Sunny days are finally ahead, and while I’m sure after this winter, the last thing most of us feel like doing is covering up, we still have to keep our skin protected and, even more importantly, our child’s skin.
Did you know that oxybenzone, a common sunscreen ingredient, could disrupt the human hormonal system, and Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate) may boost skin cancer risk?
That’s why I’m a fan of natural and mineral-based sunscreens. While I wouldn’t call myself obsessive about always being organic, all-natural, and chemical-safe, I figure sunscreen is one of those things that it doesn’t hurt to choose safely; after all, you’re hypothetically covering your little one in it head-to-toe!
Here are some of the options I have in my arsenal. I keep one sunscreen by the front door, one in the car, one in the diaper bag, and one next to our sandbox!
BabyGanics Mineral-Based Sunscreen
This mineral-based formula stands out because it is non-allergenic, tear-free, and has moisturizers designed for baby’s skin. It’s SPF 50, which I prefer because, let’s face it, a wiggly kid is hard to get a thorough sunscreen application on, so the higher the SPF, the better chance of protection. This is a great pick for delicate infant skin.
Kiss My Face Defense Air-Powered Spray
This a new option for quickly spraying down a toddler on the go. I often chase after him as he runs away from me and my bottle of sunscreen, and I love that I can get him sprayed down. It’s so light he doesn’t know what hit him.
Mustela Broad Spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Stick
I always carry this in my diaper bag because you never know when little cheeks and noses will need an extra dose of coverage. I also swipe this stick on the top of my hands to protect them from sun damage. It’s also great for delicate infant skin; the high SPF of 50 is a plus.
Goddess Garden Sunny Kids Natural Sunscreen
This is one of the few sunscreens I’ve seen with organic ingredients. It’s among the only titanium dioxide and zinc dioxide blend spray-on sunscreens I’ve seen. Most sprays contain avobenzone, while lotions often have these mineral-based ingredients. I think this sunscreen is one of a kind, and I love it for myself.
The Honest Co. All Natural Sunscreen
While I have yet to get my hands on this sunscreen, I’m a bit obsessed with this brand (maybe because I secretly daydream using the products will make me look like Jessica Alba?). I love that the only active sunscreen ingredient in it is zinc. It’s also unscented and non-nano.
Great post! I worry about what is in sunscreen for all of us. We use BabyGanics and I love it. My kids have no color so it must be working! All jokes aside, I have been leaning towards the organic ones ever since my oldest was born. I use it on myself in a pinch. I recently saw the Honest Company products in a small display in Buy, Buy, Baby in Port Chester, NY. Not sure if the Milford location carries it (or even their parent company Bed, Bath and Beyond) but it might be worth the trip.
Do you use the Babyganics spray? If so, do you like it? This year, I bought the Babyganics lotion and the face stick, both of which I’m happy with so far. I’m thinking the spray might be good for extra squirmy days and/or touch-ups.
Great post. I always use the website Skin Deep to see how products rate on toxicity and choose my sunscreen wisely. It’s a great free online resource that opens your eyes to what is on the shelves for our children and ourselves!
Great post. However, if I may, I would like to recommend https://www.CommunityNaturalFoods.com/t/outdoors for kids organic sunscreen. Their natural sunscreens don’t have any harsh chemicals and toxins. They have kids organic sunscreen and sunscreen for babies. Anytime better & safer than the chemical-laden sunscreens all the stores are selling.