Baby Sunscreen

Baby sunscreen and formulas for sensitive skin

Many sunscreens are advertised for babies and kids, but reviews say the only differences between these "baby" sunscreens and adult sunscreens are irritating fragrances, and occasionally, the form of UVA protection. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are mineral-based sunscreen ingredients that experts say are less irritating to sensitive skin than avobenzone, and are therefore recommended for babies and children. Mineral sunscreens take a little more effort to rub into skin, because they sit on top of the skin to block UV rays (as opposed to absorbing the rays the way chemical sunscreens do). As is true with adult sunscreens, many baby sunscreens don't contain adequate UVA protection. That's why it's important to check the ingredient label for broad-spectrum protection in the form of titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, avobenzone or Mexoryl SX. Experts say that a gentle adult sunscreen is perfectly suitable for baby's skin. Likewise, formulas marketed to children are suitable for adults with sensitive skin.

It's important to note that a high SPF sunscreen rating also does not necessarily translate to stronger protection. Experts say that no sunscreen can block more than 97 percent of UV rays, which any formula with an SPF rating of 30 or higher can do. Experts suggest using an SPF 30 formula and reapplying it every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating.

Blue Lizard Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 30+ (*Est. $15 for 5 oz.) uses mineral sunscreens zinc oxide (10 percent) and titanium dioxide (5 percent) to block broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays. Repeated reviewers praise this sunscreen, saying it provides excellent sun protection for long periods of time and doesn't irritate sensitive skin. Paula Begoun recommends the formula for sensitive skin of any age (including as a baby sunscreen) and says it has a smooth texture and an even application. Keep in mind that Blue Lizard also specifically sells a baby sunscreen (Blue Lizard Baby Sunscreen) that is identical to the Sensitive formula. The only differences are the label and the color of the bottle cap -- because of this, we've opted to include this more general version in our Best Reviewed as the best baby sunscreen. 

One interesting feature of Blue Lizard sunscreen bottles and tube caps is that they turn blue in ultraviolet light, warning you to apply sunscreen. Some drawbacks: Although most reviewers say they like Blue Lizard's thick and creamy consistency, it (like most zinc-oxide formulas) has a tendency to leave a whitish film on the user's skin. Users at MakeupAlley.com and Drugstore.com also say it takes a while to rub in and can give users a pale appearance, but overall, reviewers do say Blue Lizard blends in better than other similarly formulated sunscreens. You can also buy Blue Lizard sunscreen in 1.25-ounce and 3-ounce tubes, which are a good size for traveling, as well as 5-ounce, 8.75-ounce and 1-gallon bottles.

California Baby No Fragrance SPF 30+ Sunscreen Lotion (*Est. $20 for 2.9 oz.) is also recommended for babies and children because it is fragrance-free and water-resistant. It's also expensive. Its active ingredient is micronized titanium dioxide. The smaller particles are supposed to make the formula easier to apply, but many users at Drugstore.com and Amazon.com say this baby sunscreen is very thick and hard to rub in. It also leaves a bit of a white cast on skin, but that is typical of all mineral sunscreens, and most users say the excellent, long-lasting sun protection is worth it. Reviewers at TheDailyGreen.com also give the baby sunscreen high marks because of its gentle formula that is hypoallergenic and nonirritating. They praise California Baby Sunscreen for using organic and sustainably grown ingredients. The sunscreen is also available in a 19-ounce bottle, 6-ounce tube and a 0.5-ounce stick.

On the other end of the price spectrum, Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sunblock Lotion SPF 55 (*Est. $10 for 4 oz.) offers broad-spectrum protection at an affordable price, but it is not chemical-free. It uses avobenzone (3 percent) along with homosalate (10 percent), octisalate (5 percent), octocrylene (2.8 percent) and oxybenzone (6 percent), which are chemical sunscreens. Begoun says that it is a good, basic sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, but she does not recommend it for babies or anyone with sensitive skin. That's because physical blockers like titanium dioxide are shown to be gentler than chemical sunscreens. Aveeno sunscreen gets good ratings at TotalBeauty.com, where users say that it is easy to apply and has a mild but pleasant scent. Reviewers here especially recommend it for those with sensitive skin, but several users at Drugstore.com warn of allergic reactions and say that it is harsh on eyes – a real concern because babies tend to rub their hands in their eyes often.

Sunscreen for sensitive skin

Consumers with sensitive skin generally prefer chemical- and fragrance-free sunscreens. One highly reviewed item, the aforementioned Blue Lizard Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 30+ is both. This product uses mineral sunscreens zinc oxide (10 percent) and titanium dioxide (5 percent) to block broad-spectrum UVA and UVB rays. Reviewers praise this sunscreen, saying it provides excellent sun protection for long periods of time and doesn't irritate sensitive skin. Paula Begoun recommends the formula for sensitive skin of any age and says that it has a smooth texture and an even application.

Another option, SkinCeuticals Physical UV Defense (*Est. $40 for 3 oz.) uses 5 percent zinc oxide and 10 percent titanium dioxide. Experts say it may, however, be too heavy for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Users at MakeupAlley.com have mixed opinions of the sunscreen, with several saying that it leaves a white cast on the skin and is especially greasy to use. Others say it provides good protection with no irritation. The manufacturer recommends daily use of this sunscreen on the face, neck and chest. It is also perfectly safe for the body, but for the price, consumers may prefer to use it solely on the face. That's because experts recommend that adults use 1 ounce of sunscreen for full body coverage and that it be reapplied every two hours. This formula is also very expensive.