So everyone knows how important it is to use sunscreen to keep our skin young and avoid skin cancer.
But here’s the kicker:
Some of the active ingredients in conventional sunscreens can actually increase the chance of having cancer!
Recently, FDA research found high levels of harmful chemicals in people’s bloodstream, after using conventional sunscreens.
One of the active ingredients in these conventional sunscreens is Oxybenzone, which linked to high rates of skin allergies, especially when combined with sun exposure (and isn’t that ironic?).
According to EWG (Environmental working group) skin deep database, (which is based on many scientific researches), this chemical got a score of 8 out of 10, which considered to be a high risk.
But here’s the good news: brands are getting more and more aware of these issues and are coming up with really great natural and organic sunscreens, you can safely use for both you and your little ones.
EWG makes a list of top-notch, best organic sunscreen for kids and babies, with a score from 1-10 (where 1 is the safest).
So, I personally tested 5 of the most natural, safe sun lotions I could find, (protecting from both UVA and UVB) and now it’s time to share my findings:
1. Badger Company, Baby Sunscreen Cream, SPF 30
Well, I really wanted to LOVE this one, since Badger is an awesome company, family own, made in the USA, with great values.
It does the job, really! No redness after sun exposure and the ingredients are super, lots of natural, organic beautiful oils. The thing is that it goes off super white, and leaves a white cast on the skin, also it smells kinda funky (to me anyway, my husband actually really likes the scent).
So I only used it on my kids’ body, excluding the face, because I didn’t want them to look like ghosts. So for body SPF, it works great, and I highly recommend it.
Active ingredient: Non-Nano* Uncoated Zinc Oxide 18.5%
EWG Rank: 1, totally safe.
Price: $13.59
Bottom Line: I will keep supporting Badger and will use it as body sun lotion.
2. Mad Hippie Skin Care Products, Facial SPF, 30+
Another really great US brand which I use regularly.
Their underlying commitment is to increase beauty around the world.
Another cool thing is that Mad Hippie is dedicated to the preservation of the planet, giving $1 of every web sale to conservation, so it’s a win-win here.
Their natural sunscreen is packed with amazing ingredients, that will not only protect the skin but will also nourish it.
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide (non-nano) 16%
EWG Rank: No specific rating for this product, but no worries! I looked up all of the ingredients that are..well not in plain English (such as Ethylhexylglycerin and Polyglyceryl-6 Distearate) the only ingredient that showed up to be higher than 1 was Ethylhexylglycerin which got 2, which still counts as a very low concern, according to EWG’s database.
Price: $19.99
Bottom Line: good product, great ingredients, a bit on the pricy side, but totally worth it.
3. Think, Thinkbaby, Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
OK, this one is an absolute favorite of mine. It comes in the form of a stick, so your toddlers can easily apply it themselves. I have to admit that applying sunscreen used to be a pain and my kid hated it, but with this one, he definitely feels independent and LOVES to put it on by himself. It’s really quick to apply and not messy at all. It comes out a tiny bit white, you can leave as is or easily rub it in and it will not leave a white cast at all.The stick size is pretty small(4.1 x 3 x 0.9 in), so it easily fits my bag (and even my purse).
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20% (non-nano)
EWG Rank: a perfect score of 1. Totally safe.
Price: $7.99
Bottom Line: It became my go-to, everyday sunscreen for my kids. No mess, no fuss, quick, and easy (and the scent is amazing!).
4. DeVita Skin Care Solar Protect Lotion, SPF 30
I actually used this one as my daily moisturizer plus SPF for a long time, and it’s great. No white cast, packed with great ingredients such as shea butter, Fresh Organic Celery extract which shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and Hemp Seed Oil which shown to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 22.75% (non-nano)
EWG Rank: a perfect score of 1. Totally safe.
Price: $31.95
Bottom Line: safe sunscreen for kids and babies and also a great alternative for mom’s daily moisturizer.
5. Arugot Organic Facial Sunscreen, SPF 30
Arugot is a family-owned boutique factory for developing and creating Natural organic cosmetics standing to the highest organic standards.
Their SPF is my go-to daily moisturizer and sunscreen, it smells amazing, doesn’t leave a white cast, and feels light on the skin.
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide (non-nano)
EWG Rank: a perfect score of 1. Totally safe.
Price: $45
Bottom Line: Your skin will thank you for using this product.
*To learn about nano and non-nano zinc I recommend to check out this Badger article.
Although these natural sunscreens are considered safe, the best protection from the sun is to seek shade and cover up with clothes and wear a hat. Kids are more sensitive to the sun UV rays, and sun exposure should be moderate. For more sun safety tips, check out EWG full sun safety guide.
