Best Sunscreens For Kids and Babies 2019
25 of the Top Rated Sunscreens For Kids and Babies in 2019
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Every year, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) puts out a sunscreen guide to help you buy the lotions and sticks that are top rated, safe, and protective. This year, there are quite a few new products on the list of best sunscreen for kids from previous years, including a lotion from Supergoop's new kids and babies line, Sunnyscreen. To curate the list, the EWG tests tons of products and choose its top list, all of which have a green rating for ingredient hazards and UV protection.
One ingredient that you won't find in any of the EWG-approved products is oxybenzone. "Oxybenzone is used in about two-thirds of the non-mineral sunscreens we reviewed this year. It is surprising that oxybenzone is still used in many products on the market since there are known health hazards associated with this ingredient such as skin sensitization and hormone disruption, and it is easily absorbed through the skin," Carla Burns, the EWG research analyst who managed the 2019 update to the Sunscreens Guide, told POPSUGAR.
When it comes to buying a kids' sunscreen, Carla recommends "using mineral-based sunscreen lotions for babies and children, particularly products containing zinc oxide since it offers good broad spectrum sun protection and is stable in the sun" and "staying away from the spray sunscreens since they may not provide adequate skin coverage and can pose an inhalation risk."
Of course, the best way to protect your or your child's skin is to cover up as much as possible, wear hats and sunglasses, and avoid going outdoors in the middle of the day to avoid the harshest sun, but if you will be outside, sunscreen is essential. Read ahead to check out 25 of the EWG's top rated, safest sunscreens to slather all over your kids in 2019.
1 Adorable Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
Adorable Baby's zinc-oxide-based Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+ ($20) does not use any synthetic ingredients. The formula earns high UVA protection and balance of UVA protection in relation to the SPF on the EWG's list.
2 All Good Kid’s Sunscreen, SPF 30
A favourite brand of moms, All Good is now gracing the bodies of little ones thanks to its All Good Kid's Sunscreen, SPF 30 ($13). All Good Kid's baby lotion receives a high EWG rating due to its good UVA protection and its balance of UVA protection in relation to the SPF.
3 Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 50
One of the highest-rated drugstore-brand sunscreens on the market, Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 50 ($12) is a mineral-based sunscreen using both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block the sun's rays. Plus, in stick form, it's easy to apply to squirmy tots and fits nicely inside a nappy bag.
4 Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 ($19) is a top choice for sun protection according to the EWG thanks to its excellent UVA protection and a good balance of UVA protection in relation to the SPF.
5 Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Fragrance Free, SPF 50
Nearly every ingredient in Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Fragrance Free, SPF 50 ($14) is rated high by the EWG.
6 Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, SPF 30 (Tangerine and Vanilla)
One of the highest-rated sunscreens on the EWG's list (it has a low health concern), Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, SPF 30 ($14) is certified natural, using zinc oxide (18.8 percent) as a blocker and sunflower oil as its base for easy application.
7 Bare Republic Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
Aside from its pretty rainbow packageing, Bare Republic Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 ($11) has a high EWG rating. It's a zinc-oxide-based product (22 percent) that provides excellent UVA protection and a good balance of UVA protection in relation to the SPF. Plus, it's available at Target!
8 Blue Lizard Australian Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30+
Blue Lizard's Australian Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30+ ($19) is made specifically for kids' sensitive skin and uses zinc oxide (10 percent) and titanium dioxide (five percent) for sun blockage. It received the EWG's good rating for its UVA protection and was listed in its bargain picks despite being nearly $20 . . . but it's arguably worth the few extra dollars because the "smart bottle" turns pink in UV light, alerting you to those pesky rays you can't actually see.
9 BurnOut Kids Sunscreen, SPF 35
BurnOut Kids Sunscreen, SPF 35 ($12) gets its EWG rating this year due to its excellent UVA protection and its good balance of UVA protection in relation to the SPF. Plus, it's available on Amazon.
10 Caribbean Sol Sol Kid Kare Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
Caribbean Sol Sol Kid Kare Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 ($26) has good UV protection all around.
11 Coola Suncare Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
The Coola Suncare Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50 ($26) is rated as a top choice for sun care because of its excellent UVA/UVB balance and ingredients. Find it on Amazon!
12 Coppertone Pure & Simple Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
Coppertone Pure & Simple Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 ($9) will give your kids excellent protection against UVA rays.
13 Earth Mama Kids Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40
The ingredients in Earth Mama Kids Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 40 ($15) pose a very low health concerns, as it contains things like beeswax and Zinc Oxide.
14 Equate Baby Zinc Sunscreen Mineral Lotion, SPF 50
A drugstore find, the Equate Baby Zinc Sunscreen Mineral Lotion, SPF 50 ($10 for two) provides excellent UVA protection in relation to its SPF as well as a good balance of UVA and UVB protection.
15 Goddess Garden Organics Baby Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
These adorable pink bottles of Goddess Garden Organics Baby Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 ($13) may not appear on drugstore shelves, but the brand's high EWG rating makes it worth searching for. It's a zinc-oxide-based product (19 percent) that provides excellent UVA protection and a good balance of UVA protection in relation to the SPF.
16 Hawaiian Sol Sol Kid Kare, SPF 50
Hawaiian Sol Sol Kid Kare, SPF 50 ($22) is oxybenzone-free and 100 percent natural, and it contains zinc as its dominant active ingredient.
17 Just Skin Food Baby Beach Bum Sunscreen Stick, SPF 31
Just Skin Food Baby Beach Bum Sunscreen Stick, SPF 31 ($19) has excellent UV protection all around — just be sure to apply a thick layer, as sometimes stick sunscreens are applied too thinly.
18 Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50
Arguably the most recognisable product on this list, Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50 ($11) can be found on drugstore shelves along with other Neutrogena products. The EWG gave it a high rating in 2017 due to its excellent UVA protection.
19 Nurture My Body Baby Organic Sunscreen, SPF 32
Not only does the Nurture My Body Baby Organic Sunscreen, SPF 32 ($24) have excellent UVA protection, but its balance between UVA and UVB protection is excellent as well.
20 Star Naturals Baby Sunscreen Stick, SPF 25
Star Naturals Baby Sunscreen Stick, SPF 25 ($13) is a top choice for sun protection due to its ingredients and levels of UV protection.
21 Sunblocz Baby & Kids Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream, SPF 50
It's no surprise that Zinc Oxide is the main ingredient in Sunblocz Baby & Kids Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Cream, SPF 50 ($24), which provides a good balance of UVA protection in relation to the SPF.
22 Sunology Natural Sunscreen, Kids, SPF 50
A natural, chemical-free sunscreen, Sunology Natural Sunscreen, Kids, SPF 50 ($13) uses a mixture of titanium dioxide (7.5 percent) and zinc oxide (10 percent) to keep skin safe. The highly rated lotion is available in a travel size for families on the go.
23 Supergoop! Sunnyscreen Lotion, Babies + Kiddos, SPF 50
The ingredients in Supergoop! Sunnyscreen Lotion, Babies + Kiddos, SPF 50 ($26) pose a low health concern, and provides excellent UVA protection.
24 Thinkbaby Sunscreen, SPF 50+
Find Thinkbaby Sunscreen, SPF 50+ ($13), which has an EWG score of 1 for its safe ingredients, at your local Target or drugstore.
25 Waxhead Sun Defence Baby Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, SPF 35
With 25 percent of this Waxhead Sun Defence Baby Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, SPF 35 ($22) made up of zinc, plus its good balance of UVA/UVB protection, it's a perfect candidate for safe sun care.
