Best Kid & Baby Sunscreen Picks from Parents

Parents are sharing their tried-and-true picks for the best sunscreen for babies and kids!

We're rounding up all of your recommendations for the best gentle, waterproof, or natural sunscreens with hypoallergenic ingredients that are safe for sensitive skin. If you use it and love it, we want to know about it! Parent recommendations are so helpful when it comes to child and baby care products.

What is your pick for the best baby sunscreen? Have a favorite natural sunscreen for kids that will hold up over long days playing at the beach and pool? Let us know on our list below!

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    ABC Arbonne Baby Care Sunscreen

    Stephanie W.:  This SPF 30 mineral sunscreen is unscented and made specifically for your baby's skin. It's the best baby sunscreen because it not only protects your little one's skin from the sun, it's made with antioxidants, vitamins and botanicals to soothe and moisturize!

    Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen

    Aussies know sun, and this Australian brand does not mess around when it comes to sun care. It's dermatologist recommended, reef safe, and contains no parabens or fragrance. The mineral formula uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as the active ingredients.

    California Baby Super Sensitive Sunscreen

    This effective mineral-based sunscreen is great for sensitive skin and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Titanium dioxide provides a physical barrier for UVA and UVB broad spectrum protection. This product has received numerous awards and has been a top scoring safe sunscreen pick by the Environmental Working Group.

    Thinkbaby Sunscreen

    Kelly R:  I have tried a lot of natural sunscreens for kids, and this is the one that I keep buying over and over again. It is broad-spectrum (blocks UVA and UVB rays), rubs in well, has good ingredients, and is an approved size for carrying on when we fly. This brand has sunscreen options for baby, kids, and adults. The base formulation is the same for all of them and only the scents differ, so you can't go wrong with any of them.

    Badger Baby Natural Mineral Sunscreen Cream

    This natural sunscreen for babies is very viscous, making it a little tricky to put on a squirmy child, but it works well and offers intense protection with a clean ingredient statement. The thick product ensures good coverage!

    Beautycounter Countersun Mineral Sunscreen Stick

    There is some debate as to the efficacy of the stick vs lotion sunscreens, but parents seem to agree that Beautycounter's kid-friendly SPF 30 stick works well, and is ideal for older kids to apply themselves. Non-nano zinc protects against UVA and UVB, and cocoa butter smells great and helps it to blend without a white residue.

    Babyganics Sunscreen Lotion

    The Babyganics SPF 50+ sunscreen, made with organic ingredients, is tear free and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. The zinc oxide, octisalate and titanium dioxide formula protects against UVA and UVB rays, and a nourishing oil blend soothes skin.

    Goddess Garden Baby Mineral Sunscreen

    Erynn:  Goddess Garden natural sunscreen for babies uses non-nano zinc for sun protection and pure, plant-powered ingredients. They have developed their formula to be ultra-sheer and easier to apply, and it's gentle enough for sensitive skin.

    Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Sunscreen

    This SPF 50 zinc oxide sunscreen formula from Aveeno is gentle and mild for sensitive skin, and provides broad spectrum protection. It’s also non-greasy and water resistant for 80 minutes.

    TruKid Sunny Days Daily Sunscreen

    Jennie Utsinger:  A new favorite in our home is TruKid's Sunny Days Sunscreen. Rated well by the EWG, this natural sunscreen for kids is phthalate and paraben free and reef-friendly, so is a great choice to use on beach days. Even better, it doesn't irritate our sensitive skin and rubs in well in relation to other natural sunscreens.

    Supergoop Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Lotion

    Kelly R:  Sunnyscreen lotion from Supergoop offers a nourishing non-nano mineral formula perfect for babies and kids. Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, it's great for sensitive skin.

    Supergoop Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Stick

    Kelly R:  Supergoop Sunnyscreen is designed for babies and toddlers, but works great for anyone looking for a 100% mineral formula. This stick glides on easily (great for faces!) and is easy to stash in a pocket or bag.

    Babytime Sunny Sunscreen

    Brigitte Nohra Miller:  This doctor developed and EWG-recommended sunscreen is my pick for the best baby sunscreen because it is safe for babies 0+ months old. The safe mineral formula is enriched with aloe and green tea extract, providing extra protection and and a soothing soft touch.

    Alba Botanical Soothing Sunscreen (Pure Lavender)

    Amy S.:  I’ve tried a billion sunscreens, and I have to say that this is my favorite for both kids and adults. It looks, feels, and smells like a luxurious lotion. It blends in easily and stays on well.

    (For those with sensitive skin, however, this might not be the best choice—it is not a mineral sunscreen and it does have fragrance.)

Primary photo:   Leo Rivas on Unsplash

Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.