Bottle says "non-greasy" and "waterproof", but that doesn't stop it from getting into my eyes, causing a burning sensation and ruining my disposable contact lenses (at $6 each, they usually last 2 weeks).I work outdoors all year in coastal areas of South Florida (since 1979), and I have developed increasing respect for the sun as my dermatologist's bills keep getting steeper and the scalpels keep slicing more off of me. And, though I tried this product in 2010-2011 but found it was not the answer to my needs. It runs into my eyes as soon as the sweating starts. And, once in, it is very hard to get out of your eyes and ruins disposable (soft, permeable) contact lens instantly and permanently. When you have something irritating your eye, it requires being prepared, will-power, and a reasonably good memory to restrain your finger until you can find a clean cloth to use (instead of that contaminated finger). I apparently lack at least one of these, as I have at least one daily disappointment with this sunscreen.
The Environmental Working Group website (a relatively new site that rates sunscreens for performance and safety) gave this product a middling rating of 5 (on scale of 1-10, 1 being best) and a "caution" advisory, citing "HIGH" health concerns based on the inclusion of a few hazardous ingredients. I won't be buying this Coppertone product again. Until I find something better, I suspect that relying on long-sleeved clothing and broad brim hats alone may be safer than using this product. The next problem is finding a good value; I am in the subtropical sun nearly every doy of the year and can't afford to use sunscreens that cost $30 or more per ounce.
Also, I will have to look further into the impartiality of EWG's ratings, as they sell many of the sunscreens they ranked highest definitely a red flag.I wish Consumer Reports would update their otherwise excellent July 2010 review of sunscreens to address the health / safety issues EWG mentions.
So, until I know more about the health risk, I won't buy this one again. Now that I have read the poor rating and health risks at Environmental Work Group website (rates sunscreens), I may not even use the rest of the bottle. I rely on a broad-brimmed hat, long-sleeved shirt and long pants (yes, year-round and yes, it gets hot but I drink a lot of water and have learned to not mind the heat so much, especially when I compare it to the various skin cancers) for most of my sun protection, but face, neck and ears still get more sun than they should, and even a typical long-sleeved cotton t-shirt is only rated SPF 7 (less if wet), which explains why I am still tan above the belt line, despite covering up pretty well. Unfortunately, the higher SPF polyester shirts are ruined by their first contact with a thorn or other snag; loops of thread pull out and won't go back, but if you cut them off the shirt develops long ugly runs, and is even more prone to snagging. Cotton shirts are much (MUCH) more durable and, occasionally, I find heavy weight cotton shirts (any color works better than white, though white is coolest) that provide a higher SPF (though they seldom mention what it might actually be).
I've had skin cancer eleven times, so I'm religious about applying it every day, throughout the year.This product has pretty decent protection.But what I really like is that the smell harkens me back to my childhood of the hot California summers.
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