Home > Kids > Childhood Safety > Outdoor Safety > Sun Safety > Safest Sunscreens for Kids

Slideshow Iconslideshows MORE

|

Safest Sunscreens for Kids

by Lindsay Hutton

Are you looking for a natural, mineral-based sunscreen for your child? The EWG recently updated their list of best chemical-free sunscreens for 2013. Check out this list of the top picks, and use our sunscreen guide for all ages to find a product that works for you whole family.

Previous
1 of 14
Young boy applying sunscreen

Environmental Working Group (EWG) Rating System


The EWG offers a rated, comprehensive list of over 1,700 sunscreens, making it easy to find a safe and effective brand for your child. They use a rating system on a scale of 0-10, with zero being the lowest hazard risk, and ten being the highest.

Aside from the rating, the EWG offers a list of ingredients to look for and to avoid on each product.

Active ingredients to look for include:

  • zinc oxide
  • titanium dioxide
  • avobenzone or mexoryl SX

These options are the best for children, people with sensitive skin, and for optimal UVA protection. It is also best to use a cream-based sunscreen with a broad-based spectrum, and with an SPF of 30+ for pool or beach use. Water-resistant brands are also good for these activities, as well as for use during exercise.

Ingredients to avoid include:

  • oxybenzone
  • Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
  • added insect repellents

In addition, avoid sprays or powders, since these can pose an inhalation risk, and anything with an SPF of 50+.

Although some of the EWG's picks cost a little more than typical sunscreens, they tend to be a lot thicker, so you end up using less. The following is a list of the top-rated sunscreens for kids within a reasonable price range, from lowest to highest price per ounce. Read on to find the right one for your child.

Next: BabyGanics Cover Up Baby Sunscreen
(6 oz)

stay connected

Sign up for our free email newsletters and receive the latest advice and information on all things parenting.

Enter your email address to sign up or manage your account.

Facebook icon Twitter icon Follow Us on Pinterest

editor’s picks

highlights

10 Ways to Deal with Temper Tantrums
Temper tantrums are an inevitable part of being parent. Read on for 10 sanity-saving tantrum tips to help calm your child when he's in the throes of emotional turmoil.

8 Printable Thank-You Cards for Your Child's Teacher
Teaching is no walk in the park! Print any of these free printable thank-you cards for teachers to salute your favorite educators for all the hard work this school year.

Explore Funbrain Jr. with Your Preschooler
Looking for fun online games, adorable stories, and cool printables for preschoolers and kindergartners? Check out the new Funbrain Jr., a fun place to learn for children ages 2 to 6.

Award-Winning Apps for Kids of All Ages
Looking for high quality apps for your toddler, preschooler, or school-age child? These 16 award-winning educational apps help kids of all ages learn a thing or two during tech time.

Summer Learning: 11 Everyday Ways to Learn Math
Summertime is a great time to teach your child how math plays a part in his everyday life. These 11 everyday ways to learn math are fun and educational, and will help him see how this subject plays into real life.