Dermatologists Say These Are the Best, Most Gentle Sunscreens for Kids and Babies

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Wrestling with your toddler as you try to apply SPF is nobody’s idea of fun. But it’s essential to protect your little ones from the sun’s harmful UV rays by using the best sunscreen for kids. With so many types of sunscreen out there, though—sunscreen sticks, sprays, lotions, and so much more—how do you know which ones are ideal for young children?

According to dermatologists, mineral or physical sunscreens are the best choice for kids. “Mineral sunscreens, particularly those containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are ideal for young ones because they work by reflecting UV rays away from the skin,” explains Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York. “They’re known to be gentler on sensitive skin and less likely to cause irritation.”

Meet the experts: Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York; Brendan Camp, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology; Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist; 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.

If your child is less than six months old, though, 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 your infant must be exposed to 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 six months old, make sure you apply SPF liberally for outdoor time. “Children over six months should use SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum sunscreen and remember to reapply every 2 hours, especially after sweating or swimming,” says Dr. Garshick. Read on ahead for what to specifically look for in a children’s sunscreen—and for the top-rated picks that dermatologists recommend.

Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

This top-rated sunscreen from Blue Lizard “offers strong protection against the sun’s harmful rays, with an SPF of 50+ to ensure coverage,” says Dr. Garshick. “Its mineral-based formula makes it gentle on delicate skin, while also being water and sweat resistant for up to 80 minutes, providing long-lasting protection during outdoor activities.” Brendan Camp, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, also recommends it for the unique bottle, which 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,” wrote one Amazon shopper. “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.”

• Type: Mineral

• SPF level: 50+

• Active ingredient: Zinc oxide, titanium oxide

• Water resistance: 80 minutes

Pure & Simple Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

“I recommend this sunscreen for kids because it’s specifically formulated to be hypoallergenic and gentle on delicate baby skin,” says Dr. Garshick. “What makes it particularly suitable for kids is its incorporation of nourishing botanicals like tea leaf, sea kelp, and lotus extract, which help to care for and soothe their skin.” Water resistant for 80 minutes, this affordable sunscreen is also formulated to be “tear-free” so your kiddos won’t have any issues with burning or itching. Bonus: No weird residue left behind!

• Type: Mineral

• SPF level: 50

• Active ingredient: Zinc oxide

• Water resistance: 80 minutes

Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 50

Supergoop! is known for their great sunscreens, and their Sunnyscreen—a lotion that’s specifically formulated for kids aged six months to three years old—is no exception. “Made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this popular sunscreen for babies and toddlers is formulated to be non-sticky with a gentle blend of sunflower seed oil and shea butter for improved hydration,” says Dr. Camp.

Reviewers love that the fragrance-free and silicone-free formula absorbs and blends well into skin. “My daughter has very sensitive skin and is prone to eczema. This is the first mineral sunscreen we’ve tried that blended easily without tugging at her skin,” one shopper wrote. “It works so well on her face and body without any irritation. Will forever repurchase.”

• Type: Mineral

• SPF level: 50

• Active ingredient: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide

• Water resistance: 80 minutes

Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin SPF 50

“Formulated with naturally-sourced 100% zinc oxide and skin-soothing oat, this is hypoallergenic, tear-free, and non-greasy, making it gentle enough for sensitive skin while effectively locking in moisture without causing irritation,” says Dr. Garshick. The formula is free of fragrances, parabens, dyes, and phthalate, earning the NEA Seal of Acceptance—so there’s no need to worry about stinging the skin with this one. While the lotion may feel thick at first, it absorbs quickly with a non-greasy finish.

• Type: Mineral

• SPF level: 50

• Active ingredient: Zinc oxide

• Water resistance: 80 minutes

Mineral KidCrème SPF 50

Developed by dermatologists, this mineral sunscreen for kids has top-notch UV protection and gentle ingredients. “This formula is ideal for children of all ages, including toddlers, because its transparent formula applies smoothly and disappears without leaving a white cast,” notes Dr. Garshick. “The hypoallergenic formula is gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, enriched with antioxidants like vitamin C, green tea, cranberry fruit, and pomegranate extracts.” 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.

• Type: Mineral

• SPF level: 50

• Active ingredient: Zinc oxide, titanium oxide

• Water resistance: 80 minutes

Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

“This lightweight, non-greasy, 100% mineral sunscreen also contains shea and cocoa butters and coconut oil to moisturize the skin while protecting it from UV rays,” says Dr. Camp. Formulated with protective zinc oxide, this vegan and cruelty-free sunscreen also applies like a dream on delicate baby skin, covers well, and doesn’t get too sticky. “Its easy application and non-oily, non-sticky texture is also a comfortable texture for children,” says Dr. Garshick, who also notes that it’s hypoallergenic and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

• Type: Mineral

• SPF level: 50

• Active ingredient: Zinc oxide

• Water resistance: 80 minutes

Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

Thinkbaby’s mineral sunscreen for kids and babies is another safe, excellent option. Offering high broad-spectrum protection of SPF 50+, this sunscreen doesn’t feel sticky on skin and also contains moisturizing aloe, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil to help nourish the skin, notes Dr. Garshick. What’s more, vitamins C and E act as antioxidants to further protect the skin from damage.

• Type: Mineral

• SPF level: 50+

• Active ingredient: Non-nano zinc oxide

• Water resistance: 80 minutes

Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

CeraVe’s mineral sunscreen contains both zinc oxide and titanium oxide as well as hydrating ceramides (natural fats in the skin), hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to moisturize while it protects the skin. While it’s not specifically a baby-branded formula, it’s made without potentially irritating fragrances, parabens, or sulfates (it’s earned the NEA Seal of Acceptance, in fact!) which makes it “a good option even for kids with dry or sensitive kids,” says Dr. Garshick. It also absorbs quickly, which is always nice for kids who hate the sticky feeling of sunscreen.

• Type: Mineral

• SPF level: 50

• Active ingredient: Zinc oxide, titanium oxide

• Water resistance: 80 minutes
  

Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Developed with dermatologists, this sunscreen from La Roche-Posay is formulated for sensitive skin and offers top-notch protection against UVA and UVB rays with SPF 50. The lightweight, gentle formula absorbs easily into skin and can be used by both kids and adults alike, says Dr. Garshick—making it an especially great pick for the whole family.

“Though not specifically marketed as a baby product, this mineral sunscreen contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide alongside antioxidants like vitamin E and silica to improve the feel of the product on the skin,” notes Dr. Camp.

• Type: Mineral

• SPF level: 50

• Active ingredient: Zinc oxide, titanium oxide

• Water resistance: 80 minutes

How to choose the best sunscreens for kids and babies

✔️ Use a high SPF: A water-resistant, broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher will be the safest choice for your kids. This ensures your sunscreen protects against both harmful UVA and UVB rays.

✔️ Choose mineral: Many dermatologists prefer physical (a.k.a. mineral) sunscreens made of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, which deflect sun rays, whereas a chemical sunscreen absorbs them, says

Meghan Feely, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New Jersey and New York City who serves as a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai. These natural sunscreens are often gentler on kids’ sensitive skin. (Mineral formulas are also reef-safe, so you’ll keep coral-damaging chemicals out of our oceans too.) “Babies and kids have thinner skin and a higher surface-to-volume ratio,” explains Julia Tzu, M.D., founder and medical director of Wall Street Dermatology Because their skin absorbs more per unit of body weight than an adult does, “it’s important to make sure that whatever you put on their skin is ‘pure,’” she adds. Translation: Avoid using sunscreens with chemical ingredients (such as oxybenzone or avobenzone), as they have a higher risk for irritation.

✔️ Think of application: Experts prefer lotions for surer application. If you’re looking for other options, though, sunscreen sticks “can be a game-changer, especially for those who may be hesitant to apply lotion,” says Dr. Garshick. However, sticks “need four passes on each area of skin to have any effect,” notes Adam Friedman, M.D., professor of dermatology and residency program director at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences. And if you must use a spray, “the nozzle should be about 2 centimeters away from the skin and you should see the liquid on the skin,” he says. The bottom line: Lotions tend to be best unless you can diligently apply a spray or stick sunscreen.

✔️ Check the water resistance: Experts recommend opting for water-resistant formulas. “When selecting a sunscreen, look for labels indicating water resistance and duration, as this helps determine when to reapply, especially during swimming or activities causing sweating,” says Dr. Garshick.

What type of sunscreen is best for kids and babies?

According to dermatologists, mineral or physical sunscreen is the best for kids as these formulas are known to be gentler and less irritating on sensitive skin. When it comes to forms of sunscreen, experts say that lotion is the way to go. Although sprays are easy to apply, most people don’t apply them effectively. “Improper application can result in poor outcomes. You can’t spray it like perfume or spring water,” says Dr. Friedman.

Ultimately, finding a sunscreen that your child will wear and that offers the most protection is the best. Just be sure to reapply often.

How do kids’ sunscreen differ from adult sunscreen?

There isn’t much of a difference, besides marketing and labeling, according to Children’s Hospital Colorado. In fact, many adult sunscreens and children’s sunscreens contain the same active ingredients and similar SPF levels. However, sunscreens that are labeled for kids and babies typically have formulas that are more gentle and non-irritating on sensitive skin—for example, they may be free of common allergens, like scents and dyes, that adult sunscreens may contain.

How to best apply sunscreen to kids

The best way to apply sunscreen to kids is to ensure you get every area of exposed skin. Nemours Children’s Hospital recommends getting all exposed areas and then some, including lifting bathing suit straps and applying sunscreen generously—a total of 9 tsp. to the child’s whole body. Be sure to reapply every two hours and more frequently after the child has been sweating or swimming.

How we chose the best sunscreens for kids

We consulted subject matter experts including Marisa Garshick, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York; Brendan Camp, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology; 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; and Adam Friedman, M.D., professor of dermatology and residency program director at the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences. We also looked through countless user reviews to find the best sunscreens for kids.

Why trust us

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

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