Best Organic & Reef-Safe Sunscreens for Kids
Many parents in my practice ask about the best sunscreen options as they head outdoors. When I ask dermatology colleagues about their most important skincare advice, the recommendation is consistent: “Wear sunscreen everyday.”
However, before I apply a product on my skin (or to kids as they wriggle and protest), I like to know what’s in the bottle. When choosing a sunscreen for my family or myself, I look for a reef-safe, mostly organic formula containing zinc oxide and non-nano particles.
Chemicals in Cosmetics
The skin is the largest organ in the body. One key function is to protect the body against foreign and potentially harmful substances. It turns out, we may be unknowingly introducing many of these foreign and potentially harmful substances in our daily application of sunscreen and various cosmetics. Several research studies are now indicating that many ingredients in personal care products are toxic. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics study found that 61% of lipsticks contain lead.
Eventually, the first Safe Cosmetics Act passed in 2010, giving the FDA the authority to ensure that personal care products are free of harmful ingredients. Consumers and scientists asked: Weren’t they supposed to be doing that in the first place? Regulatory legislation for the cosmetic industry continues to evolve slowly, leaving consumers to do all the research before grabbing a bottle of SPF 30.
Choosing a Healthy, Natural Sunscreen
The good news is that safer and organic products have been in high demand for years. The green beauty market now offers unlimited options for everything from sunscreen to lipstick. Many of these products outperform their not-so-safe-or-green competitors.
When choosing a sunscreen, look for a broad-spectrum, reef-safe, mineral sunscreen without nanoparticles. Avoid chemical sunscreens as they are not always stable in UV light. Their instability allows various chemicals to enter the bloodstream and disrupt the body’s endocrine system. Common sunscreen ingredients to avoid include oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, parabens, octinoxate, fragrance, and nanoparticles.
Mineral sunscreens often contain micronized or nanoparticles which also have the ability of bypassing the skin and entering the body. Additionally, chemical sunscreens including spray sunscreens as well as mineral sunscreens with nanoparticles, lead to the destruction of coral reefs and marine sanctuaries.
Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide
To find an unlimited number of safe and high-performing sunscreens, visit on the Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide. You can use this same consumer guide to learn more about their ongoing product research and evaluate any item in your cosmetic bag.
I’ve included a list of my favorite sunscreens that our family uses year-round. These are top-performing sunscreens rated by the Environmental Working Group with minimal ingredients. They all have non-nano, UV-blocking minerals, no added chemicals, and come in a variety of tubes, sticks, pumps, and tins. These options are great for kids, adults, water play, and sports depending on your preference.
Badger Balm
Badger Balm’s Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen is a thick and creamy formula that provides excellent coverage for the youngest child in your family. Older kids will appreciate Badger Balm’s Clear Zinc Oxide Sunscreen available in stick and lotion options. The stick is great for on-the-go application to the nose, cheeks, forehead, and ears.
The non-nano zinc oxide formulas are reef-safe and contain organic ingredients rich in antioxidants. Badger is a family-owned, women-run Certified B Corporation that makes a variety of products for kids and their families.
Raw Elements
Raw Elements Kids + Baby SPF 30 Stick also comes in a lotion and tin option. This hypoallergenic formula contains non-nano zinc oxide with organic calendula, chamomile, sunflower and coconut oils. The water-resistant formula does not sting eyes or contain soy, gluten, or nuts. The reef-safe sunscreen also comes in recyclable, plastic-free packaging.
Butterbean Organics
Butterbean Organics Simple Healthy Sunscreen SPF 30 is water and sweat resistant up to 80 minutes. The non-GMO and gluten-free formula comes in a pump and incorporates organic fair-trade ingredients. Butterbean uses non-nano zinc oxide and a sunscreen formula without chemicals that is safe for kids and coral reefs.
Green Goo
Green Goo’s Solar Goo SPF 30 is a broad-spectrum sunscreen containing non-nano zinc oxide lasting up to 40 minutes in the water. Additional ingredients include calendula, shea butter, and coconut oil. The women-owned company is a family-run B Corporation. They create cruelty-free sunscreens made in the USA that are great for active kids and adults.
Marie Veronique
Visit Marie Veronique’s Berkeley, CA shop or the Marie Veronique website to check out their Everyday Coverage Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30. This non-nano, zinc oxide sunscreen offers broad-spectrum coverage. The formula is a great option for year-round use especially with make-up due to its tinted options.
Tints are available in three shades while other ingredients help to improve skin tone and texture. This is a great formula for moms as well as teens with acne-prone skin that may be less likely to slather on the thick, white goop.
If you enjoyed this article, you may like other green living articles including Organic Skincare or Create a Healthy & Chemical-Free Home.
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