The 6 Safest Sunscreens For Kids and Babies You Can Find at Drugstores
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We've all been there: you're headed off to the beach or pool with your kids and what feels like half your home's contents, but when you take a quick look for the sunscreen to coat your kids before heading out the door, you find you're all out. Although there are a number of safe sunscreens for kids and babies out there, many of them are sold online only or in specialty stores that you won't have time to run into with the kids in tow. Not only that, but quite a few of those options are a little pricey.
If you're in a rush to get your kiddos poolside — or want to stock up for the rest of the Summer with sunscreen picks that won't break the bank — head to your nearest drugstore to pick up one of these six Environmental Working Group (EWG) recommendations.
Each sunscreen listed below is marketed for use on babies and kids and considered "safe" thanks to its lack of ingredient hazards as well as its UVB protection, UVA protection, balance of UVA/UVB protection, and sunscreen stability (aka how long it takes for the product to break down in the sun). However, each made the cut on this particular list thanks to its affordability: three of the six picks are under $12, and though the most expensive one on the list is $19, we'll tell you why it might be worth shelling out those few extra dollars below.
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Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Lotion Sunscreen, SPF 50
One of the highest-rated drugstore-brand sunscreens on the market, Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Sensitive Skin Lotion Sunscreen ($10) is a mineral-based sunscreen using both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block the sun's rays. Plus, in stick form, it's easy to apply to squirmy tots and fits nicely inside a diaper bag.
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Babyganics Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50+
The Babyganics Mineral-Based Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50+ ($10) was green-lighted by the EWG for its mineral-based formula and broad UVA/UVB protection. It's gentle on the skin and an easy formula to apply to your child's whole body (unless you have a wriggly toddler . . . they make everything more difficult).
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Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50
Arguably the most recognizable product on this list, Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen, SPF 50 ($11) can be found on drugstore shelves along with other Neutrogena products. The EWG gave it a high rating in 2017 due to its excellent UVA protection.
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Bare Republic Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
Aside from its pretty rainbow packaging, Bare Republic Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 ($15) has a high EWG rating. It's a zinc-oxide-based product (22 percent) that provides excellent UVA protection and a good balance of UVA protection in relation to the SPF.
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CeraVe Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 45
The CeraVe Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 45 ($16) protects from UVA and UVB rays with its mineral-based formula.
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Blue Lizard Australian Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30+
Blue Lizard's Australian Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30+ ($19) is made specifically for kids' sensitive skin and uses zinc oxide (10 percent) and titanium oxide (five percent) for sun blockage. It received the EWG's good rating for its UVA protection and was listed in its bargain picks despite being nearly $20 . . . but it's arguably worth the few extra dollars because the "smart bottle" turns pink in UV light, alerting you to those pesky rays you can't actually see.
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