Babo Botanicals Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Babo Botanicals

8.2/10 (1612 reviews)
sunscreensensitive/all skinSPF 503oz

Key Benefits

  • Broad-spectrum physical UV protection (zinc oxide)
  • Soothes and moisturizes sensitive skin
  • Water-resistant, suitable for outdoor activities
Overall Score: 8.2/10

This mineral sunscreen is well-formulated for sensitive, dry, or normal skin types seeking broad-spectrum UV protection without synthetic filters or fragrance. However, it contains several plant oils, butters, and botanical extracts that may trigger allergies or irritation in susceptible individuals. It is not suitable for oily, acne-prone, or fungal acne-prone skin. Always patch test before full use, especially if you have a history of allergies or sensitive skin. Avoid use if you have known allergies to coconut, shea, sunflower, or any listed botanicals.

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Detailed Product Scores

Overall
8.2/10

Weighted average of all factors

Safety
8/10

Allergen and irritation risk assessment

Efficacy
9/10

Expected performance and results

Formulation
8/10

Ingredient synergy and stability

Sustainability
8/10

Environmental and ethical impact

Benefits & Concerns

Key Benefits (3)

  • Broad-spectrum physical UV protection (zinc oxide)
  • Soothes and moisturizes sensitive skin
  • Water-resistant, suitable for outdoor activities

Concerns & Limitations (10)

  • Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil: common allergen, comedogenic, may trigger acne or contact dermatitis
  • Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter): potential allergen, comedogenic for some skin types
  • Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil: rare allergen, but possible in those with seed allergies
  • Tocopherol (vitamin E): rare contact allergy
  • Bisabolol: rare allergen, especially in those with ragweed allergy
  • Caprylyl glycol: rare irritant
  • Cetyl, cetearyl, behenyl, and arachidyl alcohols: fatty alcohols, generally safe but may cause irritation in very sensitive skin
  • Calendula, chamomile, nasturtium, spiraea extracts: botanical extracts, rare but possible allergens
  • Not oil-free: contains multiple oils and butters, not suitable for oily/acne-prone or fungal acne-prone skin
  • Not fungal-acne-safe: contains coconut oil, shea butter, and other esters that may feed Malassezia

Complete Ingredient Analysis

31

Total Ingredients

11

Emollients

0

Fragrances

0

Unsafe

Complete Ingredient Breakdown

Listed in order of concentration with detailed analysis

#1
Zinc oxide
Zinc oxide
unknownactive
#2
Aqua
Aqua
unknownsolvent
#3
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil
Helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil
unknownemollient
#4
Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil
Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil
unknownemollient
#5
Butyloctyl salicylate
Butyloctyl salicylate
unknownemollient
#6
Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil
Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) seed oil
unknownemollient
#7
Methyl dihydroabietate
Methyl dihydroabietate
unknownemollient
#8
Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter)
Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter)
unknownemollient
#9
Cetearyl alcohol
Cetearyl alcohol
unknownemollient
#10
Sodium stearoyl glutamate
Sodium stearoyl glutamate
unknownemulsifying
#11
Microcrystalline cellulose
Microcrystalline cellulose
unknownviscosity controlling
#12
Calendula officinalis flower extract
Calendula officinalis flower extract
unknownantioxidant
#13
Chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract
Chamomilla recutita (matricaria) flower extract
unknownantioxidant
#14
Nasturtium officinale flower/leaf extract
Nasturtium officinale flower/leaf extract
unknownantioxidant
#15
Spiraea ulmaria flower extract
Spiraea ulmaria flower extract
unknownantioxidant
#16
Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter
Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter
unknownemollient
#17
Bisabolol
Bisabolol
unknownsoothing
#18
Tocopherol
Tocopherol
unknownantioxidant
#19
Cetyl alcohol
Cetyl alcohol
unknownemollient
#20
Caprylyl glycol
Caprylyl glycol
unknownhumectant
#21
Coco-glucoside
Coco-glucoside
unknownsurfactant/cleansing agent
#22
Behenyl alcohol
Behenyl alcohol
unknownemollient
#23
Arachidyl glucoside
Arachidyl glucoside
unknownemulsifying
#24
Arachidyl alcohol
Arachidyl alcohol
unknownemollient
#25
Polyhydroxystearic acid
Polyhydroxystearic acid
unknownemulsifying
#26
Citric acid
Citric acid
unknownbuffering
#27
Sodium gluconate
Sodium gluconate
unknownchelating
#28
Sodium hyaluronate
Sodium hyaluronate
unknownhumectant
#29
Glycerin
Glycerin
unknownhumectant
#30
Caprylhydroxamic acid
Caprylhydroxamic acid
unknownchelating
#31
Cellulose gum
Cellulose gum
unknownviscosity controlling

Product Attributes

Vegan
Cruelty-Free
Reef Safe
Alcohol-Free
Paraben-Free
Silicon-Free
Sulfate-Free
Fragrance-Free
EU Allergen-Free
Oil-Free
Fungal Acne Safe

Usage Instructions & Guidelines

Official Usage Instructions

Manufacturer's recommended application

Apply liberally to face & body & rub in until the white lotion blends into the skin.

Ideal For:

  • Daily skincare routine
  • Sensitive skin types
  • Natural product enthusiasts

Avoid If You Have:

  • Known allergies to listed ingredients
  • Very sensitive or reactive skin
  • Preference for fragranced products

Skin Type Compatibility

How well this product works for different skin types

💧Dry Skin
9/10

Contains multiple emollients and occlusives (shea butter, sunflower oil, coconut oil, safflower oil, cetearyl alcohol) that help moisturize and prevent water loss, making it highly suitable for dry skin.

🛢️Oily Skin
5/10

Rich in oils and butters, which may feel heavy or greasy and could exacerbate shine or congestion in oily skin types.

🌸Sensitive Skin
8/10

Mineral sunscreen (zinc oxide) is generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin. Formula appears free of fragrance and harsh irritants, but natural oils can occasionally cause reactions in very sensitive individuals.

⚖️Combination Skin
7/10

Moisturizing ingredients benefit dry areas, but the richness may be too much for oilier zones, potentially leading to uneven feel or mild congestion.

🔴Acne-Prone Skin
5/10

Contains coconut oil and shea butter, both of which are known to be comedogenic for some users and may trigger breakouts in acne-prone skin.

Normal Skin
8/10

Well-balanced for normal skin, providing moisture and protection without major risks, though the rich texture may not suit all preferences.

Seasonal Usage Recommendations

How to use this product throughout the year

Winter

Apply sunscreen daily to exposed skin, even on cloudy days, as UV rays penetrate through clouds and reflect off snow. The moisturizing oils and shea butter help combat dryness from cold air and indoor heating.

Spring

Use sunscreen consistently as UV exposure increases and you spend more time outdoors. The gentle, mineral formula is suitable for sensitive skin prone to spring allergies and irritation.

Summer

Apply generously and reapply every 2 hours, especially during outdoor activities, swimming, or sweating. The mineral zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection against intense summer sun.

Fall

Continue daily use, focusing on areas exposed to wind and cooler air. The nourishing oils help maintain skin barrier as temperatures drop and prepare skin for winter dryness.

Enhanced Usage Instructions

Detailed usage guidance for different skin concerns and best practices

Usage by Skin Concern

💧
Dry Skin

Before applying the sunscreen, use a hydrating moisturizer to lock in moisture. The sunflower, coconut, and shea butter oils in this formula help nourish dry skin, but layering with a moisturizer will prevent any potential tightness. Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.

🛢️
Oily Skin

Apply to clean, dry skin after using a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer. Use a small amount at first and blend thoroughly to avoid excess shine. If skin feels greasy, blot gently with a tissue after application. Reapply every 2 hours when exposed to sun.

🌸
Sensitive Skin

Patch test the sunscreen on a small area of skin before full use. The mineral (zinc oxide) base is generally well-tolerated, but discontinue use if irritation occurs. Avoid applying to broken or inflamed skin. Reapply every 2 hours during sun exposure.

⚖️
Combination Skin

Apply a thin, even layer to all areas. For drier zones, consider layering over a moisturizer. For oilier areas, blend well and use less product. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.

🔴
Acne-Prone Skin

This sunscreen is non-comedogenic, but apply a light layer and avoid heavy buildup, especially on breakout-prone areas. Cleanse skin thoroughly at night to prevent pore congestion. Reapply every 2 hours if sweating or swimming.

Usage Tips & Best Practices

Daily Use

Apply every morning as the last step of your skincare routine, before makeup. Reapply every 2 hours if exposed to direct sunlight, and immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.

Night Use

Sunscreen is not needed at night. Cleanse skin thoroughly to remove all sunscreen before bedtime.

Frequency

Use daily, reapplying every 2 hours when exposed to sunlight, and after swimming, sweating, or towel drying.

Amount

For the face and neck, use approximately a nickel-sized amount (about 1/3 to 1/2 teaspoon). For the entire body, use about 1 ounce (a shot glass full). Apply liberally to ensure full protection.

Best Time

Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow the sunscreen to form an even protective layer on the skin.