Safest Sunscreens for Kids
Are you looking for a natural, mineral-based sunscreen for your child? The EWG recently updated their list of best chemical-free sunscreens for 2018.
And check out our Staff Picks video highlighting our editor's personal favorites!
Editor's Note: This article contains affiliate links to Amazon. That means if you buy a product via the link on our site, we get a little bit of money. However, these sunscreen recommendations come directly from the Environmental Working Group, and are not recommended because we are an Amazon affiliate.
Environmental Working Group (EWG) Rating System
The EWG offers a rated, comprehensive list of over 1,700 sunscreens, making it easy to find a safe and effective brand for your child. They use a rating system on a scale of 0-10, with zero being the lowest hazard risk, and ten being the highest.
Aside from the rating, the EWG offers a list of ingredients to look for and to avoid on each product.
Active ingredients to look for include:
- zinc oxide
- titanium dioxide
- avobenzone or mexoryl SX
These options are the best for children, people with sensitive skin, and for optimal UVA protection. It is also best to use a cream-based sunscreen with a broad-based spectrum, and with an SPF of 30+ for pool or beach use. Water-resistant brands are also good for these activities, as well as for use during exercise.
Ingredients to avoid include:
- oxybenzone
- Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
- added insect repellents
In addition, avoid sprays or powders, since these can pose an inhalation risk, and anything with an SPF of 50+.
Although some of the EWG's picks cost a little more than typical sunscreens, they tend to be a lot thicker, so you end up using less. The following is a list of the top-rated sunscreens for kids within a reasonable price range, from lowest to highest price per ounce. Read on to find the right one for your child.
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: 50
Zinc oxide is the active ingredient sensitive-skin formula, which our editor also really likes.
Goddess Garden Organics Kids Sport Natural Sunscreen
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: 30+
With 82 percent organic ingredients, a broad-spectrum base, and zinc oxide and titanium oxide listed as the main active ingredients, this product is a great choice to help keep your child safe from the sun.
Neutrogena Pure &Free Baby
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: 50
Our editor loves the Neutrogena sunscreens for their seal of approval from the National Eczema Association. Zinc oxide is listed as the active ingredient in this one, as well.
Tom's of Maine Baby
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: 30
This hypo-allergenic sunscreen has only five ingredients, and fragrance isn't one of them! It's also pediatrician-tested.
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Baby (5 oz)
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: 30+
This sunscreen is 100% chemical and fragrance free, making it a good choice if your child has sensitive skin. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide are listed as the main active ingredients.
Kiss My Face Organics Mineral Sunscreen
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: 30
This zinc oxide- and titanium dioxide-based mineral sunscreen is made from 87% organic ingredients and is cruelty-free.
Hawaiian Sol Sol Kid Kare
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: 50
The water-resistent formula in Hawaiian Sol is marine- and reef-friendly and biodegradable.
Equate Baby
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: 50
Zinc oxide and broad-spectrum protection are what give this sunscreen its good rating.
Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: 30
This broad-spectrum, water-resistant brand retains its SPF even after 40 minutes of sweating or activity in the water. The zinc oxide used as the main ingredient has a high quality pharmaceutical grade, making it good for sensitive skin as well.
California Baby Calendula Sunscreen
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: 30+
This mineral-based sunscreen lotion is specially formulated for people with sensitive skin or allergies, making it well worth the extra money. It is gentle, water-resistant, and broad-spectrum, so you can use it on kids of all ages. Titanium dioxide is the main active ingredient.
TruBaby Water &Play
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: 30+
TruBaby is water-resistent and safe for children with eczema. It contains organic aloe and jojoba oils to soothe skin.
Bare Republic
EWG Rating: 1
SPF: 50
This sunscreen blends easily into skin and compact for easy travel.
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