Allergy to suntan lotion

Both me and my daughter suffer badly to suntan lotion. It gave us rashes for days. The only brand we can use is Coppertone SPF30 for children.(No longer available in HK.) With hot weather (beach holiday) approaches, I would like to find a suitable replacement for the above.


Any recommendation/ suggestion much appreciated.

Without knowing exactly which chemical in "normal" suntan lotion you are both allergic to, it is a difficult to suggest one which will not be a problem.


I know some people find SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defence SPF 30 does not cause problems. It contains 5% transparent zinc oxide and 10% titanium dioxide which are non-irritating. This can be purchased in beauty salons such as Elemis, but it is expensive (around the $300-mark).


A less costly option is Neutrogena Sensitive Skin Sunblock (SPF 30) which contains titanium dioxide as its active ingredient.


I have supersensitive skin and on my body I use SunSense SunSensitive - the one available in HK has an SPF of 60+ and is water resistant up to 4 hours. It is available in many HK pharmacies. (It is called SunSense Low Irritant 30+ in Australia, I believe.) It is made in Australia by Ego (which also makes SOOV, QV, etc.) to Australian standards and for the Ozzie sun. It also has titanium dioxide as one of the active ingredients. It is costs about $90 for a 200ml tube - but don't hold me to that! There is also a Sport Milk 30+ but it might not be as suitable.


If I run out of my usual face sunscreen, I use Sunsense's Face Milk on top of moisturiser and have not had a reaction to it. The roll-on is about $50-60.


Hope some of this helps.

Thank you both for the valuable input. I don't know what trigger the allergy in using the suntan lotion.... The only thing I noticed is if I use anything higher than SPF30. I tend to break out in a couple days.

I used Neutrogena last summer but did not find it effective. Coppertone sunblock lotion SPF30 for kids has better result. The other one I can use is Clarins suntan lotion for face SPF30. Again, they don't make it anymore. I will look into Sunsense products. Thanks.

I, too, am allergic to some sun screens. They make my skin turn red and feels like it's burning. I don't know what ingredient. A brand that I am able to use is Banana Boat, which is a USA brand. It comes in several varieties and strengths. I usually purchase the one that is waterproof and labeled "sport" in an orange squeeze bottle. I think it's available in Hong Kong, but not sure since I've also carried some in my suitcase. My dermatologist also gave me some different varieties to try which did not cause any problems. I've read that the ones containing titanium oxide are the best because they block more rays. I'm going to try the ones that Claire recommends!

I would suggesting avoiding chemical sunscreens and using a physical sunscreen that contains titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or both. Avoid getting products that contain PABA or parabens. One brand I often recommend is Solbarshield. You should be able to find it in Mannings.