Staying Healthy Sun Care The Best Sunscreens for Kids in 2021 Whether your child is at the beach or in the backyard, sunscreen is a must-have for summer days. Look for one with at least SPF 30 that screens out UVA and UVB rays, like these best-scoring options approved by the Environmental Working Group and dermatologists. By Rachel Morris Updated on January 29, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: Art: Jillian Sellers 01 of 19 The Best Sunscreen Ingredients Olga Pink/Shutterstock Parents advisor Lawrence F. Eichenfield, M.D., suggests buying mineral-based sunscreens, which list zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the main ingredient. These options create a barrier on the skin to deflect the sun's rays, and they're generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Always look for a product with SPF 30 or higher. Why You Shouldn't Give Chemical Sunscreen to Kids 02 of 19 All Good Kid's Sunscreen, SPF 30 Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon This sunscreen formula is loved for its UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection, reef-safe mineral ingredients, and water resistance that lasts up to 80 minutes. The formula is easy to rub in without being greasy, and it includes chamomile for gently soothing sensitive skin. It's also free of oxybenzone, GMO, gluten, and parabens. 03 of 19 Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion Buy on Amazon Despite its name, this SPF 50 mineral sunscreen isn't just for babies! The easy-to-apply formula is specially designed for kids, toddlers, and infants. The plant-based ingredients (like shea butter, cocoa butter, coconut oil, and zinc oxide) are naturally moisturizing for delicate skin, and it's also free of gluten and dyes. 04 of 19 Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, Chamomile & Calendula, SPF 30 Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon In addition to zinc oxide that protects your kid's skin from rays, Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream contains a mix of sunflower oil, beeswax, and vitamin E for moisturization. The hypoallergenic sunscreen resists water and sweat for 40 minutes, and it's scented with tangerine and vanilla—just like a creamsicle! 05 of 19 Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon This mineral-based sunscreen packs UVA/UVB protection that's water resistant for up to 80 minutes. The formula, which was designed with dermatologists for sensitive skin, doesn't have any harsh chemical ingredients, fragrances, or parabens. It's also made without oxybenzone or octinoxate to protect reef ecosystems. The Best Sunscreen for Babies in 2021 06 of 19 BurnOut Kids Sunscreen, SPF 35 Buy on Amazon Rich in antioxidants, BurnOut Kids Sunscreen contains extracts of helionori, pomegranate, and plantain to protect and nourish skin. It's also free of chemicals, parabens, petroleum, and PABA. Not only is the hypoallergenic formula ideal for kids with sensitive skin, it's also good for the environment, considering it's biodegradable, ocean-safe, and eco-sensitive. 07 of 19 California Baby Calendula Sunscreen, SPF 30+ Buy on Amazon This mineral-based sunscreen is infused with soothing essential oils (lavender, clary sage, and calendula), and it blocks the sun without absorbing into the skin. It's thick and concentrated, so a little goes a long way. With eco-friendly ingredients specially formulated for sensitive skin (including eczema), it's no wonder this sunscreen was highly ranked by the Environmental Working Group! 08 of 19 Erbaviva Organic Skincare Baby Sun Stick, Lavender Chamomile, SPF 30 Buy on Amazon Packed in a convenient stick, this sunscreen is full of natural and gentle ingredients like aloe, jojoba oil, and chamomile. It's perfect for on-the-go use, whether you're at the beach or in your backyard, and it resists water for up to 80 minutes. You can use the sunscreen stick for the entire family—even your littlest ones! 09 of 19 Caribbean Sol Sol Kid Kare Lotion, SPF 30 Buy on Amazon Caribbean Sol Sol Kid Kare provides broad spectrum protection without the use of harsh chemicals, which means no more tears for kids who manage to get sunscreen in their eyes. While the zinc oxide formula protects against the sun, aloe leaf and kukui oil hydrate the skin, while hibiscus and green coffee bean condition it. This best sunscreen for kids is biodegradable and reef-friendly, too! Sun Protective Clothing for Kids: Cute Parent-Tested Picks 10 of 19 Just Skin Food Baby Beach Bum Sunscreen Stick, SPF 31 Courtesy of justskinfood.com Buy on Justskinfood.com Your child's skin will eat up this handmade, toxin-free, and antioxidant-rich sunscreen. The product evenly coats the skin, thanks to its formulation without water or oil, and it's safe for the body and face. As an added bonus, the stick is easy to apply. 11 of 19 Kiss My Face Organics Kids Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30 Buy on Amazon This SPF 30 mineral sunscreen is not only vegan and cruelty-free, but it's made with non-nano minerals to boot. The addition of antioxidants nourishes the skin, and it resists water for 80 minutes. It's also manufactured without parabens, phthalates, or oxybenzon. 12 of 19 MDSolarSciences KidCreme Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40 Buy on Amazon Advertised as a silky crème perfect for delicate skin, this easy-to-apply sunscreen boasts titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as active ingredients. Because it's made without oil or fragrance, it's non-comedogenic (meaning it won't clog pores). We all know avoiding sweat and water is nearly impossible when playing under the hot sun, which is why we praise this formula's 80-minute water resistance. 13 of 19 Olita Kids Mineral Sunscreen Sunstick, SPF30 Buy on Amazon This SPF 30 sunscreen protects against UVA/UVB rays with an all-natural, organic, and fragrance-free formulation. It's also in a compact stick that can be thrown into a diaper bag, backpack, purse, or carry-on bag—perfect for summer travelers! Powder Sunscreen for Kids: Is It Safe? 14 of 19 Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen Lotion Tin, SPF 30 Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon This creamy sunscreen consists of organic and hypoallergenic ingredients, including coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, calendula, and chamomile. It protects against the sun's harsh rays without running or stinging eyes! The product is also ideal for eco-conscious users, thanks to its compostable merchandising box and plastic-free reusable tin. 15 of 19 SunBioLogic Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+ Courtesy of sunbiologic.com Buy on Sunbiologic.com Here's some good news for parents: This roll-on sunscreen stick is gentle and easy, which helps you avoid tears during application! You'll also love the natural ingredients, including zinc oxide, mango seed butter, beeswax, jojoba seed oil, sunflower extract, and castor seed oil. 16 of 19 Suntribe Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Vanilla Yum Yum, SPF 30 Buy on Suntribesunscreen.com Packaged in an bio-based sugar cane tube, this hypoallergenic sunscreen lotion contains natural ingredients like coconut oil, shea butter, and cacao butter. It protects against UVA and UVB rays with an SPF 30 formulation, and the main ingredient is non-nano zinc oxide. Plus, the natural vanilla scent is enticing, so children might actually want to put on their sunscreen! 17 of 19 thinkbaby Sunscreen, SPF 50+ Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon Top rated by the Environmental Working Group since 2010, thinkbaby Sunscreen is free of biologically harmful chemicals such as avobenzone and oxybenzone. With broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection and water resistance up to 80 minutes, this sunscreen promises great coverage. Also check out the thinkbaby Body & Face Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30, and the thinksport Kids Body & Face Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30. 18 of 19 TruKid Sunny Days Sport Sunscreen, SPF 30 Courtesy of Amazon Buy on Amazon TruKid Sunny Days Sport Sunscreen is truly natural and non-toxic, pediatrician and dermatologist tested, and eczema-safe while still maintaining great UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. Not to mention this formula is phthalate-free, paraben-free, and unscented, so you know it offers great protection and is healthy for your child's skin, too. Baby Sunscreen Guide: Sun Protection Safety Tips 19 of 19 Waxhead Sun Defense Zinc Oxide Vitamin D Enhanced Sunscreen Buy on Amazon This sunscreen bids adieu to ingredients that shouldn't be in your body, including petrochemicals, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. In fact, it's only made from six certified organic ingredients, including non-nano zinc oxide. The toxin-free product is also enriched with Vitamin E and Vitamin D to nourish skin, and it's safe for marine life. Additional reporting by Nicole Harris Nicole Harris Instagram Nicole Harris joined the team in 2018 as a staff writer and was promoted to SEO editor in 2021. She now covers everything from children's health to parenting trends. Her writing has appeared in Martha Stewart Weddings, Good Housekeeping, The Knot, BobVila.com, and other publications. A graduate of Syracuse University, Nicole currently lives in Queens, New York with her husband. learn more Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit