The Best Sunscreens For Kids

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Summer is here, and more sunshine and longer days bring ample opportunities to enjoy fun in the sun with your kids. But going outside without sunscreen is like knowing it’s going to rain and not bringing an umbrella—worse, in fact! Not protecting your child’s skin from sunburn while they’re young can lead to an increased risk of cancer later in life. Staying on top of applying it throughout the day—on sunny and cloudy days—will protect kids’ skin from UVA and UVB rays, and adding additional sun gear like hats, sunglasses and breathable clothing can provide more sun protection.

While any sunscreen is better than none, here are the six best sunscreens for kids for all types of summer fun.

Best Daily Sunscreen for Kids

Stream2Sea Every Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45

Perfect for your kids’ face and body, this pediatrician-approved mineral sunscreen is made with soothing ingredients like calendula and chamomile. Its sheer, non-greasy formula is made to stay on skin after up to 80 minutes of swimming, making it an ideal choice for days spent playing in backyard pools or impromptu swim club trips.

Best Kids Sunscreen for Water Activities

Blue Lizard Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Choosing sunscreens for athletic kids—especially ones who like watersports—can be tricky. A good rule of thumb: Always opt for a water-resistant formula, which is still effective after sweating or swimming. Blue Lizard is a dermatologist and pediatrician-recommended brand that offers protection against harmful rays, and the pocket-sized stick formula is easy to reapply. They also make a version specifically for your baby’s delicate skin.

Best Sunscreen for Kids with Eczema

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

Kids with eczema need specialized sun protection, since light can contribute to flare-ups and cause irritation. All Thinkbaby sunscreens are chemical and BPA free and made with zinc oxide—an ingredient well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties. The non-greasy formula is easy to apply and is reef-safe for any water-based adventures.

Best Sunscreen for Kids with Sensitive Skin

MD Solar Sciences Mineral Kidstick SPF 40

This fragrance and oil-free mineral stick sunscreen is easy to apply and leaves no white residue, a great way to protect kids aged 6 months and up from the hot summer sun. Vitamins C and E provide antioxidant support, while zinc oxide offers broad-spectrum UVA and B protection. While it’s waterproof for 80 minutes, apply every two hours for optimum sun protection.

Best Mineral Sunscreen for Kids

Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Unlike chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens are known for gentle formulas that don’t get absorbed into the skin—making them a great irritation-free choice for kids. Babo is well-known for its sunscreens made with pure, plant-based ingredients that are great for sensitive skin (and the Earth, too!) Consistently voted one of the top natural sunscreens that meets the EWG’s standards for health and safety, the fragrance-free formula protects delicate skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Best Face Sunscreen for Kids

Badger Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 35

Whether your kids are heading to summer camp or going to the beach, this tangerine and vanilla-scented sunscreen by Badger is an easy way to keep them protected from the sun. Zinc oxide tops the list of ingredients in the pocket-sized stick, perfect for coating often-forgotten areas like ears and lips while leaving hands mess-free.

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