Every year, the Environmental Working Group evaluates and reevaluates all of the new and old sunscreens on the market to ensure that it's informing consumers of the safest (and the most harmful [1]) of the bunch based on a number of factors.
"The majority of sunscreens we assessed do not meet EWG's standards for safety and efficacy. About 67 percent of the products contain worrisome ingredients, like oxybenzone or retinyl palmitate, or offer inferior sun protection . . . [which] is especially worrisome for children because they are more vulnerable to sun damage. Getting severe sunburns as a child can double a person's lifetime chances of developing serious forms of skin cancer," Carla Burns, an EWG research analyst, told POPSUGAR.
She added, "EWG's best advice for concerned parents is to choose a product from our list of best-scoring kids' sunscreens. The products on this list don't contain troubling ingredients like oxybenzone, which is a skin sensitizer and hormone disruptor that is harmful to both adults and kids. . . . Overall, EWG recommends that people choose mineral-based products with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide active ingredients, avoid products with hazardous ingredients like oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, choose lotions or sticks over sprays [2], and always choose products between SPF 15 and 50."
Everyone should be wearing sunscreen when outside on a sunny day, especially kids and babies, so read ahead to find out if your go-to brand is on this year's list [3] of the safest products [4]. If it isn't, the EWG is offering up these 23 as the best for you to buy, and many of them are available at drugstores [5] and on Amazon!
Bare Republic Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
Aside from its pretty rainbow packaging, Bare Republic Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 [6] ($14) 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!
Equate Baby Zinc Sunscreen Mineral Lotion, SPF 50
A drugstore find, the Equate Baby Zinc Sunscreen Mineral Lotion, SPF 50 [7] ($5) provides excellent UVA protection in relation to its SPF as well as a good balance of UVA and UVB protection.
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50
Arguably the most recognizable product on this list, Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50 [8] ($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.
Tom's of Maine Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
When you hear "Tom's," you may automatically think of toothpaste, but the Tom's of Maine Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 [9] ($12) might become your new go-to sunscreen — especially since you can grab it readily. Its high rating from the EWG comes from its minimal safe ingredient list, as well as its excellent UVA protection.
Blue Lizard Australian Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30+
Blue Lizard's Australian Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30+ [10] ($16, originally $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 [11].
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 50
One of the highest-rated drugstore-brand sunscreens on the market [12], Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 50 [13] ($11) 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 diaper bag.
California Baby Calendula Sunscreen, SPF 30+
California Baby Calendula Sunscreen, SPF 30+ [14] ($28) can be found on Amazon and is rated as one of the EWG's highest sunscreens, as its ingredients pose a low health concern.
Thinkbaby Sunscreen, SPF 50+
Find Thinkbaby Sunscreen, SPF 50+ [15] ($9), which has an EWG score of 1 for its safe ingredients, at your local Target or drugstore.
All Good Kid’s Sunscreen, SPF 30
A favorite brand of moms, All Good is now gracing the bodies of little ones thanks to its All Good Kid's Sunscreen, SPF 30 [16] ($16). 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.
Coola Suncare Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
The Coola Suncare Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50 [17] ($26) is rated as a top choice for sun care because of its excellent UVA/UVB balance and ingredients. Find it on Amazon!
Goddess Garden Organics Baby Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
These adorable pink bottles of Goddess Garden Organics Baby Natural Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 [18] ($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.
Thinksport Kid's Safe Sunscreen, SPF 50+
Thinkbaby, which was already known for its popular bottles and sippy cups, just received an extremely high rating from the EWG for its Thinksport Kid's Safe Sunscreen, SPF 50+ [19] ($13). The zinc-oxide-based sunblock does not contain any nanoparticles, making it safe for babies and big kids alike. As an added bonus, you can grab a tube of this at most drugstores.
Kiss My Face Organics Kids Sunscreen, SPF 30
Kiss My Face Organics Kids Sunscreen, SPF 30 [20] ($26 for two) can be found on some drugstore shelves just in time for a day at the beach (but is also on Amazon). The titanium-dioxide- (six percent) and zinc-oxide-based (six percent) product has a high rating from the EWG.
TruKid Sunny Days Sport Sunscreen, SPF 30+
TruKid Sunny Days Mineral All Natural Sport Sunscreen, SPF 30+ [21] ($13, originally $19) is quickly becoming a favorite of parents and kids alike. The mineral-based lotion, which uses zinc oxide as its sunblock, received the EWG's highest rating for its nontoxic, nonnano, and gluten-free formula.
MDSolarSciences KidCreme Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40
The MDSolarSciences KidCreme Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40 [22] ($28) can be found on Amazon and provides good UVA/UVB balance in relation to its SPF.
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 [23] ($14) is certified natural, using zinc oxide (18.8 percent) as a blocker and sunflower oil as its base for easy application.
TruBaby Water & Play Sunscreen, SPF 30+
Another drugstore product, TruBaby Water & Play Sunscreen, SPF 30+ [24] ($14) is not only affordable but also full of safe ingredients.
Nurture My Body Baby Organic Sunscreen, SPF 32
Not only does the Nurture My Body Baby Organic Sunscreen, SPF 32 [25] ($20) have excellent UVA protection, but its balance between UVA and UVB protection is excellent as well.
BurnOut Kids Sunscreen, SPF 35
BurnOut Kids Sunscreen, SPF 35 [26] ($15) 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.
Sunology Natural Sunscreen, Kids, SPF 50
A natural, chemical-free sunscreen, Sunology Natural Sunscreen, Kids, SPF 50 [27] ($15) 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.
Hawaiian Sol Sol Kid Kare, SPF 50
Hawaiian Sol Sol Kid Kare, SPF 50 [28] ($18, originally $20) is oxybenzone-free and 100 percent natural, and it contains zinc as its dominant active ingredient.
Adorable Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
Adorable Baby's zinc-oxide-based Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+ [29] (currently out of stock online) 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.
Waxhead Sun Defense Baby Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, SPF 35
With 25 percent of this Waxhead Sun Defense Baby Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, SPF 35 [30] ($22) made up of zinc, plus its good balance of UVA/UVB protection, it's a perfect candidate for safe sun care.