Written by Rohit Garoorohit garooExperience: 9 years
Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.
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Harsh sun rays can cause lasting damage to the baby’s delicate skin. Sunscreen lotions and creams mitigate this risk. So, if you are taking your baby outdoors on a bright and sunny day, a sunscreen should certainly be on the top of your checklist.
But what sunscreen should you use for your baby? Are all sunscreens the same? In this article, MomJunction tells you about 19 best sunscreens for babies and shares some tips on sunscreen usage for infants.
You can apply sunscreen to an infant aged six months or older (1). The American Academy of Pediatrics states that infants below the age of six months have extremely sensitive skin and should be kept out of direct sunlight (2).
If protection from sun rays is not entirely possible, pediatric experts recommend the use of appropriate protective clothing and physical barriers such as canopies and umbrellas over sunscreen. Even regulatory bodies such as the US Food and Drug Administration recommend avoiding sunscreen for infants under six months (3).
If you do have to use sunscreen for your baby, consult your doctor before doing so.
How To Choose The Best Sunscreen For Babies?
You may follow the below checklist while shopping for a sunscreen for your baby:
Select broad-spectrum sunscreens: Experts recommend selecting sunscreens that have a broad-spectrum rating on it. It means that the sunscreen will protect against the UVA and UVB rays of the sun (4).
SPF should be between 15 and 50: Sun protection factor or SPF indicates the level of protection provided by a sunscreen lotion. For babies, a sunscreen with an SPF factor between 15 and 50 or above will do.
Choose the ideal form of sunscreen: Sunscreens are available in the form of cream, sticks, gels, wipes, and sprays. Sunscreen lotions and creams are ideal for all body parts and the best choice for an infant. Sticks are suitable for application on the face and hard-to-reach areas such as behind the ears. Gels are non-sticky and can be good during humid weather. Sunscreen wipes provide limited protection, and sprays are not recommended for infants since the droplets spread easily and can be inhaled by the little one. Also, sprays are often inflammable.
Choose mineral-based sunscreens for face: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide act as natural barriers. They are the best sunscreen protection compounds for a baby’s skin. Zinc oxide or titanium oxide-based sunscreen may not absorb completely into the skin and leave a white layer on the surface, which acts as a physical barrier against UV rays.
Avoid fragrances: Chemical-based scents and fragrances in the sunscreen can be harmful and irritating to infants.
Choose sunblocks over sunscreens: The terms sunscreens and sunblocks are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference. Sunscreens contain chemicals that absorb UV rays and render them harmless. Sunblocks are creams/lotions with an SPF rating higher than 15 and deflect both UVA and UVB rays (5)(6).
Sunblocks are favored over sunscreens as they contain mineral-based compounds to shield the skin from UV rays. Most baby sunscreens are similar to sunblocks since they use mineral-based barriers and protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Nevertheless, look for both the hallmarks of sunblock in a baby sunscreen before buying it.
While mineral-based compounds offer added protection against sunlight, there are some chemicals that you must avoid right away.
Avoid purchasing sunscreens that contain the following compounds:
Oxybenzone and avobenzone can disrupt production of several hormones in the body when absorbed by the skin (7).
Parabens (compounds ending with the name paraben) are often added to lotions as preservatives to prevent bacterial or fungal contamination. However, research shows that they may cause cancer when used long-term (8).
Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA), also known as 4-Aminobenzoic acid, is a compound naturally found in food grains and mushrooms. Manufacturers often add PABA to sunscreen lotions since it has UV absorption qualities. However, the substance is slightly poisonous and has the potential to trigger an allergic reaction in infants (9).
Phthalates, chemical name Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), work as a lubricant in lotions and skin creams. Research suggests that constant exposure to phthalates may affect the reproductive system (10).
Methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone are preservatives often added to lotions and creams to increase their shelf life. The two compounds have been linked to skin allergies in infants in some studies (11). These compounds often go unnoticed due to their complicated names. Therefore, double check them while buying sunscreen for your baby.
Propylene glycol is added as a fragrance and also for extra moisturization. But the chemical is a potential skin irritant with long-term use linked to toxicity (12). When looking for this substance look for names like 1,2-propylene glycol, propylene glycol, methyl ethyl glycol, and 1,2-propanediol.
While most baby sunscreen lotions do not contain these chemicals, it is always safe to read the label thoroughly.
Broad-spectrum protection sunscreen with SPF 30+ rating.
Fragrance-free with no harmful chemicals and parabens.
Mineral-based formulation with zinc and titanium.
Dermatologically tested and safe for all skin types.
Specially designed bottle that turns pink when exposed to UV light. Parents can use the bottle as a UV level indicator when going outdoors with the infant.
Zinc oxide and titanium oxide sunscreen made from naturally sourced ingredients.
Protects against sunburn and long-term damage to skin due to repeated exposure to sunlight.
Free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone. Also, does not contain parabens.
A pediatrician-tested formula that is mild and suitable for all skin types.
Non-stinging, and water resistant up to 80 minutes after application.
Baby sunscreens for eczema
Eczema, also called dermatitis, is a type of skin inflammation caused by faulty genes or environmental factors (13). Infants with these conditions can be sensitive to skin products. This section lists down sunscreens that are safe for babies with eczema.
Mineral-based sunscreen stick with SPF 50 rating. Protects from both UVA and UVB rays.
Free of harmful chemicals and preservatives. Pediatrician and dermatologist tested.
Contains natural seed oil to soothe and moisturize the baby’s skin.
Water and sweat resistant up to 80 minutes after application.
A non-allergenic formula, not tested on animals.
Sunscreens for babies with sensitive skin
Some infants are particularly sensitive to skin products and could display a reaction to them. Here are a few sunscreens that are ideal for sensitive skin.
100% certified organic ingredients sourced from naturally-grown, non-GMO plants. Not tested on animals.
Vegetable-based glycerin and wax soften the baby’s skin and also protect against sunlight.
Free from added fragrances and harsh chemicals like parabens and sulfates. Certified vegan sunscreen.
SPF 32 rating with broad-spectrum protection. Added natural vitamins nourish the skin.
Recyclable and eco-friendly packaging.
Sunscreens are the best way to protect the baby’s delicate skin against the harmful effects of UV rays. Using the products correctly is imperative to ensure optimum protection.
Tips On Using Sunscreen For Babies
Here are some points to keep in mind while using sunscreen for babies:
Clean the baby’s skin before application. Sunscreen is best used after a bath, when the baby’s skin is clean. Dry the skin and apply the sunscreen spreading it evenly across the pores.
Do not forget the head. Babies do not have much protection on their scalp since they have scarce hair. If you are going outdoors and do not have a cap or hat handy, then apply the sunscreen on your baby’s scalp as well.
Use sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure. Apply the sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you step out in the sun. It gives adequate time for the compounds to get into action before exposure to the UV rays. The time lapsed after application varies as per sunscreen, thus refer to the label for the exact time.
Check for allergies. Whether you are using an organic baby sunscreen or a conventional one, always check for skin allergies by first applying the sunscreen on a small part of the baby’s body. If you suspect an allergy, stop using it.
Apply water-resistant sunscreen when around water. A regular sunscreen may wash out when it comes in contact with water. Therefore, use water-resistant sunscreen when taking your baby to the pool or beach.
Reapply after two hours: As the effect of sunscreen may wear out soon, reapply it after a couple of hours. Also, check the label for the manufacturer’s recommendation on re-application.
Do not expose the sunscreen to sunlight. Exposing the sunscreen bottle to direct sunlight can break down the ingredients and make them ineffective. Keep the sunscreen container/tube in a pouch or bag after use. Also, never use baby sunscreens beyond the expiry date.
Sunscreens protect against sunburns and tanning caused by UV rays. Babies have particularly delicate skin and can be prone to irreversible skin damage. So, apply sunscreen before the baby’s skin is exposed to sunlight. Keep the sunscreen handy, and your little one can bask in the sunlight safely without any skin damage.
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Rohit Garoo is a writer-turned-editor with over 9 years of experience in content writing, editing, and content marketing. He did his bachelors in Science at St. Xavier's College, Hyderabad, and masters in Business Administration at Osmania University.
