Best Baby Sunscreen: Thinkbaby SPF 50+; Best Drugstore Baby Sunscreen: Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50; Best Face Sunscreen for Babies: …
a baby sunscreen is an ointment that you apply to your child’s skin to protect your little one from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Sunscreens are often considered a necessity, but they can be difficult to choose. They’re not all created equal and come with a wide variety of ingredients ranging from potentially harmful to perfectly safe. This article lists the best-rated sunscreens for babies based on leading reviews and expert opinions.
Is Mineral Sunscreen Safe for Babies?
Pediatricians and dermatologists recommend using physical or mineral sunscreens (those with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide) with young children and anyone with dry skin or eczema. They also caution against using spray-application sunscreen, which might be inhaled.
What’s the best baby sunscreen? That depends on your needs and preferences. Our guide shows you how to select the right one for your child
Choosing the right sunscreen for your baby is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a parent. We researched the top-rated baby sunscreens to bring you this list of our favorite non-toxic options.
Keep your baby safe from the sun by using a sunscreen that’s been specifically designed for his or her delicate skin, with these expert recommendations for the best baby sunscreens.
Sun protection is vital for your baby’s skin, but you want a product that will be gentle enough on their tender skin. So we rounded up our favorite sunscreens for kids and parents to try.
Safest Sunscreen for Babies
You know you’re supposed to wear sunscreen every day, year-round. But when it comes to sunscreen for babies, especially infants, the guidelines aren’t quite as clear.
For newborns and babies under 6 months, The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says that parents can apply a minimal amount of baby-safe sunscreen with an SPF of 30-50 (no lower than SPF 15, though) to the face, back of the hands and tops of the feet. For babies 6 months or older, you can apply a baby-safe sunscreen with SPF 30–50 to all exposed areas of your little one’s body.
The good news? For baby’s first summer, keeping her out of direct sunlight shouldn’t be too much of a challenge. “Unless you have a child way ahead of their developmental landmarks, they aren’t mobile and running around,” notes Bernard Cohen, M.D., professor of pediatric dermatology at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. “You can keep them in a shade tent, under an umbrella and in sun-protective clothing.” Just remember that if you’re at the beach, the sun can reflect off sand or water and into your otherwise shady area.
What’s the best baby sunscreen?
When shopping for baby sunblock, look for a formula labeled “broad-spectrum” — that means it will protect against both UVB and UVA rays. The active ingredient list should contain only titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (that’s a good rule of thumb when shopping for your own sunscreen, too!).
“These ingredients are considered physical sunscreens,” explains Marissa J. Perman, M.D., a pediatric dermatologist at the University of Philadelphia. “That means when you apply them, they stay on the surface of the skin and are not absorbed.”
A fact that might make you even more comfortable with the idea of putting physical sunscreens on your little one: “Zinc is the same product found in many diaper creams,” she says.
The AAP notes that sunscreens with the mineral ingredients zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are preferable to a chemical sunscreen. That said, they stress that any sunscreen is a far better choice than no sunscreen at all to protect babies from getting sunburned.
Which ingredients should be avoided in baby sunscreen?
You should make sure that your baby sunscreen doesn’t contain oxybenzone, an ingredient that might have hormonal effects, says Albert Yan, M.D., chief of pediatric dermatology at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Another reason to pass on oxybenzone? There is some concern that it could be harmful to coral reefs — in fact, Hawaii and some cities in Florida have passed bills banning formulas that contain it.
You’ll also want to read the ingredient list on any baby sunscreen you’re considering buying to see if it contains any fragrances, dyes, PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), parabens and phthalates, all of which can irritate baby’s sensitive skin.
As for those aerosol sunscreen sprays? Even though they might seem convenient for quickly applying SPF on a wiggly kid, Dr. Perman cautions against them. “I worry they are not applied with the appropriate thickness,” she says, particularly if you’re on a windy beach, when the spray may blow away before it makes it onto baby. Plus, it’s possible your baby could accidentally breathe in the chemicals from the spray.
How to apply baby sunscreen
To protect baby from the sun’s rays, the APP suggests minimizing the need for sunscreen by dressing baby in sun-protective clothing (long-sleeved if at all possible), a sun hat and sunglasses.
Next, apply a thin layer of baby sunscreen on any remaining exposed areas — make sure to use SPF 30 or higher and apply at least 15 to 30 minutes before you head outdoors. You’ll want to reapply baby’s sunblock every two hours that you’re outside and immediately after water-based activities and towel drying, according to the AAP.
How we chose the best baby sunscreen
We used the recommendations from the doctors above, as well as those listed by AAP, to help choose sunscreens that are safe for babies. We also took into account sunscreen that members of the What to Expect community, as well as our editors, have tried and used for their own babies. The list below includes waterproof formulas, as well as sticks and creams that make it easy to apply on your tot.
Check out the best baby sunscreens below.
See registry advice and a custom baby gear checklist
Best Baby Sunscreen Overall
Thinkbaby SPF 50+
Buying Options:
Amazon$22 for 6 ounces
buybuyBaby$20 for 6 ounces
Walmart$22 for 6 ounces
Bed Bath & Beyond$20 for 6 ounces
Registry List:
Amazon
buybuyBaby
Pros: Free of harmful chemicals, dries clear
Cons: Greasy
Why We Love It
A favorite of Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale New Haven Hospital, Thinkbaby SPF 50+ sunscreen uses zinc oxide, and the formula is free of oxybenzone, parabens and phthalates. Thinkbaby’s sunscreen blocks 98 percent of UVB rays and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you can head to the pool with baby and know that she’s protected.
Size: 6 ounces
Community Reviews
“ThinkBaby is the best. I started using it 3 yrs ago with my first baby and now the whole family uses it. No harsh chemicals, nice scent and not too strong.”
Best Drugstore Baby Sunscreen
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Buying Options:
Amazon$36 for 9 ounces
Target$11 for 3 ounces
Bed Bath & Beyond$12 for 3 ounces
Walgreens$13 for 3 ounces
Registry List:
Amazon
Pros: Tear-free formula, affordable
Cons: Thick
Why We Love It
Neutrogena Pure & Free relies on zinc oxide (21 percent) to block the sun’s UV rays. Like the formula above, it also received a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association. The gentle formula is free of dyes, fragrances, parabens, phthalates and PABA. It’s also tear-free and hypoallergenic, so moms can feel comfortable using it on their baby’s face and body.
Size: 3 ounces
Best Moisturizing Baby Sunscreen
Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Buying Options:
Amazon$16 for 3 ounces
Target$17 for 3 ounces
Walmart$16 for 3 ounces
Registry List:
Amazon
Pros: Safe for sensitive skin, water-resistant
Cons: Some parents report that it’s difficult to rub in completely
Why We Love It
When you’re slathering sunscreen on baby all day long, you want to make sure it’s something that not only prevents sun damage, but moisturizes her skin as well. This fragrance-free sunscreen contains shea butter, jojoba oil and calendula to soothe baby’s skin.
Size: 3 ounces
Community Reviews
“Babo Botanicals is one I’ve used for years. [It] works great but definitely a lot thicker to spread on, but it’s worth it so you aren’t absorbing so many harmful chemicals!”
Best Sunscreen to Help You Remember to Reapply
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen SPF 30
Buying Options:
Amazon$17 for 5 ounces
Walmart$15 for 5 ounces
Bed Bath & Beyond$13 for 3 ounces
Registry List:
Amazon
Pros: Reef-safe, fragrance-free
Cons: Feels greasy
Why We Love It
Dr. Robinson recommends this sunscreen, which is packaged in a unique bottle, to help you stay on top of reapplication: The cap turns blue in the presence of harmful UV rays. The brighter blue the bottle gets, the harsher the sun is. Plus, the zinc oxide- and titanium dioxide-based formula is formulated for baby’s sensitive skin and free of chemicals, parabens and fragrances.
Size: 5 ounces
Community Reviews
“I use [Blue Lizard] on my face…Neither me nor LO has burned while using it.”
“I’ve used blue lizard for years and love it.”
Best Water-Resistant Baby Sunscreen
California Baby Super-Sensitive Broad Spectrum SPF 30+ Sunscreen
Buying Options:
California Baby$14 for 1.8 ounces
Pros: Water-resistant for 80 minutes, allergy-tested, women-owned company
Cons: A bit greasy
Why We Love It
This fragrance-free sunscreen protects with a physical barrier of 12 percent titanium dioxide to block the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, and is free of added fragrances and irritants. California Baby sunscreen also contains organic calendula made from plants grown on the company’s Santa Barbara farm. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and allergy-tested, and doesn’t containgluten, soy, oats, dairy or nuts (except coconut).
Size: 1.8-19 ounces
Community Reviews
“California baby super sensitive is what we’ve always used…”
Best Baby Sunscreen Stick
Badger Balm Kids Face Stick SPF 35
Buying Options:
Amazon$17 for 0.65 ounces
Pros: Easy to apply, biodegradable
Cons: Goes on streaky
Why We Love It
When baby is dressed from head to toe in sun-protective clothing, a few quick swipes of this zinc oxide-based sunscreen stick might be all you need to protect her exposed skin. “Sticks are especially nice for the face, as they are easier to control keeping out of the eyes,” Dr. Perman says. The stick contains a blend of organic sunflower oil, beeswax and olive oil to moisturize and soothe baby’s delicate skin. It’s also water- and sweat-resistant for up to 40 minutes. What’s more, you’ll be happy to know that this product is certified non-GMO, certified 98 percent organic and safe for coral reefs.
Size: 0.65 ounces
Community Reviews
“I opted for Badger Balm sunscreen after doing a lot of research.”
Best Lightweight Baby Sunscreen
Baby Bum Mineral-Based Sunscreen
Buying Options:
Amazon$14 for 3 ounces
Target$18 for 3 ounces
Walgreens$14 for 3 ounces
Bed Bath & Beyond$12 for 3 ounces
Registry List:
Amazon
Pros: Vegan, fragrance-free, absorbs quickly
Cons: Thick and can be a bit challenging to rub in
Why We Love It
Reviewers rave about this creamy, lightweight sunscreen with 20 percent zinc oxide from Sun Bum’s baby line, Baby Bum. The compliments that come up over and over again? How quickly the formula absorbs into their little one’s skin. Unlike some other sunscreens, this pick won’t leave baby sticky or greasy — and that cuts down on application time, so you and baby can get back to playing as quickly as possible. The vegan, plant-based formula is also hypoallergenic and water-resistant up to 80 minutes.
Size: 3 ounces
Community Reviews
“We use baby bum. My little guy is SUPER fair and has red-toned hair. My husband is fair skinned too and uses Sun Bum (the adult version of Baby Bum).
It’s SPF 50, we have the stick and the lotion and we love it! It’s natural ingredient-wise too.”
Best Baby Sunscreen for Babies With Eczema
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunscreen SPF 50
Buying Options:
Amazon$11 for 3 ounces
Target$13 for 3 ounces
Walmart$10 for 3 ounces
Bed Bath & Beyond$11 for 3 ounces
Walgreens$13 for 3 ounces
Registry List:
Amazon
Pros: Inexpensive, good for sensitive skin
Cons: Can be a bit sticky
Why We Love It
This mild sunscreen blocks almost all of the sun’s rays without being greasy or irritating. It boasts a Seal of Acceptance from the National Eczema Association, which means you can feel comfortable using it on your little one with eczema or very sensitive skin. The formula contains oat extract to nourish skin and naturally sourced zinc oxide to protect. Like other natural sunscreens, this one doesn’t have parabens, dyes, fragrances or phthalates.
Size: 3 ounces
Community Reviews
“My son is 1.5. We used this [Aveeno Baby] all summer last year, no problems, no burns and he’s fair-haired and eczema prone too.”
Best Family-Sized Baby Sunscreen
Mustela Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Buying Options:
Amazon$38 for 11 ounces
Mustela$38 for 11 ounces
Registry List:
Amazon
Pros: Safe for sensitive skin, works well for whole family, big size lasts longer
Cons: More expensive than some others
Why We Love It
Sunscreen always seems to run out fast. Get ahead of the game with this family-sized bottle from Mustela. This broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen protects your baby (and the rest of the family!) from UVA and UVB rays, is water resistant for 80 minutes and is safe for sensitive skin types. The sheer, lightweight formula is free of parabens and phthlates, and is even recognized by the National Eczema Association and the Skin Cancer Foundation. The 11-ounce bottle comes with a pump for easy application and will last you much longer than tinier bottles — although it comes in a smaller 3.4 ounce bottles to toss in your diaper bag, too.
Size: 11 ounces (also comes in 3.4 ounces)
Community Reviews
“We used mustela last year and during that time my son had pretty bad eczema and it never irritated his skin. Now we have his eczema pretty under control… but I still am using mustela because I don’t want to take a chance with anything else.”
Best On-the-Go Sunscreen for Babies
All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter SPF 50
Buying Options:
Amazon$33 for 3 ounces
Target$10 for 1 ounce
Registry List:
Amazon
Pros: High zinc oxide content, portable and spill-proof
Cons: Some parents note that it’s too thick
Why We Love It
Although not marketed as a baby sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter is one of the strongest sunscreens on the market with 25 percent zinc oxide. It contains just six other easy-to-pronounce ingredients, so you can rest assured that it’s safe for even the most sensitive baby’s skin. Yes, the water-resistant (up to 80 minutes) butter is thick when first applied, but it quickly rubs in clear. The tin is small enough to slip in your diaper bag — a plus when you consider that baby needs sunscreen at the park and playground, too.