10 Best Sunscreens For Kids (Review) In 2022

- 1. Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray
- 2. Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+
- 3. Babyganics Sunscreen Lotion 50 SPF
- 4. Coppertone KIDS Sunscreen Continuous Spray
- 5. Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Water Resistant Sunscreen Stick
- 6. Alba Botanica Tropical Fruit Clear Spray
- 7. Babyganics Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray
- 8. Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen
- 9. Banana Boat SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
- 10. Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Sunscreen Lotion
Right off the bat, your first thought here may be, ‘why can’t little Timmy use the same sunscreen I use?’ The truth is, little Timmy’s skin hasn’t seen as many days on earth as yours, so it’s probably a good idea to opt for something kid-friendly. This is not just another marketing ploy the big corporations use to line their pockets. Kids need protection for their skin too and even more so. The fact that their skin is a lot more sensitive at infancy, is a good reason to jump on the bandwagon early. So instead of using regular sunscreen for grownups, you should opt for specialized sun protection for your young ones’ skin.
The thing is, there are so many options out there that choosing one can be a mind plotting decision. There’s a lot to consider, but to that effect, we’ve compiled some of the best sunscreens for kids below.
The Best Sunscreen For Kids
1. Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray

Comes in a 5oz can
Has an SPF of 50+
Protection lasts for 80 minutes
The formula is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and paraben-free
Bursts of energy and longs days under the sky; that’s something you’re used to witnessing if your kid is the outdoorsy type. You should never send your active little one out without some protection and that’s where the Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray comes in. It’s the perfect formula for active kids and has a ton of perks that come with faithfully slathering it on. For one, this highly effective formula has an SPF of 70+ and which is quite a broad spectrum when it comes to UVA and UVB protection. Part of this can be credited to the Helioplex technology that is employed during the manufacturing process.
So, while you take your little one to the beach or the pool this summer, give yourself some much-needed peace of mind. Even better is the fact that this formula is water-resistant for a whopping 80 minutes. With that amount of time in between, you won’t feel like the clock is constantly ticking down till when you have to reapply. You will also love the fact that this sunscreen for kids is not only hypoallergenic. It’s equally non-comedogenic and paraben-free. There’s more assurance in this product because it’s safe on all fronts and equally suitable for any skin type.
2. Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+

Has a mineral-based formula
Non-greasy feel
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Has an SPF of 50+
Every parent wants what’s best for their young’un, that’s a universal fact. Work all the chemicals and toxins cosmetic companies are introducing into the product they sell these days, you can never be too careful. The great thing is that with the Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+, you don’t have to worry about that. This mineral sunscreen is just what the doctor ordered. In fact, there’s a ton of proof to back all this up, like the fact it’s the first sunscreen to actually pass Whole Foods Premium Care requirements. That probably stems from the fact that it’s not just gluten-free, but also vegan and cruelty-free. Besides all this, the sunscreen itself is as effective as they come with an SPF of 50+.
It’s equally waterproof for up to 80 minutes and can boast of having the highest level of water resistance according to the FDA. Once applied to your little one’s skin, it doesn’t take forever to rub it in. In fact, the skin laps this stuff up and absorbs it quite easily. For the most part, you can credit this to the fact that Thinkbaby sunscreen doesn’t have a greasy or oily base, it doesn’t hurt that it’s fragrance-free too.
3. Babyganics Sunscreen Lotion 50 SPF

Moisture-resistant for 80 minutes
The package contains two 6oz tubes
Has an SPF of 50
It’s completely reef safe
You have to admit that the packaging lures you in with this one. So, there’s no doubt that your little one will like it too. But, the Babyganics Sunscreen Lotion 50 SPF is not just another pretty face, and it’s got all the handy features to prove it. We’re going to start off by pointing out how safe this option is as far as kid’s sunscreen is involved. It does not contain all those nasty ingredients that would otherwise have an adverse effect on your little one’s skin. Yes, there’s no parabens, fragrances, phthalates, or any nanoparticles.
What it does have instead is a healthy helping of titanium oxide for UV ray absorption. There’s also some zinc oxide that has stellar healing properties and also, octisalate that add that water-resistant touch to the mix. That’s not all, there’s also a healthy blend of tomato, cranberry, sunflower, raspberry seed oils, and black cumin added here. This goes a long way to nourish the skin while it’s being protected. Speaking of protection, this sunscreen offers a broad spectrum of protection with it’s SPF of 50. If your kid has a bit more sensitive skin then regular, make sure to check our buying guide for sunscreens for sensitive skin.
4. Coppertone KIDS Sunscreen Continuous Spray

The package contains three 5.5 ounce spray cans
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Highly recommended by pediatricians
Has an SPF of 50
The sun is a source of light and life, and for the most part, we appreciate all it does. But, the sun is also out to get us and our little ones too. With a product like Coppertone KIDS Sunscreen Continuous Spray, you can have some much-needed peace of mind while your little ones play outside. Dermatologists and pediatricians live and breathe by this one, so that’s already ample proof that it gets the job done. Altogether, this can be credited to the fact that it’s specifically formulated for kids on more than one front.
For instance, it’s completely tear-free with a mineral base that ensures your kid’s don’t feel like they’re wearing a second skin. It’s equally water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, so they can enjoy a wholesome day at the pool or on the beach. Also, there is no chance that your little one will have to deal with any sunscreen running into their eyes, mouth, and the rest.
Besides being one of the most effective options out there, it actually saves you a mean buck since not one, but three 5.5 ounce cans are thrown in the mix. So, your kids can boldly use this every day without running back to pick up another can every other day.
5. Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Water Resistant Sunscreen Stick

Uses Helioplex technology
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
It is hypoallergenic
Has an SPF of 70+
By now, it should be established that Neutrogena as a brand knows a thing or two about what’s good for the skin. With this being the second entry on this list, the Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Water Resistant Sunscreen Stick is undoubtedly a viable choice. There’s been a bit of an ‘on the fence’ attitude towards sunscreen sticks, but Neutrogena has pleaded a strong case with this one. It’s the best way to go if you have an active kid since it’s quite effective on both wet and dry skin. So, whether your kids are headed to an amusement park or going out for a day at the beach, you can rest assured that their skin is well protected (both against UVA and UVB).
Taking it up a notch, this sunscreen stick has the ability to practically cut through moisture. That’s the reason why it’s water-resistant for a whopping 80 minutes, so you have quite a bit of time before you have to reapply. But what really takes the crown when it comes to its effectiveness is it’s SPF of 70. That makes it one of the most viable options on the market regardless of the standard you’re holding it to.
6. Alba Botanica Tropical Fruit Clear Spray

Comes in a 6 oz bottle
Made using botanical ingredients
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
It’s coral reef friendly
Since it’s already going on your kid’s skin, you might as well make sure it’s healthy and nourishing. You can count on the Alba Botanical Tropical Fruit Clear Spray to be both a protective layer and a source of nourishment for your little one’s skin. Packed with an array of healthy botanical ingredients, this sunscreen ticks so many boxes. That’s why it’s got a seal of approval from the skin cancer foundation. With ingredients like avocado oil and aloe leaf juice, this is more than just your run of the mill sunscreen spray. You’ll equally like the fact that there is no gluten, oxybenzone, or octinoxate thrown in the mix. Altogether, it’s environmentally-friendly and qualifies as a socially conscious product.
Now, let’s dig into the formula itself which is incredibly lightweight and doesn’t come off as oily or greasy. Furthermore, it offers a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB protection. It’s equally water-resistant for a total of 80 minutes so you don’t have to worry when your little one goes for a little splash. This 6 oz bottle of protection is a great companion as your little one braves his or her early years.
7. Babyganics Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray

It contains zinc oxide and octisalate
Happens to be non-allergenic
It’s moisture resistant for up to 80 minutes
Has an SPF of 50+
Sure, you’re never fully dressed without a smile, but these days sunscreen has made it onto the list of things you’re never fully dressed without. As you go outside with your babies, protect their developing skin using the Babyganics Kids Sunscreen Continuous Spray. With summer upon us, it’ll be a shame to keep your little one cooped up indoors just because of those harmful UVA and UVB rays. Whether it’s out in the yard or by the seaside, there’s no better formula to keep their skin protected.
This SPF 50+ sunscreen spray offers a wide spectrum and equally offers maximum protection while your baby is out in the sun. Some other winning qualities here include the fact that it’s not just nonallergenic, it’s equally tear-free. So, in the off-chance that it gets in your baby’s eyes, it won’t cause any irritations or trigger any allergies. Even more, despite the fact that this is spray-on sunscreen, it’s application is basically air-powered. Thanks to that handy feature. it’s incredibly easy to apply.
8. Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen

Has an SPF of 60
It’s hypoallergenic and paraben-free
It’s non-greasy
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Neutrogena is back again with another entry on this list and this one is highly representative of everything the brand stands for. The Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen is formulated using the natural ingredients that will basically pamper your tot’s skin while shielding it from those harmful UVA and UVB rays. Everything from it’s cute and dainty packaging, to the contents within are enough reasons to keep you loyal to this product. Owing to the fact that this is a sunscreen stick, you can conveniently apply it everywhere including those hard to reach areas. You’ll also like the fact that you can apply this to your little one’s face and ears where it’ll offer the same protection it gives the entire expanse of their skin.
Speaking of protection, with an SPF of 50, you can rest assured that those harmful UV rays will be rendered harmless. That’s not all, since your baby’s skin is still pretty sensitive, this formula is as harmless as they come. To that effect, it’s not hypoallergenic and equally does not contain traces of PABA or fragrances.
9. Banana Boat SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen

It’s lightweight and non-greasy
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
It’s completely fragrance-free
Does not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate
You don’t have to have your heart in your throat every time your little one goes outside. With all the sun-related ailments on the rise these days, it’s only logical to call in some reinforcements since you can’t very well shield their skin with your body. That’s where the Banana Boat SPF 50 Broad Spectrum Sunscreen comes in. While other sunscreen options out there come with elaborate marketing strategies and Banana Boat allows its product to speak for itself.
To achieve this they’ve taken a minimalist approach and used a deficit of 25% of the ingredients most products out there contain. So, there’s no oil in here, no fragrance, and also no harmful chemicals like oxybenzone. Furthermore, this moisture-resistant formula has an SPF of 50+, so you’re completely sure that it can provide your little one’s skin with al the protection it needs against those harmful UV rays. Even better, your children can confidently use this sunscreen in a number of conditions including 100-degree heat and, of course, in water.
At the end of the day, with this sunscreen in your arsenal, you can let your kids be kids as they play out in the sun and enjoy some good old fashioned fun.
10. Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Sunscreen Lotion

Has an SPF of 50
Can be used on both face and body
It’s moisture-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Comes highly recommended by Pediatricians
Here’s a formula that is specifically formulated for your little one’s skin, containing all the ingredients needed for protection and nourishment. You’ll like Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Sunscreen Lotion because it’s incredibly gentle on the skin, but tough when it comes to battling those UVA and UVB rays. With an SPF of 50, you’re quite sure of its effectiveness while your little one plays and enjoys the great outdoors. Even more, this sunscreen offers you and your kids something you practically yearn for; less application time and a lot more time to play.
Why wouldn’t it be more effective? With a soothing yet powerful mineral-based formula, this sunscreen has all it needs to keep your kid’s skin safe and healthy. Even more, it offers maximum comfort since the formula is equally ‘no-tear’. Your kids will also like the fact that they can stay in the water for 80 minutes before reapplication. That’s the hook with this option and it definitely delivers across the board. Altogether, it’s incredibly easy to reply and there really aren’t any no-go areas. You can safely apply this to your kid’s face and the rest of their body for maximum coverage.
Sunscreen For Kids Buying Guide
Features to Look For in Sunscreen For Kids
At this point, the gravity of this choice should be quite obvious. Getting the right sunscreen for your little one is not something you should take lightly. Take your time. Do your research and read those labels like your life depends on it. Besides all this, you really have to look for some direction when it comes to what you should be on the lookout for. After all, you can’t go searching for something if you really don’t know how to look. With all of that in mind, below you’ll find the lowdown of what you should generally check for when searching for the safest sunscreen for kids.
Application
It's no secret that the skin is the largest organ, based on that, it's only logical that you really watch what you put on it. It's even more applicable when it comes to babies and children as a whole, their skin isn’t quite developed enough to be slathered in chemicals and toxins. Here’s the lowdown on all the ingredients to steer clear of when you’re looking to buy sunblock for kids. If it contains homosalate, octinoxate, avobenzone, oxybenzone, or octisalate then it's best to move on to the next option. You see, these ingredients among others are regarded as hormone disruptors, with oxybenzone being one of the worst ingredients altogether.
Also stay away from sunscreens with unnecessarily high SPFs, fragrances as well as bug repellant sunscreens.
Water Resistance
It's important to go for a sunscreen that is water and moisture-resistant as a whole. Even though your kid isn’t going to the beach or the pool, sweat is still something they’ll have to deal with. So, there’s no use slathering this product on your kid’s skin only for it to run off once a little sweat is added to the equation. Even more, if you’re heading for a fun day out at the beach or an amusement park, you need a sunscreen that’s water-resistant more than ever. Most of the kid’s sunblock options on this list are water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, which means you have quite some time before you have to reapply it.
Re-Application
You can’t just apply some sunblock in the morning and expect that it's going to be effective till sundown. Unfortunately, you won’t find any product that can provide protection that long. Nevertheless, you need to look for some sunscreen that you don’t need to apply every 10 seconds. We are all human and it's very easy to forget to reapply, so look for something with a high SPF altogether. Also, when looking at this from the standpoint of convenience, it's better to go for something that’ll let your kids play as much as they want without breaking for reapplication.
Sensitivity
Kid’s skin is extremely sensitive, that fact cannot be reiterated enough. So, you have to get something that is tender on their skin. It should further be hypoallergenic and paraben-free, you don’t want anything that could do a lot more harm than good at the end of the day. It definitely defeats the purpose if your kid breaks out in hives or has some other allergic reaction. So, keep that all in mind as you pick your little one’s next sunscreen.
Sun Safety For Kids
Sunscreen is great, but you cannot count on that alone to keep your little one safe from harmful UV rays. In that vein, here are some other things you can do to ensure that your kids don’t suffer skin damage. If their outfit permits it, let them wear a brimmed hat out, especially if it's a day at the beach. Alongside the sunscreen on their skin, also apply a lip balm that contains a sunscreen that at least has an SPF of 15. More importantly, stock their diet up with food loaded with Vitamin D, this will keep their skin healthy altogether.