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Reviews > Health & Safety > Sunscreens and Skin Protection > Hawaiian Tropic Ozone Sunblock Stick > Owner Review by Ray Estrella

Hawaiian Tropic Ozone Ultimate Sunblock Stick
By Raymond Estrella
OWNER REVIEW

January 29, 2010

TESTER INFORMATION

NAME: Raymond Estrella
EMAIL: rayestrellaAThotmailDOTcom
AGE: 49
LOCATION: Orange County, California, USA
GENDER: M
HEIGHT: 6' 3" (1.91 m)
WEIGHT: 210 lb (95.30 kg)

I have been backpacking for over 30 years, all over California, plus many western states and Minnesota. I hike year-round in all weather, and average 500+ miles (800+ km) per year. I make a point of using lightweight gear, and smaller volume packs. Doubting I can ever be truly UL, I try to be as near to it as I can yet still be comfortable. I start early and hike hard so as to enjoy the afternoons exploring/chilling. I usually take a freestanding tent and enjoy hot meals at night. If not hiking solo I am usually with brother-in-law Dave.

The Product

Manufacturer: Hawaiian Tropic
Web site: www.hawaiiantropic.com
Product: Ozone Ultimate
Year of first use: 2005
MSRP: N/A
Weight listed (ingredient only): 0.5 oz (14 g)
Weight including dispenser: 1.2 oz (34 g)

Sunblock stick it to me

Product Description

The Hawaiian Tropic Ozone Ultimate sunblock stick is an oil-free sunblock rated to 50+ SPF ( Sun Protection Factor, the standard measure for rating sunscreen products). It is part of Hawaiian Tropic's Protection series of sunblocks, and sub-grouped as the Ozone Ultimate series. The Ozone products are their highest SPF formulas. Here are the company-supplied selling points.

Higher SPFs with Less Chemical Sunscreens
Photostable Formula
Longer Lasting Protection
Broad Spectrum, high SPF protection
Light, dry feel - great for everyday use
Stick offers hands free application
Aloe enriched to help provide moisturization
Non-greasy formula absorbs quickly
Non-Comedogenic (does not block pores)
Dermatologist Tested
Recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation

It comes in a small white dispenser reminiscent of a stick deodorant container. It has a rotating dial that extends the solid sunblock through the body of the container.

According to the back label the active sunblock ingredients consist of Homosolate, Octocrylene, Octinoxate, Oxybenzone and Octisalate.

The label warns that it is intended for external use only, and to avoid contact with the eyes.

The recommended directions for use are to "apply generously and evenly before sun exposure. Reapply occasionally and after prolonged swimming, excessive perspiration, or toweling. For best results use daily."

Whoa, it's like a mini deodorant dude

Field Conditions

I have carried and used this sunblock on almost every winter, early spring, late fall, and mountaineering trip in the past five years. Elevations have ranged from 6,000' to over 14,000' (1,800 to 4,300 m) in temperatures ranging from 52 F to 13 F (11 to -11 C). Conditions have ranged from beautiful crystal clear sunny days to full-on blizzards.

Observations

Let me start out by saying that I do not use many sunblock products. I rarely wear them for my normal three-season hiking, day-hiking, or daily exercise walking. (I do apply a low number block when going to the beach.) The main use of sunblock for me is on winter condition hikes and mountaineering trips. I have received my worst burns while above 10,000 ft (3000 m) elevation. I think the combination of the cold air and the thinner atmosphere blocking less UV, and the quite often overcast skies all combine to get me good. When the sun is shining bright the added reflection from snow and ice compounds the effect also.

I have used a few products over the years but have settled on the Ozone stick for a few reasons.

First is the oil-free formula. I cannot stand feeling greasy. This sunblock soaks in quite well after a few minutes. It also smells pretty good. It has a slight "coconut" aroma to it.

It also has a high SPF which to me translates into less worrying about remembering to reapply it.

But the main reason I like it is because of its stick application. I like to be able to put it on my forehead, cheeks and nose without having to remove my gloves and get my hands all messy. When I first saw it at a local store I said, "Yes! That is what I have been looking for."

The size is perfect for me too. I usually keep it in my pants pocket during the coldest trips so that it stays warm and easy to apply. On spring and late fall trips I keep it in my pack's hip-belt pocket.

I have not had any discomfort from it getting into my eyes. On a descent of Shasta in 2005 I was soaked from snow melting on my head and running through the foam gasket of my goggles. (Pouring was more like it.) I did not feel any burning, so I guess that the sunblock was staying put and not rinsing off. Nor has hard sweating caused any problem with it coming off my forehead into my eyes either.

It seems to last a long time. I rarely reapply it during the day. Maybe a couple of times that I can think of, and that was because I was on snow that was reflecting so much that figured better safe than sorry. Or was it Dave asking if I smelled bacon…?

I have no negative remarks to make about it. The form factor is awesome, the value is good and the protection is high. I have used two so far and would get another if it weren't for the fact I may have found something even better that I am trying now. Stay tuned…

Ray Estrella
"I measure happiness with an altimeter"

This report was created with the BackpackGearTest.org Report Writer Version 1.5 Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.

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