The Best Non-Toxic Sunscreens for Kids & Babies (No White Cast Options Included)

With summer just around the corner, many parents and caregivers are on the hunt for the best sunscreens for their kids and babies delicate skin.

I know how daunting this task can be, given the multitude of options available and the concerns parents often have.

Is it safe?

Will it cause irritation?

Does it provide adequate protection?

These are just a few of the questions we struggle with when trying to find the perfect sunscreen for our kids.

As parents, we want to ensure that the products we use on our children are safe and effective.

Becoming a mom has made me acutely aware of the importance of health and the environment. I’ve become vigilant about what we put on our bodies and bring into our home.

This journey into conscious parenting has led me to research and test numerous products to find the safest and most effective options.

My son, is a melanated boy with dry, sensitive skin, which has added an extra layer of complexity to our search for the ideal sunscreen.

Finding a product that offers strong protection without causing dryness or irritation has been a challenge!

Through extensive testing and research, I’ve discovered the best non-toxic sunscreens that work for his skin type.

As a mom who has navigated this journey, I understand the importance of finding a sunscreen that works for your child.

What to Look for in the Best Sunscreens for Kids and Babies ?

When choosing the best sunscreen for your little ones, it’s crucial to know what to look for and what to avoid. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

Ingredients to Avoid

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Parabens
• Avobenzone
• Mineral Oil
• Phthalates (DBP, DEHP, DEP, DMP, and Others)
• Homosalate
• Octisalate
• Retinyl Palmitate
• Artificial Fragrances

I remember the first time I looked at the ingredients list of a popular sunscreen and realized it was full of chemicals I couldn’t even pronounce. It made me determined to find safer alternatives.

This restricted ingredients list by Credo Beauty was my go-to that helped me learn about the harmful ingredients found in skincare products that everyone should really avoid.

Skip the Sprays

Spray sunscreens might seem convenient, but they can pose an inhalation risk and often lead to uneven application. I’ve found that lotions and creams provide more reliable coverage and peace of mind.

Choose One Made for Sensitive Skin

Kids, especially those like my son with sensitive skin, benefit from hypoallergenic formulas. Dermatologist-tested sunscreens are generally a safer bet to avoid irritation.

Go for Fragrance-Free/Alcohol-Free Options

Fragrances and alcohol can be harsh on delicate skin. Opting for fragrance-free and alcohol-free sunscreens can minimize the risk of irritation and allergic reactions.

At What Age Should Kids Start Wearing Sunscreen ?

Infants under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight and wear protective clothing instead of using sunscreen. Once your baby is over 6 months old, you can start applying sunscreen to exposed skin.

I started using sunscreen on Zai once he turned six months, choosing gentle, non-toxic formulas designed for babies.

Is Sunscreen or Sunblock Better for Kids ?

Sunscreen contains chemical ingredients that absorb UV rays, while sunblock (often referred to as physical or mineral sunscreen) contains ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that physically block and reflect UV rays.

For kids, sunblock is generally better because it provides comprehensive protection without the risk of chemical absorption and potential skin irritation.

I always feel more at ease knowing Zaya’s sunblock is sitting on his skin and deflecting harmful rays, rather than being absorbed.

Why Do You Need a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen for Kids ?

Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays.

UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin, causing long-term damage and aging, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn.

A broad spectrum sunscreen ensures comprehensive protection from both types of harmful rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

Is Zinc or Mineral Sunscreen Better for Kids ?

Mineral sunscreens, which often contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are better for kids because they sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays.

Zinc oxide is particularly effective and gentle, making it ideal for sensitive skin. I’ve seen firsthand how well these sunscreens work for my son without causing irritation.

Now that we’ve learned the basics, let’s dive into my top picks for the best non-toxic sunscreens for kids and babies based on personal experience and thorough research.

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1. Best Mineral Sunscreens for Kids & Babies

When it comes to protecting our children, mineral sunscreens are the very best option out there. The lotion protects delicate skin by sitting on top of it and deflecting harmful sun rays instead of being absorbed.

Pipette Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen

One of the top choices for best sunscreens for kids is Pipette Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 50. With its SPF 50 rating, Pipette is a personal favorite of mine for a huge number of reasons.

• It effectively shields your child’s skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
• It is extremely gentle on my son’s sensitive skin. 
• Unlike some mineral sunscreens, this one blends in effortlessly, leaving no ghostly appearance behind. However, it may leave a bit of a white cast if you have darker skin tones like us, but it’s not that noticeable, so I don’t mind.
• Pipette is one of the few brands that makes octinoxate—and oxybenzone-free sunscreen, which is safe for coral reefs and thus eco-friendly.
• It is enriched with calming ingredients like gooseberry extract and bisabolol to help soothe any sun or heat-induced irritation.
• Its hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic formula makes it suitable for even the most delicate skin.

Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Lotion – Fragrance-Free

Babo Botanicals offers another great option for the best sunscreens for kids with their Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. I love this sunscreen for several reasons:

• It’s a lightweight lotion that glides on smoothly without leaving any white cast.
• It’s fragrance-free, which is great for reducing irritation on delicate skin.
• It provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with an SPF of 50, so you know that the sun cannot affect them during playtime.
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and won’t come off whether in a pool or on a salty, sunny beach.
• This sunscreen is crafted with 100% non-nano zinc oxide, a gentle and natural ingredient.
• It excludes harsh chemicals, making it an octinoxate and oxybenzone-free sunscreen.
• The lotion is hypoallergenic, dermatologist and allergy tested, and EWG Verified (Environmental Working Group). Thus, it goes to great lengths to secure scientific and government approval.

Badger SPF 40 Baby Reef Safe Natural Mineral Sunscreen

Badger SPF 40 Baby Reef Safe Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream with Clear Zinc Oxide is packed with features that cater perfectly to little ones, including, 

• This sunscreen contains zinc oxide, a natural ingredient that forms a protective barrier to deflect harmful UV rays away from delicate skin. 
• Unlike chemical sunscreens, it’s gentle enough even for the most sensitive skin types. 
• It is an oxybenzone-free sunscreen, meaning it’s not only gentle on your child’s skin but also eco-friendly, keeping our oceans safe.
• It’s water-resistant for up to 40 minutes so that your baby can splash around for 40 minutes without having to reapply.
• This sunscreen goes the extra mile by incorporating soothing chamomile and other nourishing ingredients to provide gentle hydration and care.

2. Best Kids Sunscreens That Leave No White Cast 

It can be pretty inconvenient, especially for children with colored skin like Zaya, to have to deal with a noticeable white cast when wearing most sunscreens.

However, there are options! Here are some of the best sunscreens for kids that have little to no white cast.

Black Girl Sunscreen Kids Broad Spectrum – SPF 50

Black Girl Sunscreen Kids SPF 50 is one of the best sunscreens for kids with brown and black skin. It’s not a mineral sunscreens but the list of ingredients is not so harmful.

Unlike other sunscreens that leave an obvious white cast, this one applies clear and looks natural on all skin tones.

But Black Girl Sunscreen doesn’t stop at that – it is also a great sun protection choice for a number of reasons:

• It’s lightweight and absorbs quickly, making it feel like there’s nothing there. 
• Despite its light texture, it provides powerful broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection to protect your child against sunburn and premature aging.
• This sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so you don’t have to reapply constantly during pool or beach time. 
• Its hypoallergenic formula is gentle on sensitive skin and free of fragrances, parabens, and silicones.
• Black Girl Sunscreen Kids also nourishes the skin with beneficial ingredients such as,
  • Chamomile calms irritation
  • Shea butter and avocado oil deeply moisturize.
  • Jojoba oil reduces redness.
  • Carrot and sunflower seed oils are rich in vitamins.
  • Antioxidants to protect against environmental damage. 

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50+

Another one of the best sunscreens for kids that doesn’t leave a white cast on their skin is Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion. This lotion has a great many perks, such as,

• It is inlaid with SPF 50+ protection.
• It is made with natural minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These sit on top of the skin instead of being absorbed into it.
• It’s fragrance-free and paraben-free, making it gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Plus, it won’t cause tears from stinging eyes.
• Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it perfect for swimming and playing. 
• It boasts Smart Cap technology, which changes color in the sun, reminding you to reapply. 

So, if you’re looking for proper sun protection for your child, the Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is one of the safest sunscreens for kids.

Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Tube, SPF 50

This mineral sunscreen by Baby Bum is a fantastic option and the best sunscreen for kids. It offers benefits such as,

• Made with gentle ingredients, this product keeps your baby’s delicate skin safe without harsh chemicals. It uses zinc oxide to create a protective barrier.
• While it’s formulated for babies, its gentle nature makes it perfect for anyone with delicate skin, including adults who prefer products without strong fragrances. 
• It goes on smoothly, washes off easily, and reapplying is a breeze. Although a slight white cast is typical of zinc oxide, it blends well with all skin tones.
• Baby Bum also includes shea butter to moisten your child’s skin throughout the day. 
• If your child has acne-prone skin, the coconut oil could be a minor concern, but the risk is low.

3. Best Sunscreens for Kids with Eczema (Alcohol-Free and Fragrance-free)

For kids with eczema, choosing the best sunscreen for kids that is both gentle and free of irritants is crucial. This includes having to find sunscreen that is free of alcohol and fragrance.

Below are some options that I loved for being gentle enough for my son’s sensitive skin.

Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Hello Bello Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is a top choice if you’re looking for the safest sunscreens for kids with sensitive skin. It’s perfect for children prone to eczema and also provides strong sun protection.

• This sunscreen is fragrance-free and made with minerals.
• It offers full protection from UVA and UVB rays. 
• It’s also non-greasy and lightweight, making it easy to apply even on fussy kids.
• It avoids all the harmful ingredients that can trigger eczema, such as synthetic fragrances, phthalates, parabens, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. 

You can trust that you’re using the gentlest option for your child’s delicate skin. Just be sure to reapply it every 80 minutes, especially after swimming, to keep your little one protected and comfortable all day long!

Aveeno Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Aveeno Baby’s Mineral Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50) is another fantastic choice for the best sunscreens for kids with eczema. It offers many benefits for both sensitive kids and adults:

• It’s fragrance-free and alcohol-free, making it gentle on sensitive skin. 
• It’s also recommended by pediatricians, offering parents extra peace of mind.
• The sunscreen uses zinc oxide, a natural ingredient that sits on the skin’s surface to reflect the sun’s rays, so no strange chemicals are absorbed. 
• With SPF 50, I know my child is well-protected from sunburn and premature aging caused by UVA and UVB rays. 
• Perhaps the standout feature is that the lotion contains colloidal oatmeal, a wonderful ingredient for eczema that soothes and moisturizes the skin all day.

Aveeno has created one of the safest sunscreens for kids, helping to prevent both sunburn and eczema flare-ups.

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion with Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen is one of the safest choices for kids with eczema and sensitive skin. The benefits of this sunscreen are as follows:

• Being mineral-based, it avoids harmful chemicals like alcohol and fragrance that could irritate your child’s skin. 
• This sunscreen acts like a tiny superhero suit, creating a protective shield with zinc oxide to deflect sun rays rather than absorbing them. 
• It’s ideal for children with eczema because it’s free from irritating ingredients such as parabens, phthalates, and dyes.
• It’s also hypoallergenic and tear-free, making application easy and fuss-free.
• For added peace of mind during playtime, this sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, allowing your little ones to splash around without worry. 

To prove that Neutrogena offers one of the best sunscreens for kids, it has the National Eczema Association’s stamp of approval, confirming its safety for even the most sensitive skin. If you want effective and gentle sun protection for your kids, Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen is a great investment.

4. Best Spray Sunscreens for Kids

Most of the time, we are told to skip the aerosol spray sunscreens -and for good reason. These products don’t provide enough coverage, and there is also the risk of inhalation, which can be exceptionally dangerous for your little one.  However, there are a few exceptions. 

Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Spray SPF 50

Unlike typical aerosol spray sunscreens, Supergoop! Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Spray SPF 50 is one of the best choices for kids. Although it comes in a spray bottle, it dispenses as a visible lotion that you can easily rub onto your child’s skin. It boasts the following benefits:

• It is designed especially for babies and toddlers (ages six months to 3 years)
• It’s pediatrician-tested, ensuring it’s gentle enough for their sensitive skin. 
• Not only does it protect it but it also nourishes their skins, thanks to ingredients like calming chamomile, coconut oil, and sunflower seed oil, which keep your little one’s skin soft and healthy.
• This sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, allowing your child to splash and play without constant reapplication. 
• It applies quickly and offers strong protection.
• Its travel-friendly size makes it easy to toss into a diaper bag, ensuring you’re always sun-safe on the go.

Tips for Applying Sunscreen on Kids

Applying sunscreen on squirmy kids can be challenging. Here are some tips to make the process easier and more effective:

1. Apply Generously: Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. Don’t forget areas like the ears, back of the neck, and tops of the feet. A bonus tip that I learned about recently from #TikTokUniversity was to use a large makeup brush for application. It has been a game-changer for me!
2. Reapply Often: Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if your child is swimming or sweating.
3. Use Sun-Protective Clothing: In addition to sunscreen, dress your kids in hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing for added protection.
4. Make it Fun: Turn sunscreen application into a game or let your kids help apply it to themselves to make it a more enjoyable experience.

FAQ

What Are UVA and UVB Rays?

• UVA Rays: These rays penetrate deep into the skin and can cause long-term damage, such as premature aging and wrinkles. They are also associated with an increased risk of skin cancer. UVA rays are present all year round and can penetrate through clouds and windows.
• UVB Rays: These rays affect the outer layer of the skin and are the primary cause of sunburn. UVB rays are strongest during the summer months and at higher altitudes. They also play a role in the development of skin cancer.

Why Broad Spectrum is Important

• Broad Spectrum Protection: A broad spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays. This comprehensive protection is essential to prevent sunburn, skin damage, and long-term health risks associated with sun exposure.

What Are Nano and Non-Nano Particles?

• Nano Particles: These are tiny particles that are small enough to penetrate the skin. In sunscreens, nano particles of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are used to make the product less visible on the skin.
• Non-Nano Particles: These particles are larger and sit on top of the skin, providing a physical barrier that reflects UV rays.

Which is Better for Kids?

• Non-Nano Particles: Generally considered safer for children because they do not penetrate the skin. They provide effective sun protection by sitting on the skin’s surface and reflecting UV rays. Non-nano sunscreens are also less likely to cause skin irritation.

Final Thoughts

Finding the safest sunscreen for kids should undoubtedly be a priority for parents whose children will be playing out in the sun this summer. Of course, as demonstrated in this blog, there are many options!

Choosing the best non-toxic sunscreen for kids and babies involves careful consideration of ingredients and the type of protection offered.

Opt for mineral-based, broad-spectrum sunscreens that are free from harmful chemicals and suitable for sensitive skin. By doing so, you can ensure your child’s skin is protected from the sun’s harmful rays while minimizing the risk of irritation and long-term health issues.

Remember, the best sunscreen is one that you will use consistently, so choose a product that fits your family’s needs and make sun safety a priority this summer.