Most adults don’t apply sunscreen as often and as diligently as they should, even when they know the aging and skin cancer risks associated with being lax about it – so how can we expect our babies and toddlers who have no concept of either to be on board? It’s insanely difficult. I have yet to find an option that is guaranteed to avoid a tantrum, but spending a good portion of the year in Tel Aviv means I have tried out about a zillion SPF products on kids.
Keep reading for a look at sunscreen options your babies and kids will actually (for the most part) allow you to apply.
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MDSolarSciences KidStick SPF 40
There's nothing better than a sunscreen stick for on-the-go touch-ups. This MDSolarSciences KidStick SPF 40 was my go-to on a recent trip to Mykonos. I literally had it in my handbag at all times for my son.
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Bare Republic Mineral SPF 55 Baby Sunscreen Stick
The Mineral SPF 55 Baby Sunscreen Stick from Bare Republic is another go-to. At just under $10 it's a great price for peace of mind when on the go and it applies totally fuss-free.
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EltaMD UV Stick Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+
EltaMD is my sunscreen of choice. I love their tinted options (as do many derms), so it's fitting that they make a fantastic sunscreen for kids as well. Their stick goes on smooth and is perfect for travel.
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Babyganics
Babyganics launches two new mineral sunscreen products for babies and children. The full range now includes six products made with all-mineral ingredient formula, free-from parabens, phthalates, PABA, fragrances or nanoparticles, making the products tough on the sun and soft on skin.
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Mini Bloom Sunny Stick
Mini Bloom is an organic skincare brand created with babies and kids in mind and they just launched their first sun care product, Sunny Stick. It’s a mineral-based, broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen formulated with non-nano zinc oxide and it's bolstered with sunflower seed oil (which is rich in nourishing vitamin E and omegas) to keep skin moisturized and aloe leaf juice to soothe the skin and reduce inflammation from burns, wounds, and more. The glide-on formulation blends in quickly and prevents gooey, sticky messes.
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Mineral Fusion SPF 30 Brush-on Defense
Mineral Fusion's SPF 30 Brush-on Defense is a sunscreen powder that is totally transparent and applies via a brush with no chalky residue. This is a great option for fussy babies or for targeted application. It also works well for adults over makeup!
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Coola Classic Body Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 - Fragrance Free
Sprays are another wonderful option for kiddos as they tend to make sunscreen application less of a nightmare. Coola can be counted on for a clean and effective formulation without any sticky residue.
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Evereden Premium Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
For a mineral sunscreen that actually goes on smooth, checkout Evereden's option. Like all of their products it was designed with "clean" ingredients and kids in mind.
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Shiseido Sun Protection Lotion
If you're going to be heading to the water or your children will be sweating a lot, this option from Shiseido is awesome. Not only does it feel great on skin, it has what the company calls their "WetForce technology" meaning it's designed to work even when exposed to water or perspiration for 15 minutes.
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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum, Body & Face Sunscreen
This sunscreen from La Roche-Posay is another great option if you plan on heading to the beach/pool. While it doesn't rub in as quickly as other options - so it's better for older kids - it's incredibly effective once applied.
