Blue Lizard Sunscreen is a brand that has been around for several decades now, and their products are well-regarded for their effectiveness in preventing sunburns. But with the increasing awareness of the possible dangers of certain chemicals used in sunscreens, many people are now wondering if Blue Lizard Sunscreen is indeed safe to use. In this article, we will explore the truth about this popular brand and whether or not it is safe for you and your family to use.
What is Blue Lizard Sunscreen?
Blue Lizard Sunscreen is a brand of sunscreen that was first introduced in Australia in 1992. The brand was created by an Australian pharmacist who had experience in developing sunscreens for the harsh Australian sun. Today, the brand is owned by Crown Laboratories, Inc. and is sold in many countries around the world.
The Blue Lizard Sunscreen line includes several different products, including mineral-based sunscreens for sensitive skin, sport sunscreens, and baby sunscreen. The products are generally formulated with minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which work by reflecting the sun’s rays off of the skin. Some of the products also contain chemical sunscreen ingredients.
Ingredients Used in Blue Lizard Sunscreen Products
The ingredients used in Blue Lizard Sunscreen products vary depending on the specific product. However, all Blue Lizard Sunscreen products are formulated with broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, which is important for protecting against skin damage and skin cancer.
Many of the Blue Lizard Sunscreen products are mineral-based and contain zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. These minerals work by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting the sun’s rays off of the skin. This makes them a good option for people with sensitive skin or for those who want to avoid chemical sunscreen ingredients.
Some of Blue Lizard Sunscreen products also include chemical sunscreen ingredients, such as Octinoxate and Octocrylene. These ingredients work by absorbing the sun’s UV rays and converting them into heat, which is then released from the skin.
Is Blue Lizard Sunscreen Safe?
When it comes to sunscreens, safety is an important concern. There has been a lot of discussion in recent years about the safety of certain chemical sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a non-profit organization that researches and advocates for environmental and public health issues, some chemical sunscreen ingredients can be harmful to our health and the environment. For example, oxybenzone has been linked to hormone disruption and coral reef damage.
In general, mineral-based sunscreens like Blue Lizard Sunscreen are considered to be safer than their chemical counterparts. This is because mineral sunscreens work by physically blocking the sun’s rays from reaching the skin, rather than by absorbing them like chemical sunscreens do.
Blue Lizard Sunscreen products also do not contain oxybenzone, which is one of the ingredients that has been flagged by the EWG as potentially harmful. However, some Blue Lizard Sunscreen products do contain other chemical sunscreen ingredients such as Octocrylene and Octinoxate.
Does Blue Lizard Sunscreen Cause Skin Irritation?
One common concern with sunscreens is that they can cause skin irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin. However, Blue Lizard Sunscreen products are generally well-tolerated by most people, even those with sensitive skin.
Most of the Blue Lizard Sunscreen products are hypoallergenic and free from fragrance, which can be a common irritant. They are also formulated to be water-resistant, which can help to prevent the sunscreen from rubbing off and causing irritation.
Is Blue Lizard Sunscreen Safe for Babies?
Blue Lizard Sunscreen offers a line of products that are specifically formulated for babies. These products are mineral-based and do not contain any chemical sunscreen ingredients. They are also free from fragrance and other common irritants.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies under 6 months of age should not be exposed to direct sunlight. If you need to take your baby out into the sun, experts recommend using protective clothing, a hat, and shade rather than sunscreen. For babies over 6 months of age, sunscreen can be used, but it is important to choose a product that is formulated specifically for babies and to follow the directions carefully.
How Often Should Blue Lizard Sunscreen be Applied?
It is important to apply sunscreen regularly in order to maintain its effectiveness. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends applying sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating. It is also important to apply sunscreen before going outside, even on cloudy days, since the sun’s rays can still penetrate clouds and cause skin damage.
It is also important to apply sunscreen evenly and generously in order to ensure that all exposed areas of skin are protected. The AAD recommends using about an ounce of sunscreen (enough to fill a shot glass) for each application.
Conclusion
Blue Lizard Sunscreen is a brand that has been around for many years, and their products are generally considered to be safe for use. Most of their products are mineral-based and do not contain any of the chemical sunscreen ingredients that have been flagged as potentially harmful.
However, it is important to remember that sunscreen should be only one part of your sun protection routine. Experts recommend also using protective clothing, seeking shade, and avoiding the sun during peak hours in order to minimize your risk of sun damage and skin cancer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Blue Lizard Sunscreen contain oxybenzone?
- Are Blue Lizard Sunscreen products water-resistant?
- Can Blue Lizard Sunscreen be used on sensitive skin?
- Are Blue Lizard Sunscreen products safe for babies?
- How often should Blue Lizard Sunscreen be applied?
No, Blue Lizard Sunscreen products do not contain oxybenzone.
Yes, most Blue Lizard Sunscreen products are water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Yes, most Blue Lizard Sunscreen products are hypoallergenic and are formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin.
Yes, Blue Lizard Sunscreen offers a line of products that are specially formulated for babies and do not contain any chemical sunscreen ingredients.
The American Academy of Dermatology recommends applying sunscreen every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
References
American Academy of Dermatology. Sunscreen FAQs. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sunscreen-patients/sunscreen-faqs
American Academy of Pediatrics. Sun Safety and Protection Tips from the AAP. Retrieved from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/prevention/Pages/Sun-Safety.aspx
Environmental Working Group. EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens. Retrieved from https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/