10 Best Sunscreen For Kids 2025 in the United States

Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Mineral Sunscreen is designed to cater specifically to infants and young children, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking effective sun protection for their little ones. This sunscreen offers a high SPF of 50+, which is crucial for shielding sensitive skin from harmful UV rays. Its broad-spectrum protection ensures coverage against both UVA and UVB rays, which is essential for comprehensive sun safety.

One of the standout features of this product is its natural and safe formula. Emphasizing its clean ingredients, it avoids harsh chemicals like parabens and phthalates, making it gentle for daily use on babies’ delicate skin. This aligns with the preference for natural products among parents who are conscious of chemical exposure. Application is straightforward, as the sunscreen is formulated to absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue, a common complaint among sunscreen users. This makes it suitable even for the most active children. Additionally, the absence of a chemical scent due to the use of natural fragrance oils enhances its appeal.

Water resistance is another significant strength, providing up to 80 minutes of protection during water activities, which is the maximum water resistance rating endorsed by the FDA. This feature is particularly beneficial for kids who love swimming or playing in water. However, while the product's water resistance is impressive, it requires reapplication after 80 minutes, which might be seen as slightly inconvenient during long outings. The unscented nature may not appeal to those who prefer a fragrant sunscreen, although this also ensures it’s less irritating for sensitive skin. Thinkbaby Mineral Sunscreen is well-suited for those looking for a natural, high-SPF sunscreen for children, offering excellent protection and ease of use, with minimal drawbacks.

The Blue Lizard Kids Mineral SPF Lotion is designed with the sensitive skin of children in mind. Offering SPF 50+, it provides excellent protection, blocking around 98% of UVB rays, which is a key requirement for effectively shielding children from harmful sun exposure. This sunscreen features broad-spectrum protection, which means it guards against both UVA and UVB rays, an essential factor for comprehensive skin safety. The lotion is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for active kids who enjoy swimming or outdoor play.

One of the notable strengths of this product is its formulation; it is unscented and free from parabens and fragrances, reducing the risk of skin irritation. Additionally, its vegan formula, enriched with antioxidant-rich Blue Algae, offers extra skin benefits, which might appeal to parents seeking natural ingredients. Moreover, it is eco-friendly, avoiding harmful chemicals like Oxybenzone or Octinoxate, which contributes to reef safety.

However, its mineral-based formula might result in a thicker consistency, which can sometimes be harder to spread evenly on the skin compared to non-mineral sunscreens. Parents might find that it leaves a white residue, which is common with mineral sunscreens, and should be prepared for a bit more effort during application. With its compact size of 3 oz, it is convenient for travel but may run out quickly if used frequently. This sunscreen appears to be a strong choice for parents looking for a high SPF, broad-spectrum, and eco-conscious option for their children's sun protection needs, though they should weigh the ease of application.

Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion SPF 50 is a sunscreen well-suited for kids, particularly for those who spend a lot of time outdoors being active. The lotion offers a high SPF of 50, providing robust protection against both UVA and UVB rays, which is essential for safeguarding sensitive skin against sun damage. Its broad-spectrum protection is a notable strength, ensuring comprehensive sun defense. The formulation is fast-absorbing and doesn't leave a white residue, which simplifies the application process and is less likely to leave kids feeling sticky or uncomfortable.

One of the standout features is its water and sweat resistance for up to 80 minutes, making it an excellent choice for active playtime. The sunscreen includes antioxidant-rich ingredients like sunflower and rosemary leaf extracts, which nourish and protect the skin. Importantly, it is free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, chemicals that can be harsh on sensitive skin, making it a safer option for kids.

The scent is light and has a refreshing rosemary aroma, which most users may find pleasant, though individual preferences vary. The product is easy to apply, with a straightforward instruction to apply generously 15 minutes before sun exposure and to reapply every two hours or after swimming. A potential downside is the need for frequent reapplication, especially during extended outdoor activities. Additionally, while the product is marketed for sensitive skin, individual reactions can vary, so it might be wise to test a small amount initially. Supergoop! PLAY Everyday Lotion balances effective sun protection with skin-friendly ingredients, making it a reliable choice for parents seeking a versatile sunscreen for their kids.