Suncream-like stains on paintwork, but not suncream. What could it be?

NIMAN

I noticed some of those dreaded Suncream-like stains appear on my cars paintwork over the winter/spring months, especially around the door area and handles.

Now since there was definitely no suncream in use, is there anything else around the home that leaves similar types of marks on paintwork?

vectra

Hair gel?
Sweaty hands?
Make up ?

NIMAN

No-one uses hair gel.

Sweaty hands? Really? Didn't know that left stains on paintwork.

Make-up? Only oh can be blamed there. Must tell her to be more careful.

What about baby wipes? Would often have them in the car to clean the kids hands.

johndaman66

Nothing to get overly alarmed about really. They can be a bit of an eyesore alright but they are quite easy to get rid of. I had them on the back door and quarter panel of my Avensis and like yoursel had no idea where the came from. A wash, a moderate car polish and a small bit of elbow grease made light work of them...

Stallingrad

I had success removing such marks with chrome polish (Autosol). Just go easy.

NIMAN

I had them before you see, a silver golf and it was covered in them, loads of little hand prints, and this was before any of my kids arrived.

All around entire car, as if kids were chasing each other and using my car to hide behind.

Must have been parked up at a beach or somewhere one day for it to happen.

Do they appear immediately once someone touches the paintwork or do they take time to show?

Curran

Any sort of face or hand cream will have similar oils.