All kids 6 months and older should be wearing sunscreen — regardless of skin tone (2024)

Sunscreen is not optional, especially for kids. In fact, it’s crucial for all children over six months of age, regardless of skin tone, experts say. “It helps prevent damage from the sun that goes beyond the painful effects of sunburn, including increased risk for skin cancers down the line,” says Dr. Rebecca Carter, a pediatrician at the University of Maryland Children’s Hospital and associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Visit your local drugstore and you’ll find many safe and effective sunscreen options on the shelves. It might feel overwhelming to see the varying SPF ratings, application types and formulas. To help you determine the best sunscreen for your child, we spoke to dermatologists about what to look for and, importantly, how to properly apply it. We also rounded up expert-recommended sunscreens for kids to consider.

SKIP AHEAD Best sunscreens for kids | What is the safest sunscreen for kids? | Other sun safety tips for kids

Selected.Our top picks

How we picked the best sunscreens for kids

In order to compile the best sunscreens for kids below, we spoke to four dermatologists who recommend the following factors to keep in mind:

  • Formulation:You should stick to a mineral sunscreen — also known as a physical blocker — that has zinc oxide or titanium dioxide instead of a chemical base. A mineral sunscreen won’t absorb into the skin, but rather sits on top of it like a barrier, which helps avoid irritation. The sunscreen should also be labeled noncomedogenic, meaning it won’t clog your child’s pores.
  • SPF protection:Sun protection factor, or SPF, measures your level of protection against a sunburn, experts told us in our guide to sunscreen. Your child’s sunscreen should have a minimum SPF 30 protection, though SPF 50 or higher is ideal, according to our experts.
  • Consistency:Look for creams and lotions, which experts say are the most effective to use on your child as they provide a greater amount of coverage when compared to spray sunscreens. Stick sunscreens are also recommended, but they may be harder to lather onto your child’s skin.
Best sunscreens for kids

All of the following sunscreens for kids were recommended by our experts and align with their guidance.

Best kids sunscreen overall: Blue Lizard

Blue Lizard Kids Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Blue Lizard’s mineral sunscreens are a favorite among our experts. “I love the ‘smart cap technology’ that helps to teach kids about UV rays — the cap or bottle turns pink in harmful UV light,” says Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. The sunscreen is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes and offers SPF 50 protection. It’s also free of both parabens and fragrances, making it a safer bet for kids with sensitive skin, according to the brand. This stick version is also available as a mineral-based lotion, which contains a chemical ingredient in addition to mineral filters, according to the brand. If you’re looking for a mineral sunscreen specifically for babies, Blue Lizard offers a stick and lotion form.

SPF rating: 50 | Water-resistance: 80 minutes | Sunscreen type: Mineral | Consistency: Stick | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best kids sunscreen lotion: Banana Boat

Banana Boat Kids 100% Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

This Banana Boat sunscreen has the National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance, which means it’s suitable for people, including kids, with eczema and sensitive skin. It’s fragrance- and oil-free, so it won’t leave a greasy feel after applying it, according to the brand. It’s also highly rated, with a 4.5-star average rating from over 1,000 reviews on Amazon. If you’re looking for a sunscreen that’ll absorb more quickly into the skin, Banana Boat also offers a kids sport sunscreen that’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

SPF rating: 50 | Water-resistance: 80 minutes | Sunscreen type: Mineral | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best kids sunscreen stick: Neutrogena

Neutrogena Kids Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Neutrogena’s Sheer Zinc Sunscreen Stick is a favorite of King’s for kids because it has a hypoallergenic formula and it’s free of fragrances and dyes, which helps prevent irritation on your child’s sensitive skin. A stick sunscreen is also great for noses, faces and even the scalp, which many people tend to forget about, according to our experts.

SPF rating: 50 | Water-resistance: 80 minutes | Sunscreen type: Mineral | Consistency: Stick | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best hydrating kids sunscreen: CeraVe

CeraVe 100% Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

CeraVe’s products are ​​oil-free, fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin in both kids and adults, according to our experts. The mineral-based sunscreen has hyaluronic acid, which helps retain the skin’s natural moisture. Since it can leave a white cast, the brand recommends thoroughly massaging the cream on one small area of the body at a time about 15 minutes before sun exposure. If you don’t want to go through the hassle of rubbing this sunscreen on a toddler that doesn’t sit still, King recommends the stick version of this sunscreen that goes on clear.

SPF rating: 30 | Water-resistance: 90 minutes | Sunscreen type: Mineral | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best water-resistant kids sunscreen: Babyganics

Babyganics Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

Carter recommends this mineral-based Babyganics Sunscreen Lotion as a great option. It has SPF 50 protection and a mineral base containing both zinc oxide and titanium oxide. The sunscreen is meant to be hypoallergenic and tear-free.

SPF rating: 50 | Water-resistance: 80 minutes | Sunscreen type: Mineral | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best powder kids sunscreen: Brush on Block

Brush on Block Kids Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF 30

This brush-on sunscreen powder comes recommended by King because you can throw it in your bag for easy reapplication. “The powder format is so easy to apply, so kids won’t complain about goopy sunscreen — there’s no smell and it’s translucent,” she says. “The brush is soft and brightly colored, so it’s fun to apply.”

SPF rating: 30 | Water-resistance: 80 minutes | Sunscreen type: Mineral | Consistency: Powder | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best kids sunscreen for very sensitive skin: Aveeno

Aveeno Kids Continuous Protection Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

Our experts cite Aveeno as a quality brand when looking for a kids’ sunscreen, especially if they have sensitive skin. Specifically designed for kids, this mineral sunscreen lotion has skin-soothing oat and won’t cause irritation or stinging, according to the brand. The lotion also has a non-greasy and fragrance-free formula.

SPF rating: 50 | Water-resistance: 80 minutes | Sunscreen type: Mineral | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best pocket-sized kids sunscreen: Supergoop!

Supergoop! Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Stick SPF 50

Supergoop! Sunnyscreen 100% Mineral Stick SPF 50$24.00

$

24.00

Carter says Supergoop’s mineral sunscreens, which are specifically made for kids and babies, are a great option to consider. Recommended for kids six months to 3 years old, this stick sunscreen is gentle, hydrating and small enough to fit in your pocket. The brand also offers a lightweight spray version of the sunscreen.

SPF rating: 50 | Water-resistance: 80 minutes | Sunscreen type: Mineral | Consistency: Stick | Fragrance-free: Yes

Best kids sunscreen with no white cast: La Roche-Posay

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids Gentle Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50

If you have an older child or don’t mind a chemical sunscreen, this La Roche-Posay lotion, which is recommended for kids six months and older and designed for the face and body, is one of King’s favorites. Since it has chemical filters, it’s easier to blend and won’t leave a white cast on their skin, says King. It also has glycerin to help keep their skin moisturized, according to the brand.

SPF rating: 50 | Water-resistance: 80 minutes | Sunscreen type: Chemical | Consistency: Lotion | Fragrance-free: Yes

What is the safest sunscreen to use on kids?

Dermatologists told us sunscreens should have a minimum of SPF 30 to provide an adequate amount of protection, regardless of age. “[But] I think SPF 50 or higher is better, as most people put on a much thinner layer of sunscreen than the sunscreen manufacturers recommend and use for their testing to quantify the SPF level,” says Dr. Jennifer Mancuso, a pediatric dermatologist at the University of Michigan Health.

Just as importantly, you should look for a kids’ sunscreen that’s broad spectrum, meaning it’s “protecting against UVA, which causes tanning and skin aging, as well as UVB, which causes sunburns and skin cancers,” says Mancuso.

Mineral sunscreen vs. chemical sunscreen

Stick to mineral (also known as physical) sunscreens rather than chemical ones, the latter of which are absorbed into the skin and can be more irritating, says Carter. “For infants and young children, it’s typically recommended to use mineral sunscreens made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — these are more stable and less irritating or allergenic for sensitive skin,” says Mancuso.

Some sunscreens labeled “mineral-based” may contain some chemical components, but are still suitable for older kids, says Carter (just make sure to check the ingredients list). However, babies and young children between six months old and two years old should use mineral-only sunscreen to avoid any potential irritation on their sensitive skin, says Dr. Karan Lal, a board-certified dermatologist and committee chair of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology. (You should avoid using sunscreen on infants under six months old and stick to sun-protective clothing instead, according to the FDA.)

Because mineral sunscreens tend to leave more of an unsightly white sheen on the skin, some people may prefer to use chemical sunscreen. Older children, teenagers and adults should be fine to use chemical sunscreens as a last resort, our experts say. However, the FDA says that active ingredients in chemical sunscreens, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, need to be studied more before they can be deemed safe and effective by the organization.

Frequently asked questions

Creams and lotions are the most effective types of sunscreen for kids because they provide the most coverage, according to our experts. Stick sunscreens are also a great option because they’re easy to apply, and your kids will typically have fun applying it on themselves, says King. However, you should be able to visually see what areas are covered by a stick sunscreen — otherwise, if you can’t tell where you applied it, you risk UV exposure and sun damage, says Carter.

Though spray sunscreens are a popular choice for older kids and teens since they’re fast and easy to apply, our experts don’t recommend them because you’ll rarely get a good amount of coverage over their whole body (on top of possibly being inhaled in the application process). If you do use a spray sunscreen, make sure to spray it first into your hand (away from your child's face and eyes) instead of spraying directly onto your child's skin, which helps protect their lungs and ensure you have full control over coverage, says Carter.

Kids, especially younger ones, may need to rely on adults to apply and reapply sunscreen. Lal recommends following the “9 teaspoon rule”: 1 teaspoon for the face and neck, 1 for the torso, 1 for the back, 1 for each arm and 2 teaspoons for each leg. And just like adults, sunscreen on kids should be reapplied every two hours, says Lal.

There are a few ways to gauge whether your child is using enough sunscreen. First and foremost, you should visibly see a coat of sunscreen on the skin with white streaks to make sure there are no gaps in skin coverage before rubbing it in, says Carter. You should also go through bottles of sunscreen within a couple of weeks if you're using it every day on multiple family members, our experts say.

All sunscreens tend to wash off when swimming or sweating, so it’s important to reapply your child’s sunscreen every time they get wet. This still applies to sunscreen products labeled as "water-resistant" (which means your child’s protected for 40 minutes of activity in water or while sweating) or "very water-resistant" (meaning they’re protected for 80 minutes), says Mancuso. “It may help to set an alarm on your phone to remind you to reapply it,” she says.

Yes, kids can use the same sunscreen as teens and adults as long as they have mineral-based formulas with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection or higher, according to our experts. Some older kids, teens and adults may prefer a higher SPF chemical sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white residue on the skin, but Lal recommends only using adult sunscreens labeled as pure mineral-based on young children.

Other sun safety tips for kids

While applying (and reapplying) sunscreen throughout the day does offer an important layer of protection for kids, there are other steps you can (and should) take to keep your kids safe from the sun’s harmful rays. Our experts recommend the following sun safety tips:

  • Avoid taking your child out during peak UV hours. “Seek shade whenever possible and avoid prolonged sun between 10 AM and 2 PM when the sun is strongest,” says Lal.
  • Opt for protective clothing and accessories. This includes UPF clothing, which will offer full coverage, like long sleeves and sun-protective rash guards, along with wide-brimmed hats and UV-blocking sunglasses when they’re outside, says King.
  • Ensure there’s always a covered area. “I recommend purchasing a kid tent to use at the beach to help their kids stay protected during downtime,” says Lal.
Meet our experts

At NBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also take steps to ensure that all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and with no undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.

Why trust NBC Select?

Mili Godio is an updates editor at NBC Select who has covered a variety of children’s wellness topics, including electric toothbrushes, bikes and rolling backpacks. For this piece, Godio interviewed four dermatologists and researched dozens of sunscreens for kids on the market.

Catch up on NBC Select’s in-depth coverage of personal finance, tech and tools, wellness and more, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok to stay up to date.

Mili Godio

Mili Godio is an updates editor for Select on NBC News.

All kids 6 months and older should be wearing sunscreen — regardless of skin tone (2024)

FAQs

All kids 6 months and older should be wearing sunscreen — regardless of skin tone? ›

Every child needs sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that all kids — regardless of their skin tone — wear sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Although dark skin has more protective melanin and tans more easily than it burns, tanning is a sign of sun damage.

Do children under 6 months need sunscreen? ›

Infant sun protection: How to keep your baby safe

Dress your baby in sun-protective clothing, such as a lightweight, long-sleeved shirt and pants. Minimize sunscreen use on children younger than six months old.

What ages can kids use sunscreen? ›

For children older than six months, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends using mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. In general, adults should use a formula that offers broad-spectrum sun protection with an SPF (sun protection factor) of at least 30.

Can everyone use kids sunscreen? ›

You absolutely do not need to buy separate formulas for different members of the family. In fact, I often tell my patients to buy the baby versions for their personal use.” Tell it to me straight: Is there even a difference between “kid” and “adult” sunscreen? In a nutshell: No.

What age should I start wearing sunscreen? ›

Who should use sunscreen? The short answer is everyone! Men, women and children over 6 months of age should use sunscreen every day. This includes people who tan easily and those who don't — remember, your skin is damaged by sun exposure over your lifetime, whether or not you burn.

What sunscreen is best for 6 month old? ›

The best baby sunscreen, according to experts and moms, is Thinkbaby's SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen, because it is free of harmful chemicals and really silky and easy to rub on your baby's skin. $13 for 3 oz.

Do kids need sunscreen in the shade? ›

So even if you're sitting in the shade, make sure you and your child wear protective clothing, including sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat. Use sunscreen on any exposed skin.

What age is too late to wear sunscreen? ›

If you didn't use sunscreen when you were younger, you may think that the damage is done. But it's never too late to start protecting your skin. Our expert says a good sun safety routine can make a big difference at any age.

What happens if you don't wear sunscreen as a kid? ›

Sunscreen is just one of the defenses against the harmful effect of UV radiation. Strategies such as seeking shade and dressing children in sun-protective clothing are just as important. A bad sunburn in childhood or adolescence doubles the risk of melanoma later in life, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Why can't you use sunscreen on babies under 6 months? ›

That's because infants are at greater risk than adults of sunscreen side effects, such as a rash. The FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend keeping newborns and babies younger than 6 months out of direct sunlight. The best sun protection for these infants is to stay in the shade.

Is too much sunscreen bad for kids? ›

While there is no evidence sunscreen is explicitly harmful to humans, that doesn't mean you should apply it gratuitously. In fact, when deciding how much is too much, you'll want to consider skin sensitivities, how long the skin is in the sun, and the power of the sunscreen.

What is the difference between kids sunscreen and regular sunscreen? ›

Do kids need a different kind of sunscreen? Sunscreen labeled for babies and kids often has the same active ingredients as adult versions, but in cuter packaging. Your child won't be more protected with a "baby" SPF 30 sunscreen than with a "regular" SPF 30 sunscreen if both have the same active ingredients.

Should 12 year olds wear sunscreen? ›

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that all kids wear sunscreen. Make sure the sunscreen has these characteristics: Broad spectrum, which protects against UVA and UVB sunrays.

Why you shouldn't wear sunscreen everyday? ›

If you were to use sunscreen every day, your body would continuously absorb any chemicals it contains, potentially much faster than your body can filter and excrete them. Even if you avoid the most harmful chemicals like benzene and oxybenzone, you may still be absorbing chemical preservatives, fragrances, and more.

What happens if I start wearing sunscreen everyday? ›

Used regularly, sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, skin cancer and premature aging. To help make sunscreen a part of your daily routine, dermatologist Anna Chien addresses common concerns.

Can an 18 month old use regular sunscreen? ›

However, children can use the same sunscreen as adults. The most important factor about sunscreen at any age is that you use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least 30.

Is there a difference between baby and kids sunscreen? ›

Do kids need a different kind of sunscreen? Sunscreen labeled for babies and kids often has the same active ingredients as adult versions, but in cuter packaging. Your child won't be more protected with a "baby" SPF 30 sunscreen than with a "regular" SPF 30 sunscreen if both have the same active ingredients.

When should I expose my newborn to the sun? ›

In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has stated that “Use of deliberate sun exposure to maintain vitamin D sufficiency is not recommended” and “Infants younger than 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible.”

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