15 Best Sunscreens For Kids And Babies, According To Reviews

Once your little one is old enough to play outdoors, it is time to invest in the best sunscreen for kids. When it comes to children, you must leave no stone unturned to get the best products for them. Starting from toys and clothes to skin care, you need to be extra cautious about how the materials and ingredients will react to your children’s sensitive skin. But, when it comes to sunscreen, it is a necessity as kids are hard to confine indoors!

To prevent sunburn or the effects of the UV rays, you need to prep up before time and get one of the highest-rated sunscreens specially designed to suit the needs of children. If you are unsure what ingredients to look for or what will be good enough to protect your little one from the sun, we are here to help. Shawnda Dorantes, skin care expert, says, “When choosing the best sunscreen for your baby, look for a broad spectrum formula, containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The formula should be free of fragrances or irritants. The sunscreen should also be non-comedogenic with an SPF of at least 30.”

15 Best Sunscreen For Kids To Look Out For In 2024

1. Best Hypoallergenic:Supergoof! Sunny Screen SPF 50 Stick

4.6

Image: Supergoop!

BUY ON AMAZON | $24

This 100% non-nano mineral-based formula is a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers SPF 50. It protects the child’s skin, face, and body from UVA, UVB, and IRA rays. It is formulated with chia seed oil and antioxidant-rich olive oil that nourish and moisturize the skin. The sunscreen stick is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and hence can be used safely even when the child is in water or sweating. It is a non-sticky formula that is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. This moisturizing sunscreen is tested by pediatricians and is ideal for dry skin types.

2. Best For All Skin Types:Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Beach & Pool Sunscreen Spray

4.6

BUY ON AMAZON | $21.94

With summer fast approaching, prepare your beach bag with what is one of the safest sunscreens for kids. This spray sunscreen for kids is formulated using clinically-proven Helioplex Technology that offers broad-spectrum protection from the harmful rays of the sun. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, thereby giving your kids uninterrupted play time. This spray sunscreen allows for easy application. It is suitable for all skin types and is free from para-aminobenzoic acid and does not clog the pores. You can also check out the thousands of reviews on Amazon to check the range of tester’s experience.

Quick Tip

Spray-on sunscreens are not recommended for kids due to their higher risk of inhaling potentially harmful chemicals. For maximum protection, creams with thicker, greasier consistency are the best for kids.

3. Best UV Ray Protection:California Kids 30+ Broad Spectrum Tinted Sunscreen

4.3

Image: California Baby

BUY ON AMAZON | $28.76

This multi-award-winning formula is developed by a mom as she kept in mind the delicate skin of kids. It offers a universal light tint that eliminates the whiteness. In addition, it offers a broad spectrum of 30+ sunscreen, protecting the skin against harmful UV rays. The formula also stays water-resistant for 80 minutes, allowing the kids to enjoy their water activities hassle-free. It is a tear-free formula safe for both kids and sensitive adults. This kids-cum-adult sunscreen with coconut oil will ensure your skin stays soft and supple throughout the day while protecting it from harsh UV rays.

Pro Tip

While applying sunscreen, use at least 1 oz. to cover your kid’s entire body. Alternatively, use the “teaspoon rule” of 9 tsp. to cover the body. Be sure to reapply sunscreen every two hours, and after sweating or swimming.

4. Best Reef-Friendly:Banana Boat Kids Sport Sunscreen Lotion Spray

4.6

Image: Bananaboat

BUY ON AMAZON | $12.97

A glowing recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation surely makes this sunscreen lotion spray for kids a must-have! This sunscreen with skin-nourishing ingredients offers effective broad-spectrum protection from UVA/UVB rays while also being sting and tear-free. All you need to do is to apply it on your child’s skin, wait for 15 mins and have them enjoy up to 80 minutes of uninterrupted fun.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With 10,598 positive reviews on Amazon, this product has become a bestseller.

5. Best Pediatrician-Tested:Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Lotion

4.4

Image: Aveeno

BUY ON AMAZON | $9

With active ingredients such as natural zinc oxide and oats, this mineral sunblock for kids is sure to win your hearts and make its way into your backpacks. Suitable for use on your kids’ face and body, this formula is non-greasy and can be applied on sensitive skin. This sunscreen with oatmeal offers good sun protection with broad-spectrum SPF 50 for up to 80 minutes at a time. Rest assured that its mild formulation is gentle on the skin along with being water and sweat-proof.

Pro Tip

Ensure your total sun protection program includes sunscreen, a hat, protective clothing, and sunglasses. Avoid being in the sun from 10 am to 2 pm when the UV radiation is strongest.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

With over 6,612 Amazon acclaimed reviews, this product is sure to find a place in everyone’s shopping bag.

6. Best Eco-Friendly:Badger Baby Chamomile & Calendula Mineral Sunscreen Cream

4.6

Image: Badger

BUY ON AMAZON | $35.99

Let the bright sunshine not stop you from stepping out with your littlest one. This pediatrician-tested organic mineral sunscreen cream is the perfect formulation for your baby’s skin as it offers effective broad-spectrum sun protection. Hailed as one of the safest sunscreens for babies, it is infused with moisturizing botanical ingredients such as sunflower, calendula, chamomile, and organic beeswax among others that nourish the skin and leave it feeling supple and healthy. SPF 30 protects the skin from harmful sun rays, allowing you to spend some quality time with your baby in the outdoors. This super hydrating sunscreen with chamomile extract will promise intense hydration and soothe irritated skin.

7. Best Dermatologist-Tested:Coppertone KIDS Sunscreen Lotion

4.6

Image: Coppertone

BUY ON AMAZON | $7.97

Synonymous with effective sun protection, the Coppertone KIDS Sunscreen Lotion is one of the best sunscreens for kids that you can get your hands on. With its unique antioxidant vitamin blend, this sunscreen for children is water-resistant and allows for a play session that lasts for up to 80 minutes without the need for re-application. Pediatrician-recommended and dermatologist-tested, this is a brand that you can stock up on one summer after another. This stick sunscreen is ideal for targeted use and can surely be added to your cart for daily use. It is free of harsh chemical ingredients.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

The overwhelming 3,360 positive reviews on Amazon show how popular this product is with happy users.

8. Best For Sensitive Skin Type:La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Gentle Sunscreen Lotion

4.6

BUY ON AMAZON | $29.99

You know that you have got the right product when your sunscreen lotion says that it is dermatologist-tested. This gentle sunscreen lotion from La Roche-Posay is one of the best sunscreens for toddlers and kids with sensitive skin. With a gentle formula that is free of parabens, alcohol, and fragrance, this lotion provides broad-spectrum sun protection using Cell-OX Shield technology. It is also a popular sunscreen with antioxidants that can reduce free radical damage. It absorbs well into the skin leaving it feeling light and non-greasy.

9. Best Chemical-Free:Thinksport For Kids SPF 50+ Sunscreen

4.6

Now 13% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $14.69

If you have been on a quest for the best chemical-free sunscreen for babies and kids, this sunscreen from thinksport For Kids is the one for you. This zinc oxide-rich baby sunscreen is a great choice as it is biodegradable, free of harmful chemicals, and is vegan. Offering broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays, SPF 50+ is sure to keep your child’s skin from harm. It is also enriched with aloe leaf juice extract, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, cranberry seed oil, and hyaluronic acid, which lend it its restorative and reparative qualities. This dermatologist-recommended sunscreen with aloe vera extract is guaranteed to keep your skin nourished and soft while providing extensive sun protection.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

More than 2,441 customers have given the product positive reviews on Amazon.

10. Best Water-Resistant:BLUE LIZARD Kids 123 Sesame Street Australian Mineral-Based Sunscreen

4.6

Now 9% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $24.99

This mineral-based sunscreen for babies and kids from a world-renowned brand offers SPF 30+ protection and is water-resistant. Hailed as the No.1 pediatrician-recommended brand, this lotion is suitable for use on sensitive skin as it is devoid of parabens and fragrance. This sweat-proof and water-resistant sunscreen is a great choice for your child’s playtime in the sun. However, you will need to reapply it after every 80 minutes for optimum UV protection. What makes it so interesting is the Smart Bottle Technology that changes its color to blue when exposed to UV rays, thereby indicating your skin’s excessive exposure to sunlight. Cool, isn’t it?

11. Best Cruelty-Free:Alba Botanica Kids Sunscreen Tropical Fruit Clear Spray

4.3

Now 35% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $9.14

It is not the easiest task to find skincare products that are safe to use on every skin type. Now, extend this to getting the best sunscreen for kids with sensitive skin and you’ll mostly draw a blank. Putting these struggles to rest is this sunscreen spray from Alba Botanica that is nothing less than a blessing in disguise! It is formulated using ingredients that are 100% vegetarian, cruelty-free, and biodegradable. Infused with natural ingredients such as orange peel oil, calendula flower extract, avocado oil, aloe leaf juice, and panax ginseng root extract, this lightweight lotion sunscreen applies rather easily, is water-resistant, and offers effective sun protection to sensitive skin. This clear water-resistant sunscreen leaves no white residue, so you won’t have to worry about looking like a ghost while protecting your skin. It is also tested by pediatricians and is safe for use on a baby’s sensitive skin.

12. Best Vegan:All Good Kid’s Mineral Sunscreen

4.4

Image: All Good

BUY ON AMAZON | $13.99

Here’s a sunscreen lotion that is suitable for babies older than 6 months and toddlers. This lotion is one of the best mineral-based sunscreens for kids and babies as it is free from harmful chemicals, parabens, oxybenzone, and chemical UV absorbers. It is infused with a blend of zinc oxide and other certified soothing and organic ingredients such as calendula, chamomile, rose hips, and olive oil. These ingredients are good for sensitive skin as well. This sunscreen with shea butter is known for soothing irritated skin and providing intense nourishment.

13. Best Tear-Free:Babyganics Kids Sunscreen Lotion

4.5

Image: Baby Ganics

BUY ON AMAZON | $20.58

Harsh sun rays and our skin don’t really get along, which means that your child’s skin needs all the TLC it can get this summer. Look no further than this zinc oxide sunscreen for kids from babyganics that not only offers sun protection but is also non-allergenic and tear-free. Free of PABA, fragrance, phthalates, and parabens, it is recommended by pediatricians and tested by board-certified dermatologists, making it a safe option for this time of the year.

14. Best Non-Toxic:earth mama Kids Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

3.7

Image: Earthmama Organics

BUY ON AMAZON | $13.99

This “Uber sensitive” mineral-based lotion is one of the best sunscreens for toddlers with sensitive skin. It is blended with organic colloidal oatmeal and organic shea butter and does not cause skin irritation or develop rashes. Gentle on sensitive skin, this non-irritating sunscreen with calendula extract does not get absorbed into the skin rather stays on top and helps scatter harmful sun rays. From a brand that is trusted by mothers all over and is tested by dermatologists and pediatricians, not much can really go wrong with this sheer sunscreen

15. Best Non-Sticky:Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen

4.6

Image: Thinkbaby

Now 41% Off

BUY ON AMAZON | $12.88

Getting your baby beach-ready can be fun with the Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Sunscreen. The water-resistant formula offers 80 minutes of protection in the sea or the pool, allowing your child to enjoy their playtime to the fullest. This dermatologist-tested formula is safe and natural for your child’s sensitive skin as it’s free from harsh chemicals like phthalates, oxybenzone, avobenzone, and petroleum. The non-sticky sunscreen also gets quickly absorbed into the skin and leaves behind no chemical smell.

Now that we have seen this amazing collection of products that are easily available at your local drugstore or even online, let us take a look at some important points to consider when buying the best sunscreen for kids.

The Best Sunscreen For Kids And How To Choose Them – A Buying Guide

How To Choose The Best Sunscreen For Kids?

Summer is a time for picnics, visits to the beach, and lots of fun and frolic. Don’t let the harmful sun rays stop you and your kids from stepping out and load up on your favorite sunscreen right away! We know that choosing the safest sunscreen for your little bundle of joy is not the easiest task, especially with all the options available today. Here are a few points to consider when buying one:

• It is important to make sure that you pick a sunscreen lotion, spray, or cream with SPF 30 or higher as children’s skin is more susceptible to burning.
• Always pick a sunscreen that is mineral-based or labeled as physical sunscreen as all others are formulated with chemicals that may not be suitable for your kids’ sensitive skin.
• Sunscreen for kids must be water-resistant as they spend a lot of time in pools and that should not compromise the sun protection they need all through summer. It should also be sweat-proof to avoid the need for constant re-application.
• It should provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB sun protection.
• It should be tested by pediatricians and dermatologists and recommended by them for children.

How To Use The Best Sunscreen For Children

 Applying sunscreen before stepping out into the sun is a simple step to be incorporated in your skincare regime. Despite that, many of us get it wrong. Here’s a breakdown of how to correctly apply sunscreen:

1. Take a dollop of the product in your hands and apply it over the desired area.
2. Be gentle as you rub it into your skin, especially when it is applied on the face.
3. Take care not to get any of the product in your eyes.
4. Wait for at least 15 minutes before stepping out or applying any other moisturizer over it.
5. Once it is absorbed into your skin, you can top it up with any item of clothing that might provide an added level of protection.

Are there any specific safety tips that you must keep in mind before buying or using a sunscreen for kids? Read on to find out.

Safety Tips To Keep In Mind Before Using Sunscreen

 Here are a few tips to keep in mind before using a sunscreen that can help you this summer:

• Children have sensitive skin and, hence conducting a patch-test is highly recommended.
• It is important to avoid using chemical sunscreens as it can harm your child’s delicate skin.
• Always wait for at least 15 minutes after you have applied the sunscreen to ensure that you get the best out of it.
• Do not use sunscreen on your child if he/she is younger than 6 months old.
• Be sure to reapply after every 2 hours.
• Keep a track of the expiration dates and throw any product out that may have crossed it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use factor 50 or 30 on my child?

It is advised by dermatologists to use sunscreen lotions, sprays, or creams that have a higher SPF rating as children’s skin is more sensitive and delicate, thereby more susceptible to burning.

When should you put sunscreen on a child?

It is a good idea to avoid applying sunscreen on your child is he/she is younger than 6 months old. This is because your baby’s skin can absorb the chemicals in the lotion that eventually cause harm to their sensitive skin.

Is it bad to wear sunscreen everyday?

No, it is not bad to wear sunscreen every day as it provides your skin with the much-needed protection from the harmful UV rays from the sun. Applying it before exposure to sunlight can minimize the risk of serious skin damage over time.

Can you apply regular sunscreen on a 2-year old?

It is advised that kids and toddlers apply sunscreens formulated for kids. Another option would be to use those formulated for adult skin but marked as “physical” or “mineral-based” as these do not have harmful chemicals.

What’s the difference between kids’ and babies’ sunscreen?

There’s no difference between kids’ and babies’ sunscreen. Both contain similar ingredients, but kids’ sunscreens offers more broad-spectrum coverage than babies’ sunscreens because kids are more likely to enjoy outdoor activities.

Do those with deeply pigmented skin need sunscreen?

Yes. Everyone needs SPF protection to prevent harmful UV rays from damaging their skin.

How much sunscreen do I need to apply?

You can always adhere to the two-finger rule while applying sunscreen. Put two equal lines of sunscreen on your forefinger and middle finger and gently rub it on your skin.

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Krati Darak, the author, has a keen interest in skin care. She understands that kids love spending time outdoors, which leaves their skin vulnerable to sun damage. So, she recommends using these sunscreens to protect your kid’s skin from harsh sun rays. She spent hours pouring over many products and reviews before settling on this list. She chose these sunscreens based on their benefits like hypoallergenic formulation, absence of harsh elements like synthetic fragrances, SPF range, and more.

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Shawnda DorantesMSN, APRN, FNP-C

   

Shawnda Dorantes, MSN, APRN, FNP-C, is the founder and Master Injector at Beauty Lounge Medical Spa. She has 15 years of experience in the beauty industry and 13 years as a registered nurse.   Dorantes began her career as a Beauty Advisor for Estee Lauder. She later became a freelance professional makeup artist and then joined Estee Lauder’s Regional Artistry...more

Krati DarakAssociate Commerce Editor

 

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches. She has also worked with a number of high-profile beauty brands on a freelance basis to upscale their businesses. Krati...more

Medha DebCommerce Editor

Medha Deb is a commerce editor with a master's degree in applied linguistics from the University of Hyderabad, which has allowed her to develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts. She specializes in the areas of beauty, health, and wellness and is committed to ensuring that the content on the website is of the highest...more

Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content. She loves reviewing skin care and hair care products and constantly endeavors to provide...more