Sunscreen is an essential product to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, and it's especially crucial for babies. The delicate skin of babies is more susceptible to damage from the sun, which can lead to sunburn, skin aging, and even skin cancer. Therefore, choosing the right sunscreen for your baby is vital.
When it comes to selecting the best baby sunscreen, there are several factors to consider. The most critical aspect is the sunscreen's SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating, which measures the product's ability to block UVB rays. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Another crucial factor to consider when choosing a baby sunscreen is the ingredients. It's essential to avoid sunscreens that contain harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, which can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Instead, look for sunscreens that use natural and safe ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
We spent hours researching and testing ten different baby sunscreens to identify the ones that provide the best protection for your little one's delicate skin. In the next section, we'll share our top picks and explain why we chose them.
Best Baby Sunscreens
We all know how important it is to protect our little ones from the harmful rays of the sun. That's why we've put together a list of the best baby sunscreens on the market. Our team has researched and tested these products to ensure that they are safe, effective, and easy to use. Whether you're planning a day at the beach or just a stroll in the park, these sunscreens will keep your baby's delicate skin protected from the sun's harmful UV rays. So, without further ado, here are our top picks for the best baby sunscreens.
Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
If you're looking for a mineral-based sunscreen for your little one, Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is a great choice. It's made of safe minerals and provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA/UVB rays.
Pros
- Applies and absorbs easily with a non-oily feel
- Contains natural ingredients like zinc oxide, coconut oil, shea butter, and cocoa butter
- Pediatrician and dermatologist tested
Cons
- May leave a slight white cast on the skin
- Some users report that it's not waterproof as advertised
- May cause irritation for those with very sensitive skin
We've used this sunscreen on our own little ones and found that it applies smoothly and absorbs quickly without feeling greasy. It's also gentle on their skin and doesn't contain any harmful chemicals. However, it's important to note that it may not be the best choice for those with extremely sensitive skin or those who need a waterproof sunscreen for extended periods of time.
To use, simply dispense into your hands and apply directly to your child's skin, making sure to cover all areas. Reapply every 80 minutes if swimming or sweating, and immediately after towel-drying. Overall, we recommend Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion for parents looking for a safe and effective mineral-based sunscreen for their little ones.
Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen – Safe, Natural Sunblock for Babies - Water Resistant Sun Cream – Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Sun Protection – Vegan Mineral Sun Lotion, 6oz 6 Ounce (Pack of 1) Lotion
Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen is a great product for parents looking for a safe and natural sunscreen for their babies. We highly recommend this product because it provides effective sun protection, is easy to apply, and has a clean mineral formula.
Pros
- Provides effective SPF 50+ sun protection for babies
- Quick and easy to apply to even the most active babies
- Vegan, Leaping Bunny certified sun cream contains no PABA, parabens, phthalates, BPA, oxybenzone, avobenzone, petroleum, gluten, dairy, or toxic chemicals
Cons
- The texture of mineral sunscreens tends to be thick and oily
- May take some effort to rub in completely
- May leave a slight white cast on the skin
Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen is safe and gentle for babies. It is water-resistant and provides broad-spectrum protection for UVA and UVB rays. It is also highly biodegradable, paraben-free, and gluten-free. We love that it is reef-safe and does not contain any biologically harmful chemicals.
This sunscreen is easy to apply and absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky or goopy feeling on the skin. The fragrance is derived solely from natural oils, ensuring a pleasant scent without any harmful effects. It is also safe for sensitive skin and does not cause irritation or a rash.
Overall, we highly recommend Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen for parents looking for a safe and effective sunscreen for their babies. It is a great choice for those who are concerned about the harmful effects of chemical sunscreens and want a natural alternative.
Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen
If you're looking for a mineral-based sunscreen for your baby, we highly recommend Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen. It's fragrance-free, paraben-free, and gentle on your baby's skin.
Pros
- Provides excellent sun protection with an SPF of 50+
- Water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes
- Smart bottle technology helps you learn to play safe in the sun
Cons
- May leave a white cast on the skin
- Some users may find it a bit thick and difficult to apply
- May require frequent reapplication for extended sun exposure
We've used Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen on our little one during several beach trips, and it has never failed us. It provides excellent sun protection with an SPF of 50+ and is water and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which is twice that of the original Blue Lizard Baby Sunscreen. We love that it contains no oxybenzone or octinoxate, making it reef-friendly and safe for the environment.
One thing to note is that it may leave a white cast on the skin, especially if you apply too much. However, we found that rubbing it in thoroughly helps reduce the white cast. Some users may also find it a bit thick and difficult to apply, but we didn't have any issues with it.
Overall, we highly recommend Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen for parents looking for a safe and effective sunscreen for their little ones. It's gentle on the skin, provides excellent sun protection, and is environmentally friendly.
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion for Sensitive Skin, Broad Spectrum SPF 50, Tear-Free, Sweat- & Water-Resistant, Paraben-Free, Travel-Size, 3 fl. oz
If you are looking for a baby sunscreen that is gentle on your baby's sensitive skin, then Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- Applies easily to baby's skin without stinging or irritation
- Skin-soothing oat and naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide active ingredient
- Tear-free formula that is non-greasy, hypoallergenic and paraben-free
Cons
- Takes a bit of time to absorb
- Leaves a white cast on the face
- Cream is dense and takes longer to rub all over
We have tried this sunscreen on our baby and we are happy with the results. The lotion applies easily and locks in moisture without any stinging or irritation. The skin-soothing oat and naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide active ingredient make it a perfect choice for a baby's delicate skin.
The tear-free formula is non-greasy, hypoallergenic and paraben-free, which makes it safe for use on your baby's skin. It is also sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you don't have to worry about reapplying it frequently.
However, the cream is a bit dense and takes longer to rub all over, which can make your baby fussy. It also leaves a white cast on the face, which can be a bit of a hassle.
Overall, Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is a great choice for parents looking for a gentle and effective sunscreen for their baby's sensitive skin.
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Mineral Sunscreen Stick
We highly recommend the Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Mineral Sunscreen Stick for parents who want to protect their little ones' skin from the sun's harmful rays.
Pros
- This sunscreen stick is easy to apply and glides on smoothly without leaving any residue.
- Its gentle formula is perfect for babies' delicate skin and does not cause any irritation or stinging.
- The convenient travel size makes it easy to carry around and apply on-the-go.
Cons
- The sunscreen stick may leave a slight white cast on the skin, but it is not very noticeable.
- It may be difficult to apply on larger areas of the body, but it is perfect for small areas like the face, arms, and legs.
- The sunscreen stick may melt in high temperatures, so it is important to store it in a cool place.
We love that this sunscreen stick contains naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide mineral active ingredient, which provides superior sun protection by forming a protective barrier on top of the skin that absorbs and scatters UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen stick is also sweat- and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for outdoor activities like swimming or playing at the beach.
In addition, the Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Mineral Sunscreen Stick is fragrance-free, paraben-free, and phthalate-free, making it safe for babies and people with sensitive skin. It is also pediatrician-recommended, so parents can trust that it is a safe and effective choice for their little ones.
Overall, we highly recommend the Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Mineral Sunscreen Stick for parents who want a convenient and effective way to protect their little ones' skin from the sun's harmful rays.
Babyganics SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Lotion UVA UVB Protection
Protect your baby from the sun with Babyganics SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Lotion.
Pros
- Made with all mineral actives: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
- Pediatrician and dermatologist tested
- Water and sweat resistant (80 minutes)
Cons
- Goes on white and needs to be rubbed in well
- Leaves a white cast on the skin
- May need to reapply frequently
We recently tried Babyganics SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Lotion on our little one during a day at the beach. We were happy to see that it is made with all mineral actives, which means it is free from harmful chemicals. The sunscreen is also pediatrician and dermatologist tested, giving us peace of mind about using it on our baby's delicate skin.
One downside is that the lotion goes on white, which can make it difficult to see where it has been applied. However, it rubs in quickly and easily. We did notice that it left a white cast on the skin, but this was not a major issue for us.
Another plus is that the sunscreen is water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for a day at the beach or pool. However, we did find that it needed to be reapplied frequently, especially after swimming or sweating.
Overall, we would recommend Babyganics SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Lotion for parents looking for a safe and effective sunscreen for their little ones.
Bada Boom Mineral Translucent Sunscreen Powder
We highly recommend Bada Boom Mineral Translucent Sunscreen Powder for parents who want to protect their little ones from the sun without the mess of traditional sunscreen.
Pros
- The brush-on formula makes it easy to apply and reapply throughout the day.
- Hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin, making it suitable for all skin types.
- The lightweight and non-greasy formula provides excellent protection without the feeling of a heavy lotion.
Cons
- The brush can be scratchy and difficult to use.
- The powder can spill out of the container if not closed properly.
- The scent can be unpleasant to some users.
We love that this sunscreen is easy to apply and reapply, making it perfect for active kids. The hypoallergenic and non-irritating formula means we can use it on all our kids, even those with sensitive skin. The lightweight and non-greasy formula is perfect for hot summer days, and we love that it doesn't leave a heavy feeling on our kids' skin.
The brush can be scratchy and difficult to use, but we found that using our own brush made the application process much easier. It's important to make sure the container is closed properly to avoid any spills. The scent can be unpleasant to some users, but we didn't find it to be overwhelming.
Overall, we highly recommend Bada Boom Mineral Translucent Sunscreen Powder for parents who want a mess-free and easy-to-use sunscreen option for their little ones.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best baby sunscreen, there are a few important factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when selecting a sunscreen for your little one:
SPF Level
The Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is a measure of how much UVB radiation a sunscreen can filter out. It is important to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, as this will block out 97% of the sun's UVB rays. However, it is important to note that no sunscreen can block out 100% of the sun's rays, so it is still important to take other sun protection measures, such as seeking shade and wearing protective clothing.
Broad-Spectrum Protection
In addition to SPF, it is important to choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection. This means that the sunscreen will protect against both UVA and UVB radiation. UVA radiation can penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB radiation, and can cause long-term damage, such as premature aging and skin cancer.
Water Resistance
If your baby will be spending time in the water, it is important to choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Look for a sunscreen that is labeled as "water-resistant" rather than "waterproof." Water-resistant sunscreens will maintain their SPF level for a certain amount of time in the water, but will still need to be reapplied after swimming or sweating.
Ingredients
When choosing a baby sunscreen, it is important to look at the ingredients list. Avoid sunscreens that contain harmful chemicals, such as oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate. Instead, look for sunscreens that contain natural ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Application
Finally, consider the ease of application when choosing a baby sunscreen. Look for a sunscreen that is easy to apply and does not leave a greasy or sticky residue. Sunscreens that come in spray or stick form can be convenient for applying to hard-to-reach areas, such as the face and ears.
By considering these factors, you can choose a baby sunscreen that will provide effective protection without harming your little one's delicate skin.