Before you head out to the beach, pool or playground this summer, be sure to study your SPF. The available selection of sunscreens can be overwhelming, and it’s often difficult to determine which products are both effective AND free of harsh chemicals. We’ve rounded up our favorites (and the Environmental Working Group’s, too!) to ensure you and your squad can enjoy the warm weather days without worries. Scroll down to see our picks.
C'est Moi Gentle Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
C’est Moi makes the perfect sunscreen for sensitive, delicate skin. It’s a fragrance-free, mineral sunscreen that feels surprisingly lightweight when you wear it, making it perfect for teen skin, too. Ingredients like zinc oxide, organic aloe, cocoa butter and strawberry extracts are like a treat for your skin. Its broad-spectrum SPF 30 with 40 minutes of water resistance.
Buy it here, $14.99.
Belli's Pure Radiance Sunscreen SPF 30
Belli’s moisturizing, shielding, mineral-based sunscreen with ingredients like cucumber, chamomile and green tea, make this an excellent choice for both mamas-to-be and child alike. Added bonus: there’s a slight tint to the sunscreen that blends into all skin tones and acts like a blur cream.
Buy it here, $24.
Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Made with soothing ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter, this fragrance-free sunscreen from Baby Bum is made with 20% zinc oxide but still rubs in well and comes with SPF 50. The 3 oz. size is also perfect for travel!
Buy it here, $11.20.
Hello Bello SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
We are in love with Hello Bello's SPF 50 Sunscreen Mineral Lotion, which is the only FDA-approved broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVB, UVA2 and UVA1. It has organic botanicals, including calendula green tea and avocado, is reef-friendly, water resistant up to 80 minutes, hypoallergenic, vegan, cruelty-free and full of moisturizing shea, cocoa and coconut oils. Phew! Need another reason to buy it? It's good for all skin types, including moms!
Buy it here, $8.78.
Jersey Kids Reef-Safe All Natural Sunscreen
A top favorite with EWG, not only is this all-natural sunscreen safe and effective, but it's also eco-and earth-friendly. Designated as reef-safe sunscreen, you won't find any nano zinc oxide, petrochemical or fragrances.
Buy it here, $20.
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50 Plus
Thinkbaby Safe is a mineral-based sunscreen that rubs into skin incredibly easily without any oily residue. It's free of biologically harmful chemicals and contains absolutely no avobenzone, oxybenzone, or UV chemical absorbers.
Buy it here, $10.39.
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Baby, SPF 30+
The folks down under know good sun protection: Blue Lizard Australian sunscreens have been pediatrician recommended and dermatologist trusted for over 20 years. They contain no skin-irritating fragrances or parabens, and this one is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes. With 10% zinc oxide and 5% titanium dioxide, it provides true broad-spectrum protection from UV rays for the most vulnerable skin.
Buy it here, $25.99.
All Good Kid's Sunscreen, SPF 30
This lightweight sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes but still doesn’t feel greasy. Organic green tea, rose hips, and buriti oil repair damaged skin, and chamomile soothes sensitive babes. Non-nanoparticle zinc oxide offers the most effective broad-spectrum sun protection possible without the danger of being absorbed by marine life or being disruptive to reef growth processes.
Buy it here, $13.49.
Hawaiian Sol Sol Kid Kare, SPF 50
Containing aloe vera, hibiscus, and extracts of wild pansy, cucumber, and melon, this biodegradable sunscreen smells so delicious that your kiddos just might tolerate application. Reef safe, no nano-technology is used in the emulsification process of this sunscreen—but with 19% zinc oxide, it still provides potent protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Buy it here, $9.99.
Babyganics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Non-allergenic and tear-free, this mineral-based, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection offers smooth application. Pediatrician and dermatologist approved, the lightweight consistency is nourishing on delicate skin. Did we mention the awesome price tag?
Buy it here, $16.65 for a 2-pack.
Kiss My Face Organics Kids Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
Formulated with 87% certified organic ingredients, this hypoallergenic sunscreen is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It is made with non-nano mineral only actives and blended with nourishing sunflower oil. Expect a whitish tint to remain on the skin after application—but you’ll know it’s working!
Buy it here, $15.51
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50
Awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance as a suitable sunscreen for persons with sensitive skin conditions, this winner provides 100% mineral sun protection that is made for baby's delicate skin. The gentle formula promises superior broad-spectrum UVA and UVB sun protection by creating a screen between baby's skin and the sun’s rays. It’s also free of irritating chemicals, fragrances, parabens, phthalates, and dyes, so it’s suitable for use on even the most sensitive skin.
Available here, $10.99.
BadgerKids Sunscreen Cream, Tangerine & Vanilla, SPF 40
The scrumptious scent of tangerine and vanilla might convince you that you’re frosting a cupcake instead of rubbing in powerful, planet-friendly sun protection. With a skin-soothing base of sunflower oil, beeswax, and vitamin E, it’s also reef safe and biodegradable. We also love that the tube is recyclable!
Buy it here, $17.99.
Earth Mama Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Earth Mam's sunscreen for sensitive skin rates high on the EWG's list of best kids' sunscreen! It's got organic colloidal oatmeal and organic shea butter that soothes rashy skin, is reef safe, water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, offers broad-spectrum SPF 40 coverage and contains no chemicals or fragrances.
Buy it here, $14.58.
—Katie Brown
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All images courtesy of retailers.
Feature photo iStock
