Keep Your Kids Safe This Summer With These Ultra-Gentle Sunscreens
- 1/13
Keep Your Kids Safe This Summer With These Ultra-Gentle Sunscreens
We updated this article in May 2022 to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.
Wrestling with your toddler as you try to apply their sunscreen or arguing with them to put on SPF before they go to day camp is nobody’s idea of fun—but it’s essential to protect your little ones from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
No matter how your kid reacts to putting on sunscreen, with all of the lotions, sticks, sprays, and creams with “baby” or “kids” on the label, the hardest thing may be choosing which one to use. That’s why we consulted six dermatologists to find out exactly what you need to look for when buying, and named the best sunscreens for kids and babies in 2022.
Important reminder: If your infant is less than six months old, both the American Academy of Dermatology and the Skin Cancer Foundation recommend keeping your baby out of the sun (and avoiding sunscreen if you can), as their skin is highly sensitive and has too little melanin, making them more susceptible to sun damage. Instead, if you must have your infant out in the sun, dress them in lightweight long sleeves and pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect them from head to toe. Once your child is 6 months old, make sure you apply SPF liberally whenever they’re spending time in the sun.
How we chose the best sunscreens for kids
We consulted subject matter experts including Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City who serves as a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai, Julia Tzu, M.D., founder and medical director of Wall Street Dermatology, Adam Friedman, M.D., professor of dermatology and residency program director at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Joel Schlessinger, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and president of LovelySkin.com for expert input. We also scanned customer reviews to fine tune and curate our top picks.
Our top picks
[product-summary-view][/product-summary-view]
Check out the best sunscreens for babies and children below, and remember to apply every two hours and more frequently if your little one is sweating or playing in the water.
Nadezhda1906 - Getty Images - 2/13
Pure & Simple Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Coppertone
amazon.com
$8.97
This chemical-free sunscreen is free of fragrance, oils, and dyes so it protects the skin without irritating it. Water resistant for 80 minutes, it’s specifically formulated to be “tear-free” so your kiddos won’t have any issues with burning or itching. Bonus: No weird residue left behind!
Coppertone - 3/13
Australian Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
BLUE LIZARD
amazon.com
$14.98
Free of potentially irritating parabens and fragrances, this broad spectrum SPF 50+ sunscreen protects the skin using zinc oxide and titanium oxide. It’s water resistant for 80 minutes, plus the bottle turns pink when harmful UV rays are present, so you have a nice reminder to apply more, get the kids under the beach umbrella, or consider a lunch break inside.
“Best mineral sunscreen I’ve ever used,” one Amazon shopper writes. “Rubs in clear, truly water resistant (no whitish drips coming off after running in the sprinkler) and good mineral only ingredients. I’ve started using it myself.”
Blue Lizard - 4/13
Mineral KidCrème SPF 50
MDSolarSciences
amazon.com
$35.00
This mineral sunscreen for kids has top-notch UV protection and gentle ingredients. In addition to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this unscented, smooth formula contains soothing green tea, nourishing vitamin E, and fruit extracts, all of which act as antioxidants to offer additional protection. The best part? It feels great on the skin and won’t sting the eyes, so even stubborn kids will love slathering on this SPF.
MDSolarSciences - 5/13
Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin SPF 50
Aveeno
amazon.com
$9.97
Water resistant for 80 minutes, this mineral sunscreen contains 100% zinc oxide for broad spectrum SPF 50 protection, along with oat extract to soothe and moisturize the skin. While the lotion feels thick at first, it absorbs quickly with a non-greasy finish. It’s also free of fragrances, parabens, dyes, and phthalate, earning the NEA Seal of Acceptance. No need to worry about stinging the skin with this one!
Aveeno - 6/13
Baby Sunscreen Cream SPF 30
Badger
amazon.com
$27.98
This pediatrician-tested and -approved, broad spectrum sunscreen lotion contains only six ingredients—including soothing chamomile and nourishing vitamin E—in addition to zinc oxide. It’s reef friendly, biodegradable, and certified cruelty-free as well as water- and sweat-resistant for 40 minutes. Your child may have bright white-tinted skin for a little while, but it’s worth the protection.
badger - 7/13
Anthelios Melt-In Sunscreen Milk Body & Face Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay
amazon.com
$35.99
Developed with dermatologists, this sunscreen lotion offers top-notch protection against UVA and UVB rays. The lightweight formula is free of parabens, dyes, and artificial fragrances, and water resistant for 80 minutes. Added antioxidants “further guard the skin from future sun damage,” says Dr. Schlessinger.
La Roche-Posay - 8/13
Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
Thinkbaby
amazon.com
$12.99
This mineral sunscreen for kids and babies is another safe, excellent option. It offers high broad-spectrum protection, doesn’t feel sticky on the skin, and contains moisturizing aloe, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil. What’s more, vitamins C and E act as antioxidants to further protect the skin from damage.
thinkbaby - 9/13
Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
CeraVe
amazon.com
$25.99
Though it’s not a baby-branded formula, this mineral sunscreen contains both zinc oxide and titanium oxide without potentially irritating fragrances, parabens, or sulfates, earning it a NEA Seal of Acceptance. CeraVe also formulated this product with hydrating ceramides (natural fats in the skin) to moisturize while it protects the skin. It absorbs quickly, which is always nice for kids who hate the sticky feeling of sunscreen.
CeraVe - 10/13
Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Baby Bum
amazon.com
$27.96
The EWG gives this fragrance-free sunscreen its highest safety score for kids. Formulated with protective zinc oxide, as well as hydrating shea butter and coconut oil, it’s applies like a dream on delicate baby skin, covers well, and doesn’t get too sticky. It’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
sun bum - 11/13
Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Babo Botanicals
amazon.com
$16.99
This barely-there formula doesn’t sacrifice protection. It contains 100% mineral blockers in the form of zinc oxide and is super easy to rub in. It also contains sunflower seed and jojoba oil for added moisture, plus, the company is woman-owned and family operated.
babo botanicals - 12/13
Kid’s Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
All Good Makes Everything Better
amazon.com
$15.99
This coral-friendly, non-greasy, broad spectrum sunscreen contains zinc oxide for sun protection alongside skin-soothing chamomile and green tea. It’s also water resistant for 80 minutes and rubs in easily.
All Good - 13/13
Kids Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45
Alba Botanica
amazon.com
$8.98
Made with botanical ingredients and recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation, this pick is hard to beat. It’s also a tear-free formula that has a delightful scent of tropical fruit.
“Chose this for baby’s first sunscreen and used it so much I ran out,” one Amazon reviewer raves. “Purchased another option that left him sticky and with a breakout. Switched back to Alba and it cleared it right up. It’s got a light refreshing scent and is sizable yet doesn’t take up too much space in a diaper bag. Held up to an entire day at the lake with recommended applications and baby left with no trace of a sunburn.”
alba botanica
![<p class="body-text"><em>We updated this article in <strong>May 2022</strong> to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.</em><br></p><hr><p class="body-text">Wrestling with your toddler as you try to apply their <a href="https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/g20174383/best-sunscreens/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:sunscreen" class="link ">sunscreen</a> or arguing with them to put on SPF before they go to day camp is nobody’s idea of fun—but it’s <em>essential</em> to protect your little ones from the sun’s harmful UV rays.</p><p>No matter how your kid reacts to putting on sunscreen, with all of the lotions, sticks, sprays, and creams with “baby” or “kids” on the label, the hardest thing may be choosing which one to use. That’s why <strong>we consulted six dermatologists to find out exactly what you need to look for when buying</strong><strong>, </strong>and named the best sunscreens for kids and babies in 2022.</p><p class="body-text">Important reminder: If your infant is less than six months old, both the <a href="https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:American Academy of Dermatology" class="link ">American Academy of Dermatology</a> and the <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/children/sun-safety-tips-for-infants-babies-and-toddlers" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Skin Cancer Foundation" class="link ">Skin Cancer Foundation</a> recommend keeping your baby out of the sun (and avoiding sunscreen if you can), as their skin is highly sensitive and has too little melanin, making them more susceptible to sun damage. Instead, if you must have your infant out in the sun, dress them in lightweight long sleeves and pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect them from head to toe. Once your child is 6 months old, make sure you apply SPF liberally whenever they’re spending time in the sun.</p><h2 class="body-h2">How we chose the best sunscreens for kids</h2><p>We consulted subject matter experts including <a href="https://www.drmeghanfeely.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Meghan Feely, M.D." class="link ">Meghan Feely, M.D.</a>, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City who serves as a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai, Julia Tzu, M.D., founder and medical director of <a href="http://www.wallstreetdermatology.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Wall Street Dermatology" class="link ">Wall Street Dermatology</a>, <a href="https://cancercenter.gwu.edu/profile/doctor/adam-friedman" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Adam Friedman, M.D." class="link ">Adam Friedman, M.D.</a>, professor of dermatology and residency program director at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Joel Schlessinger, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and president of <a href="https://www.lovelyskin.com/pages/dr-joel-schlessinger" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:LovelySkin.com" class="link ">LovelySkin.com</a> for expert input. We also scanned customer reviews to fine tune and curate our top picks.</p><h2 class="body-h2">Our top picks</h2><p>[product-summary-view][/product-summary-view]</p><p>Check out the best sunscreens for babies and children below, and remember to apply every two hours and more frequently if your little one is sweating or playing in the water. </p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/JeC_tTo.M3bkNfVZUtUXug--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTY0MA--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/Sn2.E9Sn9OgT9gaUjBF29w--~B/aD0xNDE0O3c9MjEyMTthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/hearst_prevention_66/bbe14d077396026f4b743c868b04ea28)
![<p class="body-text"><em>We updated this article in <strong>May 2022</strong> to add more information about each featured product, based on extensive research done by our team.</em><br></p><hr><p class="body-text">Wrestling with your toddler as you try to apply their <a href="https://www.prevention.com/beauty/skin-care/g20174383/best-sunscreens/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:sunscreen" class="link ">sunscreen</a> or arguing with them to put on SPF before they go to day camp is nobody’s idea of fun—but it’s <em>essential</em> to protect your little ones from the sun’s harmful UV rays.</p><p>No matter how your kid reacts to putting on sunscreen, with all of the lotions, sticks, sprays, and creams with “baby” or “kids” on the label, the hardest thing may be choosing which one to use. That’s why <strong>we consulted six dermatologists to find out exactly what you need to look for when buying</strong><strong>, </strong>and named the best sunscreens for kids and babies in 2022.</p><p class="body-text">Important reminder: If your infant is less than six months old, both the <a href="https://www.aad.org/media/stats/prevention-and-care/sunscreen-faqs" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:American Academy of Dermatology" class="link ">American Academy of Dermatology</a> and the <a href="https://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/children/sun-safety-tips-for-infants-babies-and-toddlers" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Skin Cancer Foundation" class="link ">Skin Cancer Foundation</a> recommend keeping your baby out of the sun (and avoiding sunscreen if you can), as their skin is highly sensitive and has too little melanin, making them more susceptible to sun damage. Instead, if you must have your infant out in the sun, dress them in lightweight long sleeves and pants, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect them from head to toe. Once your child is 6 months old, make sure you apply SPF liberally whenever they’re spending time in the sun.</p><h2 class="body-h2">How we chose the best sunscreens for kids</h2><p>We consulted subject matter experts including <a href="https://www.drmeghanfeely.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Meghan Feely, M.D." class="link ">Meghan Feely, M.D.</a>, a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City who serves as a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai, Julia Tzu, M.D., founder and medical director of <a href="http://www.wallstreetdermatology.com/" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Wall Street Dermatology" class="link ">Wall Street Dermatology</a>, <a href="https://cancercenter.gwu.edu/profile/doctor/adam-friedman" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:Adam Friedman, M.D." class="link ">Adam Friedman, M.D.</a>, professor of dermatology and residency program director at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, and Joel Schlessinger, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and president of <a href="https://www.lovelyskin.com/pages/dr-joel-schlessinger" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank" data-ylk="slk:LovelySkin.com" class="link ">LovelySkin.com</a> for expert input. We also scanned customer reviews to fine tune and curate our top picks.</p><h2 class="body-h2">Our top picks</h2><p>[product-summary-view][/product-summary-view]</p><p>Check out the best sunscreens for babies and children below, and remember to apply every two hours and more frequently if your little one is sweating or playing in the water. </p>](https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/8p8AdvU14Lr_jrc6rasSNA--/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTIxMDtoPTEzMQ--/https://s.yimg.com/uu/api/res/1.2/Sn2.E9Sn9OgT9gaUjBF29w--~B/aD0xNDE0O3c9MjEyMTthcHBpZD15dGFjaHlvbg--/https://media.zenfs.com/en/hearst_prevention_66/bbe14d077396026f4b743c868b04ea28)
