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With the summer weather finally on the return (can I get a hooray?!), you’ll need some guidance in selecting the best organic sunscreens—especially for your little ones.
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable for everyone during the hotter months, but kids need particular attention when it comes to protection. Of course, they need something that keeps them from getting burnt, but they also need a formula suitable for sensitive skin. Because of this, your children’s sunscreen should never contain chemical blocks: It should only contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are physical UV ray blockers already naturally occuring in the skin.
With our research of the best organic sunscreens for kids, you’ll notice that all of these products contain totally safe ingredients for your kiddo—or even if you, if you want to give them a try! Nowhere in these ingredient lists will you find a product containing chemical ingredients. Check out our list below to see our favorites.
What to Look for in an Organic Sunscreen
- Mineral sunblocks such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide - avoid chemical sunscreens such as oxybenzone. Learn more about the difference between chemical and physical sun protection.
- Non-nano zinc oxide. There is fear that nano-particles are small enough to absorb into the bloodstream so you may want to avoid them. These tiny particles may also labeled as micronized. Learn more about nano-particles here.
- Broad-Spectrum Protection - Zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum SPF, so it will protect you against both UVA and UVB rays. Titanium dioxide is most effective against UVB only.
- High SPF - Look for a minimum of SPF 30.
- Unscented, gentle formula for your baby's fragile skin.
The Best 6 Organic Sunscreens for Kids
It can be difficult finding an organic, all-natural sunscreen that checks all the boxes, but Suntegrity’s Unscented Body Sunscreen is incredibly effective. We love this sunscreen for a variety of reasons: It’s free from parabens and sulfates, and it doesn’t leave a film on the skin. Most importantly, it’s safe for kids (and adults, too, if you have sensitive skin)!
This sunscreen contains 20% zinc oxide to naturally protect the skin from harsh UV rays, so your youngin' doesn’t risk getting burnt when out enjoying the beach.
Pros
- Doesn't come off on clothes.
- Covers well.
- Isn't oily.
- Not sticky or tacky.
- Blends well into the skin.
Cons
- Because it is made with zinc oxide, it does leave a sheer white layer on your skin - which is to be expected.
- Contains essential oils.
Where to Shop
Providing a moisturizing shield to the skin, keeping it from drying out or flaking, the Badger Baby Sunscreen Cream contains only necessary ingredients for total sun protection. Further, we love that this sunscreen has a high rating on the EWG safety scale, and it’s reef-safe, making it environment-friendly!
This sunscreen rubs into the skin easily, leaving your little one free of that chalky white residue we all know quite well. The scent is light, gentle, and calming with notes of calendula and chamomile. This sunscreen is a bit on the thicker side, so you only need a little to get the job done. Because of that, the product lasts a while.
Pros
- Nice chamomile scent.
- Small ingredients list.
- Non-nano zinc oxide.
- Broad-spectrum protection.
- Coral safe.
- Great for the whole family.
- Excellent for sensitive skin.
Cons
- Thick and hard to spread.
- Not vegan.
Where to Shop
Water resistant for up to 80 minutes, the Love Sun Body Mineral Sunscreen contains 20.4% non-nano zinc oxide to keep your baby’s skin safe and protected.
The brand has conducted five years of research and development in order to perfect the formula for sunscreens of the highest and safest quality. The product melts into the skin, and, with the use of almond oil, the sunscreen leaves the skin soft and hydrated. It has a light, lovely scent of tiare and vanilla that we find quite pleasant.
Pros
- Reef safe.
- Hypoallergenic.
- Won't clog your pores.
- Water-resistant.
- Vegan.
Cons
- Some people find it pasty.
Where to Shop
For a sunscreen that has a thinner consistency, check out Babo Botanicals’s Clear Zinc Sunscreen. Although it’s light, the formula doesn’t feel greasy at all. More than that, the formula is sheer and gentle on the skin.
With calendula and meadowsweet flower extracts, this sunscreen is soothing whether your kid has been in the sun for fifteen minutes or a few hours. It also contains antioxidants with the help of green tea extract. Still, the formula remains unscented, so you don’t need to fret about lingering or strong smells.
Pros
- Doesn't contain coconut oil - which can break some people out.
- Dries clear and matte.
- Easy to use.
- Won't cause irritation.
- Spreads easily.
- Great for oily skin.
- Minimal white cast.
Cons
- Some people find it greasy.
Where to Shop
Our favorite spray-on sunscreen for kids, this Babo Botanicals Sheer Zinc Continuous Spray Sunscreen provides water and sweat protection for up to 80 minutes. Unique to the brand, the formula contains Babo Botanicals’s Nutri-Smoothe Complex, boasting antioxidants to keep the skin youthful and healthy.
With the spray application, this product is easy to use and to travel with, especially with the locking top. The design lessens the possibility of the product leaking or staining your bag. And with the quick application, your kid only needs a minute before they’re ready to hop into the sunshine!
Pros
- Minimal smell.
- Easy to use spray.
- Feels light on the skin.
- Non-sticky.
- It works.
- Great for sensitive skin.
Cons
- Leaves a white sheen.
Where to Shop
Free of toxic ingredients that harm the environment and the skin, the Sky Organics Unscented Mineral Sunscreen is certified 94% organic by NSF Organic. With nourishing shea butter and vitamin E, the formula is non-irritative and a great choice for sensitive skin.
Although we recommend this sunscreen specifically for kids, it’s still great for anyone in the family! The cream has an even consistency, making it simple to apply and rub in. After giving it a good rub, the sunscreen remains clear and unnoticeable.
Pros
- Effective formula.
- Not sticky.
- Easy to apply.
- Safe ingredients.
- Great for sensitive skin.
Cons
- Very thick.
- The oil may separate in the tube.
Where to Shop
Conclusion
Kids’ skin is particularly fragile, making it necessary to pick a sunscreen with a gentle formula. From lightly-scented to unscented formulas, thick to light creams, we’ve researched which organic sunscreens for kids work best.
There are many kid sunscreens on the market, but we stand by our recommendation of using all-natural, organic products when possible. While your little ones are growing up, you want to keep them as healthy as possible, free from dangerous ingredients. We’d feel more than comfortable suggesting these products to family and friends.
Thank you for taking a look at our article, and we hope you’ve found this very helpful! If you have any questions (about sunscreen or otherwise), feel free to leave a comment. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can. We always love hearing from you!
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