Blue Lizard is a sunscreen product of Crown Laboratories of Australia. It is highly recommended by dermatologists in Australia, where radical ultraviolet radiation makes sunscreen indispensable. The product has also been endorsed by users in the USA.
Let’s find out if we can get your nod on it.
Table of Contents
What are the ingredients in Blue Lizard sunscreen?
Blue Lizard sunscreens are available in various functional variants, such as Active, Sensitive, Baby, Sheer, Face, and Sport. These are offered in lotion, stick, and spray forms.
The ingredients vary for each variant. The mineral variants have zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both as active ingredients, while mineral-based variants have octisalate and/or octinoxate along with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as active ingredients.
Some of the common inactive ingredients are Alumina, Aluminum Stearate, Alkyl Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Cetyl Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Sorbitan Oleate, and Methyl Glucose.
The ingredients are packed in groovy bottles and tubes that change color in extreme ultraviolet radiation to remind you to apply the sunscreen. This functionality is appropriate to the product name, which is analogous to a chameleon that changes color to protect itself.
Is Blue Lizard sunscreen mineral-based?
Blue Lizard sunscreen comes in mineral and mineral-based versions. The mineral variants contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both as active ingredients. On the other hand, mineral-based variants contain octisalate and/or octinoxate along with either or both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
The company faces a class-action lawsuit – filed in March 2021 in California – alleging that the labeling of its products as mineral-based is deceptive. The lawsuit contends that Blue Lizard mineral-based sunscreens contain either five percent of octisalate or 5.5 percent of octinoxate. These are in fact harmful chemicals that you don’t expect in a mineral sunscreen.
The lawsuit asserts that Blue Lizard has misrepresented its ingredients information to gain an edge in the competitive market.
Is Blue Lizard sunscreen gluten-free?
No. Blue Lizard sunscreen does not contain gluten – the company website also confirms it. Gluten is used in some sunscreens as an emulsifier. It is used in topical application products and typically does not affect celiacs as it cannot be absorbed through the skin.
Does Blue Lizard sunscreen have benzene?
The ingredients list does not indicate the presence of benzene. However, the sunscreen contains alkyl benzoate – a clear and soluble liquid that consists of benzoic acid esters. Strangely enough, the compound benzoic acid has a benzene ring core. So, it is indecisive to say if Blue Lizard sunscreen contains benzene or not.
Be that as it may, alkyl benzoate has been accepted as a safe compound for use in skincare products. Only care in using it is to avoid it from entering the eyes. Alkyl benzoate does not have any of the side effects of benzene.
Does Blue Lizard sunscreen have avobenzone?
Blue Lizard sunscreen does not have avobenzone. Mineral-based sunscreens of the company however contain either octisalate or octinoxate – chemicals used to disperse ultraviolet radiation and make the sunscreen water-resistant.
Does Blue Lizard sunscreen contain oxybenzone?
Blue Lizard sunscreen does not contain oxybenzone – which makes it reef friendly. Accordingly, the products have the “We Love the Reef” seal on them. Oxybenzone is a common ingredient in many sunscreens. The chemical is harmful to humans and the environment alike.
Does Blue Lizard sunscreen have zinc oxide?
Yes, Blue Lizard sunscreen contains zinc oxide as an active ingredient in its mineral-based sunscreens. The product uses inorganic minerals to provide broad-spectrum sun protection. Zinc oxide is considered safe by both FDA and dermatologists and can be used by adults, children, and those with sensitive skin.
Serious allergic reactions to zinc oxide are not reported. The mineral may however cause skin dryness and damage human cells when exposed to sunlight for long hours. Further, sunscreens with zinc oxide are usually heavy, making it difficult for the skin to absorb them well; which is essentially why this is safer than chemical sunscreens.
Does Blue Lizard sunscreen contain aluminum?
Blue Lizard contains aluminum in the form of alumina and aluminum stearate. Alumina is a chemical compound having aluminum and oxygen, while aluminum stearate is the aluminum salt of the fatty acid.
According to experts, use of pure aluminum could cause oxidative damage to the skin. However, it is usually used in the form of compounds – which is considered safe.
Alumina is used as a coating blend to keep the nano-sized mineral ingredients in the sunscreen together. It acts as an abrasive, absorbent, and bulking agent. The compound usually makes up about 25 percent of the sunscreen. However, even in this concentration, it is considered safe by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel and the FDA.
Speaking about aluminum stearate – it acts as a suspending and thickening agent. The FDA has approved it as safe for general or specific use.
Does Blue Lizard sunscreen have carcinogens?
Blue Lizard does not list all the ingredients on its label. From the information that is available, we know that Blue Lizard sunscreen contains the following carcinogens:
- Titanium Dioxide – certified as Group 2B carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and suggested to be used in the lowest possible level
- Disodium EDTA – can cause tumors in mammary glands
- Glycols – is an element that the FDA has cautioned manufacturers to be wary of as it is carcinogenic and mutagenic
Do note that these chemicals are only carcinogenic when inhaled or ingested in large quantities. As such, their risks are quite minimal when applied topically.
Does Blue Lizard sunscreen have a scent?
Blue Lizard sunscreen is fragrance-free. It does not have a scent – however, has a slight chemical smell.
Is Blue Lizard sunscreen safe?
Yes, indeed! Blue Lizard sunscreen is one of the most highly-rated sunscreen brands in the world. It meets the stringent regulations of the Australian government. Further, all Blue Lizard sunscreen products are FDA compliant. There are no negative reports against the products too.
Sunscreens could cause safety concerns due to the ingredients that make them. However, Blue Lizard sunscreens are free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, parabens, benzene, and fragrance.
Blue Lizard sunscreens are either mineral or mineral-based. Although titanium dioxide is shown to be carcinogenic, the FDA has certified it as safe in sunscreens.
Is Blue Lizard sunscreen safe for babies?
Blue Lizard sunscreen variants for babies include only minerals as active ingredients. They are also free of harsh chemicals like oxybenzone, parabens, and benzene. Nevertheless, the company advises you to consult your pediatrician before using any sunscreen on babies younger than six months.
Blue Lizard also has a separate line of sunscreen products for older kids and children. These also contain minerals as active ingredients and are considered safe.
Is Blue Lizard sunscreen safe during pregnancy?
Blue Lizard sunscreen is rated as one of the best for pregnant women by all leading websites.
Dermatologists and experts recommend mineral sunscreens for pregnant women. Therefore, if you are pregnant – then Blue Lizard should be your obvious choice as most of its sunscreen products are mineral ones with zinc oxide or titanium oxide as the active ingredient. The brand is also devoid of harsh chemicals and fragrances.
Is Blue Lizard sunscreen safe for the face?
Yes, Blue Lizard sunscreen is safe for your face as it is broad-spectrum with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30+ and 50+, providing protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Further, they are all mineral or mineral-based, antioxidant-rich, and fragrance-free. Blue Lizard Sensitive formulas are recommended if your skin is sensitive and susceptible to breakouts.
Does Blue Lizard sunscreen leave white cast or stain clothes?
Yes to both. Sunscreens containing minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are usually heavy, making it difficult for the skin to absorb them well. Consequently, Blue Lizard sunscreen that contains these minerals is most likely to leave a residue or white cast on your skin. However, this could work well for you as the residue would stay on the skin surface and protect your skin from sun damage.
The company has mentioned on its website that its sunscreens may stain your fabrics. However, several users state the contrary and recommend Blue Lizard to avoid sunscreen stains. Some users believe that the clothes could get stained if the ingredients in sunscreen react with hard water – but the stains can be easily removed with dish soap and white vinegar.
Does Blue Lizard sunscreen cause cancer?
There are no reports suggesting that Blue Lizard sunscreen causes cancer. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreens that offer broad-spectrum protection and are water-resistant with an SPF of 30 or more do not cause cancer. Blue Lizard sunscreens satisfy these criteria. Further, they are free of carcinogens and harsh chemicals like oxybenzone, avobenzone, parabens, and benzene.
Some ingredients in Blue Lizard sunscreens – like titanium dioxide, disodium EDTA, and glycols are known to be carcinogens. It may be safer to avoid products with these ingredients and pick zinc oxide-based sunscreens instead.
Does Blue Lizard sunscreen burn eyes?
Blue Lizard sunscreen is widely known for not causing burning or irritation of the eyes. Sunscreens that burn the eye usually contain harsh chemicals and fragrances. Since Blue Lizard sunscreen is mineral-based and is sans fragrances, you need not worry about burning your eyes. Nevertheless, the company warns you about keeping its products out of your eyes. It also suggests you spray the cream on your palms and then rub it on your face.
Is Blue Lizard sunscreen good for tattoos?
The answer is yes! The ultraviolet rays could break down the ink on your skin and cause your tattoo to fade. It is therefore essential for you to use a trustable sunscreen product to keep your tattoos sharp and clean.
Blue Lizard sunscreen is again the recommended brand to keep your tattoos intact. The product is water-resistant and does not contain any chemical absorbers. It is also not greasy, while still acting as a primer on your tattoos. The SPF values of 30+ and 50+ also shield your art efficiently.
Is Blue Lizard sunscreen good for eczema and rosacea?
Yes, Blue Lizard sunscreen is an excellent fit for eczema and rosacea too. The National Eczema Association recommends using a mineral or mineral-based broad-spectrum sunscreen for adequate protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Further, Blue Lizard sunscreen does not contain chemical absorbers or fragrances that could flare up eczema and rosacea.
You can pick the variants with zinc oxide as it is highly non-comedogenic and has astringent properties. The element will not only protect your skin from sun damage but also help in the quick healing of the wounds. Meanwhile, you can stay put with the mineral variants and avoid the mineral-based ones as the octisalate and octinoxate chemicals in them may be harsh.
Is Blue Lizard sunscreen reef-safe?
Blue Lizard sunscreens carry the “We Love the Reef” seal. The company claims that its products do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate – making them reef-friendly as per the Hawaiian legislation. While its sunscreens do not contain oxybenzone, the claim about the absence of octinoxate is not true. The company website itself notifies that its mineral-based sunscreens contain octinoxate, octisalate, or both. According to the Environment Working Group (EWG), octisalate is also not reef safe and may contribute to coral bleaching.
Since Blue Lizard is from Australia – which is home to the Great Barrier Reef – its claims about being reef safe are held high across the world. If you want to be kind to your environment, you can be extra cautious and avoid the mineral-based versions of Blue Lizard.
Is Blue Lizard sunscreen cruelty-free?
Yes. The products of Blue Lizard sunscreens are not tested on animals. Also, they are completely vegan – which means the products do not contain animal ingredients or animal-derived byproducts.
Does Blue Lizard sunscreen test on animals?
Blue Lizard’s final products are not tested on animals. In addition, the company also follows a process to ensure that its suppliers do not test the raw materials on animals.
How long does Blue Lizard sunscreen last?
Blue Lizard sunscreen typically lasts for two hours on your skin. In fact, any sunscreen with SPF is effective only for two hours after application.
The company recommends reapplication of the sunscreen every two hours if your skin is dry, or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.
Does Blue Lizard sunscreen expire?
As per the company website, sunscreens lose their efficacy two to three years after the manufacturing date. So, if your sunscreen has crossed this time limit, it would have lost its original quality. The company also advises you to store the product in a cool, dark place to preserve its quality.
References:
- Does Glossier Skincare Have Fragrance? - October 21, 2022
- Is Aveeno Color-Safe? - October 20, 2022
- Is Acure Color-Safe? - October 20, 2022
