Banana Boat targets kids with tear-free sunscreens
launched in the US by Playtex subsidiary Banana Boat Suncare.
The firm claims it is the first major brand to introduce tear-free sun creams that are also fragrance-free, paba-free and hypoallergenic.
"The Banana Boat tear-free, patented formulas were developed after extensive consumer research where moms told us that one of their biggest complaints is sunscreen irritating their children's eyes," said Jean Fufidio, Vice President of Marketing for Banana Boat.
"We have now solved one of the biggest problems that parents face when applying sunscreen to their children."
The new line, which claims to provide parents with "worry-free" protection for their children, is available in SPF 30 and SPF 50. The firm is marketing its formulas as "mild, pediatrician-tested and gentle on delicate skin, while providing high SPF and broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection."
Together with Banana Boat, other leading brand names specifically targeting children's skin in the US include Sunny Smarts and Rattles and Kinesys.
Indeed, with scientists increasingly stressing the importance of protecting young skin from the sun, a growing selection of sunscreen products have started to crowd store shelves in recent years.
Sunscreen manufacturers have played an active role in the battle to protect younger skin, formulating a host of skincare products specially designed for optimal use on younger and more sensitive skin types. Generally they are formulated with less harsh chemicals, relying on ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide a minimum recommended SPF of 15.
Scientists from the Department of Dermatology at Wake Forest University recently said their latest research suggests the message that UV protection has to start young should continue to be driven home as it is not always getting across.
Currently it is estimated that individuals receive 50 per cent of their total lifetime exposure to sun before the age of 18, but an estimated one per cent of pediatricians providing skin cancer counseling in the US, indications are that there is still much work to do.
