What's In My Jar
Hawaiian Tropic Protective Dry Oil SPF15
Hawaiian Tropic

Hawaiian Tropic Protective Dry Oil SPF15

SPF 15Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium·3 UV filters
See all ingredients
Edit

Works for

1 of 2 advertised claims delivered

Sun protection
SPF 15 · 3 UV filters · Broad spectrum
Weak protectionSPF under 30
SPF 15Broad spectrumChemical filtersWater-resistantNo white cast

This product offers broad spectrum sun protection, but it is weak. We recommend to use a broad spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.

UV spectrum
UVB290–320 nmUVA II320–340 nmUVA I340–400 nm
Octocrylene
Octisalate
Avobenzone
FilterCoverageWhat it doesEst. amount
OctocryleneUVB Photo-stable A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen~3.4–5%
OctisalateEthylhexyl SalicylateUVBOctisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen~2.5–3.7%
AvobenzoneButyl MethoxydibenzoylmethaneUVA1Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.~2–2.9%
~ marks concentrations estimated from label position and typical use levels
Reef-safe
No oxybenzone or octinoxate — the two filters banned in Hawaii, Florida Keys and Aruba.
Moisturizing
12 ingredients credited for this claim
Strong support
What the product description says
“Protective Dry Oil SPF15”
From product name

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, histidine.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, cocos nucifera oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: paraffinum liquidum

Theobroma cacao seed butterKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.6–1.35%
Paraffinum liquidumHero· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighMineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function~6.1–9.1%
Phenyl trimethiconeKey active· OcclusiveEffect: HighA type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture~0.4–0.95%
Cocos nucifera oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~1.3–1.9%
Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~0.5–1.15%
HistidineKey active· HumectantEffect: High~0.4–0.9%
Isopropyl myristateKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic~4.4–6.6%
ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.4–0.95%
Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.35–0.85%
Ethylhexyl palmitateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture~22–33%
Mangifera indica fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skin~0.15–0.5%
Aloe barbadensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.15–0.7%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · 4 ingredients credited for this claim
Moderate support

This product contains antioxidants (tartaric acid) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Tartaric acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels~0.35–0.85%
Theobroma cacao seed butterEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.6–1.35%
Psidium guajava fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect~0.15–0.7%
Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~0.3–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Parfum, Carica papaya fruit extract
Medium risk
We flagged 11 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~1.2–1.8%est.
Psidium guajava fruit extractA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effectHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
Carica papaya fruit extract—High~0.1–0.45%est.
OctocryleneA weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreenMedium~3.4–5%est.
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethaneAvobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.Medium~2–2.9%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~0.5–1.15%est.
Tartaric acidAn AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levelsMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.3–0.75%est.
Daucus carota sativa extract—Medium~0.15–0.7%est.
Mangifera indica fruit extractA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skinMedium~0.15–0.5%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.15–0.7%est.
Comedogenic
6 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
6 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Ethylhexyl palmitateAn emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture3/5~22–33%est.
Isopropyl myristateAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic3/5~4.4–6.6%est.
Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~1.3–1.9%est.
Theobroma cacao seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect3/5~0.6–1.35%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~0.5–1.15%est.
Ci 26100—2/5~0.1–0.3%est.
Edit
Cheaper Alternatives
Similar formulations, better price
Kids Free Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Banana Boat Kids Free Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
51% match
$7.97
View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?
No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Write a review · ~30s

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Ethylhexyl palmitate~22–33%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin and create a nice product texture

More about Ethylhexyl palmitate
Paraffinum liquidum~6.1–9.1%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Mineral oil. One of the most effective and well studied occlusive and emollient moisturizing ingredients. Helps reduce moisture loss in skin and repair skin barrier function

More about Paraffinum liquidum
Isopropyl myristate~4.4–6.6%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Could be comedogenic

More about Isopropyl myristate
Silica~3.6–5.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Octocrylene~3.4–5%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

A weak sunscreen that protects against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB) and is somewhat effective against the UVA rays. It is quite stable and can help stabilize other, more vulnerable, sunscreen ingredients like Avobenzone. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Octocrylene
Ethylhexyl salicylate~2.5–3.7%
UV filter
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

Octisalate. A UV filter. It offers some protection against the sun rays that cause sunburn (UVB), but does not protect against the most aging sun rays (UVA). It loses its effectiveness quickly when exposed to sunlight. It is an organic, or so called "chemical" sunscreen

More about Ethylhexyl salicylate
Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane~2–2.9%
UV filterKey activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Sun protection

Avobenzone. An organic, or so-called "chemical" UV filter. Protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Needs to be combined with other filters in a formulation to be stable.

More about Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane
Parfum~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Cocos nucifera oil~1.3–1.9%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil
Polybutene~0.85–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Polybutene
Theobroma cacao seed butter~0.6–1.35%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-dandruff

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and can be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function. Might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Theobroma cacao seed butter
Glycine soja oil~0.5–1.15%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil
Arginine~0.4–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine
Histidine~0.4–0.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Histidine
Phenyl trimethicone~0.4–0.95%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A type of silicone that can decrease loss of moisture from the skin surface. It helps create a nice product texture

More about Phenyl trimethicone
Tartaric acid~0.35–0.85%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingExfoliation

An AHA (alpha-hydroxy acid). It oxidizes quickly which makes it less effective in skincare formulations. It can support skin's barrier and moisture levels

More about Tartaric acid
Tocopheryl acetate~0.3–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate
Daucus carota sativa extract~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
More about Daucus carota sativa extract
Psidium guajava fruit extract~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Psidium guajava fruit extract
Plumeria acutifolia flower extract~0.15–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Plumeria acutifolia flower extract
Passiflora incarnata fruit extract~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Passiflora incarnata fruit extract
Mangifera indica fruit extract~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skin

More about Mangifera indica fruit extract
Carica papaya fruit extract~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Carica papaya fruit extract
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extract
Ci 26100~0.1–0.3%
Comedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
More about Ci 26100
Ci 47000~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Ci 47000
Ingredient list view

Ethylhexyl palmitate, Paraffinum liquidum, Isopropyl myristate, Silica, Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl salicylate, Butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, Parfum, Cocos nucifera oil, Polybutene, Theobroma cacao seed butter, Glycine soja oil, Arginine, Histidine, Phenyl trimethicone, Tartaric acid, Tocopheryl acetate, Daucus carota sativa extract, Psidium guajava fruit extract, Plumeria acutifolia flower extract, Passiflora incarnata fruit extract, Mangifera indica fruit extract, Carica papaya fruit extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Ci 26100, Ci 47000

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 10/15/2026 03:50 GMT
$21.69
Buy

Affiliate links · prices updated regularly · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Hawaiian TropicProtective Dry Oil SPF15YOUR PRODUCTSun BumSPF15 Browning OilBanana BoatKids Free Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Match—54%51%
Price$12.41$29.07+$16.66$7.97−$4.44
Shared key ingredients—5 of 113 of 11
Key difference—Camellia Oleifera Seed OilHomosalate
Irritancy Medium Medium Low
SPFSPF 15SPF 15SPF 50
Drying alcohol———
View product Shop Shop
  • matches yours
  • differs
  • cheaper
Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Product summary

"Hawaiian Tropic - Protective Dry Oil SPF15" offers broad spectrum protection. It means that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays (you can remember UVB as "burning" sunlight - they cause sunburn. You can remember UVA rays as "aging" - they do not lead to sunburn, but they cause photodamage and contribute to early signs of skin aging and hyperpigmentation). On the negative side, the SPF of this moisturizer is not high enough. We recommend to use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily.

This moisturizer should also be hydrating enough to use without an additional moisturizer during the day.

Sunscreen filters

This sunscreen uses so-called "chemical", or organic UV filters (organic simply means that their molecules contain atoms of carbon). These filters typically give good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: avobenzone 2.00% - 2.90%, octisalate 2.50% - 3.70% and octocrylene 3.40% - 5.00%.

Irritation risk

This formulation includes some common irritants, including ingredients that do not provide a benefit for the skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Hawaiian Tropic" is cruelty free, but its parent company is not.

Price

The product retails for 20.99$ in the United States and from 7.88£ up to 9.39£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 10 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    A review on the extensive skin benefits of mineral oilncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Final report of the cosmetic ingredient review expert panel on the safety assessment of Polyisobutene and Hydrogenated Polyisobutene as used in cosmeticsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Cocoa polyphenols and their influence on parameters involved in ex vivo skin restructuringncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Histidine and/or Histidine Derivative for the Treatment of Inflammatory Skin Diseasespatents.google.com
  5. 5
    Safety Assessment of α-Amino Acids as Used in Cosmeticsciteseerx.ist.psu.edu
  6. 6
    Control of keratinization with á-hydroxy acids and related compounds: I. Topical treatment of ichthyotic disordersjamanetwork.com
Hawaiian Tropic Protective Dry Oil SPF15
Hawaiian TropicProtective Dry Oil SPF15
Buy on Amazon$21.69 · as of 10/15 03:50 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon$21.69 · as of 10/15 03:50 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.