The Best Sunscreen for Babies

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; they 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. All of them meet criteria set forth by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) for safety and efficacy.

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 Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50+

Recommended by many dermatologists and pediatricians, Blue Lizard's sunscreen stick promotes soft skin. It protects against the sun's rays without chemical ingredients, parabens, or fragrances. As a bonus, the stick applicator glides on smoothly for no-mess application.

California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen Lotion (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 Hydrating 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.

Raw Elements Baby and 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 Sunscreen (SPF 50+)

Many parents and experts claim that Thinkbaby 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.