Quick Summary:
Date Tested: 07/22/2022
In this Thinkbaby safe SPF 50+ sunscreen lotion review, Thinkbaby had me at “Think” yet in the end, wildly disappointed me with its lackluster protection. I have tested both the Thinksport and Thinksport kids sunscreen, and they proved to be amazing ultraviolet light blocking formulations. This Thinkbaby SPF 50+ with orange topped tube (I have seen a new version with yellow top) was such a departure from an otherwise stellar lineup which really surprised me!
The Thinkbaby SPF50 is a physical only Zinc-Oxide 20% non-nano mineral based lotion. Its geared for kids, and as such I suppose the formula is derived from more natural ingredients. What this emphasis change in formulation may have provided in terms of being more gentle on the skin however, proved opposite in its UV protection.
The Thinkbaby Lotion ONLY reduced UVI by 74.71%, UVA by 75.00%, and UVB by 70.06%. Absolutely mediocre results for an SPF50, what a let down from an otherwise great product lineup.
Thinkbaby safe SPF 50+ ingredients
Active ingredients: ZINC OXIDE 20% (NON-NANO)
Inactive Ingredients:
Purified Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Capric Caprylic Triglycerides(0), Sorbitan Stearate (Coconut Based), Pine Wood Resin, Vegetable Glycerin, Cetyl Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt), Sunflower Oil, Jojoba Oil, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Tocopherols (Vitamin E), Olive Oil, Raspberry Seed Oil, Cranberry Seed Oil, Hyaluronic Acid (Made From Vegetable), Glucose, Glucose Oxidase, Lactoperoxidase, Papaya
Manufacturers Website: www.gothink.com
The Thinkbaby SPF 50+ characteristics at a glance:
- BPA Free
- Organic and mineral based
- Non-Aerosol & Biodegradable
- Reef Safe
- Paraben free
- Free of biologically harmful chemicals. No PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals. No animal by-products or testing.
- Viscosity is good.
Prepared slide ready for testing
The Thinkbaby SPF50+ Zinc Oxide active ingredient did not spread consistently. Although the substrate did seem to spread easily and smoothly, the UV filtering Zinc Oxide did not seem to disperse as well as evidenced by the darker spot in the center. This is most definitely a problem as the physical UV filtering ingredient is the only thing keeping the UV rays from penetrating to the skin.
Below are the results from 2 hours of testing in my UV testing station.
Thinkbaby SPF50+ 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 | 84.65 | 84.23 | |
| UVA | 25389.5 | 6347.75 | 75.00% |
| UVB | 1269 | 380 | 70.06% |
| UVI | 14.9 | 3.77 | 74.71% |
Want to know more about how I test sunscreen? Head here to read about the details.
Testing notes:
With uneven dispersion of the UV blocking active ingredient and thus disappointing test results, the departure from the typical “Think” sunscreen formulation turned out to be a bad idea. This SPF50 blocks about as much as a bad SPF 30. I’ve seen the price for this specific orange topped tube design for about $13-$25 on amazon, but I wouldn’t buy it at any price and would opt to buy another recommended sunscreen. Pity. I really had high hopes for this lotion considering it came from a brand I was beginning to get really amped about.
Not Recommended.
Want to try the Thinkbaby safe SPF 50?
Uneven dispersion, bad results. I don’t recommend.
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