Twitter User Alleges That Banana Boat Spray Sunscreen Causes Chemical Burns — See Photos
These aren’t the first allegations against a Banana Boat sunscreen. In 2017, Canadian Rebecca Cannon claimed to CBC News that her 14-month-old baby had a rash with blisters and “second-degree burns” after using the Banana Boat SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Kid’s Sunscreen. According to Cannon, a dermatologist had confirmed that the reaction was a “second-degree caustic burn,” or a “chemical burn” brought on by the sunscreen.
At that time, Banana Boat shared a statement with the news network stating it is always “greatly concerned” when someone experiences a reaction to its products. “We have spoken with the consumer and asked for the product so that our quality assurance team can look into this further,” their statement read. “Without examining the product, it is difficult to determine what may have caused the problem as described.”
Allure reached out to Banana Boat regarding this new allegation and in a statement the brand said: “We never lose sight of the impact adverse reactions or events can have on families and their loved ones, and while the risk of serious events is very rare, if someone does report a negative experience, we fully investigate the reported case to the best of our ability and report it to the proper authorities.” The brand added that the safety of its consumers is its “number-one priority” and its sunscreens go through a rigorous testing process before going to market.
The brand’s statement also noted that it is in contact with Taylar “to better understand and help with her situation” and “will remain in touch until her situation is resolved.”
According to Connecticut-based, board-certified dermatologist Mona Gohara, MD, it’s very rare for sunscreens to burn the skin. “It would be highly unusual for sunscreens to create a burn, but it is possible that one could have a rash,” she shares. “Allergic or irritant contact dermatitis can result from chemical sunscreen filters and leave the skin inflamed, irritated, and itchy.” She notes that contact dermatitis can potentially happen with any skin-care product and SPF’s benefits outweigh any unlikely risks.
If you do appear to have a reaction to a sunscreen, Dr. Gohara recommends immediately seeing a board-certified dermatologist and avoiding topical treatments, such as aloe vera, Neosporin, and bacitracin, and “other over-the-counter products that may seem soothing but can stoke the fire.” Your best bet is to use a barrier repair cream and a cool compress until you’re able to see a doctor, according to Dr. Gohara. Try reaching for something like Vaseline.