Frequently asked questions

All our products meet the regulations set by the Australian Department of Health's Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), which are actually some of the strictest regulations globally! TGA is heavily involved in the complete process of creating our products – from testing up until it reaches consumers. It’s safe to say you’re in good hands with Banana Boat but do remember to take additional precautions in order to stay sun safe, as no sunscreen can provide 100% protection.

On average, Banana Boat® products with SPF remain effective for 3 years from the date of manufacture. The expiry and batch number can be found either on the bottom of the product or toward the bottom of the label.

• Shake well before use. Hold can 10-15 away from body and apply generously to all exposed areas, rubbing into skin by hand for full and even coverage.
• Do not spray directly on face. Spray on hands and then apply to the face.
• Use it in a well ventilated area. Avoid inhalation. Do not apply in windy conditions.
• Wait 20 minutes before you head into the sun and allow to dry.
• Reapply every 2 hours or more often when sweating and or immediately after swimming or using a towel.
• Cover up with a hat, long-sleeved shirt and sunnies.
• Stay cool, and find shade especially between 10am-3pm.

UVA is long-wavelength (320-400 nm) UV and accounts for up to 95 percent of the solar UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface, according to a press release from The Skin Cancer Foundation called “Shining Light on Ultraviolet Radiation.” UVA can penetrate the deeper layers of the skin, and has for years been thought to play a major part in skin aging and wrinkling. Importantly, recent studies strongly suggest that it may also initiate and exacerbate the development of skin cancers. UVA rays are present during all daylight hours and throughout the winter months.

Although UVA rays are less intense than short wavelengths, (UVB) they are present all year round, and depending upon the time of the year, can be 30 to 50 times more prevalent than UVB rays. Furthermore, UVA radiation can penetrate glass and clouds. Thus, we are exposed to large doses of UVA throughout our lifetime. UVB is the middle range of UV with wavelengths between 290-320 nm. It is very biologically active and is responsible for burning, tanning, and acceleration of skin aging, and plays a very key role in the development of skin cancer. The intensity of UVB varies by season, location and time of day.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. This is a multiplier that tells you how much longer you can remain in the sun without a burn when wearing a sunscreen. For example SPF 50 allows you to stay in the sun with less risk of sunburn for fifty times longer than you would if you weren’t wearing sunscreen. Regardless of the SPF level you use, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating to help keep your skin protected.

Everyday face lotions with SPF are great for your skin and provide protection against incidental sun exposure. For a day in the sun, look for a sunscreen with UVA & UVB protection and water-resistant protection. When used as directed, these products will provide broad-spectrum protection and will also protect you if you’ll be in and out of the water. If you’re going to be active, they will not “sweat off” your body.

The reaction of our skin to sun, either burning or tanning, is based on genetics—we inherit our ability to tan or burn. In general, fair-skinned people often burn and are rarely able to tan. Darker skin, with its increased melanin, has more natural protection, but no one is immune to sun damage.

Photosensitisation, an increased sensitivity to sun exposure, is a possible side effect of certain medication, including certain kinds of antibiotics, heart and blood pressure medicines, antihistamines and antidepressants. Consult your healthcare professional regarding photosensitisation related to any prescription medications.

The redness associated with sunburns can take up to 24 hours to show. If you are outside and your skin begins to turn red, get out of the sun—you may already have a sunburn. Products such as Banana Boat® After Sun Aloe Vera Gel and Banana Boat® After Sun Mist Spray can help soothe sunburned skin.

As a general rule, sunscreen always goes on first. The reason is that the sunscreen has to bind with the skin to make absorb or block the sun's rays. So, sunscreen first, and make-up second—even if your moisturizer has an SPF in it.

Yes, but we formulate our products with kids’ and babies’ or adults’ unique needs in mind, and so it’s important to carefully consider the formulation when selecting sun care products for you and your family. For instance, we know that parents look for gentle products for their children, and so we offer specially formulated, tear-free and sting-free kids and baby products that are also alcohol-free and milder on the skin than our adult products.

While the components of our bottles and cans of Banana Boat® sunscreens are recyclable in many areas, it is always recommended that consumers research the recycling rules in their local municipalities, since recycler requirements can vary. Some materials may be required to be emptied of the contents and/or separated prior to placing in recycle bins.

Experts agree that for sunscreen to deliver the benefits stated on the package, the sunscreen should be used within three years of the manufacture date and applied as directed on package.

Water resistancy is measured by determining the level of SPF on the skin after a certain period of time in the water. Water resistancy is however is lab tested and does not take into consideration other common factors which could affect this result such as towel drying, the natural exfolitant of sand, and rubbing of skin. To ensure adequate protection sunscreen should always be reapplied at a minimum of every two hours or after swimming, excessive perspiration and towel drying.