The Best Sunscreen for Babies in 2021
Art: Jillian Sellers
Choosing the Best Baby Sunscreens
Once your baby reaches 6 months, you should apply sunscreen whenever they're exposed to the sun’s harsh rays. (If they're younger than 6 months, dermatologists recommend keeping them in the shade instead). Mineral-based sunscreens are best for your baby’s delicate skin. Specifically look for ones with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the primary active ingredient; thy stay on top of the skin to physically block rays.
Keep reading for our round-up of the best baby sunscreens on the market today.
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Lotion (SPF 50)
Ideal for sensitive baby skin, this zinc oxide-based sunscreen boasts SPF 50 protection. It also contains oat, which works to soothe your infant's delicate skin throughout the day. Parents will love the paraben-free, phthalate-free, and fragrance-free formula. Aveeno calls the sunscreen "as mild as water!"
Babyganics All Mineral Baby Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
“I love stick sunscreens for the face," says Samantha Conrad, M.D., a dermatologist in Chicago. "Kids tend to rub their eyes and nose a lot, and goggles can rub sunscreen off. This has a nice waxy texture that stays put.” The Babyganics sunscreen is made from plant-derived and certified organic ingredients, and it gives broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection.
Badger Baby Sunscreen Cream (SPF 30)
With just seven simple ingredients, including soothing chamomile and calendula, Badger Baby Sunscreen packs up to 40 minutes of water-resistant protection. The sunscreen contains mineral zinc oxide and a base of certified organic sunflower oil for easy application. Not to mention it's biodegradable, reef-friendly, and certified cruelty-free. No wonder it received such high ratings from the Environmental Working Group!
Blue Lizard Australian Baby Sunscreen (SPF 30)
Recommended by dermatologists for more than 20 years, Blue Lizard Australian Baby Sunscreen promotes soft skin. It protects against 97 percent of the sun’s rays without chemical ingredients, parabens, or fragrances. To help you remember to reapply, the bottle and tube cap turns deep pink when exposed to harsh UV rays.
California Baby Super Sensitive Broad Spectrum Sunscreen (SPF 30+)
If your baby has sensitive skin, consider the California Baby Super Sensitive Broad Spectrum Sunscreen. The creamy formula, which creates a barrier on the skin, is free of allergens, irritants, and fragrances. It's also harmless to marine life and coral reefs!
CeraVe Baby Sunscreen (SPF 45)
The CeraVe Baby Sunscreen protects your infant’s skin with a combination of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Ceramides enforce the natural barrier of the skin, while hyaluronic acid helps retain moisture. CeraVe Baby Sunscreen is water resistant up to 80 minutes, and it’s free of parabens, fragrance, sulfate, and phthalate.
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen (SPF 50)
This highly-rated sunscreen relies on zinc oxide technology for UVA/UVB protection. It earned the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, so babies with eczema will especially benefit from the natural and non-irritating formula.
Nurture My Body Baby Organic Sunscreen, SPF 32
Made up of non-nano, uncoated zinc oxide with jojoba oil, shea butter, and vitamin E, this formula soothes Baby’s skin and provides broad spectrum protection. Parents can take comfort in the fact that this organic product is also fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, biodegradable, and eco-friendly.
Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen Lotion Tin, SPF 30
Hypoallergenic and organic ingredients—like calendula, chamomile, coconut oil, and sunflower seed oil—take center stage in this best baby sunscreen, which doesn't run or sting eyes. Eco-conscious parents will also love reusable reef-safe packaging; it doesn't contain any plastic!
Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen (SPF 50+)
Many parents claim that Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen is one of the best sunscreens for babies. It provides SPF 50 protection with a non-oily finish, setting it apart from greasy competitors. It also has an unobtrusive tropical scent that both babies and adults might enjoy.
TruBaby Water and Play Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
Created by a mother of six, TruBaby Water & Play Sunscreen is free of chemicals, gluten, parabens, and phthalates. With UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection, this unscented and mineral-based option is not only good for children, but also good for the environment with its reef-friendly formula and biodegradable BPA-free packaging. It's also safe for babies with eczema.
Waxhead Sun Defense Baby Zinc Oxide Sunscreen, SPF 35
Waxhead Sun Defense Baby Zinc Oxide goes on smoothly, thanks to its non-greasy and hypoallergenic formula that's made without toxins and petrochemicals. Not only is this sunscreen enhanced with Vitamins D and E, it's also reef-safe, biodegradable, cruelty-free, and made with just six certified organic and mineral ingredients.
