I don't know if i just got a bottle from an old bad stock or whatever happened, but this gel was really nasty. It was impossible to spread it all over my body because once i put a thin layer on it started to flake and crumble and none of it stayed on my skin, i don't even want to think what would have happened if i actually got into the pool with it. Yuck!!!
Smelled OK and i liked the bottle but i won't be purchasing this again.

The Coppertone Gel sunblock is an amazing product. Unlike most sunblocks, which tend to be oil-based, the gel absorbs right into your skin. As someone suggested before, it just takes a very thin layer for excellent protection. If you slather it on like regular sunblock, you might see the pilling effect others complained about, but you'll figure it out quickly after feeling it for the first time.
It provides exceptional protection, and it really is sweat and water -proof (stood the active Hawaii vacation test here as well). If you're especially active, it's the ideal sunblock. It doesn't cause breakouts, and it feels good enough for daily use (although it does give you a slight "beach" smell -- could be a good thing :)
The gel does give a slightly shiny finish, but I actually think the effect is aesthetic (people would comment on the nice "golden glow" I have when I'm wearing it).
Great stuff.

This is the first sunscreen product that I've been able to tolerate for everyday use. I have been relying on foundations with sunscreen to protect my face, which I realize is not adequate. The gel goes on very light but leaves a faint "shine", although it still feels matte and dry. I use it barefaced when I exercise in the mornings, and it does not sting my eyes. It also works decently under makeup. The key is to just lightly smoothe it into your skin. If I rub too much, or rub a foundation over it, it will pill up like glue. The smell is bearable, but thankfully I seem to adjust to it well and don't notice it as the day goes by. I have very acne prone skin and so far this hasn't contributed to my breakouts, but I will update if it does. Overall I'm happy with this sunscreen and would repurchase.
*Update 12/02/05* I have now discovered Kiehl's spf 15 spray sunscreen and it's 100X better for me. No problem at all with makeup, no strong smell, and it feels less icky on my skin. I will finish up my Coppertone on mornings when I exercise and can shower afterwards, but I don't plan to repurchase.

Not only would I not buy this again, I returned it to get my $11 back. I can't speak to the protection provided by this sport gel because I was afraid to wear it out in the sun. When I put it on it just rolled up into little gel balls all over my arms and legs. At first it seemed to be going on well then it just got wierd. On the plus side it did spread well and wasn't sticky. Maybe it would work on totally clean dry skin (so much for swimming or reapplying...) but with all the alcohol seems like it would be drying.

Great sunscreen for the body. I would NOT ever put this on my face with all the alcohol, but my body tolerates it well. Just got back from a week in Hawaii with no tan. Lasts pretty well even with a little damp.

Clear gel, goes on wet-looking, almost invisible when dry. Very strong alcohol fumes when first applied, fortunately the fumes dissipate when the gel dries. Tends to peel off a bit in spots if you rub at it, but any gel sunscreen will do that. I like it well enough that I bought a second bottle.
I only use this on my body, my husband says it stings his face, so now we both use Coppertone Oil Free Faces on the faces.

I don't own this, but i tried it at a store today. It has a very nice finish - dry (i have oily skin). But this contains waaay too much alcohol in it. I won't be buying it.

PROS - i bought this because it has a fairly high PPD rating (for US). during the day, i don't get as oily as i usually do.
CONS - it makes my face red when i put it on. i have to pat it on, instead of rubbing it on because if you rub it will pill. also, i put makeup on over it so i have to give it time to soak in and then apply makeup gently.
UPDATE: I have found that since using this, I don't get very oily during the day. I usually have to use 2-3 blotting sheets throughout the day and if I use this sunscreen, I usually don't have to blot at all. =)

Irritating as f%#!. Not only does this irritate even my non-sensitive skin, it also flakes when you rub on it as mentioned by a previous reviewer. It does leave a matte finish but it's not worth it unless you like having a tomato for a face.

yuck i hate this one.. i dunno it's the gel or what. but it flakes if you rub on it. it's gross.

In my first year of medical school I did a clinical rotation with a dermatologist, and this was what she wore every day. I have been using it ever since. I try other things from time to time (most recently skinceuticals sport, which caused my first break out in years)but come back to this again and again.