Today’s families are active and energetic. We enjoy outdoor activities in our yards, parks, playgrounds, and beaches, and we always have to be prepared with everything we might need in our diaper bags or backpacks. Unlike the families of the past, we don’t typically leave our babies, toddlers, and young children indoors with nannies and sitters. Instead, today’s parents understand the importance of fresh air and sunshine for our children, as well as the benefits of letting them enjoy the fun of exploration and new experiences. Thankfully, the best baby sunscreens mean that babies as young as six months old can begin to safely experience the pleasure of sunshine in the outdoors, while their delicate skin remains protected.

Studies have shown that just a single blistering sunburn during childhood can double a person’s chance of developing skin cancer, including deadly melanoma in their lifetime. Studies also show that most of the long-term damage done to our skin occurs during childhood exposure to UV rays. These rays cause the development of free-radicals in our skin which not only significantly increase risks of skin cancer, but also cause early signs of aging such as hyper-pigmentation, dryness, lines, and wrinkles. And what’s more — no parent wants their child to experience a painful sunburn, especially knowing we could have prevented it had we been extra-careful and vigilant.

While dermatologists and pediatricians recommend that we avoid letting our children play outdoors in direct sunlight during the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. — when the sun’s rays are the strongest — logically, we know that this is often the time period that our children are spending the most hours outdoors. That means that it’s essential that they are protected by loose, lightweight clothing that covers as much skin as can be comfortably covered. They should also be wearing a hat in direct sunlight and exposed skin should be protected with the best baby sunscreen available. This sunscreen should have a good broad-spectrum UVA and UVB ray-blocking formula, either chemically or naturally-derived.

Fortunately, we’ve done the research, scoured the parent reviews, and put together a list of the ten parent and baby-approved best baby sunscreen products available today.

One of the best baby sunscreen choices is the one that comes in the special bottle that detects the presence of UV rays and turns pink to alert users. Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen comes in a large, 8.75 fluid ounce bottle featuring Smart Bottle Technology to warn of dangerous UV rays.

Blue Lizard’s baby formula sunscreen uses a mineral-based formula with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to protect the skin naturally by reflecting sunlight like millions of microscopic mirrors. Formulated with natural ingredients like beeswax, castor oil, and vitamin E, this is a more easily spreadable sunscreen formula than typical mineral-based sunscreens which can be chalky and dry. The reef-friendly ingredients contain no oxybenzone or octinoxate which can damage fragile aquatic environments. This is a sunscreen you can feel good about using for the safety of your child and the environment. The reflective mineral base forms a physical barrier to deflect damaging UV rays, while at the same time it is much less irritating to sensitive skin than chemical formula sunscreens. It’s ideal for the delicate skin of babies, toddlers, and children, as well as for adults with sensitive skin.

Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen contains dermatologist recommended SPF 30 for broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection. Simply apply to your baby, toddler, or child’s skin 15 minutes before sun exposure and then reapply every 40 minutes or as needed after swimming, sweating, and toweling dry. With regular and thorough application, skin is completely protected from sunburn and sun damage.

If in doubt about the presence and power of UV rays, the color changing technology of the Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen bottle serves as an ideal reminder to apply your SPF 30 sunscreen to protect delicate skin, making this one of the best baby sunscreen products and the number one pediatrician recommended formula.

Key Features
  • 8.75 fl oz bottle of liquid baby-safe sunscreen with SPF 30
  • Mineral-based formula with with no chemical additives
  • Color-changing bottle to indicate UV rays
  • Up to 40 minutes of water resistance
  • Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide based formula
Specifications
  • Brand: 8.75 oz
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
  • Color Screen: 30
  • Notification Support: Blue Lizard
Pros
  • Safe for coral reef aquatic environment
  • Free of fragrances and parabens
  • Easier to apply than typical mineral-based sunscreen formula
  • Contains castor oil and vitamin E
Cons
  • Leaves some white residue
  • Must be reapplied every 40 minutes
Buy This Product
Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen
Editors choice

1. Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen

9.99 / 10
Read Reviews

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen is one of the best baby sunscreen options to protect both baby, and the fragile ecosystems in the oceans and coral reefs. It is free of chemicals that harm aquatic environments, such as oxybenzone, avobenzone, paraben, PABA, and phthalates. This mineral-based sunscreen is formulated with natural zinc-oxide for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB ray protection. It offers the highest level of water resistance, at up to 80 minutes of protection even when your baby is playing in the water. Apply thoroughly and reapply every 80 minutes of sun exposure, especially after swimming, sweating, or toweling dry.

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen contains skin-beneficial natural moisturizers to not only enhance the smoothness and spreadability of the sunscreen, but also to help moisturize and protect fragile baby skin. It includes hydrating natural aloe, as well as sunflower oil, jojoba oil, olive, oil, raspberry seed oil, cranberry seed oil, castor oil, and papaya. It includes the healing benefits of vitamin E and the antioxidant cell-protection of vitamin C. This is one of the best baby sunscreen products for containing botanical ingredients to soothe, protect, and seal moisture into delicate baby skin.

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen appears white on application, which helps parents to better see where it has been applied and where it might have been missed. It will slowly fade upon absorption into the skin’s surface, but may still leave a faint white, protective residue. It is gluten-free and vegan, and has no intrusive fragrances to cause irritation.

Key Features
  • SPF 50 sunscreen lotion with moisturizing natural oils
  • Easy-application and easy-absorption formula
  • Highly water and sweat-resistant formula
Specifications
  • Brand: 6 oz
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Zinc oxide, sunflower, jojoba, olive oil, vitamins C and E
  • Color Screen: 50
  • Notification Support: Thinkbaby
Pros
  • Contains skin-nourishing botanical oils
  • Easier to spread than typical zinc oxide-based sunscreen formula
  • Reef-safe formula
  • Highest level of water-resistance
  • Free of paraben, phthalates, PABA, and other harmful chemicals
Cons
  • High oil content is heavy for those with oily skin
  • Leaves some white residue
Buy This Product
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen

Babyganics makes one of the best baby sunscreen products that parents can feel good about using on their baby. At SPF 50+, this sunscreen is ideal to protect sensitive baby skin in the high exposure areas, including the face. Made with natural minerals, including zinc oxide, titanium oxide, and organic octisalate, this is a mineral-rich cream that’s not only safe for your baby’s skin, it’s also safe for the coral reefs. Babyganics Sunscreen Lotion contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate which can harm fragile reef environments.

Babyganics Sunscreen protects your baby’s skin by physically blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is formatted to be visible on the skin so you can see where you have applied it. After applying, rubbing the lotion in thoroughly will fade the white color or streaks.

Babyganics Sunscreen Lotion also contains a skin-nourishing seed oil blend derived from a mixture of tomato, sunflower, black cumin, raspberry, and cranberry seed oils. This helps it to glide onto your baby’s skin without the use of silicone products.

Babyganics Sunscreen Lotion is tear-free and non allergenic. It is free of PABA, phthalates, parabens, artificial fragrance, and nano particles.

This sunscreen works best when applied 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied every 80 minutes if your baby is swimming or sweating.

With this set of double 6 oz tubes of Babyganics Sunscreen, this is one of the best baby sunscreen choices to get any family through the summer.

Key Features
  • 2 6 oz tubes of organic SPF 50 sunscreen
  • UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection
  • Contains zinc oxide, octisalate, and titanium dioxide
  • Contains nourishing seed oil blend
Specifications
  • Brand: 2 6 oz tubes
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, octisalate
  • Color Screen: 50
  • Notification Support: Babyganics
Pros
  • Safe for reefs
  • No PABA, paraben, artificial fragrance, phthalates, or nano particles
  • Contains skin-nourishing blend of sunflower, cranberry, tomato, black cumin, and raspberry seed oils
  • Tear-free and non-allergenic
Cons
  • Thick cream requires some rubbing to absorb
  • May leave white residue
  • Some separation may occur
Buy This Product
Babyganics Sunscreen Lotion

One of the best baby sunscreen choices comes from the name we trust most for sensitive skin care. Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick contains broad spectrum SPF 60 protection from UVA and UVB rays.

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick is made with natural minerals, including zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It’s formulated to apply smoothly in a convenient stick form that’s easy to use and easy to transport or keep in a purse or diaper bag. The natural skin-friendly formula is ideal for baby’s face, ears, and other areas of high exposure.

To protect your baby’s sensitive skin, simply smooth the stick onto the skin 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow for thorough absorption. Reapply liberally every 80 minutes during sun exposure, especially after swimming, sweating, or towelling dry.

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick is naturally sourced and hypoallergenic. It is PABA free and free of artificial fragrance. Neutrogena is the number one rated dermatologist recommended suncare brand and has been awarded a seal of acceptance for those with eczema and sensitive skin.

The natural minerals in this sunscreen stick may leave a white residue which will help to make it visible where applied to prevent missed areas. Further gentle rubbing will help the white color to fade and the product to be absorbed into the skin’s surface for complete protection.

This is one of the best sunscreen choices from a trusted brand.

Key Features
  • Broad-spectrum SPF 60+ sunscreen stick
  • Natural ingredients
  • Formulated to absorb, deflect, and reflect harmful sun rays
  • Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Specifications
  • Brand: 0.47 oz
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Zinc oxide, Titanium Dioxide
  • Color Screen: SPF 60
  • Notification Support: Neutrogena
Pros
  • 100 percent naturally-derived ingredients
  • Easy-to-apply stick format for mess-free application
  • Hypoallergenic, PABA and Fragrance free
Cons
  • Thick product does not spread easily
  • Leaves a sticky residue on skin
Buy This Product
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen

One of the best baby sunscreens for a smooth, easy-to-apply texture is Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion. This rich and buttery-smooth lotion never feels chalky, and glides on smoothly—unlike many mineral-based sunscreen products for babies.

Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion absorbs easily and moisturizes skin without feeling greasy. It contains natural zinc oxide and other ingredients for broad spectrum sun protection from UVA and UVB rays. It also contains skin-nurturing plant-based moisturizers including coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter.

Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is formulated especially for babies, toddlers, and children, with moisturizing and protecting ingredients for childrens’ more sensitive skin. It is free of parabens, sulfate, silicone, and phthalate. It has no artificial fragrance and comes in a travel sized tube that’s perfect for a purse or diaper bag.

Apply a generous amount to your baby’s exposed skin 15 minutes before sun exposure and rub in gently and thoroughly. Reapply every 80 minutes when swimming, sweating, or toweling dry.

This sunscreen is made by Sun Bum, one of the most trusted brands in sun protection that also hydrates and nourishes skin with natural, botanical ingredients. All Sun Bum products are tested and reviewed by board certified doctors, including pediatricians and dermatologists, so you can trust that Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is safe for your baby’s skin, and one of the best baby sunscreen options available today!

Key Features
  • SPF 50 sunscreen lotion in purse or diaper bag size tube
  • Formatted specifically for kids, babies, and toddlers
  • Smooth, buttery lotion that's easy to apply
  • Made with natural zinc oxide
Specifications
  • Brand: 3 fl oz
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Zinc oxide, coconut oil, shea butter, coco butter
  • Color Screen: 50
  • Notification Support: Sun Bum
Pros
  • Plant-based formula
  • Contains moisturizing coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter
  • Free of parabens, phthalates, sulfate, and silicone
  • Rubs in smoothly and easily
Cons
  • Small size
  • Slightly unpleasant scent
Buy This Product
Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

One of the best baby sunscreen choices for babies, toddlers, and children with sensitive skin is Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunscreen. Made with naturally-sourced minerals such as zinc oxide, this sunscreen comes from a name we trust for our sensitive skin care.

Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunscreen is mineral-based sun protection at SPF 50. It’s formulated to be as gentle to the skin as water. It is tear-free and non-irritating to the eyes, which is an essential consideration for the sunscreen we apply to our babies’ faces. It is also sweat and water-resistant, so the risk of your baby becoming accidentally exposed to harmful UVA and UVB rays is minimized.

Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunscreen also contains skin-soothing natural oat flour which helps to seal in the natural moisture in a baby’s delicate skin, helping to prevent dryness, itch, and irritation. The non-greasy formula applies as a white film, which helps parents to see exactly where protection has been applied and where it may have been missed. Then, further rubbing and blending will help absorption into the skin’s surface so the white color will slowly fade. However, because this is a safe, natural mineral formula, some white residue can be expected.

Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunscreen has gained the seal of approval by the National Eczema Association and has been accepted by the Skin Cancer Foundation. It is safe and effective for use on both the face and the body. It contains no parabens, phthalates, or artificial fragrances, making it one of the best sunscreen choices for our smallest and most vulnerable family members.

Key Features
  • Zinc oxide based sunscreen
  • Applies easily and locks in soothing moisture
  • Contains soothing oat flour
  • SPF 50 broad spectrum UV protection
Specifications
  • Brand: 7 fl oz
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Zinc Oxide, Dimethicone, Oat flour
  • Color Screen: 50
  • Notification Support: Aveeno
Pros
  • Does not cause tears or eye irritation
  • Free of parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrances
  • Formulated to be as mild as water to baby's skin
  • Applies white so you can see where it's applied, then slowly fades
Cons
  • Leaves some pale residue even after absorption
  • Thick texture takes time to apply
Buy This Product
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection

One of the best baby sunscreen sticks comes from Banana Boat — the company we know and love for dependable sunscreen products. With broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays, and the highest rating for water-resistance at up to 80 minutes, this is the best baby sunscreen to keep in a purse, diaper bag, stroller storage pocket, or to bring along for travel. The stick format means it is not considered a liquid carry-on by the TSA, making it more travel-friendly than typical sunscreens.

Banana Boat Kids Sport Sunscreen Stick is formulated to be safe for aquatic environments and coral reefs. It contains avobenzone, homosalate, and other ingredients to protect the skin from burning and sun damage without leaching harmful chemicals into the water. It includes moisturizing cocoa butter to allow for smoother application and to moisturize and protect the delicate skin of babies, toddlers, and children while they enjoy the sun.

Apply Banana Boat Kids Sport Sunscreen Stick about 15 minutes before sun exposure and then reapply every 80 minutes if swimming, sweating, or toweling dry. Apply every two hours if you are not swimming or getting wet in order to ensure complete protection. The non-chalky formula has a wax-like consistency and applies smoothly and evenly. It does not leave a white residue but may appear shiny.

Studies show that even one blistering sunburn during childhood can increase a person’s chance of developing skin cancer significantly and doubles the chance of developing melanoma. Because Banana Boat Kids Sport Sunscreen Stick is purse and diaper bag-friendly, it’s one of the best sunscreen choices to keep with you to use as needed whenever you decide to engage in fun or relaxing outdoor activity with your child.

Key Features
  • Sunscreen stick for babies, toddlers, and children
  • Easy-to-apply formula in roll-up stick
  • Ideal for sun-sensitive areas like face, nose, and ears
Specifications
  • Brand: 0.5 oz
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, cocoa butter
  • Color Screen: 50
  • Notification Support: Banana Boat
Pros
  • Reef safe formula
  • Convenient stick for purse, diaper bag, stroller storage, or travel
  • Highest level of water resistance in powerstay formula
  • Clear application with no white residue
Cons
  • Sometimes crumbles during application
  • Leaves some shiny residue
  • Cap may come loose
Buy This Product
Banana Boat Kids Sport Stick

The best baby sunscreen for those who prefer simple ingredient blends, is the two-in-one pair of Badger Baby Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Cream and SPF 35 Clear Face Stick. The simple ingredients in the Badger formula are 98 percent organic, as well as safe, effective, and tested by pediatricians. In this two-in-one buy, you get a 2.9 oz tube of non-nano zinc-oxide-based cream as well as an easy-to-apply face stick.

Badger Baby Sunscreen is mineral-based, and made with only seven ingredients. It’s formulated with large particle, non-nano zinc oxide which remains on the skin’s surface to physically deflect the sun’s rays, rather than being absorbed below the surface and into the bloodstream. Added to the natural zinc oxide is organic sunflower oil, organic beeswax, organic chamomile flower, organic calendula flower, organic seabuckthorn, and soothing vitamin E. The chamomile and calendula impart a light fresh scent to this sunscreen without artificial fragrance. The botanical ingredients are moisturizing and rich in antioxidant protection. Antioxidants help to fight free-radicals that can form on a cellular level due to harmful UV rays.

In this baby sunscreen duo, you can apply the broad spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen to your baby, toddler or child’s body, rub it in thoroughly, and then use the convenient face-friendly stick to apply protection to the sensitive skin of the face, nose, and ears. The clear non-nano zinc oxide formula of the face stick will not leave a ghostly-white residue on your child’s face.

Badger Baby Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Cream is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes and should be reapplied every 40 minutes after swimming, sweating, or toweling dry. The SPF 35 Face Stick is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and should be reapplied every 80 minutes.

This to-in-one pair is the best baby sunscreen for the perfect protection for both face and body.

Key Features
  • 7 ingredient sunscreen cream and face stick pair
  • Formulated with 98% organic ingredients
  • Non-nano large particle zinc oxide protects skin without absorption into bloodstream
  • Naturally scented with chamomile and calendula
Specifications
  • Brand: 2.9 oz cream. .65 oz stick
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Zinc oxide, sunflower oil, beeswax, vitamin E, chamomile, calendula and seabuckthorn
  • Color Screen: 30 lotion, 35 stick
  • Notification Support: Badger
Pros
  • 98 percent organic ingredients
  • Non-GMO, non-nano, biodegradable
  • Calming natural herbal scent from chamomile and calendula flowers
  • Coral-reef safe
  • Clear zinc formula face stick to prevent chalky-white face
Cons
  • Texture of cream is thick and takes time to rub in thoroughly
  • Can be difficult to wash out of clothing
Buy This Product
Badger Baby Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream and Clear Zinc Stick

If you are looking for extra sun protection in an advanced formula sunscreen, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Gentle Sunscreen may be the best baby sunscreen for your child. With broad spectrum SPF 60, your child’s skin will be protected from burning and from sun damage from UVA and UVB rays. The unique Cell-Ox Shield technology contains skin-healing vitamin E, and beneficial antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential for combating the harmful free radicals that may develop in skin cells from UV ray exposure and other environmental impurities.

This formula was created to be extra-gentle for your baby’s delicate skin and is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation. It is allergy tested, dermatologist tested, fragrance-free, Paraben-free, oil-free, and non-comedogenic. It is also oxybenzone-free, which makes it safer for aquatic environments including coral reefs.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Gentle Sunscreen has a visible formula so parents can see where it’s applied and where it may have been missed. Your application will be thorough and even, and your child’s delicate skin will be completely protected. At SPF 60 sun protection, your baby’s delicate skin is protected for up to 80 minutes. Apply 15 minutes prior to sun exposure, and then reapply every 80 minutes during swimming, sweating, or toweling dry.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Gentle Sunscreen is safe for sensitive skin and has been recommended globally by over 90,000 dermatologists for safe, effective sun protection for babies, toddlers, and children, making it one of the best baby sunscreen choices available today.

Key Features
  • Broad-spectrum SPF 60 protection in a smooth cream
  • Gentle texture for delicate baby skin
  • OX Shield technology to filter UVA and UVB ray protection
  • Formulated with moisturizing glycerin, soothing vitamin E, La Roche-Posay thermal spring water
Specifications
  • Brand: 6.7 fl oz
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
  • Color Screen: 60
  • Notification Support: La Roche-Posay
Pros
  • Safe for sensitive skin
  • Oxybenzone, alcohol, fragrance, and paraben and fragrance-free
  • With vitamin E and antioxidants to protect against free-radicals
  • Creamy, easy-to-spread texture with no white residue
Cons
  • May stain white clothing
Buy This Product
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Gentle Sunscreen

If you are looking for a creamy, lightweight texture in a sunscreen, Coppertone Water Babies Whipped Sunscreen Lotion may be the best baby sunscreen for your child. Unlike thick, chalky-textured sunscreens, this whipped formula does not lead to fussy babies because it blends easily and absorbs quickly so you can get on with your fun in the sun. Children will actually enjoy the shaving-cream like texture of this unique sunscreen, and the skin-soothing addition of healing vitamin E will calm and heal dry, irritated summer skin.
Coppertone Water Babies Whipped Sunscreen Lotion is pediatrician recommended for Broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection in an SPF 50 formula that is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Simply apply the easy-to-blend formula on your baby, toddler, or child’s skin 15 minutes before sun exposure, and then reapply every 80 minutes after swimming, sweating, or toweling off to dry.

Coppertone is one of the most trusted names in sun protection, and this baby-friendly, whipped formula blocks up to 98 percent of the sun's damaging rays. It is ideal for trips to the beach, pool, park, or any time your baby will be exposed to direct sunlight. With this double bottle whipped sunscreen package, parents will be able to keep one bottle at home and carry the other in a purse or diaper bag to have while on the go during busy summer months.

This is the number one brand recommended by pediatricians for sun protection.The light texture is fast-absorbing and doesn’t leave a pasty white residue.

Coppertone Water Babies Whipped Sunscreen Lotion is free of PABA, Oxybenzone, and artificial dyes.

This is one of the best baby sunscreen choices for those who trust the sun protection experts at Coppertone.

Key Features
  • Whipped SPF 50 sunscreen formula
  • 80 minutes of water-resistant protection
  • Multipack of whipped sunscreen with two 5 oz bottles
  • Formulated for gentle protection for baby skin
Specifications
  • Brand: Two 5 fl oz bottles
  • Heart Rate Monitor: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, and oxybenzone
  • Color Screen: 50
  • Notification Support: Coppertone
Pros
  • Fast-absorbing
  • No dyes, PABA, or Oxybenzone
  • Light, whipped, easy-to-spread texture
  • Contains skin-soothing vitamin E
  • Child-safe caps
Cons
  • Not verified as coral reef safe
  • Can be difficult to wash out of clothes
Buy This Product
Coppertone Water Babies Whipped

As parents, we hope to never have to see our little ones suffer in any way. We also know that it’s our job to protect them from immediate harm, and also from things that can lead to harm in the future. The sun is one of those things that can cause both. When it comes to providing our children with the best baby sunscreen (that we always have with us in our favorite diaper bag), the many choices can be daunting. We want our child’s delicate skin to be protected, but we may also fear the chemicals that are contained in some of today’s sunscreen products. We may want to choose a natural, chemical-free alternative, but what if despite our best efforts we realize at the end of the day that our child was burned?

Making a choice can be difficult, but it helps if parents understand the ingredients included in some of the best baby sunscreen products so they can make the best decision and the right choice for their child.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Traditional Baby Sunscreens

Many traditional baby sunscreens — even the best baby sunscreen products from the most familiar brands — include ingredients like oxybenzone, paraben, and octinoxate, which have been found to be dangerous to aquatic environments such as the fragile and important ecosystems of coral reefs. Many of these same chemical ingredients have been found to have been absorbed through the skin into the bloodstream, and the long-term effects remain unknown. For this reason, some parents prefer to use natural, mineral-based sunscreens instead of chemical-based ones. However, chemical-based sunscreen products do offer some advantages.

Traditional sunscreens tend to have creamier textures that are more lightweight and easily spreadable. This is a definite advantage when it comes to slathering a fussy baby with sunscreen, or an anxious and energetic toddler or child who can’t wait to run into the sunshine to play. This type of sunscreen rubs in quickly, spreads easily, and is quickly absorbed so your child can enjoy the sun with less fuss and muss. They may have a longer shelf life, and contain fragrances that are beachy, baby-fresh, or fruity, which can be a benefit to our senses. They also don’t leave a white residue or give skin a pasty appearance. Most importantly, they provide excellent protection from damaging UV rays when applied thoroughly and reapplied every 40 to 80 minutes depending on the SPF level.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreens

Mineral-based sunscreens may be the best baby sunscreen choice for protecting the aquatic environment and coral reefs. They are also chemical-free, which is a choice a parent can feel confident in when they choose this protection for their child’s skin. Mineral-based sunscreens typically contain either zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both. These are natural minerals that physically protect the skin from harmful UV rays by covering it with microscopic minerals that act like tiny mirrors to reflect and deflect the sun’s rays away from the skin.

The best baby sunscreens that are mineral-based will state on the label that they contain non-nano particle minerals. This means that the particles are not small enough to be absorbed into the bloodstream but instead sit safely on the skin’s surface.

These natural sunscreens are safe and highly effective when applied thoroughly and reapplied as often as directed. You can feel good about protecting your child from the sun, from chemicals, and protecting the coral reefs. However, they tend to take longer to apply to your baby due to the thick, pasty, or chalky texture which requires a lot more rubbing to spread across your child’s skin. They also tend to leave a sticky white residue on the skin which can make your child look pale or ghostly. One advantage of this is that you can easily see where it’s been applied and where you might have missed.

No matter which type you choose, the most important thing is that your child’s skin is protected from the sun by one of the best baby sunscreen products available today.

Resources— HealthyFamilies, Parents, BaboBotanicals