Shielding your baby’s delicate skin from the sun’s harsh ultraviolet rays is one of the best things you can do to reduce their risk of developing skin cancer later in life. Babies have thinner, more sensitive skin that burns more easily than adult skin, so using a sunscreen specially formulated for infants is crucial.
When scoping the baby sunscreen aisle, you’ll quickly notice what seems like an overwhelming array of lotions, sticks, and sprays all claiming they’re “best.” With so many options boasting hypoallergenic formulas free of fragrance, oxybenzone, and other concerning chemicals, how do you even begin to choose?
I’m here to help simplify your buying decision. I’ve researched and compiled the top 15 baby sunscreens on the market right now from brands like Thinkbaby, Aveeno Baby, Blue Lizard, and more. I break down the key features of each pediatrician-trusted formula designed to gently protect without irritation. I even compare prices and formats.
Keep reading for the definitive guide to the best baby sunscreen available in 2023 whether you’re looking for zinc oxide, certified organic, reef safe, budget-friendly or simply the easiest to apply on a squirmy tot! Your baby’s future skin health depends on proper safeguarding today. Let’s uncover the ideal SPF for your little ray of sunshine.
Thinkbaby sunscreen provides SPF 50+ broad spectrum protection using natural zinc oxide instead of potentially harmful chemicals. It is specially formulated for delicate baby skin.
We like that Thinkbaby uses skin-friendly zinc oxide instead of harsh chemicals found in many mainstream sunscreens. Zinc is a natural mineral that effectively blocks both UVA and UVB rays. Thinkbaby’s formula rubs in easily without white residue or greasy feel. It is gentle enough for daily use on babies’ delicate skin. As an added bonus, this sunscreen is environmentally-friendly and reef-safe.
Aveeno Baby sunscreen lotion provides tear-free, water resistant SPF 50 protection in a travel-friendly size. It is specially formulated with soothing oat extract and natural zinc oxide for babies’ delicate skin.
Aveeno Baby hits all the right notes with its tear-free sensitive skin formula containing colloidal oatmeal. We like the addition of feverfew and natural zinc oxide which provide non-irritating broad spectrum coverage. This sunscreen goes on light without stinging little eyes. The convenient leak-proof bottle is perfectly sized for tossing in the diaper bag or travel tote.
Babyganics mineral-based SPF 50 sunscreen provides water resistant UVA/UVB protection in an extra gentle, non-allergenic formula made for baby’s delicate skin.
Babyganics sunscreen lotion delivers serious sun protection from natural minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide instead of harsh chemicals. We like that it goes on smooth without white residue. The formula is also non-allergenic and tear-free, making application fuss-free. This is a great choice for worried parents who want to safeguard their little ones poolside or seaside without nasty ingredients.
Babo Botanicals mineral sunscreen lotion provides SPF50 broad spectrum protection in a gentle, hypoallergenic formula made with 70% certified organic ingredients.
If using clean, plant-based ingredients is important to you, Babo Botanicals sensitive sunscreen is a home run. It delivers serious sun protection with non-nano zinc oxide and hydrating organic oils like sunflower and coconut. We like that it goes on light without nasty chemicals or whitening. Babo Botanicals is ideal for green parents who want to guard delicate skin without synthetics.
Baby Bum offers SPF 50 mineral sunscreen lotion made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to gently shield delicate skin. This travel size bottle is perfect for tossing in your bag.
Baby Bum checks all the boxes with its simple ingredients list of mineral filters without any added nonsense. We like the easy twist-cap bottle that makes application mess-free. The lightly hydrating lotion formula rubs in without greasy residue or white smears even on dark complexions. For worried parents seeking serious sun protection in a fuss-free package, this gets our vote.
Blue Lizard Baby sunscreen lotion provides SPF 50 mineral protection that goes on clear using patented smart bottle technology. The white lotion turns blue in UV light as a visual reminder to reapply.
We love the innovation behind Blue Lizard’s smart bottle that alerts you when it’s time to recoat your kiddo’s delicate skin. The formula provides serious broad spectrum protection with mineral zinc oxide in a texture than rubs in crystal clear. This is a fantastic option for parents who want a visual safeguard against missed spots without nasty additions.
Sun Bum Baby mineral sunscreen stick makes applying UVA/UVB protection to kids’ faces and bodies easy with its roll-on format. The effortless ball tip glides over delicate skin without pulling or rubbing.
We love the convenience of Sun Bum’s roll-on sunscreen stick, especially for squirming tots who won’t sit still for lotion application. The formula goes on sheer without grease or scent. The effortless ball tip makes touch ups throughout the day quick and mess-free. This travel size version is perfect for tossing in your pool bag or diaper tote.
Aveeno Baby mineral sunscreen lotion soothes and protects delicate skin with zinc oxide, oat extract and feverfew. This tear-free SPF 50 formula provides water resistant coverage in a larger 7 oz bottle.
If you’re searching for a mineral sunscreen specifically designed for babies’ extra delicate skin without an overload of questionable components, Aveeno Baby checks all the boxes. We like the addition of skin-soothing oat extract and anti-inflammatory feverfew. The light creamy texture makes application and reapplication less messy and frustrating. This is a solid choice for parents wanting serious safe sun protection without taking chances.
Aveeno Baby mineral sunscreen lotion shields delicate skin with zinc oxide and oat extract. This tear-free SPF 50 travel size tube is perfectly portable for tossing in your bag when on-the-go.
Aveeno Baby checks all the boxes if you’re looking for a fuss-free mineral sunscreen specially designed for babies’ delicate skin in a convenient travel size. We like that it skips questionable chemicals in favor of soothing feverfew and oat extract to comfort skin while blocking rays. The portable tube makes reapplication while out and about quick and mess-free. This is a great contender for worried parents seeking serious safe sun protection without potential irritants.
Blue Lizard Baby sunscreen stick makes applying mineral SPF 50+ protection to delicate skin easy with its roll-on format. The effortless ball tip goes on clear for the face and body.
Blue Lizard’s handy sunscreen stick takes the mess and stress out of applying SPF to squirmy tots on-the-move. We love how the easy twist-up applicator dotingly delivers serious broad spectrum protection without chemicals. The clear rub-in texture keeps hands mess-free so you can quickly coat skin without the usual fight. This travel friendly version ensures you always have safe sun coverage ready in your bag.
Babo Botanicals mineral sunscreen stick shields delicate complexions with plant-based zinc oxide using 70% certified USDA organic ingredients like coconut oil and shea butter.
Babo Botanicals goes above and beyond formulating a green sunscreen stick you can actually feel good about putting on your kiddo thanks to rigorous third party testing for purity and safety. We love how the mineral zinc shields effectively while certified organic ingredients like shea and sunflower oil nourish skin. The generously-sized twist-up stick makes application fuss and mess-free. This is a fantastic choice for eco-conscious parents wanting chemical-free SPF that works.
Sun Bum Baby mineral sunscreen spray provides mess-free SPF 50 coverage in a portable 3 oz bottle perfect for tossing in your bag on-the-go. The gentle clear formula won’t irritate delicate skin.
We love how Sun Bum’s mineral sunscreen spray makes applying SPF 50 a breeze thanks to the easy coverage at all angles. Just mist and go without struggling with runny lotions or stick applicators on squirmy tots. The lightweight clear formula won’t trigger skin sensitivities so both you and baby stay frustration-free. Toss a bottle in your pool bag or diaper tote for daily peace of mind.
Blue Lizard Baby mineral sunscreen transforms from white to blue in UV light as a visual reminder to reapply SPF 50+ using patented smart tube technology.
We absolutely love the brilliance behind Blue Lizard’s color changing tube that alerts parents when it’s time to reapply protection on babes’ delicate skin without relying on guesswork or timers. It delivers serious broad spectrum coverage powered by mineral zinc oxide in a silky texture that rubs in crystal clear without chemicals. This is fantastic for worried moms and dads wanting a foolproof safeguard to protect mini-mes.
Coppertone Water Babies gentle tear-free sunscreen lotion shields sensitive skin from UVA/UVB damage in an SPF50 formula made without fragrance or parabens. This pack comes with two 8 oz pump bottles.
Coppertone’s iconic Water Babies sunscreen lotion has safeguarded generations of delicate young complexions thanks to its gentle tear-free formula containing a vitamin complex of B3, B6, C & E. We like how the easy pump bottle makes dispensing and applying squirt-free. While not quite as clean as some newer natural options, this budget-friendly favorite gets the job done protecting sensitive skin without extra additives.
Banana Boat Baby 100% mineral sunscreen lotion gently shields delicate complexions using reef-safe zinc oxide and titanium dioxide with an SPF of 50. This pack includes two 6 oz bottles.
Banana Boat Baby checks all the boxes if your top concerns are safety and eco-consciousness. We like how it skips questionable chemicals in favor of mineral zinc oxide and hydrating ingredients like aloe. The lotion texture applies easily without stinging eyes or feeling heavy. This is a great choice if you want serious sun protection for your kiddo without environmental downsides.
Product | Features |
---|---|
Thinkbaby SPF 50+ | SPF 50+, zinc oxide, tear-free |
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 50 | SPF 50, zinc oxide, tear-free, 3 oz travel size |
Babyganics SPF 50 | SPF 50, mineral, fragrance-free, pack of 2 |
Babo Botanicals Sensitive SPF 50 | SPF 50, mineral, EWG verified, 70% organic |
Baby Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion | SPF 50, mineral, gluten/fragrance-free |
Blue Lizard Baby Mineral SPF 50 | SPF 50, mineral, smart bottle technology |
Sun Bum Baby SPF 50 Stick | SPF 50, mineral roll-on stick |
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 50 | SPF 50, mineral, tear-free, 7 oz bottle |
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection SPF 50 | SPF 50, mineral, tear-free, 3 oz size |
Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Stick SPF 50+ | SPF 50+, zinc oxide stick |
Babo Sensitive Stick SPF 50 | SPF 50, EWG verified, 70% organic |
Sun Bum Baby Bum Spray SPF 50 | SPF 50, mineral spray |
Blue Lizard Baby Mineral SPF 50+ | SPF 50+, zinc oxide lotion |
Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 | SPF 50, fragrance-free lotion |
Banana Boat Baby Mineral SPF 50 | SPF 50, 100% mineral |
When selecting a sunscreen for your infant or toddler, it’s important to consider a gentle, tear-free formula made specifically for little one’s extra delicate skin. Mineral sunscreens containing active ingredients like non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide effectively block UVA/UVB damage without exposure to concerning chemicals found in some mainstream sunscreens. Look for brands trusted by pediatricians that skip unnecessary additives. An SPF of 30+ is ideal for maximum protection. For convenience, choose lotion or stick formats that make application on squirmy tots less difficult.
Mineral Sunscreens use active mineral ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to deflect UV rays. These natural filters sit atop skin to block sun damage without penetration or absorption into the bloodstream. Mineral SPFs are less likely to irritate delicate skin or eyes.
Chemical Sunscreens use synthetic active ingredients like oxybenzone to absorb UV light so it can’t damage skin. These chemical filters soak into skin to scatter damage. Some researchers question if ingredients could get absorbed into bloodstream. Chemical screens tend to be thinner in texture.
Hybrid Sunscreens contain both mineral and chemical active ingredients for broad protection by combining mineral deflection and chemical absorption methods. Parents may choose a hybrid formula if wanting aspects of both options.
Organic Sunscreens meet USDA organic standards having at least 95% certified organic ingredients like aloe, coconut oil and shea butter. These plant-based formulas skip chemical filters for gentler options. Coverage may require more frequent application.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using a broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher on babies over 6 months to effectively protect delicate developing skin. Maximum protection can be achieved with an SPF 50 formula to block over 98% of UVB rays.
Most pediatricians advise using a mineral sunscreen formula containing active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead of chemical UV filters which may pose absorption concerns. Mineral SPFs effectively shield skin from damage without penetration into the bloodstream.
For infants under 6 months, it’s best to avoid sunscreen and simply shade them from extended sun exposure. Beyond 6 months, apply sunscreen whenever your baby will get sun exposure whether hanging outdoors or just next to windows in the home. Reapply every few hours.
Avoid oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate, parabens, phthalates, artificial fragrance, nanoparticle forms of mineral filters, and vitamin A (retinol). These may pose health concerns for delicate baby skin. Focus on mineral filters and clean nurturing ingredients.
application easier by letting them pick a fun character-themed sunscreen. Use mineral stick formats for easier facial coverage. Applying before heading outside when they’re confined can help. Engage and distract with songs and toys. And most of all— patience! It’s for their good even when challenging.
When it comes to protecting your precious little one’s skin—only the best will do. I hope this guide to the top-rated baby sunscreens on the market today has helped you feel confident to choose the right SPF formula for your child.
While Thinkbaby, Blue Lizard Baby, and Babo Botanicals sensitive scored very high marks across all categories, any of my top picks with mineral active ingredients, clean formulas free of concerning additives, and tear-free application could be a winning selection.
As long as you choose a pediatrician-approved SPF 30+ and apply properly before sun exposure, reapplying frequently, you can trust you’re doing right by your baby’s long term skin health. Defense today means helping reduce risks down the road.
Remember to always supervise your child when outdoors and seek shade during peak intensity hours even with sunscreen. Adding protective clothing and hats helps fortify your little one’s defenses.
I’m wishing you and your kiddo a happy, healthy and sun-safe season ahead. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any additional questions in your search for the ideal baby sunscreen as I’m always happy to help pare down the options to simplify your buying choice!
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