Ah, summertime. The kids are having a blast swimming in the pool [1], building a sand castle at the beach, and flagging down the ice cream truck for a sweet treat. While all of these fun activities [2] are different, they do have one thing in common: they're under the sun's scorching rays. And one great way to protect your child's skin from the sun is to apply sunscreen [3].
According to the American Pediatric Association, the sunscreen must have an SPF of at least 15 [4]. And while you may automatically grab the sunscreen lotion [5] off the shelf at the store, you may want to consider switching to sunscreen sticks. They've been growing in popularity lately, and it's no wonder why — they're easy, not as runny or messy, don't run when mixed with water, and don't drip into your kids' eyes. If this sounds like something you need (and it definitely is), keep reading for the top five sunscreen sticks for kids (all of which have an SPF well over 15).
Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids
Neutrogena is a well-known and trusted brand moms can rely on. This hypoallergenic Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids [7] ($8) sunscreen stick has an SPF of 70 UVA and UVB protection and is water resistant for 80 minutes. What's great about this stick is that it can be applied to both dry and wet skin, so your child doesn't have to dry off before reapplying. Score!
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby
Neutrogena also makes a sunscreen stick called Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby [8] ($5). It's designed specifically for a baby's delicate skin, with 100 percent naturally sourced ingredients. It has an SPF of 60 UVA and UVB protection and is water resistant for 80 minutes. One of its great perks is that it's fragrance-free, so your baby will still have their adorable baby smell!
Babyganics Pure Mineral
Babyganics Pure Mineral [9] ($13 for a pack of 2, originally $14) makes a fragrance-free sunscreen stick that uses a wonderful oil blend of tomatoes, cranberry, raspberry, cumin, and sunflower. It has an SPF of 50 UVA and UVB protection and is water-resistant for 80 minutes.
Banana Boat Kids Sport
Banana Boat Kids Sport [10] ($5, originally $11) has an SPF of 50 UVA and UVB protection and is water resistant for 80 minutes. If your child will be going in the ocean, this is an excellent choice for sunscreen, because it's reef-safe.
Thinkbaby Sunscreen Stick
This mineral-based Thinkbaby Sunscreen Stick [11] ($10) has an SPF of 30 UVA and UVB protection and is water resistant for 80 minutes. Thinkbaby was also the first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care Requirements.