Banana Boat Kids Tear-Free Sunscreen: Allergic reaction

Cookie2 · **Banana Boat Kids Tear-Free Sunscreen: Allergic reaction**

I bought Banana Boat Kids Tear-Free waterproof SPF 50 sunscreen for DD and she is allergic to it. It is supposed to hypoallergenic. I'm sick about how itchy she is! She has broken out in a major rash which looks very similar to poison ivy / poison oak. It is definately the sunscreen. This is her second outbreak. The first time I didn't believe her that it was from the sunscreen. This time she is broken out only where I applied the sunscreen. Luckily I didn't slather it on her face, just her back and arms.

I called the company and they will send a post paid envelop to get the product back so they can research it. They are also giving me my money back. They also said I should let them know if I have to take her to the doctor again. Interestingly, Banana Boat is the same company as Playtex. Hmmmmm.

Now I have to look for other sunscreens to try. We just did a patch test on some Avon kids' sunscreen we have on hand. So far, so good.

Kellyandgirls · 05-01-2007, 09:20 PM

Dh nephew I think broke out from the same brand a few years ago. my kids seemd to be fine!! but still!!

desertmom · 05-01-2007, 09:41 PM

Unfortunately, hypoallergenic means they don't use the commonly known allergens. I'm so glad you notified the company! I hope you find something better. I'm still working my way thru to find the right ones, too. So many claim to be non-greasy, but they are greasy!

Stacey Chambers · 05-01-2007, 09:45 PM

Very interesting! I haven't had that problem w/my kiddos, but I don't think I have used Banana Boat on them-I think it has always been Coppertone.

amaomom · 05-01-2007, 09:54 PM

Wow, I just thought that it was my kids being sensitive to that brand of sunscreen. We have used it before in the previous summers. Bought that brand when we were in Orlando on vacation. Two of the 4 kids broke out!!! My daughter broke out a day after we stopped using it!!! I just pitched the sunscreen and chalked it up to a Life's lesson learned the hard way

MoneyMommy · 05-01-2007, 09:59 PM

I have to be very careful what I use on my son. Of course his super sensitive skin is also VERY fair, so I can't forego the sunscreen.

Beware also of the new aerosol like sunscreens, my kids both get very itchy from them. I applied them in the bathroom one time and almost asphyxiated myself! Those chemicals just can't be good for their skin.

It's kind of hard to apply, but I usually go for a sunblock that contains only titanium dioxide. It doesn't have the same chemicals that a sunscreen does...
Right now I am using Earth's Best brand which I found at Walmart. It's pricey, but I think it's going to work on my guys sensitive skin. I loaned it to my friend at a park & when she returned it she told me she almost passed out when she saw the price tag. I think it was labeled almost $13, but I'm sure I got it on sale or clearance...

Good luck, I hope you find something that works, or it could be a very long summer!
Did you try applying some light cortizone cream on her? It could help get rid of the bumps and itchys.

BullFamily3 · 05-03-2007, 08:39 PM

I am such a ORGANICS advocate. I love the JASON brand organic sunblock for kids in SPF 45. My son has eczema and is allergic to everything, this does not seem to break him out. I get it at Henry's market, also can be found at whole foods or wild oats I'm sure. Remember sunscreen has allot of aluminum in it which seeps into the skin, you don't find such harsh chemicals with Organic sunscreens. As you all get to know me here you will realize I am the Organic freak!

Stacey Chambers · 05-03-2007, 08:42 PM

I saw this brand of Banana Boat advertised in one of my magazines & I remembered what you posted about it-so I will be sure not to buy this.

cjemommy · 05-04-2007, 09:09 AM

I had a bottle of Hawaiian Tropic with I think SPF of 30 and used it on the boys about 2wks ago when we started going to the park. I could not figure out why Connor's eczema returned on his legs, I checked all boxes of food and things we had thinking he must have ate something some how with nuts. Here the back of the bottle says it has nut extracts in it, which I don't know but since he is allergic to tree nuts I figured it must be the sunscreen. Since I figured this out we haven't been using it (I threw the bottle away) his eczema is cleared up. I will have to find that JASON organic brand for him.

blessed_with_6 · 05-04-2007, 09:12 AM

My oldest son (almost 13!) has always been allergic to ALL sunscreens BUT Avon! He turns into sandpaper wherever we apply it and itches for days. While all of my other kids get sunscreen and swim in their swimsuits, he has grown up with wearing long swim trunks and a light weight LONG sleeved tshirt if we didn't have the Avon sunscreen on hand. (BTW...they make one that is bug AND sun that he uses, too, and I love that it covers both at once!)