Looking for a mineral-based sunscreen for kids that isn’t full of concerning ingredients like benzene? I’ve got you!
If you missed my article on Sunscreen Facts Moms Need to Know, be sure to check it out. It points out some research that moms really need to be aware of regarding increased sunscreen usage and melanoma risks.
In a nut shell, what are am I looking for in a sunscreen? Based on my research on safe sunscreens, I prefer mineral sunscreens that provide a physical barrier against the sun. Many well-known brands are chemical sunscreens that contain harsh chemicals that the FDA says need further safety testing, such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, and octinoxate (source). Not only are the chemical formulas tough on sensitive skin, but research shows that these chemicals can linger in the bloodstream for an extended period of time.
However, with mineral sunscreens, the safest options will have non-nano particles (like zinc oxide) as an active sunscreen ingredient. Some brands choose to bring their zinc oxide down to a small, nano-particle size to make it appear sheer on the skin rather than leave behind a white film. While this sounds like a good idea, there is concern among some experts about the nano-sized particles crossing the blood-brain barrier (source).
But, without further delay, let’s get to the list of 10 sunscreens that you can feel good about using on your family.
Thrive Daily Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Thrive Daily Sunscreen is a made-in-the- U.S.A daily sunscreen that contains non-nano zinc oxide. It gets a rating of 1 from the EWG (Environmental Working Group), as they do an excellent job of checking the sunscreen label for cancer concerns, allergy concerns, fertility concerns, and more. Reviewers talk about how easy it is to rub in, which is sometimes tricky with physical sunscreen. You can find it on Amazon here.
VanMan’s Zinc and Tallow Sunscreen
VanMan’s is a popular sunscreen contains simple ingredients like beeswax, tallow, and non-nano zinc oxide. VanMan’s even includes a little organic cocoa powder in their formula to help combat the white cast that is sometimes left behind with zinc oxide. It offers an SPF of 20. Reviewers often mention that they love how it nourishes their dry skin. You can grab it on Amazon here.
Raw Elements Face and Body Sunscreen
If sunscreens that are safe for coral reefs are important to you, Raw Elements natural sunscreen checks that box too. It offers broad spectrum protection from harmful UV rays without toxic chemicals. Raw Elements offers SPF 30 and mentions that it is safe for all ages. It also gets an EWG rating of 1. You’ll find this one on Amazon here.
Happy Ocean Mineral Sunscreen
Happy Ocean is another reef-safe, clean sunscreen made with non-nano zinc oxide. It offers SPF 45, and it blocks both UVA rays and UVB rays. This sheer mineral sunscreen is also water resistant for up to 80 minutes, which can be handy for young children on pool days. You can find it here on Amazon.
Good Spread Sunscreen
Good Spread is another option for protecting your skin without harmful chemicals. It’s mineral ingredients contain non-nano particles, which is good news. With an SPF of 30, this could be a great option for days when you’ll be spending lots of time in direct sunlight. Amazon sells it right here.
Earth Mama Mineral Sunscreen
Earth Mama is a brand lots of moms have come to trust in recent years. So, when it comes to mineral-based options for sunscreen, this is a great brand to consider. Their sunscreen is tested by board-certified dermatologist, and offers an SPF of 40. And if you want reef-safe sunscreens, this one has got you covered. It contains ingredients like jojoba oil and shea butter, which are known for nourishing many skin types. It gets a rating of 1 from the EWG. Find Earth Mama Mineral Sunscreen on Amazon here.
Waxhead
Waxhead is another clean sunscreen with effective sun protection. If skin irritation is a concern, this one is definitely one to consider. While it does leave some white residue behind, it offers water-resistant SPF 35. It is also safe for marine life and coral reefs. You can grab Waxhead here on Amazon.
Zoey Naturals
Zoey Naturals is made for babies and kids. It has an SPF of 50+, which is one of the highest I’ve seen when it comes to natural mineral SPFs. Typically that level of SPF is only found in conventional sunscreen with potentially harmful ingredients. Zoey Naturals is also made in the U.S.A. and uses non-nano zinc oxide. You can find Zoey Naturals here on Amazon.
Sky & Sol Natural Sunscreen
Sky & Sol is a tallow-based sunscreen that contains non-nano zin oxide, beeswax, vitamin E and other skin-friendly ingredients that are nice to include in your personal care products. It is a top pick on Amazon with many great reviews to support it. You can grab it here this SPF 30 option on Amazon here.
Pipette
Pipette is another brand labeled safe for kids and babies. It contains an SPF of 50, and is safe for sensitive skin. It gets a rating of 2 from the EWG, due to the ingredient Acacia Senegal Gum. However, because it free from most toxic ingredients and offer non-nano zinc oxide for physical sun protection, it still makes the list! You can check out Pipette here on Amazon.
Helpful Resource
If you want to look up the EWG rating for another brand of sunscreen, you can use this link. You can also use the EWG to search for many different beauty products, which makes shopping clean much easier.
