced to nuts.

infomama
05-06-2010, 11:49 AM
Hmmm. greasy would bother me. Thanks for the info

infomama
05-06-2010, 11:51 AM
no burns with Vanicream? Sounds like a good option.

Minnifer
05-06-2010, 12:06 PM
We started with Vanicream this year. great rating on the skin deep database. Easy to spread, no smell.

This looks like a good option - what version do you use on kids (looks like they have 30, 35 Sport, and 60)?

Tondi G
05-06-2010, 12:13 PM
Had anyone tried UV Natural? http://www.buygreen.com/uvnaturalsunscreen.aspx

Still on the hunt. Maybe it was expired (gosh, I hope this is why) but I used CB on my Dds the other day and they got a bit pink.

I used UV Naturals last year when we couldn't find Ca Baby on the shelves and were leaving for a cruise to Mexico. It worked VERY well... no burns at all. BUT it is quite greasy. We had no other option so it was fine.... we all did look rather shiny in pictures taken within about a half hour of slathering it on though..lol!

This year we have Ca Baby and I just bought a tube of the Neutrogena pure and free baby. I really like the Neutrogena (my husband does too).... wish I didn't cause it is not rated as high at the Ca Baby. It rubs in a lot easier than the CB and doesn't leave everyone so ghostly white. We also use the pure and free baby stick for quick re-application on faces. Just got back from another cruise last week and used a combo of CA Baby and the N Pure and free baby and no burns.

luza
05-06-2010, 12:32 PM
We just tried Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby, which goes on a bit less greasy than Blue Lizard, but we still haven't used it in heavy sun so I can't say how well it protects. I'm a bit suspicious, since the Neutrogena spf 60 actually has less zinc and titanium dioxide than the BL spf 30.

trales
05-06-2010, 01:27 PM
We are using the Vanicream 60.

I will give the full report after the florida sun next week. We are currently in New England, so sun is not so strong to really "test" a sunscreen.

infomama
05-06-2010, 01:30 PM
We are using the Vanicream 60.

I will give the full report after the florida sun next week. We are currently in New England, so sun is not so strong to really "test" a sunscreen.
Thank you!!

brittone2
05-06-2010, 01:36 PM
My mom has sensitive skin and has used vanicream a few times in the past without any problems or burning.

BelleoftheBallFlagstaff
05-06-2010, 01:42 PM
I am ordering Vanicream through Dermstore. All orders ship free, those over $20 have a mag deal/rebate.If you add an item to your favorites list you get 10% off, plus BCB is 20% right now. Best deal I have found!

infomama
05-06-2010, 01:46 PM
I am ordering Vanicream through Dermstore. All orders ship free, those over $20 have a mag deal/rebate.If you add an item to your favorites list you get 10% off, plus BCB is 20% right now. Best deal I have found!
thanks much!!

infomama
05-06-2010, 01:49 PM
My mom has sensitive skin and has used vanicream a few times in the past without any problems or burning.
Do you know if she found it oily?

brittone2
05-06-2010, 01:52 PM
Do you know if she found it oily?

I don't remember it being oily. I think my DH used it a bit one summer too...had some in his bag for cycling or something. It has been a while though...hopefully someone else can give you a more accurate view!

neeleymartin
05-06-2010, 03:30 PM
We have both CB and Blue Lizard left over from last year but I think I remember some pink skin..of course I don't know which one I had one them when they burned. Honestly when it comes to sunscreen I really don't care how much it costs (within reason..I'm not going to spend $40 for a tube of sunscreen). Lots of BL has parabens so I am leaning away from it.
Anyone discover something wonderful last summer?

i tried the neutrogena pure and free. and both dc broke out in a rash.

blue lizard works, avilable locally and affordable. i have lots.

i also bought a few tubes of vanicream. no parabens, fragrance, etc. they have it at drugstore.com. it goes on super smooth and gets a 2 (i think) on skindeep. this will be the one that i buy in the future. i can't get over the smooth application.

cb is too pricey. is it more than last year? seems to be.

LarsMal
05-06-2010, 04:06 PM
no burns with Vanicream? Sounds like a good option.

I'm giving Vanicream a shot this year. I've only used it on the kids and myself once and it was great. I use the SPF 60 on the kids (didn't seem oily at all) with the Neutrogena free and clear (or whatever it's called) baby stick on their faces.

I used the Vanicream Sport SPF 35 on myself and it was really nice. It's oil free, went on very easily. I have extremely sensitive skin and DD is very sensitive to sunscreen and we all did well with it. I love Vanicream cream, though, so I'm becoming loyal to Vanicream products!

ETA: I've been buying it at drugstore.com