Quick Summary:
Date Tested: 6/12/2026
In this Alba Botanica Hydrating Face SPF 50 sunscreen lotion review, I test an awful SPF 50 sunscreen. Thanks again go to Christi for this sample!
These results are a bit surprising to me as Alba tends to create strong UV blocking sunscreen formulations. Wonder what happened with this product.
The Alba Botanica Hydrating Face SPF 50 is a chemical sunscreen formula which contains Avobenzone at 3%, Homosalate at 7%, Octisalate at 5%, and Octocrylene at 10%.
The Alba Botanica Hydrating Face SPF 50 reduced 37.89% of irradiated UVA, 34.86% UVB, and 37.70% of total UVI.
Alba Botanica Hydrating Face SPF 50 ingredients
Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 7%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%
Inactive Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Butyloctyl Salicylate, Glycerin, Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Capryloyl Glycerin/Sebacic Acid Copolymer, Propanediol, Glyceryl Citrate/Lactate/Linoleate/Oleate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, Sodium Polyacrylate Starch, Xanthan Gum, Behenyl Alcohol, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Algin, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ceramide NP, 2,3-Butanediol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tocopherol, Ceramide AS, Ceramide NS, Cholesterol, Ceramide AP, Citric Acid, Ceramide EOP
Manufacturers Website: www.albabotanica.com
Alba Botanica Hydrating Face SPF 50 characteristics at a glance:
- SPF 50 / Broad-spectrum: Provides strong UVA and UVB protection
- Up to 40 minutes water resistance: Maintains protection during swimming or sweating
- Hypoallergenic: Formulated to minimize allergic reactions
- Hydrating: Helps retain moisture for dry skin
- Face-specific: Designed for facial use
- Reapplication guidance: Reapply after 40 minutes of swimming/sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every 2 hours
- Sun protection reminder: Encourages regular use with SPF 15+ and other sun safety measures
- Viscosity is Medium
Prepared slide BEFORE testing
The Alba Botanica Hydrating Face SPF 50 distributed rather unevenly on the prepared slide sample, with thinning towards the center of the slide, and exhibited a mottled appearance. This could mean entrapment of air, or the inadequate mixing of ingredients.
Alba Botanica Hydrating Face SPF 50 UV blocking test results
Ultraviolet light quick reference:
UVA: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 315nm – 400nm. The “Aging UV light” – Causes wrinkles.
UVB: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 280nm – 315nm. The “Bad UV light” – Causes skin cancer.
UVI: The global sun UV index. The more a sunscreen can reduce the level of UVI, the better.
UV test results:
Ultraviolet sensor readings:
| Before Sunscreen | After Sunscreen | % UV Blocked | |
|---|---|---|---|
| TEMP | 80.45 | 81.6975 | |
| UVA | 36,175.5 | 22,467.25 | 37.89% |
| UVB | 2,157 | 1,405 | 34.86% |
| UVI | 21.445 | 13.36 | 37.70% |
Want to know more about how I test sunscreen? Head here to read about the details.
Testing notes:
A terrible sunscreen which provides very poor UV blocking protection!
Want to try the Alba Botanica Hydrating Face SPF 50?
Not Recommended
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