Taking your kids out in the sun can be a fun and exciting experience, but it’s important to protect their delicate skin from harmful UV rays. That’s where sunscreen comes in. Sunscreen is a product that helps prevent sunburn and skin damage by absorbing or reflecting UV rays. Choosing the best sunscreen for kids is important in keeping them safe and comfortable during outdoor activities is essential.
There are many types of sunscreens available in the market, but not all of them are suitable for kids. The critical thing to consider when purchasing sunscreen for kids is the level of protection it provides. Look for sunscreens with an SPF of 30 or higher and offer broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s also a good idea to choose a sunscreen that is water-resistant and easy to apply.
In this article, we’ll share our top picks for the best sunscreen for kids that provide excellent protection, are easy to apply, and won’t irritate sensitive skin.
If you like this post on the best sunscreen for kids, you might like this one on the best sunscreen for adults.
Table of Contents
Best Sunscreen for Kids Overview
When it comes to taking care of our children, we want to make sure we’re doing everything we can to protect them from harm. One of the most important ways we can do this is by making sure they’re wearing sunscreen when they’re outside. Not only does sunscreen protect their delicate skin from sunburns, but it also helps to prevent long-term damage from the sun’s harmful UV rays. But with so many different types of sunscreen on the market, it can be hard to know which is the best sunscreen for kids. That’s why we’ve compiled this list of the best sunscreen for kids. These sunscreens are all safe, effective, and easy to apply, so you can rest assured that your child is getting the protection they need when they’re out in the sun.
Best Sunscreen for Kids List
Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
First on pour list of best sunscreen for kids is the Aveeno Kids Sunscreen Lotion. Protect your child’s skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays with Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 50. This mineral sunscreen lotion is specially formulated with friendly ingredients for sensitive skin and applies easily to kids’ skin to lock in moisture without stinging. The lotion is both sweat-resistant and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes of continuous protection, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
Pros
- Contains skin-soothing oat and a naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide active ingredient
- Tear-free and non-greasy formula
- Free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrance
Cons
- Comes out thick and not easy to apply when spreading
- Leaves a white cast on the skin
- Not suitable for darker skin tones
Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is a great option for parents who are looking for a sunscreen that is gentle on their children’s delicate skin. The lotion is formulated with skin-soothing oat and a naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide active ingredient that provides superior broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays. The tear-free and non-greasy formula is free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrance, making it perfect for children’s sensitive skin.
One of the downsides of this sunscreen is that it comes out thick and doesn’t spread easily. It also leaves a white cast on the skin, which may not be suitable for darker skin tones. However, these cons are outweighed by the pros of this sunscreen, making it a great option for parents who want to protect their children’s skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
Overall, Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is a great choice for parents who are looking for a sunscreen that is gentle on their children’s delicate skin and provides superior protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen Kids SPF 50+ Spray
Second on our list of best sunscreen for kids is Blue Lizzard. This is an excellent choice for parents looking for a mineral sunscreen that is easy to apply and provides broad-spectrum protection for their kids.
Pros
- Easy to apply – Spray and rub into skin for mineral sun protection that is easy to use and dries clear.
- Earth-friendly propellant – Contains no Oxybenzone and no Octinoxate, which protects delicate coral reefs.
- Up to 80 minutes water-resistant – So you stay protected longer.
Cons
- Slightly pricey – But it’s 100% worth it.
- Spray isn’t an aerosol – It comes out and still needs to be spread around, which is fine.
- Coverage is good – But you do have to spread it in with your hands.
BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen Kids SPF 50+ Spray is a must-have for parents who want to protect their kids from the sun’s harmful rays. The easy-to-apply spray makes it convenient for on-the-go use, and the mineral active Zinc Oxide provides broad-spectrum protection. The earth-friendly propellant contains no Oxybenzone and no Octinoxate, which protects delicate coral reefs. It’s also paraben-free and fragrance-free, making it a great choice for sensitive skin.
The sunscreen is up to 80 minutes water-resistant, so you stay protected longer. Although it’s slightly pricey, it’s 100% worth it, especially if you have a child with sensitive skin. The spray isn’t an aerosol, but it comes out and still needs to be spread around, which is fine. The coverage is good, but you do have to spread it in with your hands. Overall, BLUE LIZARD Mineral Sunscreen Kids SPF 50+ Spray is a great choice for parents who want a mineral sunscreen that is easy to apply and provides broad-spectrum protection. It is truly some of the best sunscreen for kids.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Gentle Sunsceen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60
Third on our list of best sunscreen for kids is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Gentle Sunsceen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60. This sunscreen is an excellent choice for parents who want to protect their children’s skin from the sun with a gentle, lightweight formula.
Pros
- Provides SPF 50 sun protection
- Gentle on children’s skin
- Sand brushes off easily
Cons
- Some users report that the lotion has an unpleasant smell
- The formula may be a bit thick and difficult to spread
- Some users find this sunscreen to be a bit expensive compared to other options
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Gentle Sunsceen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60 is a great choice for parents who want to protect their children’s skin from the sun. The lightweight formula is gentle on children’s skin, making it a great choice for kids with sensitive skin. Additionally, the sunscreen provides SPF 50 sun protection, which is essential for protecting young skin from harmful UV rays.
One of the great things about this sunscreen is that it brushes off easily, making it easy to remove sand and other debris from your child’s skin. Though, some users find this sunscreen to be a bit expensive compared to other options on the market.
If you’re looking for a gentle, effective sunscreen for your kids, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Gentle Sunsceen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 60 is worth considering. While it may have a few minor drawbacks, the benefits of this sunscreen are clear: it provides great sun protection, is gentle on children’s skin, and is easy to remove at the end of the day. La Roche-Posay is also very active in donating to cancer organizations. It’s charitable core values and quality ingredients make us say without a doubt that it is some of the best sunscreen for kids and adults.
Babyganics SPF 50 Kids Mineral Sunscreen Roller Ball, Totally Tropical
Fourth on our list of best sunscreen for kids is Babyganics SPF 50 Kids Mineral Sunscreen Roller Ball, Totally Tropical. Not only is the packaging super cute, but the quality and ingredients make it some of the best sunscreen for kids on the market.
Pros
- The all-mineral sunscreen is made without PABA, phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or nanoparticles, making it a safe choice for your child’s delicate skin.
- The sunscreen is made with plant-derived, certified organic, and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients, ensuring that you are giving your child the best protection possible.
- The sunscreen is dermatologist tested, tear-free, and non-allergenic, making it a great choice for even the most sensitive skin.
Cons
- The sunscreen may be difficult to apply evenly, especially on larger areas of the body.
- The sunscreen may leave a white cast on the skin, which may not be desirable for some users.
- The roller ball may become clogged, making it difficult to apply the sunscreen smoothly.
Babyganics SPF 50 Kids Mineral Sunscreen Roller Ball is a great choice for parents who are looking for a safe and effective sunscreen for their children. The all-mineral sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, ensuring that your child’s skin is protected from the harmful rays of the sun. The sunscreen is made without PABA, phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrances, or nanoparticles, making it a safe choice for your child’s delicate skin. Additionally, the sunscreen is made with plant-derived, certified organic, and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients, ensuring that you are giving your child the best protection possible.
One of the best things about Babyganics SPF 50 Kids Mineral Sunscreen Roller Ball is that it is dermatologist tested, tear-free, and non-allergenic, making it a great choice for even the most sensitive skin. However, some users may find that the sunscreen is difficult to apply evenly, especially on larger areas of the body, and that it leaves a white cast on the skin, which may not be desirable. Additionally, the roller ball may become clogged, making it difficult to apply the sunscreen smoothly.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a safe and effective sunscreen for your child, Babyganics SPF 50 Kids Mineral Sunscreen Roller Ball is a great choice. The all-mineral sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and is made with plant-derived, certified organic, and other thoughtfully chosen ingredients. The sunscreen is dermatologist tested, tear-free, and non-allergenic, making it a great choice for even the most sensitive skin. However, some users may find that the sunscreen is difficult to apply evenly and leaves a white cast on the skin.
Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
Lastly on our list of best sunscreen for kids is the Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion. If you’re looking for the best sunscreen for kids that is gentle, safe, and effective for your little ones, then the Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is a great option.
Pros
- Applies and absorbs easily with a non-oily feel
- Contains natural, nourishing ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter
- Pediatrician and dermatologist tested for delicate baby skin
Cons
- May leave a white cast on the skin
- Some users find it pricey compared to other brands
- Only comes in a small travel-sized bottle
This sunscreen lotion is specifically formulated for kids, toddlers, and babies with its natural, moisturizing ingredients. It is also vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free, and dye-free, making it a great option for sensitive skin. The lotion applies and absorbs easily with a non-oily feel, and it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
The natural zinc oxide in the formula provides broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays. The addition of coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter helps to nourish and hydrate the skin. The lotion is fragrance-free and gentle on the skin, making it perfect for everyday use.
One downside is that the lotion may leave a white cast on the skin, which can concern some users. Additionally, some may find the price point to be higher compared to other brands. And also, the small travel-sized bottle may not last long for frequent use.
Overall, the Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is a great option for parents looking for a safe and effective sunscreen for their little ones. Its natural, nourishing ingredients and water-resistant formula make it a top choice for protecting delicate baby skin from the sun.
Buying Guide for the Best Sunscreen for Kids
When it comes to choosing the best sunscreen for kids, there are a few key features to look for. Here are some things to consider before making your purchase:
SPF
The first thing to consider is the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Higher SPF ratings can provide more protection, but there is a diminishing return as the number gets higher. SPF 50 is generally the highest recommended by dermatologists.
Broad Spectrum
It’s important to choose a sunscreen that is labeled as “broad spectrum.” This means that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can cause premature aging and wrinkles, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburns.
Water Resistance
If your child will be swimming or sweating, choosing a water-resistant sunscreen is crucial. Look for a product labeled as “water-resistant” rather than “waterproof,” as no sunscreen is completely waterproof.
Type of Sunscreen
There are two main types of sunscreen: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays, while physical sunscreens (also known as mineral sunscreens) work by reflecting them. Physical sunscreens are often recommended for children with sensitive skin, as they are less likely to cause irritation.
Application
Finally, consider the application method. Spray sunscreens can be convenient, but it can be difficult to ensure that you are applying enough product evenly. Creams and lotions can be easier to control but may take longer to apply. Choose a product that your child is comfortable with. Be sure to apply it liberally and frequently for maximum protection.
Choosing the best sunscreen for kids involves considering factors such as SPF, broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and application methods. By keeping these features in mind, you can help protect your child’s delicate skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
