Some friends of mine swear by this stuff, but every time I see them put it on their kids, the rug rats scream their heads off! But, I figured I scream and fight, too, if someone four times my size was smearing gooey stuff all over my face when I wanted to be in the waves already.

Well, after getting a skin graft on my forehead due to basal cell carcinoma, I figured I'd better goop up with something VERY protective, instead of the wimpy stuff I'd been using, especially as my cancer doc had said, "NO, do NOT use sunscreen. Use SUNBLOCK." Can't get much more clear than that!

Having sensitive skin, I thought I'd try this SPF 50 sunblock since it is what my friends slather all over their li'l 'un's tender hides.

So, I bought a bottle of Hawaiian Tropic Baby Faces and Tender Places 50spf. Headed out the the parking lot and twisted my bike's mirror around so I could see what I was doing. As per instructions, I shook the stuff well - though it was so thick the shaking semed irrelevant - and smeared the suggested "generous" amount on, being sure to smooth it out evenly. OH. . . MINE. . . . GOTT . . . IM . . . . HIMMEL!!!!!! Or, to paraphrase Tatoo, "Da Paaain! Da Paaain!"

I didn't need a sunburn. I felt as if my skin was peeling off right there in the shade of the parking lot. And,not only did my face hurt like *&^%, but it smelled like a baby's butt. I had forgotten to check for that nasty perfume all baby products seem to have (Why can't someone come up with un-scented products for kids?)

Once I got over the shock, I was able to deal with the burning and stinging while I finished my errands. Halfway through the ride, the stuff had crept into my eyes, or maybe I was not thinking and rubbed my eyes, but in any case, I was almost blinded by the burning and watering in my eyes. This is not good when riding a motorcycle through rush-hour traffic. I headed for home to wash off.

It doesn't wash off.

Maybe the sunscreen washes off. The pain doesn't wash off. After about three hours, the pain subsided. Numbness, tingling, and burning remained in my lips - kind of like after a dental procedure, but more painful.

I should have known to test it on a small patch of skin. My bad.

The claims on the back of the bottle read:

UVB/UVA Protection - It did, indeed, keep me from getting burned

Broad Spectrum - Again, I didn't get burned

PABA-Free - I actually thought it HAD PABA, since PABA also gives me that intense burning sensation.

Extended Waterproof - I believe that. soap-proof, too. Couldn't get it off when I wanted to!

hypoallergenic - OK, maybe I'm not allergic to it. I sure am sensitive to it!

Rub-resistant -bonds to skin - Yes, indeed. Can't get the danged stuff off!

Pediatrician tested - Oughta have some Pediatrics test it, too. I'm thinking there are real reasons kids scream and squirm when this stuff is put on them.

Non-stinging - HAH! Stings, burns, puts your face on fire!

Non-migrating - won't run into eyes - I would dispute that, but I MIGHT have touched my eyes with my hands after rubbing it on.

12 hour moisturizing - I'm stuck with this stuff glued to my face for 12 hours!?! I washed and washed to try and get it off. My face certainly has a different texture now, similar to immediately after my friend had her face done with a chemical peel.

oil Free - Definately non-oily. Feels more like some kind of melted plastic. Remember the liquid plastic we made "Creepy Crawlers" out of in that cooking kit? Feels kindof like that.

Vitamines A, C, and E - Good antioxidents.

Lullaby Baby Fragrance - Great. Now I know the name for that baby's butt smell.

While they say it is "clinically tested to be hypoallergenic and non-irritating for sensitive skin of all ages," they also say, "If irritation occurs, discontinue use."

Active ingredients Octocrylene, Oxytenzone, and Avobenzone are listed.

I wish they would list the inactive ingredients, as some people are allergic to certain seeds and nuts, and extracs from those are used in cosmetics - which cannot be worn by people sensitive to those nuts/seeds.

I don't know if this really makes a difference, but my daughter's doctor says red-heads have exceptionally sensitive skin. Though darker complexioned than most redheads, and tending (at least in my younger days) more toward auburn, I am a true redhead. If you are a redhead, I'd really appreciate it if you would post a comment about this.

I checked on Hawaiian Tropic's website to try and learn more. It just had more of the same hype that is on the bottles. No additional useful information such as inactive ingredients, chemical structures of the active ingredients, or links to background information on the chemicals used.

They also do not put an expiration date on the protduct. The following is from their website:

"All sunscreen products are classified as over the counter (OTC) drugs and are regulated by the FDA. It is not a current requirement to include expiration dating on sunscreen products as long as "products are proven stable for at least 3 years as supported by appropriate stability data."

Hawaiian Tropic® products are subjected to rigorous testing procedures to assure strength, quality and purity. Data is generated on each Hawaiian Tropic® product to comply with regulatory requirements and to assure that Hawaiian Tropic® sunscreens maintain their protective level for 3 years or more. Consumers may consider discarding unused portions of sunscreens after 2 years. "When in doubt, throw it out." If you would like to know when a particular product was manufactured, please include the name of the product and the code number inkjet printed on the bottle with your e-mail or written inquiry."


I have sent them the following e-mail:

"Yesterday I purchased the 4oz bottle of "baby faces & tender places" at Sack-n-Save in Hilo, Hawai`i. After applying it, I immediately experienced a strong burining sensation. I tried to wash off the product, but that did not help.

I looked up the product on epinions.com and found that most people liked it. There was one other person who posted that she and her whole family experienced the same burning. She is on Maui.

I am wondering if the Hawai`i formula is different that what is available on the Mainland? The packaging is very different. The Hawai`i product I saw was only available in a very heavy creme, while the products listed on epinions seememd to be a pump spray and a pumpable creme. Comparing the bottle I purchased with those advertised on-line, the bottles are quite different.

Thank you for your rapid response,
Leilehua Yuen"

I recieved the following reply from them in less than an hour:

"Thank you for your email. We are sorry to hear you are dissatisfied with
Hawaiian Tropic product. Please return the product for testing in our
lab. A packet will be mailed right away which will include a postage
paid mailer for your convenience in returning the product, a brief
questionnaire, and a form from which you may choose a replacement
product. We will proceed with investigation of your complaint promptly
upon receipt of the product and information. Again, we are sorry you are
dissatisfied and await your response.

In 2005 we reformulated all of our products with Parsol 1789 for more
UVA protection. The new reformulated product is much thicker and does
not come in the pump bottle. The formula is the same for U.S.A. market
including HI.
Sincerely,
Janet Hurta
Consumer Relations



Despite the pain, it did, indeed, protect my skin from sunburn! Anybody want a slightly-used bottle of "Baby Faces?"

Update 2/17/07
Since posting this, several people have contacted me regarding intense burning and stinging caused by this product. I will reiterate - whenever using a new skin care product, try a patch test first.

Update 2/27/07
After almost two weeks, the promised information kit to fill out with my experience in using this product has not yet arrived. I give this company zero stars for customer service and care.

Recommended: No