Obagi Sun Shield and Alpha Hydrox lotion smell like ammonia?
EDS Skin Care Forums Forum Index » Skin Care and Makeup Forum

Sun Jun 17, 2012 1:02 pm

A few days ago, I started a DIY Obagi regimen after purchasing Clear. I plan on adding Blender and Exfoderm Forte in about a month, but just don't have it in my budget to pick up both now.

I'm substituting Exfoderm Forte in the AM with Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion with 10% glycolic acid, and then using my Obagi Sun Shield SPF50 (which I love!) on top. I've never had issues with the Alpha Hydrox lotion before, and it seems fine, although a bit stingy, when I put it over the Clear. But when I layer the Sun Shield over the AH lotion, the two mix and produce an intense ammonia smell. Obviously, this has me a bit freaked out!

I tested the AH lotion and Sun Shield on my hand separately and they both smell normal...but mixed together the ammonia smell is very strong. Here are the ingredients for both products:

Alpha Hydrox Enhanced Lotion with 10% glycolic
Water, Glycolic Acid, Ammonium Hydroxide, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG 100 Stearate, Propylene Glycol, PEG 40 Stearate, Sorbitan Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Isopropyl Laurate, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E), Petrolatum, Dimethicone, Myristyl Myristate, Stearic Acid, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Cellulose Gum, Sorbic Acid, BHT, Imidazolidinyl Urea

Obagi Sun Shield SPF50
Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.5%, Zinc Oxide 10.5%. Other Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Pentylene Glycol, Stearyl Alcohol, Phenyl Trimethicone, PEG-40 Stearate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloydimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Soidum Dihydroxycetyl Phosphate, Citric Acid, Squalane, Ceteareth-20, Polysilicone-11, Dimethicone, Crosspolymer-3, Sorbitan Ester, Xanthan Gum, 1,2-hexanediol, Benzoate, Polysorbate 60, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Disodium EDTA, Methylisothiazolinone, Hydrogenated Palm Glycerides, Ubiquinone, Tropolone

I see that the AH lotion has ammonium hydroxide. What in the Sun Shield is mixing with the ammonium hydroxide and causing the smell? Is it dangerous?

free skin care · Sun Jun 17, 2012 2:21 pm

I am glad you posted this since I had the same exact thing happen with AmLactin and Sofina White Protect sunscreen.

Here are the ingredients for the two products:

AmLactin 12% Moisturizing Cream

Water, Lactic Acid Neutralized With Ammonium Hydroxide, Light Mineral Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Propylene Glycol, Glycerin, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Laureth-4, Polyoxyl 40 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Methylparaben, Propylparaben And Methylcellulose.

Sofina White Protect SPF 50

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide 13.87%, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 4.0% Cyclomethicone, Water, Dimethicone, Alcohol, Glycerin, Talc, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Lauryl Methacrylate/Glycol Dimethacrylate Corsspolymer, Polysilicone-9, Titanium Dioxide, Peg-12 Dimethicone, Chamomile (Matricaria Chamomilla), Squalane, Methicone, Peg-3 Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer, Aluminum Hydroxide, Silica, Hydrated Silica, Bht

The AmLactin is neutralized with ammonium hydroxide and I am guessing something is reacting with this to cause the release of ammonia. But what? I had thought maybe the alcohol but I see that the Obagi sunscreen does not have alcohol. I know a little chemistry but not enough to determine what is happening.

batblack-did you wait between applying the Alpha Hydrox and the Obagi sunscreen? I waited about 10 to 15 minutes after applying the AmLactin to apply the Sofina Sunscreen. I got concerned too and stopped using AmLactin on my face.

PS- I have used the Obagi Sun Shield and discovered that the DCL Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50 is an exact duplicate. Take a look at the ingredients. I wasn't absolutely sure until I tried both but now I use the DCL one since it is much cheaper.

Tue Jun 19, 2012 9:36 am

h.kitty, I'm glad I'm not the only one! I usually wait about 5-10 minutes between applying the Alpha Hydrox lotion and the Obagi sunscreen...especially after the first time I noticed the smell.

Hopefully some chemistry experts can weigh in on what could be causing the reaction.

I think I applied the lotion and sunscreen for about 3 days before I decided breathing in ammonia like that probably wasn't a good idea, and who knows what it could be doing to my skin. So I dropped the lotion and ordered Exfoderm Forte yesterday even though it means going over my budget! Eeep.

Thanks for suggesting the DCL sunscreen. I've been absolutely loving the Obagi Sun Shield. I'm very very very oily and it applies beautifully and dries to a very natural almost matte finish on me. I'll definitely be trying the DCL after I'm done with my tube.

Automatic Message

If this is your first visit to the EDS Forums please take the time to register. Registration is required for you to post on the forums. Registration will also give you the ability to track messages of interest, send private messages to other users, participate in Gift Certificates draws and enjoy automatic discounts for shopping at our online store. Registration is free and takes just a few seconds to complete.

Click Here to join our community.

If you are already a registered member on the forums, please login to gain full access to the site.