Skip to content

Top Navigation

Parents Parents
  • GETTING PREGNANT
  • PREGNANCY
  • BABY NAMES
  • BABY
  • TODDLER
  • BIG KID
  • FUN
  • HEALTH
  • PARENTING
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAY
  • News & Trends
  • Raising the Future
  • OUR MAGAZINES
  • Podcasts
  • Kindred
  • MORE

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore Parents

Parents Parents
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      22 Chore Ideas for Every Type of Kid

      Find a chore your kid loves to do, and start a habit of wanting to help out that'll last a lifetime. Read More Next
    • Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Top 5 Mom Friend Problems—And How to Fix Them

      Parenting is so much easier with good pals. Learn to overcome friendship hurdles and bond with women who get you. Read More Next
    • How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      How to Sleep Train Toddlers and Big Kids

      Do you struggle to put your kiddo to bed—or keep them there? Read on to find out how to sleep train toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids. Read More Next
  • GETTING PREGNANT

    GETTING PREGNANT

    See All GETTING PREGNANT
    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant, During Every Phase of Your Cycle

    Your Chances of Getting Pregnant, During Every Phase of Your Cycle

    When sex coincides with your most fertile days, your chances of getting pregnant increase. Get to know each phase of your cycle to help you conceive (or avoid) a pregnancy.
    • Ovulation
    • Reproductive Age
    • Maximizing Your Fertility
    • Pre-Pregnancy Health
    • Trying to Conceive
    • Dealing With Infertility
    • Genetics
  • PREGNANCY

    PREGNANCY

    See All PREGNANCY
    9 Signs That Labor Is Approaching

    9 Signs That Labor Is Approaching

    Anxiously awaiting your baby’s arrival? Learn to recognize the signs of approaching labor, which signal that your little one might make an appearance soon.
    • Signs of Pregnancy
    • Pregnancy Week-by-Week
    • Giving Birth
    • Labor & Delivery
    • Pregnancy Symptoms
    • Due Date Calculator
    • Pregnancy Complications
    • Fetal Development
    • Gender Prediction
    • Baby Showers
  • BABY NAMES

    BABY NAMES

    See All BABY NAMES
    These Baby Names Are Predicted to Be Popular in 2022

    These Baby Names Are Predicted to Be Popular in 2022

    From Bridgerton to travel destinations, learn what's inspiring the baby name trends of 2022.
    • Baby Girl Names
    • Most Popular Names
    • Names by Origin
    • Twin Names
    • Baby Boy Names
    • Names by Religion
    • Celebrity Baby Names
  • BABY

    BABY

    See All BABY
    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    How to Decode Your Baby's Cough

    Caring for a baby with a wet or dry cough? Listen for wheezing, hacking, or barking first, then read on to find out what's normal and when it's time to worry.
    • Newborn Care
    • Crying Baby
    • Health
    • Baby Development
    • Safety
    • Gear
    • Breastfeeding
    • Diapers
    • Sleep Issues
    • Feeding
    • Nursery
  • TODDLER

    TODDLER

    See All TODDLER
    • Preschool Activities
    • Behavior & Discipline
    • Toddler Development
    • Milestones
    • Potty Training
    • Starting School
    • Health
    • Safety
    • Childcare
  • BIG KID

    BIG KID

    See All BIG KID
    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    How to Deal With Bullies: A Guide for Parents

    Mean kids aren't just a middle-school problem. The trouble has trickled to the youngest grades. Learn how to spot it—and how to protect children of all ages from bullies at school.
    • Education
    • Health
    • Food & Nutrition
    • Bullying & School Problems
    • Child Development
    • Safety
    • Manners & Responsibility
  • FUN

    FUN

    See All FUN
    17 Budget-Friendly Kids' Birthday Party Ideas

    17 Budget-Friendly Kids' Birthday Party Ideas

    A fun celebration doesn't need to cost a pretty penny. Throw a memorable bash with these clever cost-cutting kids' birthday party ideas.
    • Birthdays
    • Indoor Activities
    • Outdoor Activities
    • Arts & Crafts
    • Printable Coloring Pages
    • Kids' Entertainment
    • Best Toys
    • Holidays
    • Family Vacation Ideas
  • HEALTH

    HEALTH

    See All HEALTH
    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    All About Coronavirus COVID-19: A Concerned Parent's Guide

    Here’s everything you need to know about the disease that originated in Wuhan, China.
    • ADD & ADHD
    • Allergies
    • Autism
    • Cold & Flu
    • Coronavirus and COVID-19
    • Cough
    • Down Syndrome
    • Emergency Aid
    • Fever
    • Medication & Vitamins
    • Obesity
    • Rashes
    • Stomach Aches
    • Vaccines
  • PARENTING

    PARENTING

    See All PARENTING
    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    The Stay at Home Guide for Parents

    Everything you need to thrive at home as a family.
    • Positive Parenting
    • Parenting Style
    • Celebrity Parents
    • Family Dynamics
    • Divorce
    • Home
    • Adoption
    • Just for Mom
    • Money
    • Toy Recalls
    • Stroller Recalls
    • Moms Run the World
    • The Stay at Home Guide
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    • Family Recipes
    • Baby Food
    • Toddler Finger Food Recipes
    • Hints & Tips
    • Healthy Eating
    • Birthdays
    • Holiday Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Meals
    • Food For Pregnant Women
  • HOLIDAY

    HOLIDAY

    See All HOLIDAY
    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids, Preschoolers, and Toddlers

    44 Fun Valentine's Day Crafts for Kids, Preschoolers, and Toddlers

    Spend an afternoon making these Valentine's Day cards, decorations, and edible projects. Bonus: Each one can double as a homemade gift for someone special!
    • Christmas
    • New Year's
    • Valentine's Day
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
    • Memorial Day
    • Father's Day
    • 4th of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
  • News & Trends
  • Raising the Future
  • OUR MAGAZINES

    OUR MAGAZINES

    See All OUR MAGAZINES
    • Parents
    • Parents Latina
    • Ser Padres
  • Podcasts

    Podcasts

    • We Are Family Podcast
    • That New Mom Life Podcast
    • Pregnancy Confidential Podcast
  • Kindred
  • MORE

    MORE

    • Newsletters
    • Contests
    • #ParentsIRL
    • Adulting
    • First Year Playbook
    • Celebrate Your Way

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Staying Healthy
  3. Sun Care
  4. The Best Sunscreens for Kids in 2021

The Best Sunscreens for Kids in 2021

By Rachel Morris and Nicole Harris Updated January 29, 2021
Each product we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. If you make a purchase using the links included, we may earn commission.
Skip gallery slides
Pin
A composition of child sunscreens.
Credit: Art: Jillian Sellers

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.

Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Best Sunscreen Ingredients

sunscreen and vitamin D
Credit: 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

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

All Good Kid's Sunscreen, SPF 30

All Good Kid’s Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
shop it

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.

2 of 19

3 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
shop it

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. 

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, Chamomile & Calendula, SPF 30

Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
shop it

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!

4 of 19

5 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
shop it

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

5 of 19

6 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

BurnOut Kids Sunscreen, SPF 35

<p>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.</p>
shop it

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.

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

California Baby Calendula Sunscreen, SPF 30+

California Baby Calendula Sunscreen, SPF 30+
shop it

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!

7 of 19

8 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Erbaviva Organic Skincare Baby Sun Stick, Lavender Chamomile, SPF 30

erbaviva Baby Sun Stick
shop it

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!

8 of 19

9 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Caribbean Sol Sol Kid Kare Lotion, SPF 30

Caribbean Sol Kid Kare Sunscreen SPF
shop it

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

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Just Skin Food Baby Beach Bum Sunscreen Stick, SPF 31

Just Skin Food Sunscreen
Credit: Courtesy of justskinfood.com
shop it

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. 

10 of 19

11 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Kiss My Face Organics Kids Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30

<p>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.</p>
shop it

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.

11 of 19

12 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

MDSolarSciences KidCreme Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40

<p>Advertised as a silky cr&egrave;me 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.</p>
shop it

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.

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Olita Kids Mineral Sunscreen Sunstick, SPF30

Olita Kids Mineral Sunscreen Sunstick
shop it

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?

13 of 19

14 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen Lotion Tin, SPF 30

Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen Lotion Tin
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
shop it

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.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

SunBioLogic Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+

SunBioLogic Kids Sunscreen Stick
Credit: Courtesy of sunbiologic.com
shop it

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. 

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Suntribe Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Vanilla Yum Yum, SPF 30

Suntribe Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
shop it

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!

16 of 19

17 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

thinkbaby Sunscreen, SPF 50+

Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
shop it

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.

17 of 19

18 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

TruKid Sunny Days Sport Sunscreen, SPF 30

TruKid Sunny Days Sport
Credit: Courtesy of Amazon
shop it

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

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Waxhead Sun Defense Zinc Oxide Vitamin D Enhanced Sunscreen

<p>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.</p>
shop it

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.

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Rachel Morris and Nicole Harris

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 19 The Best Sunscreen Ingredients
    2 of 19 All Good Kid's Sunscreen, SPF 30
    3 of 19 Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion
    4 of 19 Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, Chamomile & Calendula, SPF 30
    5 of 19 Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
    6 of 19 BurnOut Kids Sunscreen, SPF 35
    7 of 19 California Baby Calendula Sunscreen, SPF 30+
    8 of 19 Erbaviva Organic Skincare Baby Sun Stick, Lavender Chamomile, SPF 30
    9 of 19 Caribbean Sol Sol Kid Kare Lotion, SPF 30
    10 of 19 Just Skin Food Baby Beach Bum Sunscreen Stick, SPF 31
    11 of 19 Kiss My Face Organics Kids Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
    12 of 19 MDSolarSciences KidCreme Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 40
    13 of 19 Olita Kids Mineral Sunscreen Sunstick, SPF30
    14 of 19 Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen Lotion Tin, SPF 30
    15 of 19 SunBioLogic Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30+
    16 of 19 Suntribe Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Vanilla Yum Yum, SPF 30
    17 of 19 thinkbaby Sunscreen, SPF 50+
    18 of 19 TruKid Sunny Days Sport Sunscreen, SPF 30
    19 of 19 Waxhead Sun Defense Zinc Oxide Vitamin D Enhanced Sunscreen

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Parents

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Cozi Family Organizer this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise this link opens in a new tab
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • From Our Sponsors this link opens in a new tab
    • Affiliate Program this link opens in a new tab
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithParents.com is part of the Parents Network. © Copyright 2022 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Parents. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.parents.com

    Sign in

    View image

    The Best Sunscreens for Kids in 2021
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.