Hawaiian Tropic Ozone Sunblock Stick

Owner Review
June 29, 2006

Tester Information

Name: Raymond Estrella
Age: 45
Gender: Male
Height: 6' 3" (193 cm)
Weight: 210 lb (95 kg)
Email address: rayestrella@hotmail.com
City: Huntington Beach
State: California
Country: USA 

Backpacking Background: I have been hiking for over 30 years, all over the state of California. I have also hiked in Washington, Minnesota, Nevada, Arizona, and Idaho. I hike year-round, mostly in the Sierra Nevada, and have put 133 miles (214 km) with a pack on my back so far this year.  As I start my 4th decade of backpacking I am making the move to lightweight gear, and smaller packs.

The product

Manufacturer: Hawaiian Tropic
Web site: www.hawaiiantropic.com
Product: Ozone sunblock stick
Year manufactured: 2005
MSRP: $ 5.14 (US)
Weight listed (ingredient only): 0.5 oz (14 g)
Weight including dispenser: 1.2 oz (34 g)

Product Description

The Hawaiian Tropic Ozone sunblock stick is an oil-free sunblock rated to 50+ SPF. It is part of their Protection series of sunblocks, and subgrouped as the Ozone series. The Ozone 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
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 perperation, or toweling. For best results use daily.”


Field Conditions

I have carried and used this sunblock on every winter and mountaineering trip in the past two years including Mounts San Jacinto, San Gorgonio, Morrison, White and Shasta. Elevations have ranged from 6,000’ to almost 14,000’ (1,830 to 4,270 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 never wear them for my normal three-season hiking, day-hiking, walking or going to the beach. The only time I ever use one is on winter condition hikes and mountaineering trips. I have received my worst burns while above 10,000’ (3,048 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 can not stand feeling greasy. This block 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 so that it stays warm and easy to apply. I have used the one pictured above for two seasons of hiking and it still has about 25% left.

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. 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 either.

It seems to last all day. 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.

I have no negative remarks to make about it. I am sure that when this one runs out I will buy another to replace it.