We all know how important it is to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. But with so many sunscreen options on the market, how do you find the safest one for your child?
The Environment Working Group, a non-profit environmental organization that specializes in research and advocacy in the area of toxic chemicals, recommends you avoid chemical sunscreens and choose mineral ones that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
These start protecting as soon as you put them on, whereas chemical products need to be slathered on 15 to 30 minutes in advance so the skin has time to absorb them.
So without further ado, here are five of EWG’s highest rated/least toxic beach and sport sunscreens with an SPF 30+ and both UVA and UVB protection:
TruBaby Water & Play Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30+
Water-resistant and packed with organic ingredients like jojoba and green tea oils, TruBaby Mineral Sunscreen gets high marks for safety and protection.
Where to purchase: TruKid Near You
Green Babies Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Sweetly Scented with Tangerine Essential Oil, SPF 30
Made with 20% Zinc Oxide, this hypoallergenic, chemical-free sunscreen has conditioning citrus oils (grapefruit, orange, lemon and tangerine) that give it a pleasant smell. It’s also waterproof thanks to natural pine bark resin.
Where to purchase: GreenBabies.com
Badger Kids Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
This easy-to-apply, non-greasy lotion is perfect for everyday use on face and body – and smells great too! It provides chemical-free, broad spectrum protection from UVA & UVB using zinc oxide.
Where to purchase: www.badgerbalm.com
Solar Sense Zany Zinc Colored Sunscreen, SPF 50
Kids will love this brightly colored sunscreen – and moms will love knowing they haven’t missed any spots. Available in Blue, Pink and Yellow, so you can mix and match to create fun designs.
Where to purchase: Amazon
Coola Baby Unscented All Natural Mineral Sunblock SPF 45
This baby sunscreen is super effective, while still gentle on tender skin. It’s hypoallergenic, non-whitening and contains no chemical UV absorbers.
Where to purchase: Coola Suncare
