ALBA SPF 16 Lotion

 

image from albabotanica.com

Price: $14.50 for 12 fl oz (350 ml), $27.75 for 32 fl oz (950 ml)  (I actually paid only about $20 for the 32 fl oz version, because of a sale at Whole Foods.  This often goes on sale there, so if you have access, I would check them out).

What they say:

"Product description: This daily lotion blends certified organic aloe vera, green tea and chamomile extracts with natural plant emollients and vitamin E to soothe, nourish and revitalize dry, sensitive skin. With alpha hydroxy acids to help exfoliate dull surface cells and effective SPF 16 sun protection.

Features and benefits: With an SPF of 16, this deeply nourishing lotion provides protection and hydration for dry skin. It also delivers a restorative infusion of almond oil and gentle alpha beta hydroxy exfolliation for healthy skin that glows."

What I say:

This is an okay lotion, but I would not say it "provides... hydration for dry skin."  I originally picked this lotion up because it claimed to provide the benefits of lotion with the need for SPF, and since I hate the sun, and am lazy, I thought this was exactly what I needed.  I guess looking at it that way, it does exactly what it claims it does, I just think it could do better.

For instance, this lotion is a pain to spread.  You put a little bit on at a time, and it's relatively easy, but you try putting the recommended amount on all at once, and you have a problem of too little time, too much rubbing.  Don't get the impression that you can do what you can with other lotions, though, and spread it on when you're fresh from a shower, because that makes it even worse!  This lotion, because of the SPF content, does not like water between itself, and your skin.  So you are left with the too much rubbing situation, or the too many layer situation.  Also, the lotion can cause greasiness on your hands and body when it is not fully absorbed, so you have to wait before you do anything after applying this (unless you like lotion residue on your stuff).

Don't get me wrong, this isn't a bad lotion.  If you consider that most people don't get any SPF at all, and this is helping make there be one less step in the morning, this is a great lotion!  I just think the formula needs work, and personally don't feel that I will be repurchasing this in the future. 

3/5