Sunshine, warm weather, and lots of outdoor adventures are some of the best parts of summer. Sunburn, on the other hand, is not. While there is nothing better than plenty of time out in the sun, be sure that you are protecting your young child’s delicate skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Organic Sunscreen is the best sunscreen choice to provide your little one with all the protection they need.
Protecting your baby’s skin from the sun’s dangerous UVA rays and UVB rays is essential. The sun’s rays can lead to everything from minor skin irritation, skin damage, and sunburn to much more dangerous skin cancers particularly later in life. Sunscreen is the best way to make sure that your young children are protected during times of sun exposure.
However, slathering their skin up with a bunch of toxic chemicals is not necessarily a better option. Choosing a baby safe sunscreen that is made from safe, non-toxic, and organic ingredients is the best way to truly keep your children safe and healthy all summer long.
If you are looking for the best organic sunscreen for toddlers and babies that are made from the safest ingredients possible, this is the list for you. It was important to me to find sunscreens that contain a small number of ingredients and that they are ingredients that you can not only pronounce but also recognize. The 10 sunscreens on this list really are the best of the best! After all, life is better when we’re playing in the sun…so let’s go!
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Why It Is Important to Avoid Chemical Sunscreens
Avoiding chemical sunscreens is important for two major reasons.
- Your Family’s Health: Conventional sunscreen contains many harsh chemicals and harmful ingredients. According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), some of the most toxic ingredients are endocrine disruptors like oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is most detrimental to young children. It can lead to lower testosterone levels in males and endometriosis in females1.
- The Health of the Planet: Did you know that when people apply chemical sunscreens and then go for a swim in the ocean, the sunscreen washes off, gets in the water, and causes coral bleaching to occur? Coral bleaching then destroys the coral reefs, which are an essential underwater ecosystem, and then in turn destroys marine life. Healthy coral reefs mean a healthy planet.
Chemical Sunscreens vs. Mineral-Based Sunscreens (Physical Sunscreen)
Chemical sunscreens (or conventional sunscreens) and mineral-based sunscreens (or physical sunscreens) work in two very different ways.
Chemical sunscreens absorb deep into your skin and then use those chemicals to absorb and soak up the sun exposure and then release it as heat.
Mineral-based formulas work the opposite way. The sunscreen sits on top of the skin and the minerals (usually non-nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) will reflect the sun exposure away. Since mineral sunscreens sit on top of your skin they will often leave a white cast on the surface of your skin that may not rub in completely. I know that this is a common complaint that some people have with this type of sunscreen.
What is the Difference Between Mineral-Based Sunscreens and Organic Sunscreens
The major difference is that Mineral-based Sunscreens are made from natural ingredients, but not necessarily certified organic ingredients.
While organic sunscreens are still made with mineral formulas, they contain healthy certified organic ingredients. This is why it is so important to always read the ingredient list.
Organic ingredients are the safest choice for anything applied to your babies and toddlers’ skin.
Importance of Sunshine and Vitamin D
Before we get into the actual best organic sunscreen list, it is really important to mention the importance of daily sunshine.
Sunshine is essential for the human body to produce vitamin D. Vitamin D is crucial for the proper absorption and utilization of calcium and phosphorus in the body. Adequate levels of vitamin D are necessary for healthy bones and teeth, as well as for optimal immune system function. Without enough sunshine and vitamin D, individuals may be at increased risk for a variety of health problems, including osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and certain types of cancer.
It is recommended for children and adults to get at least 10 to 15 minutes of sunshine daily.
The 10 Best Organic and Mineral-Based Sunscreens
All of the inactive ingredients of the sunscreens on this list contain certified organic ingredients. Personally, I am not comfortable using any sunscreens that contain titanium dioxide as an active ingredient on my children or myself so I am only recommending options with non-nano zinc oxide.
Badger Baby Mineral Sunscreen Cream SPF 40
Perhaps one of the most well-known mineral sunscreen brands, Badger makes the best baby sunscreen around. It is made from certified organic, and non-GMO ingredients and naturally provides broad-spectrum protection. It is an SPF 40 and is water resistant for 40 minutes.
Because the Badger Baby Sunscreen uses a specialized uncoated zinc oxide powder, it actually goes on clear and leaves no virtually white cast.
We have used Badger sunscreens for years and have always loved them. I love how it easily rubs in and it really does go on clear, which is perfect for squirmy babies and toddlers.
Ingredients: active ingredient: Uncoated Zinc Oxide 22.5% inactive ingredients: Organic Sunflower Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Jojoba Oil, Sunflower Vitamin E, Organic Calendula Flower Extract, Organic Chamomile Oil, Organic Seabuckthorn Fruit Extract
Earthley Sun Shield
Earthley makes an amazing organic sun cream that contains only healthy oils that are infused with healthy organic herbs. No zinc oxide or other minerals at all. It is absolutely perfect for sensitive skin and young children as well as older children and adults.
Earthley sun shield provides protection at a cellular level when the oils absorb deep within the skin and protects against free radicals as well as skin redness, wrinkles, and any kind of damage. All of the oils have natural SPF protection, and the raspberry seed oil protects against UVA and UVB rays.
It comes in either a cream or a stick. Personally, we prefer it in stick form for faster and cleaner application. It is a little oily and you do smell like olive oil for a while but it works really well.
Earthley recommends applying 10 to 15 minutes before going outside and then reapplying every 2 to 3 hours.
Ingredients: Organic Extra virgin olive oil, Organic Avocado Oil, Organic Raspberry Seed Oil, Organic Grapeseed Oil, Organic Mango Butter, Organic Comfrey Leaf, Organic Dandelion Flowers, Organic Calendula Flowers, Candelilla Wax
Toups and Co. Sun Balm
If you love to use tallow balm on your skin (which by the way is naturally SPF 4) you will love this sun balm from Toups. It absorbs so quickly and effortlessly into the skin and is moisturizing and nourishing.
The non-nano zinc oxide makes this broad-spectrum sunscreen water-resistant as well as provides UVA and UVB protection for up to 35 to 60 minutes.
I feel really good about using the Toups Sun Balm all over my children’s skin and they love when I use it as well.
Ingredients: Grass-fed tallow, organic olive oil, 20% non-nano zinc-oxide, coconut co2, vanilla extract
Earth Mama Organics Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40
Earth Mama Organics makes all of my favorite baby products, so it is no surprise that I would love their baby sunscreen as well. They make a baby lotion sunscreen and also a mineral sunscreen stick perfect for your baby’s face.
This is seriously the best mineral sunscreen because of the organic calendula and organic shea butter in it. It is so smooth and creamy and is also broad spectrum and water resistant for 40 minutes. The Earth Mama sunscreen is completely free from all PFAs as well which is really important.
Ingredients: active: Zinc Oxide 25%, Inactive: Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Fractionated Coconut Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Organic Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil, Organic Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Seed Oil, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Tocopherol, Organic Calendula Officinalis Flower (Calendula) Flower Extract
Earth Mama Organics Kids Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 40
Earth Mama also makes an Uber-Sensitive Sunscreen lotion that contains a combination of organic colloidal oatmeal and organic shea butter making it super soothing for little ones with very sensitive skin. I originally bought this for my 3-year-old, who used to suffer from really bad eczema, but now I use this on all of my children, even my baby from time to time.
Ingredients: Active: Zinc Oxide 25%, Inactive: Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Fractionated Coconut) Oil, Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax), Organic Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Organic Rubus Idaeus (Red Raspberry) Seed Oil, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Organic Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Oil, Tocopherol, Organic Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Flour, Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Organic Calendula Officinalis (Calendula) Flower Extract
Waxhead Baby Sunscreen SPF 35
Waxhead Baby Sunscreen is another really good option for babies and toddlers. It is made from some of the highest quality ingredients and is perfect for the most sensitive skin. This sunscreen is made from 6 simple ingredients, most of which are certified organic.
The sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and is very moisturizing. I also like that it contains Vitamin D and Vitamin E to promote even more skin healing.
I do find this sunscreen to be a little thicker than other mineral-based sunscreens; however, it does rub in pretty well considering.
Ingredients: Active: 25% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Inactive: Spring Water, Certified Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Certified Organic Beeswax, Vitamin E, Vitamin D
Made Of Organic Baby Sunscreen SPF 30
Made Of Organic baby sunscreen is really great. The vanilla smell is heavenly and the texture is so creamy and easier to rub in than most mineral sunscreens. It is broad spectrum and water resistant for up to 80 minutes, which is much longer than any other organic mineral sunscreens currently available.
The organic coconut oil and organic argan oils make it very nourishing for all skin types.
Ingredients: Non-Gmo Tocopherol, Non-Nano Zinc Oxide, Organic Argania Spinosa (Argan) Oil, Organic Cera Alba(Beeswax), Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Oil, Organic Natural Flavor (Vanilla), Organic Rubus Ideaus (Raspberry) Seed Oil, Organic Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter
Sunbiologic Organic Kids Sunscreen Lotion
This broad-spectrum sunscreen is made from non-nano zinc oxide and 5 simple, healthy ingredients that are all certified organic. It is another really good choice for organic sunblock for toddlers and babies. The lotion is not water resistant, but their children’s sun stick is.
The Sunbiologic Sunscreen has such a great simple list of ingredients.
Ingredients: Active: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 23% Inactive: Organic Cera Alba (Beeswax), Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Extra Virgin Oil, Organic Helianthus Annus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Organic Vitellaria Paradoxa (Shea Butter)
Balm! Baby Sun! SPF 30
Balm! Baby Sunscreen is handcrafted in the USA from amazing organic ingredients. This Sun Balm comes in a perfectly sized glass container and has a very delicate lavender smell. Whenever given the option I am just naturally drawn to products that come in glass jars over plastic tubes. Plus, it is so much easier to apply without having to knead a tube first.
It perfectly provides SPF 30 coverage and is water resistant. This is the only sunscreen that I have found that is safe to use on babies as young as 4 months-so that is a huge plus as well.
If you prefer, this also comes in a sun stick, which is completely biodegradable.
Ingredients: Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Non-Nano 25% Zinc Oxide, Sesame Seed Oil, Candelilla Wax (vegan), Virgin Raw Macadamia Nut Oil, Organic Coconut Oil, Natural Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Pure French Lavender Essential Oil
Two Peas Organics Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Two Peas Organics Sunscreen Lotion comes in two versions of Sun Protection Factor: SPF 30 or SPF 50. It is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes, so perfect for all of your children’s wet and wild adventures.
Two Peas Mineral Sunscreen contains nourishing organic ingredients and provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Ingredients: Active: Zinc Oxide (20% and 25% for SPF 50) Inactive: Organic Ricinus Communis (Castor) Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Organic Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Organic Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Organic Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Application Tips
- Always follow the directions given directly on your sunscreen to be sure that you are getting the proper protection.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 and reapplying it every 2 hours or after swimming and sweating.
- Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months old. However, Balm! Baby is safe for babies as young as 4 months.
- For thicker mineral-based sunscreens it is important to knead the bottle first to incorporate all of the oils.
- Most sunscreens should be applied about 15 minutes before going out into direct sunlight, but as always follow the directions on your sunscreen.
Other Ways to Stay Safe in the Sun
- Wearing a wide-brimmed hat is great protection for your little one’s face and neck. This one is my favorite.
- Alternate between direct sunlight and shade throughout the day
- Avoid the peak hours between 10 am and 2 pm, when the sun’s rays are the strongest
- Sun-protective clothing is also a good choice for protecting your child’s skin. Hanna Andersson sells Oexo-Tex-certified ones that block 99% of UVA and UVB rays; however, they are made from recycled polyester, which I choose to avoid. I personally will just put my children in light cotton clothing that covers the skin if I feel like they are getting too much sun, but as always do what works best for you and your children.
Choosing organic mineral-based sunscreens for babies and toddlers is an excellent way to ensure that children are protected from the sun’s harmful rays, while only using the healthiest organic ingredients. It’s a safe and effective solution to provide the best care for your child’s skin, while also taking steps to protect the environment.
Related Best Non-TOxic Summer Product Guides
The Best Non-Toxic Baby and Kiddie Pools for Summer
The Best Eco-Friendly Sand Toys for Sustainable Summer Fun
Non-Toxic Baby Swings For Indoor and Outdoor Fun
The Best Organic Sunscreens for Toddlers and Babies
References
1:https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/the-trouble-with-sunscreen-chemicals/