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Finding the safest sunscreen for your little ones shouldn’t be stressful, and today’s post will help! I have researched some of the top brands of sunscreen that offer broad-spectrum protection, clean ingredients, and long-lasting formulas. I’ll also share which brands I have used for our family and which brands we like best.

As a mom of six, we work to stretch our budget as much as we possibly can! I acknowledge that some low-tox brands may carry a high price tag, but I’m dedicated to sharing brands that are affordable for budgets like ours. This way, you can make informed choices without feeling torn between staying within your budget and opting for non-toxic alternatives.

Using safe sunscreen is so important!

When it comes to choosing sunscreen for your baby, opting for a non-toxic formula is paramount. Unlike chemical sunscreens, non-toxic sunscreens are free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and avobenzone. These can penetrate the skin and potentially disrupt hormonal balance. Instead, they rely on mineral-based ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide broad-spectrum protection without the use of harsh chemicals.

Finding the best non-toxic sunscreen for babies is so important for safe sun exposure. Skin cancer is at an all-time high, and choosing a sunscreen with natural ingredients that provides broad-spectrum coverage is the best way to protect your family from harmful UV rays.

How to choose the best non-toxic sunscreen for babies

If you’re a parent, you know how difficult it can be to lather kids in sunscreen when they only want to run around and play. As a mom, I work hard to find safe, non-toxic brands for our family, and finding sunscreen options that fit those specifications can be tough! Over the years, we have tried dozens of sunscreen brands that offered non-toxic ingredients but either left your hands sticky, never fully rubbed in, or left a terrible white cast no matter what you did. 

While a slight white cast may not bother some, I wouldn’t want to walk outside with that, so why would I do that to my kids?

It’s important to remember that although I’ve taken the guesswork out by sharing some of my favorite brands, you should test a few out for yourself to see which brand you like best for your family. My older children are sensitive to greasy formulas and don’t like how they feel on their skin, whereas my younger kids prefer using sunscreen sticks over any other type of sunscreen. We keep a few of our favorites on hand so all of our kids can use the kind they prefer.

It’s also really important to know how to choose the best conventional sunscreens in a pinch. Believe me, even as an avid planner, I sometimes forget to have sunscreen when we’re on the go. Here are some important things to remember:

Mineral sunscreens

Mineral sunscreen offers a safer option compared to products like Banana Boat because it sits on the skin’s surface instead of being absorbed. (It’s also known as physical sunscreen.) The physical barrier mineral sunscreens create is great for babies, as it tends to be less irritating and safer for sensitive skin. Natural mineral sunscreen works just as well without the skin absorbing any harsh ingredients.

Two of the most common minerals used as active ingredients in physical sunscreens are Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide is the ideal mineral of choice because it provides better broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB.

Zinc oxide is renowned for its skin-healing properties, which is why it’s a common ingredient in diaper rash creams. The only downside to mineral sunscreen is that it’s usually heavier than traditional sunscreen, making it difficult to rub in. However, lighter formulas are now available, making it easier to rub in without leaving a white cast on the skin.

Skip the spray sunscreens.

While it may be convenient, spray sunscreens do not last as long and don’t offer the same consistent coverage that sunscreen lotion can offer; there’s also a risk of inhalation. I understand the convenience of sprays, especially for little ones who don’t like to sit still, but it’s worth it to use lotion sunscreens.

Read the ingredients.

Chemical sunscreens frequently contain harmful components like oxybenzone, known to harm coral reefs and marine life, and can also enter the bloodstream, exposing individuals to toxic substances. These chemicals are potent enough to be detected in breast milk and the placenta of recently pregnant women.

Oxybenzone in sunscreens absorbs UV radiation and transforms it into heat that the body releases through the skin. While this sounds like a good thing, the harsh chemicals can irritate sensitive skin and cause photosensitization. Those with sensitive skin might experience allergic reactions or skin irritations from certain chemical sunscreen ingredients, which is especially concerning when choosing a sunscreen for babies.

Conventional sunscreens often contain synthetic fragrances, which are known endocrine disruptors that cause dozens of health issues. These ingredients are especially toxic for young children and should be avoided. We work hard to reduce our exposure to these toxins and choose products that use clean sources for fragrances as much as possible.

Nano vs. non-nano zinc oxide sunscreens

You may have come across the term non-nano zinc oxide when researching the best non-toxic sunscreen for babies. This refers to the size of the mineral particles used in sunscreen. While both nano and non-nano sunscreens provide effective sun protection, the best option most often is to use a non-nano mineral sunscreen as these sunscreens provide the least risks for irritation, especially for sensitive skin.

​Here are some of the largest differences between the two options:

Nano Zinc Oxide

Nanoparticles of zinc oxide are exceptionally small, offering specific benefits to users, like a reduced likelihood of leaving a white cast on the skin. However, some research shows that there are potential hazards linked with these nano-sized particles, such as their ability to penetrate the skin and their impact on the environment.

Non-Nano Zinc Oxide

Non-nano zinc oxide contains particles that are larger, typically exceeding 100 nanometers in size. These non-nano particles are comparatively larger than their nano-sized counterparts, resulting in a reduced likelihood of penetrating the skin’s barrier. However, due to the larger particle size, non-nano zinc oxide sunscreens tend to leave a more noticeable white cast on the skin, which may be considered less appealing to some individuals.