Keep them safely soaking up the sun with the best sunscreens for kids
Ah, summertime. The sun is shining, the weather is warm, and the kids are ready to hit the beach. But wait. Before you head out to soak up some rays, let’s talk about something important: sunscreen for kids. As parents, we all know that protecting your little ones from the sun’s harmful rays is crucial. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. Fear not, because we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best sunscreens for kids.
As much as we all love the sun, it’s no secret that too much exposure can lead to serious health problems like melanoma. This is especially true for kids who have sensitive skin and are more susceptible to damage from UV rays. So, grab your beach bag and pick up the sunscreen—your kids will thank you later.
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. C'est Moi Gentle Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 ($11.00)—Buy Here!
Belli 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. Belli Pure Radiance Sunscreen SPF 30 ($24.00)—Buy Here!
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! Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion ($14.97)—Buy Here!
Earth Baby Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+
Earth Baby’s SPF 30 Sunscreen is reef-friendly, uses a non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for the best protection against UVA and UVB rays. Packed with German chamomile, mango, and shea butter. This is definitely one of the best sunscreens for kids. Earth Baby Broad Spectrum, SPF 30+ ($14.00)—Buy Here!
Hello Bello SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
Hello Bello's SPF 50 Sunscreen Mineral Lotion 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! Hello Bello SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen ($18.14)—Buy Here!
Sunshine & Glitter X CRAYOLA Biodegradable Glitter, SPF 50 in Jazzberry Jam
These sunscreens nourish as much as they sparkle, loaded with antioxidants, luscious fragrances, and a luxurious texture that gently blends into the skin; they also provide effective SPF protection (UVA & UVB coverage) and are reef-friendly and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes—this is the sunscreen your kids will actually want to wear. (And you’ll know where you missed as they put the glitter on, showing them that sun safety is fun.) Sunshine & Glitter X CRAYOLA Biodegradable Glitter, SPF 50 in Jazzberry Jam ($19.95)—Buy Here!
Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen
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. Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen ($12.99)—Buy Here!
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. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Baby, SPF 30+ ($14.83)—Buy Here!
All Good Kids 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. All Good Kids Sunscreen, SPF 30 ($16.63)—Buy Here!
Babyganics SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen
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? Babyganics SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen ($21.96)—Buy Here!
Kiss My Face Kids Mineral Continuous Spray, SPF 30
This freshly scented, lightweight sunscreen hydrates and protects their skin with moisturizing aloe vera and avocado. It's also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Kiss My Face Kids Mineral Continuous Spray, SPF 30 ($19.99)—Buy Here!
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. Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50 ($11.59)—Buy Here!
Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, 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! Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, SPF 40 ($15.29)—Buy Here!
Earth Mama Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40
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. Earth Mama Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40 ($15.99)—Buy Here!
Don’t Forget Yourself, Moms
Onekind Solardrops
Solardrops is a dermatologist-tested serum with 24.5% non-nano zinc oxide that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Its HydraCactus Complex, made of prickly pear cactus extract and desert date oil, soothes and moisturizes the skin. The serum has a calming blend of patchouli and lavender, is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and safe for sensitive skin. Our shopping editor wears Solardrops daily. Onekind Solardrops ($48.00)—Buy Here!
Image Skincare Prevention+ Clear Solar Gel, SPF 30
This is a 100% clear professional-grade sunscreen. This innovative formula glides effortlessly over the skin, and blurs imperfections while leaving your skin soft and smooth. Image Skincare Prevention+ Clear Solar Gel, SPF 30 ($50.00)—Buy Here!
SunPlus Everyday Skin Nourishing Sunscreen SPF 40
A luxury lotion of vitamins, rich and multi-level moisturizers, antioxidants, and skin-loving superfoods. The sunscreen line gives protection from the sun’s harmful rays while moisturizing, soothing, and guarding skin against pollutants and premature aging. Enjoy a moisturizing sunscreen that won’t sting your eyes and is gentle on sensitive skin, plus water-resistant, and sweat-proof. SunPlus Everyday Skin Nourishing Sunscreen SPF 40 ($24.00)—Buy Here!
Sonrei Clearly Zinq Tinted
Sonrei Clearly Zinq Tinted is a light-weight mineral gel sunscreen providing broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. Formulated with a universal tint, to mask the zinc oxide’s natural white cast, this nourishing SPF glides on like a moisturizer to leave your skin feeling renewed and radiant. It's skincare and suncare in one. Sonrei Clearly Zinq Tinted ($40.00)—Buy Here!
Stream2Sea Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
Stream2Sea sunscreen formulas are enriched with a potent blend of antioxidant-rich ingredients like wakame seaweed, aloe vera, tulsi (holy basil), green tea, and olive leaf. Stream2Sea Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30 ($19.95)—Buy Here!
Coola Fresh Rose Rōsilliance SPF 30 BB Plus Cream
Lightly tinted BB cream from the iconic suncare brand, Coola, with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection and a sheer finish. Coola Fresh Rose Rōsilliance SPF 30 BB Plus Cream ($48.99)—Buy Here!
Kōkua Sun Care, SPF 50
Deeply nourishing the skin with rich Hawaiian antioxidant ingredients, Kōkua rubs in clear and smooth with high performance broad spectrum protection using the highest percentage of non-nano zinc oxide at 25% as the only active ingredient. Natural extracts give it a light coconut vanilla scent. Kōkua Sun Care, SPF 50 ($28.00)—Buy Here!
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen
This one is a cult favorite! Moisturizing, tinted facial sunscreen protects against the harmful UVA and UVB rays from the sun. It feels light, covers naturally like a makeup, and you'll want to reach for it daily. EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen ($38.00)—Buy Here!
The Block Brush
The Block Brush is a refillable sunblock brush that provides you the freedom of always having sunblock handy without having to carry a full bottle around. The Block Brush ($20.00)—Buy Here!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
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All images courtesy of retailers.
