Have you been using conventional sunscreens on your children that claim to have highest SPF, waterproof, and safe?
If so, you need to know that you may be putting carcinogens and other harmful chemicals in the largest organ on children's body- the skin.
According to the Environmental Working Group most sunscreens for babies and kids have at least three strikes against them: oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate and SPFs above 50+. Four have an additional strike: they're aerosol sprays that can expose sensitive young lungs to potentially hazardous chemicals. Convenient? Yes. Good for kids? Absolutely not.
As parents, we always want to find the best for our children. Sunscreens shouldn't be the exception.
I know that finding the safest sunscreen for babies or children that are made without harsh chemicals, and organic ingredients can be daunting. I take my son's health very seriously, and I am sure you do too- That is why I decided to do some investigating about the best sunscreens for babies and children.
Just about all sunscreens, I've suggested were required to be free from Parabens, Phthalates, PEG's (polyethylene glycols), Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, SLS/SLES, and a multitude of other chemicals that are harmful. Essentially, they should contain organic and safe ingredients.
However, the sunscreen ingredient I primarily suggest avoiding is the synthetic chemical oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor that affects the nervous system, continues to be known to cause cancer in some laboratory research studies, and fosters free-radicals when exposed to the sun which happens to be unsafe.
My first stop was with the The Environmental Working Group (EWG) database. The EWG specializes in research and advocacy in the areas of toxic chemicals, agricultural subsidies, public lands, and corporate accountability. Additionally, they are the authority and most reputable organization when it comes to biased product safety.
My second stop was the safecosmetics.org. This great organization works to protect the health of consumers, workers, and the environment through public education and engagement, corporate accountability and sustainability campaigns, and legislative advocacy designed to eliminate dangerous chemicals linked to adverse health impacts from cosmetics and personal care products. Safecosmetics.org give us the Top 4 safe cosmetics tips for babies below:
Additionally, I've also taken the time to read the ingredients list, and do a little more research upon those ingredients and their effects on our health.
What I am mainly looking for are carcinogens, parabens, and endocrine disruptors-- which are chemicals that may interfere with the body's endocrine system. They produce adverse developmental, reproductive, and neurological. ( Source) Finally, I look up their composition, read tons of reviews, and their safety ratings mainly based on the EWG's The list below will definitely help you make an educated decision when it comes to the right product.
1. Adorable Baby SPF 30+ Non-Nano UBA/UVB Sunscreen
Adorable Baby Sunscreen Sunscreen is formulated especially for babies and offers great safety ratings as their original formula with improved consistency and feel. It has been rated as on of the best sunscreens for babies in the market, due to its effectiveness. It can be used alone or in combination with a sunscreen stick on all exposed skin. If any dryness occurs, follow up in the evening with our lightly scented or unscented baby oils or lotions. ( Try it here)
2. NEW All Good SPF 30 Kids Sunscreen Lotion
Including the benefits of organic green tea and rose hip antioxidants, elemental herbs All Good Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 Kidsnofollow
- 80 Minute Water Resistant
- Non-Nano Zinc Only
- Lightweight formula, non-greasy
- Sport - organic green tea, rose hips and buriti oil for repairing damaged skin
- Kids - organic chamomile for gently soothing sensitive skin
All Good sunscreen lotion leaves no white residue. Natural and practical, elemental Herbs incorporates ingredients that have been used as healing and soothing remedies for generations. Certified Organic to USDA/NOP Standards.
3. All Terrain KidSport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
All Terrain KidSport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 is an award-winning KidSport sunscreen lotion for parents who want natural, effective, oxybenzone- and paraben-free sunscreens. Offering broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection with non-Nano, uncoated zinc oxide. Using transparent zinc oxide, Kid Sport is non-whitening, non-greasy, fragrance-free and won't cause eye sting so it is great for kids with sensitive skin.All Terrain is an environmentally-friendly and certified cruelty-free company, using natural, biodegradable ingredients. All-Terrain has disproved the myth that if it's natural, it can't work as well as chemical-based products. Note: I have tested All terrain lotion vs the spray because there were issues reported with the pump.
4. ATTITUDE Little Ones 100% Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
ATTITUDE Little Onesnofollow develops products with uncompromised safety in mind, using only worry-free ingredients. While cancer-causing chemicals, mutagens, and reproductive toxins are still legally tolerated contaminants found in personal care and household products, you won't find them in this great product. What makes this sunscreen on of my favorites:
- Carcinogen, 1,4-Dioxane & Ethylene Oxide Free ( Tested by an Independent Laboratory)
- Hypoallergenic Natural Sunscreen Made with 100% Mineral Active Ingredient (Zinc Oxide)
- Carcinogen-Free Ingredients or By-Products (IARC Group 1 & 2)
- Certified Eco-Friendly by EcoLogo, the Most Recognized Certification in North America CO2
- Fragrance Derived from Natural Ingredients, Hypoallergenic, Respect IFRA (International Fragrance Association)
- Standards Fragrance without CMR (Carcinogens, Mutagens or Toxic for Reproduction)
- Compounds Not Tested on Animals Vegan Product Septic Tank Safe
5. Babyhampton beach*bum sunscreens for babies, SPF 30
The TotLogic Safe Sunscreen SPF 30nofollow
- RATED # 1 on EWG, Water Resistant & Sweat Resistant Up To 80 Minutes
- Highly Effective, Reef Safe, Vegan, Non-Nano, No Parabens, No Phthalates, Hypoallergenic, Cruelty-Free
- Safe & Effective Formula of Sunscreens for Babies Over 6 Months & Loved by People Of All Ages
- Made In The U.S.A.
11. Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, SPF 30
Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream
is simple, safe and moisturizing kids sunscreen is perfect for the beach, pool and light activity. Kids love the organic Tangerine and Vanilla scent. Broad spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays using the safe mineral Zinc Oxide - No oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other chemical active sunscreening agents. I have been using this on my son for years or alternate with Attitude Kids - and he's never had a sunburn. Hands down some of my favorite sunscreens for babies
12. Bare Belly Organics Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30
Bare Belly Organic Baby Sunscreen SPF 30
Offers broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection, is water resistant for 80 minutes and it is good for you, good for your family, and good for your skin. This is a non-nano mineral sunscreen and works by sitting on top of the skin to block and reflect the sun's UVA/UVB rays. The highest level of protection is achieved by applying a thin, white layer to exposed skin. Onother and one of the best sunscreens for babies
13. BurnOut Kids Physical Sunscreen, SPF 35
14. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen, Baby, SPF 30+
Text Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Baby
, SPF 30 is extremely water resistant. Blue Lizard utilizes transparent Zinc Oxide along with Titanium Dioxie to provide broad spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. Blue Lizard Baby is Chemical and Fragrance FRE one of the best sunscreens for babiesE. The packaging is unique as it provides a UV indicator for consumers to know when they need to be wearing suncreen. One really cool feature about this sunscreen that I like is that, the bottle turns PINK when exposed to UV rays.
15. Kiss My Face Organics Kids Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
Text Kiss My Face Organics Kids Mineral Sunscreen
, SPF 30 is an all natural sun block made with 87% certified organic ingredients. Its manufactures claims that it is a 80 minute water resistant sunscreen. Active ingredients are 100% natural mineral ingredients, cruelty free, oxybenzone free, Paraben free sunscreen ( a major plus) and made with nourishing super fruits.
As always sunscreen should be your last resort, but we all know that Vitamin D is crucial for optimum health. Check the URL for the US Naval Observatory Azimuth table in this article which explains the best times for safe sun exposure. Avoid the sun when UVA rays are present (below 45 degrees).
Get the full Sunscreens Guide by the Environmental Working Group (updated every year) here.
[note note_color="#eef5e3″ text_color="#251716″ radius="9″]EWG Disclaimer: Sunscreen manufacturers frequently reformulate their ingredients and packaging. EWG's sunscreen database gathers information from sunscreen companies directly and by reviewing products sold by major retailers. When purchasing a sunscreen you should check the ingredients to make sure it matches the product listed in the database.[/note]
What is your favorite sunscreen? Do you have a preference when it comes to brands or ingredients? Please share below.