The Suntan Lotion Note: Cologne's Unique Scent

Demeter's Suntan Lotion is a women's fragrance that evokes the fun and joy of summer. Released in 2000, this scent is meant to ignite memories of basking in the sun. The white floral scent is built around a singular note of orange blossom, reminiscent of suntan lotion. While some customers rave about its ability to transport them to the beach, others are less impressed, describing it as too strong or not long-lasting enough.

Suntan lotion vs sunscreen: what's the difference?

The "suntan lotion note" in cologne refers to a fragrance that is designed to evoke the scent of suntan lotion. While it may bring to mind the scent of a day at the beach, it's important to note that these colognes do not contain sunscreen or any sun protection.

Now, when it comes to suntan lotion vs. sunscreen, there are a few key differences to note:

Suntan lotion, as the name suggests, is designed to help facilitate tanning. It typically has a low sun protection factor (SPF) of around 4 to 15 and only blocks enough UV light to prevent sunburns while still allowing the skin to tan with enough exposure. Some dark tanning oils marketed as suntan lotion don't contain any sunscreen ingredients at all and may even include tanning accelerators. As such, suntan lotion does not provide adequate protection from the sun, especially for children.

On the other hand, sunscreen is designed to provide more casual sun protection. It blocks more UV light than suntan lotion, typically offering an SPF of around 30. This makes it suitable for days with lower sun exposure or for those who want to tan but also want some protection. Sunscreens are formulated to be light and non-greasy, so they don't alter the appearance of your skin while they're on.

When choosing a sunscreen, it is important to select one that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It should also be water-resistant, hypoallergenic, and fragrance-free, especially if you have sensitive skin.

In addition to sunscreen, it is important to employ other sun protection methods, such as wearing protective clothing, avoiding peak sun hours, and seeking shade.

In summary, suntan lotion is designed to facilitate tanning with minimal sun protection, while sunscreen offers more robust protection against UV rays to help prevent sun damage and burning.

Demeter's Suntan Lotion fragrance

About the Product

Product Offerings

Demeter offers the Suntan Lotion fragrance in various forms, including:

• Cologne Spray
• Perfume Oil Roll-on
• Body Lotion
• Bath & Body Oil
• Diffuser Oil
• Mini Purse Spray
• Shower Gel

Scent Description

The Suntan Lotion fragrance is described as a neroli-style scent, with notes of orange blossom creating a fresh, white floral scent. It is designed to ignite memories of summer and lounging in the sun. The scent has been compared to the classic Coppertone suntan lotion, providing a nostalgic experience for many customers.

Customer Reviews

Customer reviews for the Suntan Lotion fragrance are mixed. Some customers rave about the scent, describing it as "perfect" and "a good size." They appreciate how it brings back childhood memories of the beach. However, others have mentioned that the initial spritz can be too strong and has an odd, acrid smell. Some customers were disappointed that the scent didn't last long and felt it was not good value for money.

Other perfumes that smell like suntan lotion

The scent of sun lotion is a popular fragrance note, and many perfumes mimic this smell. Demeter's Suntan Lotion Cologne Spray is one such example, described as a "virtual vacation" in a bottle with its neroli-style scent.

Other perfumes that smell like sun lotion include:

• Beach by Bobbi Brown, which features notes of jasmine, sand, sea spray, and mandarin.
• Wylde Ivy's Wylde Summer, a fragrance that captures the essence of "suntan lotion on summer glowing skin, salty ocean air clinging to your hair".
• "Vacation" by Vacation, a genderless fragrance that mimics the brand's best-selling sunscreen scent, with notes of coconut, banana, pineapple, pool water, and even swimsuit lycra.
• Rosie Jane's Madie, which one reviewer says is "identical to sunscreen".
• Beachwaver Bondi Beach Day Fragrance, with notes of coconut and vanilla orchids.
• Bath and Body Works' "At the Beach" fragrance mist, which is a popular choice for those seeking a sun lotion scent.
• Hawaiian Tropic Golden Paradise Fragrance Body Mist, which is likely to capture the scent of sun lotion due to its tropical notes.

These perfumes offer a range of options for those seeking to capture the essence of sun lotion in a bottle, whether it be a salty ocean breeze, tropical fruits, or the nostalgic scent of childhood summers.

The history of suntan lotion scents

In 1935, French chemist and founder of L'Oreal, Eugene Schueller, developed an oil with defensive filters that prevented sunburn and allowed users to tan. This product, named "Ambre Solaire," was available for purchase in France by 1936. Schueller's motivation for creating this product was personal, as he often suffered from sunburn while sailing.

The suntan lotion gained popularity in the United States almost a decade later, when in 1944, Miami-based chemist and pharmacist Benjamin Green created "Coppertone." Green formulated his lotion by blending cocoa butter in his kitchen and added jasmine to give it a pleasant scent. The marketing of Coppertone emphasised the idea of achieving an attractive tan, appealing to consumers' desire for a sun-kissed look.

The evolution of sun protection continued in the 1930s and 1940s, with the development of products that encouraged tanning while also offering protection from the sun's rays. One such product was Franz Greiter's "glacier cream," introduced in 1938. Greiter, an Austrian chemist, coined the term "sun protection factor" in 1962, which is still used today to measure the effectiveness of sun protection formulas.

Today, suntan lotion scents have become an essential part of the sun care experience, with companies like Demeter Fragrance Library offering a range of products that provide a "virtual vacation" and a "true crowd-pleaser." Their suntan lotion collection includes a variety of products like cologne spray, body lotion, and bath oil, all featuring a compelling neroli-style scent.

The future of suntan lotion scents

Nostalgia and Innovation:

Suntan lotion fragrances have a unique ability to transport wearers back to fond memories of summers spent at the beach. This nostalgic quality is a significant selling point for consumers, who often seek scents reminiscent of iconic suntan lotions from their childhood, such as Coppertone or Hawaiian Tropics. Building on this, fragrance companies can explore innovative ways to capture the essence of summer vacations in a bottle, creating scents that become instant classics for future generations.

Natural and Exotic Ingredients:

There is a growing trend towards natural and exotic ingredients in the fragrance industry, and suntan lotion scents are no exception. Fragrance creators can experiment with essential oils, botanicals, and rare extracts to craft unique and captivating scents. Notes of coconut, orange blossom, monoi, and ylang-ylang are just the beginning. The possibilities are endless, from tropical fruits and flowers to exotic spices and resins.

Layering and Customization:

As seen in some of the existing suntan lotion fragrances, layering and customization will play a significant role in the future of these scents. Wearers enjoy mixing and matching different fragrances to create their unique signature scent, reminiscent of a day at the beach. Fragrance companies can encourage this by offering complementary layering sets or customizable fragrance options, allowing consumers to add a personal touch to their suntan lotion scent.

Longevity and Projection:

One of the challenges with suntan lotion fragrances is their longevity and projection. Consumers often complain that these scents don't last long and need frequent reapplication. Addressing this issue will be crucial in the future, with fragrance companies investing in new technologies and delivery systems to enhance the staying power of suntan lotion scents. This may include the development of parfum concentrations or innovative fragrance formulations that adhere to the skin for extended periods.

Targeted Marketing and Personalization:

With the rise of social media and online fragrance communities, targeted marketing and personalization will become even more critical in the future of suntan lotion scents. Fragrance companies can tap into specific demographics and create scents that cater to diverse tastes and preferences. Additionally, offering customizable or made-to-measure fragrances allows consumers to feel involved in the creation process and results in a scent that is uniquely theirs.

Collaboration and Cross-Branding:

Collaborations between fragrance houses, fashion brands, and celebrities are already common in the fragrance industry, and this trend will likely continue. Cross-branding can help create buzz around a new suntan lotion scent, leveraging the popularity of multiple brands or influencers to attract a wider audience. These collaborations can also result in innovative and unexpected fragrance combinations, pushing the boundaries of what a suntan lotion scent can be.

In conclusion, the future of suntan lotion scents is bright and filled with potential. By drawing on nostalgia, embracing natural and exotic ingredients, encouraging layering and customization, improving longevity, and leveraging targeted marketing and collaborations, fragrance companies can create innovative and captivating suntan lotion fragrances that become staples in the perfume world.

Frequently asked questions