11 Kid- And Reef-Safe Sunscreens For Less Complaining & More Fun In The Sun

There’s no monkey business with this gentle formula, thanks to a relatively short list of mineral-based ingredients and a creamy formula kids won’t mind spreading all over themselves. Isn’t that really the mark of the best sunscreen for kids, anyway? Getting them to use it without screaming, tears, or a fight is half the battle. This company is proud of their plant-based formula as it relates to the environment, and openly supports the Hawaiian legislature’s approval of the bill that will ban the sales of all sunscreens containing oxybenzone and octinoxate starting 2021. The SPF 50 sunscreen provides UVA/UVB protection and contains natural zinc oxide, as well as coconut oil, shea butter, and coconut butter for a nice hydrating feeling. It’s created by parents, specifically formulated for the sensitive skin of kids, toddlers, and babies, and tested and reviewed by pediatricians and dermatologists.

Thinksport Kids Safe Sunscreen is made by a team of physicians and scientists, and as a result, it was the first sunscreen to pass Whole Foods Premium Care Requirements and has had a top rating on EWG’s Skin Deep since 2010. The mineral-based formula is biodegradable and has no parabens, phthalates, or harmful chemicals like oxybenzone. It absorbs easily, has SPF 50, and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

You’ll feel good about using this reef-safe formula that doesn’t have a drop of oxybenzone or octinoxate in its formula. Blue Lizard Baby Sunscreen is dermatologist-recommended and is free of parabens, chemicals, and fragrance. It’s mineral-based, which means it uses oodles of tiny reflective particles to put harmful rays in a time-out while your little one splashes in the water, runs around the playground, or participates in just about anything else that keeps them out of your hair for up to 40 minutes. And if you forget to be put on sunscreen before or after you head outside, the smart bottle cap will remind you — it turns pink in harmful UV light to remind you to apply some on. The SPF 30+ formula is pediatrician recommended and has broad spectrum protection from 97 percent of the sun’s rays.

For active little bodies, Badger Baby Sunscreen provides gentle, biodegradable, and reef-friendly (no oxybenzone or octinoxate) sun protection. Your kid will also love the cute little badger illustration on the label. The sunscreen is hypoallergenic, pediatrician-tested, water-resistant, and safe to use for babies and kids. In addition to non-nano mineral zinc oxide to provide broad spectrum protection, the formula includes just six other organic and natural ingredients, including sunflower oil, beeswax, chamomile, and vitamin E — you’ll feel relieved to know there are no harsh chemicals being used on your or your family’s skin. The company is a certified B corporation, and even the tube the sunscreen comes in is BPA-free and made from recyclable plastic.One parent and reviewer said, “I have a baby boy with very fair skin and this was the only sunscreen we used all summer. I did a lot of research while looking for a healthier alternative to store brand sunscreens that are filled with tons of chemicals. I wanted to give my baby the best and this is it.”

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard are parents to two young girls and co-founders of Hello Bello, which makes premium but affordable plant-based products that are good for your family and the earth. The mineral sunscreen provides SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection using non-nano zinc oxide. It’s also dermatologist-tested, water-resistant (for 80 minutes), hypoallergenic, vegan and cruelty-free, and safe for both adults and kids. 

Another very mom-trusted brand in skincare, Aveeno specializes in baby skincare products like this Continuous Protection sunscreen for sensitive skin. Sweat and water resistant (up to 80 minutes), this 100% naturally sourced mineral sunscreen is chock full of zinc oxide. Two 3 oz tubes with SPF 50 should keep bb safe for a while, or at least a few days splashing around in the new baby pool. It’s not greasy, so it’s easy to get on and easy to get off, something every mom knows is an A+ feature.

Remember all the great things we already said about Baby Bum? Ditto for this spray! It’ll provide plant and mineral-based SPF protection, but with easier application, if your kids prefer spray. It’s also fragrance- and junk-free, which makes it ideal for sensitive skin, and will keep your kiddo shielded for up to 80 fun-filled minutes.

Remember all the great things we already said about Baby Bum? Ditto for this spray! It’ll provide plant and mineral-based SPF protection, but with easier application, if your kids prefer spray. It’s also fragrance- and junk-free, which makes it ideal for sensitive skin, and will keep your kiddo shielded for up to 80 fun-filled minutes.

Neutrogena’s Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Stick makes it easy to bring sunscreen with you wherever you go. This convenient stick is great to use on the face and ears and has a lightweight, non-greasy feel while providing broad spectrum SPF 60+ protection. It’s water-resistant (up to 80 minutes), hypoallergenic, oil- and PABA-free, and easily fits in your purse, carry-on bag, or any other place you’ll probably want to stow away some sunscreen to use in a pinch. The sunscreen is made with 100 percent naturally sourced ingredients and formulated for sensitive baby skin — it was even awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance for eczema & sensitive skin conditions. It’s also one of the best sunscreens for kids, thanks to its ease of use for tiny hands and a zinc-based formulation. If your tots can use a glue stick, they can hold this stick of sunscreen without any issue.

Yep, it’s Baby Bum again (love that cute little monkey!), but we’re not complaining! It’s all the good stuff — mineral- and plant-based formula, broad spectrum SPF 50, 80 minutes of protection — and none of the bad stuff you’d want on your kids’ skin — especially their face. The stick form makes it easier to apply carefully and precisely on noses, cheeks, foreheads, and around the eyes.

Hard time getting your squirmy kid to sit still for sunscreen? We get it. While you may not be able to cover their entire body with this sunscreen stick (or maybe, #challengeaccepted), it’s a great way to apply sun protection on those little faces, shoulders, and any other place that needs touching up. Swiping it on still requires some level of sitting still, but only for 5 or so seconds versus a full 60 of slathering. Plus, it’s easy to toss in your purse or diaper bag when you’re on the go. Like HB’s other formula, this one is also plant-based, cruelty-free, hypoallergenic, water-resistant, and reef-friendly. And btw, you’ll love using it, too.