According to Chicago-based Information Resources, Inc., Playtex brand Banana Boat was again the best selling brand of sun care products in 2005. With almost $64 million in sales of lotions and oils, Banana Boat exceeded its nearest competitor by nearly $20 million.

So while February might seem a bit premature to start worrying about sun care, for Banana Boat, it was the perfect time to launch its new product line for the summer of 2006.

Held at Hotel QT in New York City, the Caribbean cruise-themed launch took place in an atmosphere of sun, fun and escape. According the event organizers, the cruise theme celebrated the brand’s commitment to enable consumers to “Celebrate the Sun” while being protected from harsh solar rays. Playtex/Banana Boat Suncare executives were on hand to discuss the new products.  

According to Playtex executives, current trends in the sun care marketplace are added convenience, high SPFs, ease of delivery, skin feel/skin care benefits and natural-looking tans. They affirm the key to Banana Boat’s success in 2006 will be its new products, as they provide consumers with solutions to their sun care problems.

For example, Banana Boat’s UltraMist spray products for protection or self-tanning offer convenience and fast, even application. The UltraMist Ultra Sunblock SPF 30 Continuous Clear spray dries quickly and provides rub-free coverage. It’s formula offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is waterproof, non-greasy and oil-free. The UltraMist Sport SPF 30 Continuous Clear spray offers the same, but is also sweat-proof, while the UltraMist Kids SPF 50 Continuous Lotion spray has a fruity fragrance and is hypoallergenic.

UltraMist can be applied at any angle, even upside down. As a result, streak-free, even tanning is virtually assured with the use of UltraMist Summer Color Sunless Tanner with instant bronzer or SPF 4 Dark Tanning lotion.

Banana Boat executives insist that understanding a child’s safety and comfort is a parent’s number one priority, and this year, the company launched three new tear-free products—a 50 SPF for babies and 30- and 50 SPF sunblocks for kids. According to the company, Banana Boat is the first and only major brand to offer a high SPF in a tear-free lotion.

And this year, Banana Boat introduced EveryDay Glow products to simulate natural looking tans. The product is in answer to a recent trend with consumers who want a subtle healthy-looking tan year round. Available in fair or medium skin tones, the oil-free, patent pending lotion combines DHA and erythrulose for a natural looking tan that lasts for days.

For more information on the latest in sun care and sun care products, be sure to check out the March issue of Happi.

Jasmin Kung, assistant product manager, allows attendees to smell the fresh scent of EveryDay Glow daily moisturizer.


Barbara Donovan, senior manager, skin care R&D, explains why Tear-Free sun care benefits both children and adults.


Jean Fufidio, vice president, shows off the new products available in 2006.


Permission to come aboard: Banana Boat’s cruise-theme launch featured a plethora of fun and effective sun care products designed to help consumers “Celebrate the Sun”.


UltraMist products can be sprayed at virtually any angle to ensure coverage. The fine mist can protect skin from the sun’s rays or evenly distribute the Summer Color sunless tanner.


Self tanners give a natural looking glow without exposure to the sun.


New tear-free, sting-free lotions for kids are dermatologist tested and won’t irritate children’s eyes.