Reviews > Health & Safety > Sunscreens > Smartshield Sunblock Products > Greg Mehojah > Initial Report

Test Unit Description:

With a knock on the door and a quick exchange of pleasantries with the mail man, I had a small brown package in my hands containing various sunscreen products from SmartShield.  The brown box was emblazoned on one side with SmartShield's website address and on the other with the SmartShield logo.  Inside were all of the above listed products.  The entire package consisted of 16 individual foil packets each of the sunscreen towelettes with insect repellent, sunscreen lotion and After Sun Pain Relief Gel.  Additionally, the box contained a spray bottle of sunscreen with insect repellent, a squirt bottle with sunscreen lotion, a solid stick of sunscreen (for eyes, nose and lips) and finally, 2 sticks of sunscreen lip balm.  The three sets of the foil packet products were separated by their own small, clear zipper lock bags and the other items were neatly placed in the box along with some foam packing peanuts to keep things from jostling around during shipment.  Each of the items provided for this test are discussed individually below.

Sunscreen Towelette w/insect repellent (SPF30) The packet containing the Towelette measures 3.5x1.75 in. (9x4.5 cm) and is very thin.  The front of the packet states (in English, Spanish and French) that the SPF rating is 30 and the product contains DEET free insect repellent of a natural derivative.  Additionally, the front states that the product is eco-friendly, oil-free and waterproof.  The reverse side of the packet provides application instructions, warnings (to keep out of the reach of children, for external use only, etc.), and the ingredients of the product.  Interestingly, the insect repellent is apparently derived from both cedar wood and lemon grass.  Each foil packet contains one folded towelette soaked with the sunscreen and insect repellent.
Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 30) The foil packet containing a one time application of liquid sunscreen lotion has the same dimensions as the sunscreen towelette product and about the same thickness.  The lotion does not state that it contains insect repellent, and a quick reading of the ingredients listing on the back of the package confirms this.  The foil packet appears to be pretty durable, tear and puncture resistant.  Despite my initial impression that the packaging appears quite durable, I still have mild concerns that it could puncture and allow the product to leak, but that can be easily remedied by careful packing and storing in zipper lock bags.
After Sun Pain Relief Gel The After Sun foil packet is of the same dimensions as the previous two products and, like the Sunscreen Lotion, contains a single application of the pain relief product.  This product states that it provides relief from both sunburn, windburn and general skin discomfort through the use of, primarily, aloe vera and lidocaine*  ingredients.  The directions printed on the back of the foil packet state that the product is supposed to be applied three or four times per day, and warns that the product is for external use only.  Presumably, the application directions intend that three or four packets are to be used per day to obtain the stated pain relief.  Each of the three foil products have a small slit in the foil material at the top right side to aid in opening.   Apparently lidocaine is available only by prescription in some countries.
Spray Bottle - Sunscreen w/ Insect Repellent (SPF 30) This product comes shipped in a small spray bottle with a red pump plunger and a clear plastic lid that snaps on when not in use.  The product, as with the similar foil product above, contains a cedar and lemon grass-based insect repellent that substitutes for DEET.  The label on the rear of the spray bottle provides listings of ingredients, warnings, and application directions.  The label states that the product retains its SPF rating for 80 minutes during activity in the water, or after sweating or perspiring.  Additionally, the directions state to reapply the product after towel drying, swimming, or perspiring.  My initial tests with the spray mechanism were not entirely positive.  I was unable to get the mechanism to spray any of the product out of the bottle despite pressing the plunger repeatedly for about a minute.  After removing the mechanism from the bottle a few times and reinserting it, the pump now appears to work properly.  My attempts to get the outer clear lid to inadvertently pop off by dropping it on the ground from about three feet and squeezing the bottle have not been successful, which alleviates any concerns on my part that the contents will easily leak from the bottle.  I plan to keep an eye out for the lid coming off after riding around in my pack with other gear.
Squirt Bottle - Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 30) This product is advertised as oil free, UVA/UVB protection and rated at SPF 30 by the manufacturer.  Additionally, this product is waterproof, marine safe, and contains vitamins A, C, and E.  The bottle itself tapers down from the top squirt applicator which has a flip-top lid for dispensing the sunscreen.  The sunscreen is an off-white color with the consistency of lotion.  It has a very slight fragrance to it that reminds me of baby lotion, but not nearly as noticeable.  A small application of the sunscreen on my arm reveals that the product is not oily and readily absorbs into my skin after only a few short rubs with my hands.  The directions for application on the back label of the bottle state to apply the sunscreen liberally 20 minutes prior to exposure to the sun.
Sunscreen Solid Stick (Eyes, Nose, Lips) - SPF 30 This product is a solid stick of sunscreen that is applied by turning a dial at the base of the container which pushes the solid product out of the top (like a big Chap Stick dispenser).  The stick is 3.75 in. tall and .5 in. in diameter (9.25 x 1.3 cm).  The lid is easily removed but does stay put when attached to the dispenser.  The label on the product states that it is for eyes, nose, and lips, but does not state how to apply it or how often it should be applied.  Additionally, it does not state whether it is water or sweat proof.  Finally, the label states that the product is scent-free, which I confirmed by merely sniffing the sunscreen stick both in the dispenser and after a small application to my hand.
Sunscreen for Faces - Non-Migrating (SPF 30) The bottle containing this product arrived individually shrink-wrapped in plastic, probably to prevent leakage from inadvertently opening the small flip-top lid used to dispense the lotion-like product.  The Sunscreen for faces is stated to be a non-migrating formula that will not flow into the user's eyes while engaging in active pursuits.  The 1 oz. bottle is about 3.75 in long and about .75 in. thick (111 x 22 cm).  The label on the back of the bottle states that the product is sweat and water proof.
Lip Balm The SmartShield lip balm label states that it is rated at SPF 30, the label does not provide application/reapplication direction, other than the user is to apply the product prior to sun exposure.  The lip balm is a solid product that is dispensed by turning a dial at the bottom of the container which then pushes the product out of the top.  The lid of the product container is sealed with a small sticky piece of clear plastic with the words "Safety Seal" printed on it.  This seal must be removed in order to remove the lid of the container.  The solid is neither too soft nor too hard, which initially makes application easy.  The product does not have a scent and is primarily made of aloe vera.

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Test Plan:

• SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion:
• Does the lotion go on my skin easily?  Is it quickly absorbed or do I have to really rub it in before it is finally absorbed?
• Is the lotion greasy?  Do I have to wash my hands after each application?  Is it greasy enough that it causes more dirt to stick to my skin?  Does the product transfer to my trekking pole handles?
• What is the consistency of the liquid?  Does the consistency change with temperature?  Is it hard to dispense when it is very cold (which it will likely be in some of the higher elevations of my trips)?
• How water resistant is the lotion?  How long do I have to wait after application before I can enter the water or rain and not have the lotion wash away?
• How well does the sunblock work while I am sweating?  Does any of the lotion combine with my sweat and sting if it runs into my eyes (this happens on longer hikes and even mildly strenuous mountain bike rides).
• Do I still burn even after proper application?
• How does the product smell?  How does it smell after it is on me and I am actively hiking or biking?  Does the smell change, if there is one?
• I have somewhat sensitive skin (I get razor burn easily on my face), how well does the sunblock interact with my skin?  Do I breakout or get any kind of reaction after application?  Does sweating while wearing the product cause any interaction with my skin?
• How many applications do I get out of this size lotion dispenser?
• Does the lid stay properly closed or does it easily open while being carried in my pack?

• SPF 30 Foil Lotion Pack:
• I intend to answer the same questions as above, but also to determine how durable the packaging is, and how much coverage I received in each package.  Is this product best used for quick applications on the move (i.e. face, neck, ears, arms)?
• Do the packages open easily or do I have to really tear at them to get them open?  If I have to use more than one at a time, is the lotion greasy enough that my hands slip while opening the second package?
• Is the lotion in the foil packages the same lotion used in the SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion?  If not, what is the difference?
• Do the upper elevations (i.e. near 13,000 feet) cause the packages to "squirt" when opened?
• Are these packages easy and convenience to carry with me?  Do I find them more useful than traditional sunscreen squirt bottles to carry?
• What is their actual weight?
• Actual measured weights listed above
  

• SPF 30 Spray with Insect Repellent:
• In addition to the previous applicable product questions I would intend to answer, I would also like to know the following:
• What is the coverage of the spray that comes out of this product?
• Is this product greasy?  How well does it absorb into my skin?  Do I have to rub it in after I spray it on, or just spray it and leave it?
• How does this product interact with my skin?  If I spray my face, does it burn my eyes (which of course would be closed when applied).
• How well does this product keep me from getting sunburned?
• How well does the insect repellent work? 
• Do I notice a measurable difference in bug attacks after application of the repellent?
• What kinds of insects does the product state it repels, and which does it for me?
• How many applications do I get out of this product?
• What does it smell like?  Does the smell bother me while hiking or eating?
• Does the product work as well as DEET related products?  (I hate Deet, it really just makes me feel a little off).

• After Sun Repair Foil Packs:  
• I will get burned at some point, either because I forget to apply sunblock, or I dont apply it soon enough.  When I do, I would like to determine how well this product eases the pain of sunburn.
• How does it apply?  Is it the consistency of aloe gel?  Does it absorb into my skin or does it gel on top?
• How well does it soothe the pain of the burn?  Do I have to reapply it frequently to ensure that it properly eases my burn pain?
• How does the gel smell?  Does it have a strong or mild odor, if at all?
• How convenient is it to carry this product while hiking or backpacking?  Can I keep it in my car to apply after a bike ride or a long day hike without it bursting from the heat?  Does the consistency change based on temperature changes?

• SPF30 Sunscreen Towelette with Insect Repellent:  
• How does this product differ from the spray version?
• Does the towelette provide sufficient amounts of the product to cover myself with sunblock and enough insect repellent?
• Does the product have a noticeable odor?
• How does the towelette fare over my somewhat stubbly beard growth?  Does it snag or hold together enough to apply the product?
• Do I need more than one towelette to cover the exposed areas of my body from the sun?
• Does the product appear to be the same formula as the spray version?

• SPF 30 Lip Balm:  
• I get lots of chapped lips both from not properly hydrating and from constantly fighting off the dry, desert environment in which I live and play.  I always have lip balm with me, but none that has sunblock.  I am very interested to see how sunblock works when combined with lib balm.
• How easily does the lip balm apply to my lips?  Can I keep it in my pocket and not expect that it will turn soft from my body and external heat?
• Does the lip balm have a scent?  If so, is it strong?
• How well does the lip balm hydrate my lips?  Does it protect them from the wind/sun, etc?
• Does the lip balm absorb into my lips or ride on top of them like grease?
• Does the lip balm have any noticeable taste?
  

• SPF 30 Eyes, Face and Nose:  
• How easy is it to effectively cover the areas exposed to the sun?  Is it efficient to use the stick as opposed to the lotions?
• Do I feel like I can get to areas of my face with the stick easily enough?  What about near my nostrils?
• How quickly can I cover my face, eye areas and nose with the stick?
• How well does the stick stand up to being carried around in my pack on hot days?
• Does the product apply easily when it is very cold?  If not, what is the difference between hot and cool days?
• Do I get burned after applying it?

• SPF 30 Sunscreen for Faces:  
• How does this product differ from all the others?  Does it appear to be the same formula?
• Do I receive better results (i.e. reactions to my skin) from this product as opposed to the others?  Does it alleviate any breakouts or rashes, or does it appear to perform similarly?
• How easy does it apply to my skin?  Does it go on greasy or is it something that readily absorbs and disappears?

Reviews > Health & Safety > Sunscreens > Smartshield Sunblock Products > Greg Mehojah > Initial Report