Last Updated on December 30, 2023 by Natalie
We all use sunscreen when we are spending time outside, whether we are traveling or not. It’s a necessary precaution to keep our child’s skin protected. As parents, we always want to get the best and safest sunscreen for kids that we can find. With all the stuff in the news, which is the best sunscreen for kids? I always worry about sun safety when we spend time in the sunshine. I also worry about which sunscreens are the best and safest for our bodies.
When it’s time to lather on the sunscreen, here are some of the safest and best children’s sun creams you can buy!
My kids wear rash guards for kids, along with sunscreen for sun protection.
How to Find The Best Sunscreen For Kids 2024
There is so much information about sunscreens out there. Here, I break down some of the best sunscreens available today. The vast majority are zinc oxide sunscreen creams, which create a physical barrier. They are known as physical sunscreens. These all have a low on the EWG rating system. As always, companies reformulate products all the time, so the actual product may vary.
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Click here for the best sunscreen for kids!
Top 7 Safest Sunscreen for Kids Sunscreen Reviews
I’ve used all different kinds of sunscreens to protect my kids from the strong sun. I prefer to use the zinc sun creams whenever possible.
Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, Tangerine & Vanilla, SPF 30 (reef safe)
I love this sunscreen. It works well to keep kids from getting sunburns and it smells awesome. It does leave a little bit of residue, but that’s the nature of zinc sunscreens. I find it easy to use and we haven’t burned while using it! I also love the smell. Additionally, it’s hypoallergenic, non nano, and coral reef safe. It’s water and sweat resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Best for: Easy to use, Hypoallergenic (but NOT Fragrance free)
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen – Baby Sunscreen SPF 30 (reef safe)
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen for Babies is one of the easiest sunscreens to rub into skin. It’s reef safe and fragrance free. It’s water resistant for up to 40 minutes. Blue Lizard is so committed to sun safety, that the bottle turns pink in the sun when it’s time to put on sunscreen. Kids think it’s pretty cool. It does help little ones who dislike sunscreen cooperate when it’s time for more (like my son).
Best for: Easiest to use, Fragrance free
California Baby Calendula Sunscreen, SPF 30+ (ocean safe)
The active ingredient is Titanium Dioxide in this formula. It also boasts being free of the following allergens: gluten, soy, oat, dairy, and nut (except coconut). It also does NOT contain vitamin A. California Baby also claims their ingredients are eco-friendly and won’t harm marine life when used in the ocean. Additionally, it is supposed to be water resistant up to 80 minutes (with correct application). The mix of French lavender, clary sage, and calendula smell awesome, too!
Best for: Allergen-free, Vegan, Longer lasting
BurnOut Kids Sunscreen, SPF 35 (ocean safe)
BurnOut Kids Sunscreen is pretty awesome. It is hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and biodegradable. It’s great for sensitive skin. It is a little sticky when on, but it does seem like is absorbs better than other physical sunscreens. It’s also non-comedogenic, meaning that it doesn’t contain ingredients that are known to block the pores.
Best for: Hypoallergenic, Fragrance free
TruBaby Water & Play Sunscreen, SPF 30+ (reef safe)
This is another sunscreen that it’s easier to rub into skin without a huge amount of effort. Trubaby is reef-friendly, non-nano, sustainably sourced zinc, and without vitamin A. It is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes. It’s tear free and can be used on babies through adults.
Best for: Unscented, Sustainably sourced zinc, Easy to use
Raw Elements Baby + Kids SPF 30 Organic Sunscreen Lotion (reef safe)
Raw Elements Baby & Kids Sunscreen is SPF 30 and made from non-nano zinc oxide. It’s hypoallergenic, containing calendula, chamomile, sunflower, and coconut. It’s great smelling combination. This sunscreen is also soy, gluten, and nut free. It won’t sting eyes (always a plus) and is water resistant up to 80 minutes. It also comes in a reusable tin, that is plastic-free! For best results, warm it up in your hands before applying for more even coverage.
Best for: Hypoallergenic (and soy, gluten, and nut free), Long usage, Sustainable packaging
California Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen Stick for Super Sensitive Skin (ocean safe)
The California Baby Sunscreen stick for sensitive skin is excellent for little faces. My kids love stick sunscreen, especially once it’s warm from being outside and applies easily. It’s one of the easiest ways to get my sunscreen-hating child to put it on his face. This one is for super sensitive skin and is free of vitamin A and fragrances. It’s also ocean safe and water resistant up to 80 minutes. Just be sure to apply it heavily and evenly over the face.
Best for: Vegan, Stick sunscreen
Key West and Hawaii Are Banning Sunscreens that Hurt Coral Reefs
According to this article, Key West will soon follow Hawaii and ban selling sunscreens that harm coral reefs. The chart above does list the reef safe options. Using ocean safe options is best practice and I strongly encourage using reef safe sunscreens anytime you’re going to the ocean.
Mom Tip
Tinted Sunscreen
Okay moms, this tip is for you. Badger makes a tinted sunscreen. It’s great because it’s tinted and doesn’t appear white on the face. The company says it blends with most skin tones (obviously, with only one color, it’s not going to match everyone). It also isn’t going to replace your make up, as it is sunscreen, but it’s nice to spend the day at the beach and not have white streaks on your face! Click for more travel friendly makeup options.
Protect those babies with sunscreen!
Blissmersion is not responsible for changes in formulations made by manufacturers.
What if my child won’t wear the safer brands of sunscreen?
If your child dislikes the feeling of the physical sun creams, find something your child does like. For awhile, I used Babyganics Sunscreen Spray. Even though it scored a 3 on the EWG, I used it because it was easy to use. I did have to be careful to apply enough and apply it frequently. It is better to use a sunscreen than go without while in the sun for long hours. If you also need a spray sunscreen, Babyganics spray is easy to rub in and protects well.
We also will often use rash guards (like this one) for our kids. We also use hats and encourage the kids to rest in the shade, if it’s available.
Tips on Sun Safety For Kids
Reapply the sunscreen often, but don’t rely on sunscreen alone. When you know you’ll be in the sun for several hours, cover up as much skin as possible with rash guards or long sleeve t-shirts made from light fabrics, wear hats and sunglasses, and spend time in the shade. Quick dry travel towels are also great to use as sun shade.
Zinc and Titanium Dioxide sunscreens are usually among the safest options available. They are also thicker and often leave a residue. Make sure you check your tube before use, as expired natural sun creams may lose some of their effectiveness.
Sunscreens may also stain or change the color of clothing, towels, and swimsuits.
More Common Sense Sun Safety Tips
When on vacation to the beach or other outside activity, plan to stay indoors or in the shade between the hours of 11 am – 2 pm (the strong is the strongest from 10 am – 3 pm standard and 11 am – 4 pm during daylight savings, so if there is no shade, it’s best to avoid the sun during those hours).
Make sure you have plenty of water available and that everyone is drinking some while swimming, even when you or your child may not feel thirsty.
Final Thoughts
Even though sunscreens and sunblocks have been in the news for less than stellar reasons, it is still best practice to wear sunscreens while spending time outside to prevent burns. The sunscreens on this list are all excellent options. If your child doesn’t like any brands you try, find something that will work. It is better to wear some sort of sun protection than to go without.
Do you have feedback on the safest sunscreens for kids? The best feedback comes from my readers! Please leave a comment below.
