Quick Summary:
Date Tested: 6/2/2025
In this Banana Boat Mineral SPF 50 sunscreen lotion review, I find a highly protective SPF 50 sunscreen formula. One small detractor is that it does suffer from some desiccation the longer the formula is exposed to air. Thanks go to Jennifer for this sample!
The Banana Boat Mineral SPF 50 is a mineral sunscreen which contains Zinc Oxide at 19%. Strangely enough, Titanium Dioxide is also included in the list of inactive ingredients, but not in the active ingredients (must not be in a high enough concentration to be effective).
The Banana Boat Mineral SPF 50 sunscreen reduced 98.37% of irradiated UVA, 97.05% UVB, and 98.30% of total UVI. A very high performing SPF 50 sunscreen!
Banana Boat Mineral SPF 50 sunscreen lotion ingredients
Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide (19%)
Inactive Ingredients: Water, Isohexadecane, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Diisopropyl Adipate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Stearyl/Octyldodecyl Citrate Crosspolymer, Glycerin, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Caprylyl Glycol, Lauryl PEG-8 Dimethicone, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Citrate, Mica, Tocopheryl Acetate, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides.
Manufacturers Website: www.bananaboat.com
Banana Boat Mineral SPF 50 sunscreen characteristics at a glance:
- Blends in faster across all skin tones with less whitening
- 100% mineral sunscreen made with naturally sourced zinc oxide
- Lightweight, hydrating formula with vitamin E and coconut oil
- Fragrance-free sunscreen won’t clog pores and is dermatologist tested
- Clinically proven UVA/UVB protection — protects from up to 98% of burning rays
- Viscosity is medium-low.
Prepared slide BEFORE testing
The Banana Boat Mineral SPF 50 slide sample looked quite good. Even Coverage despite the little air bubbles created during the preliminary shaking stage.
Prepared slide AFTER testing
After the 2 hour testing procedure, the sample exhibited some evidence of desiccation. But in the tested area (center of slide), the results were not effected.
Banana Boat Mineral SPF 50 sunscreen 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 | 70.42 | 74.2725 | |
| UVA | 43444 | 706.25 | 98.37% |
| UVB | 2367.5 | 69.75 | 97.05% |
| UVI | 25.66 | 0.44 | 98.30% |
Want to know more about how I test sunscreen? Head here to read about the details.
Testing notes:
Great protection, however the Banana Boat mineral SPF 50 does seem to suffer from some desiccation. Just remember to reapply at the recommended intervals and you should be…well, covered!
Want to try the Banana Boat Mineral SPF 50 sunscreen lotion?
Nice protection. Reapply often!
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