Kids, with their delicate skin, are often more susceptible to sunscreen — which is where the best kids’ sunblocks come in. These sunscreens are specifically formulated to protect children’s skin; in many cases, they offer higher SPF or more gentle formulas than adult products. That way, you can apply them all over your children’s skin for maximum protection without irritation. Whether you’re playing outside or swimming in a pool, it’s important to find the right sunscreen. To give you a place to start, we’ve found the top 10 kids’ products available.
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1. Badger SPF 30 Kids
If you like to keep a close watch on the ingredients in your child’s skincare products, this natural kids’ sunscreen from Badger can help. It uses zinc oxide to block out the sun and protect skin from broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays. Once you apply this cream, it stays active for 40 minutes, even if your child is swimming or sweating. The hypoallergenic formula is gentle and safe for sensitive skin — plus, it smells like tangerine and vanilla to keep little ones happy.
2. Banana Boat Ultramist
Do you ever struggle to keep your kids still for long enough to apply sunscreen? This Banana Boat Ultramist sunblock might help. It features a spray-on formula, so you can coat your child’s skin quickly and effortlessly. The formula is gentle, so it won’t cause tears or sting your child’s skin. And, since it’s pediatrician-tested, you can apply it with confidence. This formula offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection to prevent sunburns during direct sun exposure.
3. Neutrogena Wet Skin
Neutrogena Wet Skin sunscreen is made with SPF 70, so it offers a high level of protection. This waterproof sunblock is formulated specifically for use at the beach or in the pool; it lasts for 80 minutes of swimming or 2 hours of activity on dry land. Made with Helioplex, this sunscreen blocks out broad spectrum UVA and UVB rays. Apply it 15 minutes before you go out into the sun for maximum effect.
4. Coppertone WaterBabies
Recommended by pediatricians, Coppertone WaterBabies is a gentle, hypoallergenic sunscreen that’s easy on delicate skin. It’s made without PABA and dyes to prevent irritation. This spray-on formula coats your child’s skin quickly and lasts for up to 80 minutes in the water. With SPF 60 and broad-spectrum protection, it’s ideal for outdoor activities. While it protects, the spray uses vitamin E to nourish and moisturize your children’s skin. We love that this pack includes two spray bottles, so you can keep a convenient supply on hand.
5. Alba Botanica Tropical Fruit
Gentle and creamy, this Alba Botanical sunscreen is easy to apply. The lightweight cream feels comfortable on your child’s skin, and the broad-spectrum SPF 45 formula offers ample protection. In fact, this product is recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for extra peace of mind. It’s made without oxybenzone and octinoxate to protect the environment and the ocean’s coral reefs. It’s also vegetarian, gluten-free, and cruelty-free, so it fits into a broad range of lifestyles. Plus, since it’s biodegradable, you can wear it in the water with confidence.
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6. Kiss My Face Kids Defense
With its convenient spray-bottle dispenser, Kiss My Face Kids Defense sunscreen allows fast, continuous application — a godsend when your little ones are eager to get outside. This SPF 50 formula offers broad-spectrum protection and lasts for up to 40 minutes in the water. Plus, since it’s lightweight and non-greasy, your kids will forget they’re wearing it. Best of all? The sunscreen is vegan, cruelty free, paraben free, and Leaping Bunny certified, so it fits into your eco-friendly skincare collection.
7. Babyganics Sunscreen Stick
Babyganics sunscreen for babies is made with plant-derived, certified organic ingredients — that way, it’s gentle on your child’s sensitive skin. It’s also free of fragrances, phthalates, and PABA to avoid irritation. This sunscreen comes in a stick for easy application; it’s ideal for areas that get a high level of sun exposure, including the face and arms. With SPF 50 and broad-spectrum protection, the tear-free formula keeps your little one protected for up to 80 minutes in the water. Since it’s tested by pediatricians and dermatologists, you can relax knowing your child is safe.
8. Thinksport Kids
When it comes to natural, earth-friendly sunscreens, Thinksport Kids Safe is a great choice. This product is made without harmful chemicals — in fact, it’s highly rated by the EWG Skin Deep database. The broad-spectrum SPF 50 formula uses a non-nano formulation, which means that it’s effective yet prevents your little one from inhaling particles. This formula goes on easily, but doesn’t feel oily, so your child can play comfortably in the sun.
9. Thinkbaby Sunscreen Stick
Get ready to play outside in minutes with this Thinkbaby sunscreen stick, which is designed for fast application. This mineral-based sunscreen uses premium ingredients that aren’t biologically harmful, so it offers broad-spectrum protection without compromising your child’s safety. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s a good idea to put on this formula about 15 minutes before you go into the sun and reapply after towel drying for continued protection.
10. CeraVe Mineral Baby
Hydrating and moisturizing, this CeraVe mineral baby sunscreen helps keep your child’s skin from drying out in the sunshine. It uses essential ceramides to help restore the skin’s natural moisture barrier. Formulated with natural ingredients and without parabens and sulfates, this sunscreen is easy on your baby and the earth. It provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, all without irritating or triggering your little one’s allergies.
With the right sunscreen, you can keep your little ones safe in the sun. Whether you’re enjoying the water or heading to the park, a great product can prevent sunburns. To start, look to the best kids’ sunblocks for reliable, easy-to-use solutions.
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By BCR Staff
April 2019
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