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Banana Boat · Sunscreens

Ultra Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray (Canada)

·180 ml·Leave-on
61
Some concern

Why this score

Concern36 / 55
  • Oxybenzone: watch if sensitive
  • Fragrance: watch if sensitive

How much genuine, cited concern the ingredients carry, weighted by how much of each is likely present and whether the product stays on or rinses off.

Transparency12 / 20
  • Uses an undisclosed "fragrance/parfum" blend, so its scent allergens are hidden.

Whether the full ingredient list, and any fragrance, are actually disclosed.

Formulation restraint13 / 25
  • 2 known irritant or fragrance-allergen ingredients: Oxybenzone, Fragrance.

Needless irritant or allergen load for the product type. A clean, purposeful formula scores well without any "free-from" theater.

Scored by PlainBody Editorial against the PlainScore method · Label checked July 2026

What’s inside

OctinoxateWatch if sensitive

A widely used UVB chemical filter with a long safety record at US-approved concentrations. Some lab and animal studies have raised questions about hormone activity and coral reef impact, which is why a few jurisdictions cap or restrict it, but human-relevant risk at labeled use levels is considered low by regulators.

Full ingredient details →
OctisalateGenerally safe

A mild UVB chemical filter usually used to help dissolve and stabilize other sunscreen actives. It has a long OTC history at US-approved levels with a low rate of reported irritation.

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OxybenzoneWatch if sensitive

An organic UV filter with a genuinely mixed evidence picture: it is a documented contact and photo-contact allergen in a subset of users, and studies show it absorbs into the bloodstream at levels that prompted the FDA to request further safety data. The EU has lowered its permitted concentration as a precaution. It is not established as unsafe at approved levels, but people with sensitive skin may prefer to watch for reactions or choose a mineral filter.

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AvobenzoneGenerally safe

A widely used organic UV-A filter in sunscreens. It can lose effectiveness in sunlight unless paired with photostabilizers, but safety reviews have not found it to pose a meaningful health hazard at approved use levels.

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C12-15 Alkyl BenzoateGenerally safe

A solvent and emollient ester used in leave-on and rinse-off formulas. The CIR Expert Panel reviewed alkyl benzoates and found no irritation even at full strength, with typical use levels ranging from 0.0008 to 50 percent depending on product type.

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Caprylyl GlycolGenerally safe

Caprylyl glycol is a plant-derived humectant that also has mild antimicrobial properties, so it is commonly paired with other preservatives to allow lower overall preservative levels. Available data do not point to meaningful irritation or sensitization concerns at typical use levels.

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Aloe VeraGenerally safe

A plant-derived water or extract used mainly as a soothing humectant filler. Evidence for dramatic skin benefits beyond mild hydration and soothing is limited, but it is well tolerated by most people.

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Retinyl PalmitateCommonly feared, low concern

Retinyl palmitate is an ester of vitamin A used in moisturizers and some sunscreens for mild anti-aging and antioxidant support. Long-term panel reviews of the ingredient have generally found it safe as used, with irritation potential similar to other mild retinoids at typical cosmetic concentrations.

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Vitamin EGenerally safe

An antioxidant that helps protect a formula and condition skin. Well tolerated.

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FragranceWatch if sensitive

An undisclosed scent blend that can contain dozens of components. The single most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy, and the blend is not itemized, so you cannot see what is in it.

Full ingredient details →

Note: this product hides its scent as an undisclosed “fragrance/parfum” blend, so its specific allergens are not on the label.

Lower-concern alternatives

Same category, higher PlainScore.

Compare Ultra Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray (Canada) against anything we have scored →

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Cosmetic information for general education, not medical advice. Concern ratings are evidence-graded and cited on each ingredient page. See how we score.