NPR: Alba Botanica, Very Emollient Body Lotion, Daily Shade SPF 15.

* I interrupt your regular polish programming to introduce a new cruelty free body lotion that I think you will like. *

One of the toughest parts about going cruelty free is finding products just as good (or possibly better) as the ones you previously used. Over time we find which products we prefer and we become in a way 'married' to these brands. One of the products that proved to be the hardest to find a CF replacement for was my Vaseline Aloe Protection SPF 15 Body Lotion. While many of my products were easy to replace and I had the switch accomplished in a matter of a couple of months, I was still using my old Vaseline Body Lotion for several months. Finally, on yet another online exploration I found Alba Botanica's Very Emollient Body Lotion with SPF 15 Daily Shade.

I like to use this everyday so I love the generous 32 oz. bottle with convenient hand pump. When I first found it online is was a little pricey ($24.99) but I ended up finding it at Swanson Health Products for a much better price ($16.49). It's not as inexpensive as my old Vaseline lotion but it's a better quality product so I don't mind spending a little more. Shipping was $4.99. If you spend over $50 Shipping is Free until July 31st. Initially, I only wanted to order one of these to see if I liked it but I will definitely stock up before the 31st. I also received a coupon for $5 off my next order. All in all I find this to be a good value.

The consistency of this body lotion is thicker than the one I was using before and I can definitely feel the difference between this emollient rich formula versus the Vaseline formula. Even though it's thick you can still spread it out and rub it in; just let it warm up on your hands or body and it becomes much easier to apply. The SPF in this everyday body lotion does block UVA & UVB rays but it is not a broad spectrum formula; this is geared towards everyday use. If you are planning a day of fun in the sun (say at the beach, lake, or river) then you should look for a sunblock with better protection qualities. At times this can feel a little greasy; especially when the humidity increases so I just make sure I apply it thinly and really rub it in. After 15 minutes it does soak in and the greasy feel begins to fade. Another great feature of this product is that it contains alpha hydroxy acids which helps to exfoliate and remove dead skin cells. I didn't experience any irritation with this product and no over powering smells; the only thing I really smell is a slight hint of Shea Butter (which this product does contain). It is very hydrating and I think I will especially love it come winter when my skin tends to get really dry.

Alba Botanica is Leaping Bunny Certified.

What do you think; are you interested in giving this body lotion a try? What is your favorite body lotion at the moment and why?

Drug Facts

Active ingredients	Purpose
Homosalate 7.5%	sunscreen
Ethylhexyl Salicylate 5.0%	sunscreen
Octocrylene 3.0%	sunscreen

Uses

• Helps prevent sunburns.
• Higher SPF gives more sunburn protection.

Warnings

For external use only. When using this product keep out of eyes. Rinse with water to remove. Stop use and ask a doctor if rash or irritation develops and lasts.

Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away.

Directions

• Directions for use: Apply liberally over entire body after bath or shower and before sun exposure.

Inactive Ingredients

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate SE, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Hydrogenated Palm Kernel Oil, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter), Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil(1), Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (1), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract(1), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract(1), Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract(1), Allantoin, Ascorbic Acid, Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, Lecithin, Panthenol, Polysorbate 60, Potassium Hydroxide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Xanthan Gum, Alcohol(1), Benzoic Acid, Dehydroacetic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Fragrance (Parfum).

(1) Certified Organic Ingredient.

100% Vegetarian Ingredients.

No: Animal Testing, Artificial Colors, Parabens, Phthalates, Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate or Sodium Methyl Sulfate.