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Reviews > Health & Safety > Sunscreens and Skin Protection > Dermatone Sunscreens and Skin Protection > Test Report by Marina Batzke

DERMATONE MINERAL SUNSCREEN LOTIONS
TEST SERIES BY MARINA BATZKE
LONG-TERM REPORT
June 27, 2022

CLICK HERE TO SKIP TO THE FIELD REPORT
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TESTER INFORMATION

NAME: Marina Batzke
EMAIL: mbbp2013@yahoo.com
AGE: 62
LOCATION: Los Angeles County, California, USA
GENDER: F
HEIGHT: 5' 5" (1.65 m)
WEIGHT: 132 lb (59.90 kg)

I converted from day hiking and car camping to backpacking in 2013. My backpacking trips are one or two weekend excursions per month in Southern California. The locations range from Joshua Tree National Park desert areas in the cooler months to mountainous elevations in the summer months. I always hike with a group and like the gear talk in camp. While I am looking for ways to lighten my pack, I am not an ultra-lighter: I like sleeping in a tent with a sleeping bag on a comfortable pad. In January 2017, I added snowshoeing to my winter activities.


INITIAL REPORT

PRODUCT INFORMATION & SPECIFICATIONS

Manufacturer: Dermatone Labs, LLC
Year of Test: 2022
Manufacturer's Website: http://www.dermatone.com/
Made in the USA

Dermatone MINERAL Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
MSRP: US$9.99
Listed Weight: 0.5 oz (14 g)
Measured Weight: 1.1 oz (31.18 g)

Dermatone MINERAL Lip Balm SPF 30
MSRP: US$4.79
Listed Weight: 0.15 oz (4.2 g)
Measured Weight: 0.3 oz (8.5 g)
Other details: available in 1-, 2- and 3-Packs

Dermatone MINERAL Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
MSRP: US$22.99
Listed Volume: 2 fl oz (59 ml)
Measured Weight: 2.8 oz (79 g)

Dermatone SPORT Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
MSRP: US$16.99
Listed Volume: 3 fl oz (89 ml)
Measured Weight: 3.6 oz (102 g)

Dermatone SPORT Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
MSRP: US$18.99
Listed Volume: 3 fl oz (89 ml)
Measured Weight: 3.6 oz (102 g)

Dermatone BODY Anti-Chafe Stick
MSRP: US$8.99
Listed Weight: 0.5 oz (14 g)
Measured Weight: 1 oz (28.35 g)

INITIAL IMPRESSIONS

IMAGE 1
six products arrived inside this pouch

The six Dermatone sunscreen products arrived inside a blue fabric pouch that consists of a front panel imprinted: Dermatone Sunscreen and Skin Protection, and the majority of the pouch made of blue mesh. The pouch closes with a metal zipper at the top.

I received six Dermatone sunscreen products for testing. Three of the items are Dermatone's MINERAL line: they are made with a mineral formula and described as reef safe.
IMAGE 2
six products front view
IMAGE 3
six products back view

The mineral sunscreen stick provides SPF 50 (sun protection factor). The active sunscreen ingredient is zinc oxide (20%). The "no-touch" stick is designed to allow sun protection while preventing greasy hands during the application process, and especially well suited for larger areas like my face and nose, neck and shoulders. I like the fact that this stick prevents greasy hands, since so far I have always used sunlotion and for sure have smeared the grease onto my hiking pole grips. The stick's sunscreen protection is described as water resistant up to 80 minutes. It is paraben free and cruelty free.

The mineral lip balm provides SPF 30 and is also made with a natural zinc formula (active ingredient: 8% zinc oxide) to help protect my lips from UVA/UVB (long wave ultraviolet A/ short wave ultraviolet B) rays. Other ingredients include shea butter, vitamin E and jojoba seed oil to protect and moisturize the lips. The lip balm is oxybenzone and octinoxate free, paraben free and cruelty free. The mineral lip balm is a 0.15 oz (4.2 g) twist-up stick. The lip balm plastic stick has a label wrapped all-around that I can peel off to read up on the drug facts. Once I peeled the label back, I saw the directions how to apply, the inactive ingredients, the sun protection measures and a warning.

The mineral sunscreen lotion offers SPF 30 sun protection. It is suited to be used daily on my face, neck and body and described as moisturizing and non-greasy. Its vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) ingredient is to help prevent signs of aging. Interesting to learn that the mid size 2 oz (59 ml) squeeze tube size happens to be TSA friendly: I can have it in my hand luggage when traveling by air. The mineral sunscreen lotion is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, and paraben free, cruelty and fragrance free.

Another sunscreen lotion is Dermatone's SPORT classic SPF 30, described as specially blended to provide broad spectrum UV A/UV B protection. It is described as long lasting sweat resistant and water resistant protection (80 minutes) for all outdoor activities and recommended for use on my face, neck and body. Its 3 oz (89 ml) mid size squeeze tube is TSA-friendly: I can have it in my hand luggage when traveling by air. This classic SPF 30 lotion is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, paraben and cruelty free.

Dermatone's SPORT SPF 50 is described as non-greasy, moisturizing and sweat/water resistant (80 minutes). Ideal to be used on my face, neck and body. It also comes in the convenient, mid size TSA-friendly 3 oz (89 ml) squeeze tube. This classic SPF 50 lotion is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, paraben and cruelty free.

Dermatone's Anti-Chafe Stick is formulated without active SPF ingredients since it gets used on areas of the body without sun exposure. This anti-bacterial and fragrance free anti-chafing stick is described as effective on spots where skin is rubbed against skin (thighs, chest, and armpits), and to stop irritation and blisters from shoes, gear, and other irritants. Dermatone's BODY anti-chafe stick (0.5 oz/ 14 g) is formulated with natural ingredients designed to create an invisible barrier that helps prevent against friction and chafing.

READING THE INSTRUCTIONS

SPF (sun protection factor) is the measure of how much UV radiation (solar energy) is required to produce sunburn on protected skin (i.e., in the presence of sunscreen) relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin. As the SPF value increases, sunburn protection increases.

Typical warnings are for skin cancer and skin aging: if I spend time in the sun, I increase the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.

TRYING IT OUT

The mineral sunscreen stick is 3 in (7.6 cm) tall, 1.5 in (3.8 cm) wide and 0.75 in (1.9 cm) thick. I can easily remove the 2.44 in (6.2 cm) cover. Once I turn the small wheel at the bottom, the sunscreen stick projects out and I can apply the sunscreen to my face, nose, ears, neck and more without getting my fingers greasy. I applied some to the back of my hand: easy to apply, silky-smooth. I noticed no scent or odor.

The mineral lip balm is 2.625 in (6.7 cm) tall and 0.625 in (1.59 cm) diameter, the same size like all the other lip balms I own. Just like all other lip balms I have ever owned, I had to turn the plastic cap and break the plastic seal. I turned the small wheel at the stick bottom and pushed some of the balm out. I perceived it thick on my lips. I noticed no scent or odor.

The mineral SPF 30 sunscreen lotion tube is 5.625 in (14.29 cm) tall, 1.875 in (4.76 cm) wide and 1.125 in (2.86 cm) round at the tube opening. I tried hard to squeeze some lotion out but noticed I first had to unscrew the tube cap and remove a silvery metal seal to allow the tube contents to come out. I did not notice any scent. The lotion is a white, easy to spread liquid. It dried quickly and I kept wondering: is there a hint of scent? I couldn't tell.

The SPORT SPF 30 suncreen lotion tube is 6 in (15.24 cm) tall, 2.125 in (5.4 cm) wide and 1.25 in (3.17 cm) round at the tube opening. I unscrewed the tube cap and removed the silvery metal seal. It was easy to squeeze out a bit of white, easy to spread liquid. It dried quickly and again: I did not notice any scent.

The SPORT SPF 50 is also 6 in (15.24 cm) tall, 2.125 in (5.4 cm) wide and 1.25 in (3.17 cm) round at the tube opening. Same size and same findings as for the SPORT SPF 30.

The BODY Anti-Chafe Stick is 3 in (7.6 cm) tall, 1.5 in (3.8 cm) wide and 0.75 in (1.9 cm) thick. I could easily remove the 2.44 in (6.2 cm) cover. Once I turned the small wheel at the bottom, the paste projected out and I could apply the firm paste to a sensitive area. I noticed no scent and the stick is clearly marked as fragrance free anyways.

SUMMARY

Dermatone offers a wide range of items that protect my skin against sun, wind and cold. I definitely need sun protection, living in Southern California.

LIKES:
high SPF values of 30 and 50
convenient sizes that I can keep in a jacket pocket
fragrance free

DISLIKES:
none so far


LONG-TERM REPORT

LONG-TERM TEST LOCATIONS AND CONDITIONS

Weekly Sunday morning hikes on Palos Verdes, Southern California, USA
on average 3.2 mi (5 km) with minor ups and downs
Temps ranging from 65 F - 85 F (18 C - 30 C)

Palos Verdes Hike, Southern California, USA
4.4 mi (7 km) with 245 ft (75 m) elevation gain
sunny with a beautiful blue sky
Temp 72 F (22 C)

Dayhike Tanoble Drive to Henninger Flats, Southern California, USA
9 mi (14.5 km) with 2500 ft (760 m) elevation gain
sunny with a light white cloud dusting in the afternoon
Temps from 60 F (16 C) in the early morning to 71 F (22 C) in the afternoon

Dayhike Deukmejian Park to Mt. Lukens, Southern California, USA
10 mi (16.1 km) with 2900 ft (884 m) elevation gain
sunny with a beautiful blue sky
Temp 78 F (26 C)

2-day/1-night carcamp Mission Creek Preserve, Southern California, USA
strong winds, sunny
2.5 mi (4 km) with 350 ft (100 m) elevation gain
2.5 mi (4 km) with 275 ft (84 m) elevation gain
Temp 88 - 61 F (31 - 16 C)

2-night backpack Henninger Flats, Southern California, USA
3 mi (5 km) with 1320 ft (400 m) elevation gain
7 mi (11 km) with 1550 ft (475 m) elevation gain
3 mi (5 km) down down down
thick fog each morning, melting away around 11 AM for sunny afternoons
Temp 72 - 50 F (22 - 10 C)

Dayhike Muir Peak, San Gabriel Mountains, USA
12 mi (19 km) with 3000 ft (900 m) elevation gain
sunny to overcast
Temp 70 F (21 C)

Dayhike Three Sisters, Southern California, USA
8 mi (13 km) with 1400 ft (500 m) elevation gain
sunny with a light breeze = a perfect California day
Temp 70 F (21 C)
IMAGE 1
my sun hat protects my neck very well
IMAGE 2
near Eaton Canyon Falls

PERFORMANCE IN THE FIELD

I used the Dermatone Mineral Lip Balm SPF 30 on all my outings. I always have the lip balm positioned on the stand at my front door and when I grab my car keys to leave for an outing, I automatically grab the lip balm and carry it in one of my pant pockets. Even though it probably got a bit warm while being close to my leg skin, the lip balm has kept its shape inside the tube container. I typically apply the lip balm to just the upper lip and then press both lips together to evenly distribute the lip balm. It has a thick, rich consistency and I apply it about every couple of hours, since I might wear some off when drinking water and eating snacks while hiking. I have never noticed any buildup. To explain: with other lip balms, I have occasionally noticed a buildup line of balm where my lips press together, or a bit of buildup in the corners. None of that with the Dermatone. I notice an ever so slight scent when I sniff the balm inside the tube but I find it hard to describe the minor scent. There is still plenty of lip balm left that will get me through this summer.

At the trailhead, I always apply sun lotion to my face (cheeks, chin, nose) and throat area. I never apply sun lotion to my forehead. On strenuous uphills, when sweat is running down my forehead and I frequently remove my sunglasses to wipe the sweat off my forehead and out of my eyes, I am making sure to not get any sun lotion into my eyes. I always wear a wide brim sun hat that provides optimum face and neck protection. I also apply a dab of sun lotion to the back of each hand, since I do not hike with gloves on.
IMAGE 3
a dab of my preferred SPORT SPF 50

My preferred sun protection of the tested items is the Dermatone SPORT Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50. It is a milky white lotion with an ever so slight, pleasant scent. I apply a small dab to my pointing finger and apply it to my cheeks and the throat area. My wide brim sun hat well covers my forehead and my neck plus I always wear long sleeve shirts, so I don't need all that much sun lotion. I add a small dab to the back of one hand and I rub both backs of my hands together to evenly apply the sun lotion. The SPORT dries up clear and leaves no white residue.

Because I live in Southern California with extensive sun exposure, I prefer the SPF 50 over the SPORT SPF 30 sunscreen lotion. Apart from that Sun Protection Factor difference, there is nothing wrong with the SPF 30.

Growing on me favorably is the Dermatone MINERAL Sunscreen Stick SPF 50. It is such a small unit, and therefore so easy to put into the outside mesh pocket of my daypack or the hip pouch of my backpack. I had never used a sunscreen stick before and it was the last item of the test products I tested. It was easy to extend the firm stick by turning the small wheel, then apply the white sun protection to my face and throat area. I also applied some to one back of hand and rubbed it onto the other back of hand. It does show a pale white color on my face after application that does not even go away after extensive sweating. I will probably take this lightweight, easy to apply stick on my long backpack in July (instead of a tube of sun lotion) because the stick is so small and easy to carry.

The Dermatone MINERAL SPF 30 is a little less milky, it is a touch thicker but far from pasty. A couple of times after I applied it to my cheeks, I felt a slight itch. I could not say if the itch indeed was caused by the sun lotion. Could it possibly have been due to interaction with heavy sweating? The MINERAL lotion leaves a white residue on the skin which stays on in light white until I wash my face once back home. Even excessive sweating does not make the white disappear.

I do not have an opinion on the Dermatone BODY Anti-Chafe stick. I have not had any problems with friction. Even more recently, when I have increased the mileage on my hikes, I have not had any friction problems. The Anti-Chafe goes on easily. Using the little wheel, it is easy to extend the firm stick and apply the substance to the skin. Then I roll back on the little wheel and the stick retracts. I still have plenty of it left and may benefit from it on a 5-day backpack in July.

SUMMARY

All Dermatone sun protection products have very well protected my skin throughout this test period. I did not once have a sun burn. I did not once have a blister on my lips. Throughout the entire test period, my skin was well protected. I will continue to use all of the Dermatone sun protection products throughout this season until they are all used up.

Thank you to Dermatone and BackpackGearTest.org for the opportunity to test this expansive line of sun protection products.

This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version 1. Copyright 2022. All rights reserved.

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