Whether you're an active skin-care user or not, you've probably heard how important it is to wear sunscreen. It can help prevent sun damage and skin cancer. But as with any skin-care product, there is always a possibility, however rare, for a negative reaction.
In a Twitter thread posted on June 6, Taylar (@libravuitton) alleged that the Banana Boat Light as Air SPF 50+ Sunscreen Spray caused "chemical burns" on her body and face and said that she had reached out to the brand. She posted photos of her skin covered in what appeared to be small red wounds. Taylar also created an Instagram story highlight where she shared more photos.
Taylar tells Allure that initially she experienced a rash that she thought was possibly a heat rash. She felt burning and assumed she was getting a sunburn as she's very fair-skinned so she began reapplying the sunscreen spray every 10 to 20 minutes. "Later that night the rashes turned into welts and [then] blisters," Taylar says. In two photos in her Instagram Stories, splotches of redness can be seen on her stomach.
X content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
These aren't the first allegations against a Banana Boat sunscreen. In 2017, Canadian Rebecca Cannon claimed to CBC News that her 14-month-old baby had a rash with blisters and "second-degree burns" after using the Banana Boat SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Kid's Sunscreen. According to Cannon, a dermatologist had confirmed that the reaction was a "second-degree caustic burn," or a "chemical burn" brought on by the sunscreen.
At that time, Banana Boat shared a statement with the news network stating it is always "greatly concerned" when someone experiences a reaction to its products. "We have spoken with the consumer and asked for the product so that our quality assurance team can look into this further," their statement read. "Without examining the product, it is difficult to determine what may have caused the problem as described."
Allure reached out to Banana Boat regarding this new allegation and in a statement the brand said: "We never lose sight of the impact adverse reactions or events can have on families and their loved ones, and while the risk of serious events is very rare, if someone does report a negative experience, we fully investigate the reported case to the best of our ability and report it to the proper authorities." The brand added that the safety of its consumers is its "number-one priority" and its sunscreens go through a rigorous testing process before going to market.
The brand's statement also noted that it is in contact with Taylar "to better understand and help with her situation" and "will remain in touch until her situation is resolved."
According to Connecticut-based, board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, it's very rare for sunscreens to burn the skin. "It would be highly unusual for sunscreens to create a burn, but it is possible that one could have a rash," she shares. "Allergic or irritant contact dermatitis can result from chemical sunscreen filters and leave the skin inflamed, irritated, and itchy." She notes that contact dermatitis can potentially happen with any skin-care product and SPF's benefits outweigh any unlikely risks.
If you do appear to have a reaction to a sunscreen, Dr. Gohara recommends immediately seeing a board-certified dermatologist and avoiding topical treatments, such as aloe vera, Neosporin, and bacitracin, and "other over-the-counter products that may seem soothing but can stoke the fire." Your best bet is to use a barrier repair cream and a cool compress until you're able to see a doctor, according to Dr. Gohara. Try reaching for something like Vaseline.
Although you can't necessarily tell if a product will irritate or inflame your skin just by looking at it, Dr. Gohara shares three ways to mitigate potential sensitivity. "To avoid any potential concerns, mineral sunscreens with active ingredients, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, are best," she says. She also recommends testing new sunscreens on your inner arm before applying to the rest of your body or face. Lastly, invest in sun-protective clothing and hats, so you have fewer areas where sunscreen needs to be applied.
Read more stories about sunscreen:
- How Much Sunscreen Do You Really Need to Apply Every Day?
- The Science of Beauty: The Complete Guide Safe Sunscreen & SPF
- The 13 Best Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin That Dermatologists and Allure Staffers Love
Now watch these dermatologist-recommended tips for dealing with rosacea:
