2011 SafeMama Safer Sunscreen Cheat Sheet

I recently found this great article and cheat sheet through a Twitter party that I was attending.  Great stuff!

http://safemama.com/cheatsheets/sunscreen/

SafeMama™ Sunscreen Criteria:All sunscreens I approved needed to be free of Parabens, Phthalates, PEG’s (polyethylene glycols), Propylene Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, SLS/SLES, and a bevy of other chemicals I won’t bother listing.  Brands exhibit a very respectable ingredients list. The sunscreening ingredient we mainly avoid is the synthetic chemicaloxybenzone. Oxybenzone is an endocrine disruptor which can affect the nervous system, has been linked to cancer in some laboratory studies, and creates free-radicals when exposed to the sun which are harmful. Below are our selections of safer natural sunscreens that use mineral (or sometimes referred to a physical) sunscreen which is typically Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide or any combination of those two. I prefer Zinc Oxide over Titanium Dioxide but I have a few on here that contain both (I’ve grouped them accordingly).  There have been some studies done that could classify Titanium Dioxide as carcinogenic to humans.  They are preliminary studies but the evidence so far is showing that rats exposed to an inhalation of the powdered form of Titanium Dioxide developed respiratory tract cancer.  That said, there have been no conclusive tests showing that topical use causes the same reaction – so here is where you get to make your own judgement call and I just outline your options!

A note about Micronized and Nano: There have been many reports that micronized vs. nano particles of titanium dioxide or zinc oxide have the ability to pass through the skin more easily (which is why they aren’t as white as others). There is also a concern that nano titanium dioxide/zinc oxide particles have higher photo-reactivity than coarser particles and may generate free radicals that can cause cell damage. Some manufacturers have addressed this issue by coating the particles to prevent free radical formation.  We are comfortable recommending sunscreens withMicronized zinc or titanium (most natural sunscreens ARE). NANO zinc or titanium is something we feel should be avoided and we have not included any sunscreens using nano particles in our list.

A note about Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate): Recently the EWG put out their 2010 Sunscreen Guide and with it they made public some information regarding retinyl palmitate and its use in sunscreen. A study done by the FDA revealed it may speed the growth of skin lesions and tumors in lab mice.  The study is still in a controversial stage at this point so instead of removing any sunscreens containing retinyl palmitate we have added a notation to the listing so you can decide for yourself. Without further ado:

Sunscreen Lotions & Sprays with Zinc Oxide (only)

Purple Prairie Botanicals Sun Stuff

Protection: SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20% (spf 30) (Z-Cote)
Skin Deep Rating: SPF 30: 1 (last updated 2/2011)
Price / Where to buy: $12.00 – $20.00 /  Good Things Green ThingsNotes: SafeMama.com Award Winner. Kathy says, “Purple Prairie has some great products and this one in particular has a fabulous ingredients list.  Totally chemical free and uses mostly organic ingredients. The Z-Cote zinc they use is non-nano (average particle size of 200 nm which is twice the classified nano size of 100 nm).  I ordered some of this from Good Things Green Things to try out and I am really loving it.  I carry it in my bag all the time.   Their newer formula actually dries and leaves no greasiness at all.  The ghost white effect, which is minimal, actually disappears once you let it sit for a few minutes.  I’ve had great success with this sunscreen on both my kids and myself.  This is definitely a favorite that I’ll be ordering again and again. They just reformulated and took out the emulsifying wax too so it’s even safer than before. Though it is slightly less slippery than the old formula.  For the price and the performance this is my top choice. They also have this is a wide stick and a lip balm too which I’ll list below.”

Badger All Natural Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30+
Active Ingredient: Non-nano, uncoated Zinc Oxide 18.75%
Skin Deep Rating SPF 30: 1 (last updated 04/2011)

Price / Where to Buy: $16.00 / BadgerBalm.com or MightyNest.com(use code Safe10 for 10% off)Notes: SafeMama.com Award Winner. Kathy says, “Goes on thick (like many natural sunscreens) but spreads fairly easily, doesn’t have an overpowering smell and really protects nicely. There is a whiteness that can be reduced by rubbing it in well but it doesn’t go away completely.  It’s greasier than other zinc based sunscreens so it’s very water resistant I highly recommend this for pool swimming / beach swimming since it stays on really well with water play. I opt for something else for playground days that isn’t as sticky. One of the few that are 100% chemical free and I appreciate that fact. I feel good using this product on my family.  No chemicals makes mama happy.”

All Terrain KidSport Sunscreen Spray

Protection: SPF 30+
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 19%
Skin Deep Rating: Their All Sport Spray SPF 30 rates a 3.  All their products have a higher rating.
Price: $13.49Notes: Yes you heard me!  A SPRAY lotion. Hooray!!!  It’s a miracle! I’ve been hunting for a sunscreen spray version forever.  I’ve known about this particular brand for sometime (I like their Bug Sprays – very effective) but I was unsure about the particle sizes of the sunscreen ingredients they use since they do not specify it on their website. According to EWG SKin Deep, they use a sunscreen grade zinc oxide that is >100nm so it would seem that it is not a nano-particle sunscreen.  I am calling them for confirmation. They also have versions in a lotion which are great too however they do containDimethicone if that’s something you’d rather not see in your sunscreen. (It’s a lubrication chemical derived from silica). Their sprays however do not contain it.  I’ve used their KidSport SPF 30 with success and it works great.  The spray is a life saver!!!

Miessence Reflect Outdoor Balm

Protection: SPF 15 (3rd party tests rated it an SPF 29.5)
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide
Skin Deep Rating: 2 (last updated 3/2011)Price / Where to Buy: $27.90 /  ElyOrganics.com orTheSoftLanding.com
Notes: Kathy says, “Miessence has a great ingredients list packed with almost all Certified Organic ingredients. It goes on smooth, but thicker so it would definitely be water resistant. It has a grey tint rather than white so it’s not as obvious but it is stickier than some.  Not quite as sticky as Badger. Watery sunscreens always make me wonder if I’m just sweating them off. Has no strong smell and absorbs well. Used it while out walking the other day and no burns. I use this one often for myself but I’d be ok with it for use on kids too.” Read a full review here

Poofy Organics All Natural Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Non-nano, 22.5% Zinc Oxide
Skin Deep Rating 1 (last updated 3/2011)

Price / Where to Buy: $11.99 / PoofyOrganics.comNotes: I just recently found this one and the ingredients list blew me away.  My friend from Groovy Green Livin’ just did a review recently (she introduced me to it) and here are some of her thoughts on the products performance: “I liked the way it smelled: a light sunscreen fragrance. I also liked the way it spread-it felt as though it was ready to do its job protecting us from the suns harsh rays.  Just as FYI-it does leave a white film after being spread (just means great coverage!).” -Lori, Groovy Green Livin’

eco logical skin care Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30+ (Comes in Baby, Face and Body)
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 22%
Skin Deep Rating: 1 (last updated 2/11)Price / Where to Buy: $13.00 – $24.99 / Use Online Store Finder
Notes: Kathy says, “This is a new brand on the market that whos roots are from the makers of Soleo Organics.  They sought to make a new brand that was more competitively priced and still just as safe and effective.  They succeeded.  I have sampled their Baby and Face sunscreen and both are really great products. It isn’t natural nirvana when you read the ingredients list but it’s much safer than most sunscreens and rates phenomenal in Skin Deep at a 1. Goes on smooth, dries mostly clear (really you can barely tell you have it on) and it’s not greasy at all.  This is a great sunscreen and it worked well for my sensitive skin as well as on my kids through rough sweaty play time. Thumbs up.”

ThinkBaby (ThinkSport) SPF 30+ Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30+
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 25%

Skin Deep Rating 1 (last updated 4/2011)

Price / Where to buy: $16.00 / TheSoftLanding.com (use code TSLSAVE10 for 10% off)
Reviews: Kathy says, “ThinkBaby came out with their sunscreen last year in an effort to make the safest sunscreen possible. They use mostly natural ingredients and it has no harsh scent to it. Just good ingredients that protect really well. ThinkBabys sunscreen has also passed the Whole Foods Premium Care requirements. Leave it to ThinkBaby to come out with a safe product. It’s not sticky in the least – in fact it’s more powdery and does protect.  It’s a little bit white and chalky and washes off easily in water so its not my favorite for water play. Rates well in Skin Deep.”

Loving Naturals Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Non-Nano Zinc Oxide 24.8%
Skin Deep Rating: 1 Last updated 5/2010Price / Where to buy: $9.99 – $18.99 / LovingNaturals.comNotes: This brand was rated the top choice on EWG last year.  Has a great ingredients list, no ickies – totally natural.  I have not had the opportunity to try this out out (I’ll go broke buying all these sunscreens, kids) but it looks promising and gets good reviews. Will test this one out soon.

Elemental Herbs Kids Sunscreen

Protection: Kids SPF 20
Active Ingredient: 25% non-nano Zinc Oxide
Skin Deep Rating: Kids SPF 20: 1 (last updated 7/2010)Price: $8.99 – $19.39 / ElementalHerbs.com

Notes: Comes in 1 and 3 ounce sizes and in a SPORT, SPORT TINTED and a KIDS version.  The Sport Tinted version is SPF 22. I haven’t tried this one either but it looks promising.  Has an all natural ingredients list you can actually read and understand. I’d put this higher on the list but I haven’t actually tried it out to vouch it’s effectiveness. My only beef is that it’s not the full SPF 30 as others. Not sure if that’s a deal breaker or not. Rates a 1 in Skin Deep.

UV Natural Baby SPF 30+ Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30+
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 24.8 %
Skin Deep Rating: 1 (last updated 2/2011)Price: $18.00 / UVNatural.com

Notes: Comes in several formulas and SPF levels including a Broad Spectrum Sport, SPF 15 and  SPF 30 Lip Balms.  Has very respectable ingredients lists.  Rates beautifully in Skin Deep with a 1.  I have not had a chance to try this one since I just learned about the brand but will try to get a sample to investigate.  Looks promising!

Soleo Organics Chemical Free Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 22.3% (Non-Nano)
Skin Deep Rating: 1 (I can only find old formulations in Skin Deep)Price / Where to buy: $9 – $32.00 / SaffronRouge.com
Notes: I haven’t tried this myself but the reviews on Amazon all point to it being a little greasy. A lot of natural sunscreens can be if the ingredients list is pure enough.  I’ve yet to try it (I can’t ever locate a small tube to try out for myself so I may just have to bite the bullet and buy it) but those who use it seem to love it. It has a nice ingredients list and uses non-nano Zinc Oxide so I think it’s a safe bet.  It’s on my “to-buy” list.

Marie Veronique Organics Kid Safe Screen

Protection: SPF 25
Active Ingredient: 20% Non-nano Zinc Oxide

Skin Deep Rating 1 (last updated 05/11)

Price: $19.00

Notes: This company is sending me some samples so I’ll update this bit here when I test it out.  Gentle for all ages. Absorbs into the skin without leaving a greasy or ghostly white film and comes in a pump style container which makes application a bit easier. This is also a vegan sunscreen for those seeking a product that uses no beeswax or animal derived oils.

Kabana Skin Care Green Screen

Protection: SPF 20
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 25%
Skin Deep Rating: 1(last updated 8/2010)
Price: $6.00  – $31.00 depending on size / KabanaSkinCare.com

Notes: Made from “8 edible-grade organic and natural ingredients” and uses non-nano Zinc Oxide for protection. This only has an SPF of 20 (also available in tinted SPF 22 and SPF 15) but it a great option as far as safe ingredients go. Kathy says “I tried a sample of this and I love that its mostly natural, but it makes you look pretty white and powdery looking. It dries on your skin in the chalky end of the spectrum rather than greasy. Does protect and isn’t greasy, but not my favorite.”

Sunscreen Lotions & Sprays with Zinc Oxide and/or Titanium Dioxide

Goddess Garden Kids (& Babies) Natural Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30+
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 6% and Zinc Oxide 6%
Skin Deep Rating: Kids Sunscreen Rating: 2 / Baby Sunscreen Rating: 1
Price / Where to Buy: $13.00 / Good Things Green ThingsNotes: This brand rated really well with EWG .  Has a great ingredients list, 70-80% organic, no icky ingredients.  They also have a variety of adult versions, Kids, Babies and a face sunscreen too. The Baby sunscreen rates the lowest in Skin Deep. Kathy says, “I have been using a tube of their SPF 30 Kids sunscreen with good results.  The texture is more like a lotion than a thicker greasier sunscreen.  It tends to have a fibrous texture to it but does rub in and work well.  I used it for pool swimming and my son got a little red in the cheeks where he had rubbed it off.  I’d use this for non-water activities like playgrounds and outdoor events since it’s not sticky at all. I like this one for the grown ups too. I tend to use it on myself more often than the kids but it’s great for both.”

Episencial Sunny Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 35
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide 10% & Zinc Oxide 4%
Skin Deep Rating: 2 (last updated 2/2011)

Price / Where to buy: $14.99 / The Glass Baby BottleReviews: Kathy says, “I’ve been using this for a few weeks and really like it. It has no strong scent, goes on smooth and isn’t cakey or waxy. Has a lotion texture to it and absorbs great. I like this one for playground and beach time but I would advise to follow the reapplication instructions as per the product.  Since it absorbs so well it’s hard to tell if it’s still on or has washed off. The ingredients list isn’t perfect, but it’s certainly conscientious, using organic ingredients and is safer than a lot of brands I’ve experienced.  I also like the higher SPF count and the fact that it isn’t suffocating to use.  I use this on myself a lot too. Mommy likes it.”

Mexitan Sunscreen Lotions

Protection: Comes in SPF 15, SPF 30 and SPF 50
Active Ingredient: Non-Nano Titanium Oxide & Zinc Oxide
Skin Deep Rating: SPF 50: 1 (last updated 6/2010)Price / Where to buy: $14.95 – $19.95 / Mexitan.com
Notes: This brand has a great ingredients list overall and rates well in Skin Deep. It was under a little scrutiny last year when the vitamin A issue came up but they’ve since removed it from their formulas.  I ordered their SPF 50 to test out. Kathy says “This sunscreen is one of the higher SPF’s I’ve seen that aren’t chemical.  Though I don’t know that the protection is much greater than SPF 30 in most cases.  It has a great ingredients list.  It goes on pretty white and will appear chalky if not rubbed in fast.  I think due to the higher SPF it has this result. The SPF 30 might be better. It protected well at the beach.  No harsh scent.  Thumbs up.  I’m not head over heels but it’s effective and safe.”

Erbaviva Natural Children’s Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 15
Active Ingredient: Micronized Titanium Dioxide
Skin Deep Rating: N/A
Price / Where to buy: $29 / SaffronRouge.com

Reviews: Kathy says, “ This sunscreen blends in wonderful and there is no over powering scent whatsoever – great for faces. I use it mostly on myself as a daily sunscreen since the SPF is lower. Works great under make up too. My only wish is that this came in a higher SPF. The price point is a bit high (really…. 30 bucks for a sunscreen?) and there are comparable sunscreens now that cost less.  It’s a great product though and I have enjoyed using it. ” Full review here.

Aubrey Organics Natural Sun SPF 30+ Unscented Sensitive Skin/Children

Protection: SPF 30+ (Comes in other variations)
Active Ingredient: Zinc oxide 12%, titanium dioxide 5.6% (Non-nano particle with particle size averaging 202nm)
Skin Deep Rating: This version not yet rated by the Face SPF 15 rates a 2
Price / Where to Buy: $13.00 / AubreyOrganics.comNotes: Aubrey Organics was off the 2010 list for a reason I can’t recall but it appears they have reformulated and repackaged with some new variations of their sunscreen using Zinc and Titanium Oxides.  I just stumbled on this out of curiosity so it’s on the list of “need to test out for performance” but sunscreen is expensive and I don’t always get samples.  Will edit to add when I have a chance to try this and a few others. Looks great though.

California Baby Everyday/Year-Round™ Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30+ (Also avail. in SPF 18 Lotion and a bug/sun combo)
Active Ingredient: Micronized Titanium Dioxide (CA Baby does not specify particle size and does not respond to inquiries)
Skin Deep Rating SPF 30: 1 (last updated 7/2010) SPF 18 Lotion: 2 (last updated 7/2010)Prices: $19.99 – 39.00 
Reviews: Kathy Says: “CA Baby SPF 30 goes on thick and works well but it’s sticky and makes you look a bit white (or purple depending on how much you use!). However this is one of the more effective brands. Their website claims its not greasy but that has been the case for me.  Perhaps they have changed their formula since I last tried it. It’s also the most accessible as it’s easy to find in a pinch – they carry it at stores like Target and at local grocery chains. Many parents have been using this one and I think it would fit well for swimming or beach days when you need something durable.  The greasier sunscreens like this one and Badger seem to be the most water resistant. Prices went up too… $20-40 bucks depending on the size.”

Mama Rose’s Naturals SunBlocker All Natural Sunscreen

Protection: SPF 30, SPF 50
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
Skin Deep Rating: N/A
Price / Where to buy: $15.00 – 18.00 /MamaRosesNaturals.com

Notes: Seems to be chemical free, comes in an SPF 50 too.Kathy says “I like this sunscreen and it’s one of the few times I’ve seen an SPF higher than 30 on a natural sunscreen, although I have heard that anything above a 30 doesn’t offer much extra protection. Goes on white, but its never sticky or slimy like others can be. Is a little chalky but I think that’s due to the high SPF. Rinses off too easily when swimming though.  The small size is great for a purse or bag but not my favorite. “

BienElla Sun Care Spray/Pump

Protection: SPF 25
Active Ingredient: Non-nano Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide
Skin Deep Rating: 0 (last updated 3/2011)Price: $28.00 /  Lullaby OrganicsNotes: Kathy says, “I was excited about this brand because of the great ingredients and the pump style packaging.  Anything to make my life easier.  The ingredients are stellar, doesn’t irritate the skin and protects really well, even with swimming. I didn’t love the whiteness (it goes on really white due to the nature of the safe ingredients, and if not rubbed in straight away looks a bit like you rubbed on some white paint. It doesn’t feel greasy and it is pretty water resistant but can be chalky and difficult to apply on slippery kids. With the fab ingredients list though, it’s hard to cast it aside. A bit on the pricey side too. Their bug repellent however is fantastic.”

Sunblock Sticks

Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sports Stick

Protection: SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20% (non-nanoparticle)
Skin Deep Rating:
Price: $12.00 for a .6oz stick that lasts a long time.
Notes: SafeMama.com Award Winner. Kathy says, “I don’t know how they did it, but Babo Botanicals made a sunscreen that isn’t white.  No matter how much you put on, it goes on CLEAR.  It’s a miracle.  It smells like green apples, smooths on well and did I mention it’s not white?? This would be great for lips too because it’s clear.  I cannot tell you how much I hate having white lips from natural lip blocks!  I have always had a soft spot for Babo Botanicals and this is why… they keep making great products.  This product is also vegan for those looking for a vegan solution.  Love this product!  I won’t live without it. My new summer staple. “

Purple Prairie Sun Stick

Protection: SPF 30
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 20% (Z-Cote)
Skin Deep Rating: 1 (last updated 2/2011)Price: $9.00 / Good Things Green Things
Notes: Purple Prairie has some great products and this one in particular has a fabulous ingredients list.  Totally chemical free and uses mostly organic ingredients.  Kathy says, “This is a great product to have on hand and I like the stick being wider so it covers more area.  That said, there is a whiteness to content with and it is a little sticker than a lotion because of it’s solid nature.  But it protects and it was a life saver for me on a day I was caught without something for the pool.  Great choice for a solid sunblock. I love Purple Prairie’s sun products.”

Badger Balm SPF 30+ Sunscreen All Season Face Stick

Protection: SPF 30+
Active Ingredient: Non-Nano Uncoated Zinc Oxide 22.5%
Skin Deep Rating: 1 (last updated 4/2011)

Price / Where to buy: $8.50 / MightyNest.com (use code “Safe10″ for 10% off)
Notes: I love all of Badger Balm’s products and this one is no exception for my love.  Badger’s face stick is all natural and uses mostly Certified Organic ingredients. It’s very water resistant (retains SPF protection up to 80 minutes), safe for children of all ages, blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and protects from sun, windburn, and chapping. This is a good one to have on hand and can be found relatively easily in stores and online. There is a level of whiteness with this and most natural sunscreen sticks but can be reduced with rubbing.

TruKid Unscented SPORT Sunny Days Stick

Protection: SPF 35+
Active Ingredient: Zinc Oxide 24%
Skin Deep Rating: 1 (last updated 4/2011)Price: $12.99Reviews: I’ve used their other sunstick formula with success and do like it.  This is their newer product that is now unscented and they changed the sunscreen ingredient from Titanium Dioxide to Zinc Oxide.   I would like to include all of TruKids Sunscreen products but they do contain phenoxyethanol.  TruKid has said theirs is derived from roses but I have been unsuccessful in determining if there are different types of phenoxyethanol.  Everything I’ve read has been mostly negative about the ingredient. I have a hard time getting anyone to explain this more in depth to me and usually the companies who use the ingredient will only tell me that its naturally derived.  While all their products work great I can only include their Sunny Days sticks on the cheat sheet.  This product however passed my requirements.

California Baby Everyday/Year-Round™ Sunblock Stick

Protection: SPF 30+
Active Ingredient: Micronized Titanium Dioxide 18%
Skin Deep Rating: 2 (last updated 7/2010) Unscented stick rates a 1
Price: $14.99

Notes: I haven’t used this one personally but I’m sure it works as intended.  My only concern with this one is the use of Titanium and the lack of knowledge I have regarding the particle size.  I’ve contacted CA Baby in the past and have been unsuccessful at obtaining a response. This one is readily available and easy to find in stores and while it’s not my first choice, it will do in a pinch.

Kiss My Face Kids SPF 30 Sun Stick

Protection: SPF 30 (Comes in blue, pink and “clear”)
Active Ingredient: Titanium Dioxide (12.5%), Zinc Oxide (7.5%)
Skin Deep Rating: N/A
Price: $10.00 / Kiss My Face

Notes: I haven’t used this one either and the reviews regarding the blue and pink sticks say it’s a little weird but the white stick claims to rub in clear. Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide (12.5%), Zinc Oxide (7.5%) Cera Alba (Beeswax), Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Theobroma Cacao (Coco Butter), Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Sweet Orange) Essential Oil, Citrus Tangerina (Tangerine) Essential Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) May Contain: Mica, Iron Oxides *=Organic

Sunscreen’s That Almost Make the Cut

But don’t due to a questionable ingredient. Some of you think I’m too strict and some of you think I’m not strict enough. I’m always torn when a really great sunscreen doesn’t make the list because there is one or two ingredients that don’t sit right with me.  Phenoxyethanol is a deal breaker for me.  Not because I’m trying to make your life difficult (I swear that is not my intention) but because I’ve read information that makes me wonder if its just another paraben in the grand scheme of things.  Some of these are good products, products I’ve used and liked but were cautious to recommend. Dimethicone has been a big question mark too.  There has been some questionable info published about it and I can’t seem to get a straight answer on that information from a 3rd party with no particular company involvement.  Companies that use it swear by it’s safety (and it even rates low in Skin Deep).  Companies that don’t seem to have good reasons to avoid it. It’s a chemical derived from sand meant to provide lubrication (makes a product go on smoother). Companies that don’t use it choose natural oils or butters instead.  So it will have to be a judgement call on your part if you want to avoid it or not. As you can see from above, there are so many great sunscreens that function well without it. To their credit though, all these sunscreens below are free of chemical sun blocking ingredients, parabens, phthalates, PEG’s, and propylene glycol.

• TruKid Sunny Days Sunscreen SPF 30 (Phenoxyethanol content)
• JASON Mineral Based SPF 30+ Sunblock (Dimethicone, Benzyl Alcohol)
• Kiss My Face Kids Natural Mineral Sunblock Lotion (Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin-A), Phenoxyethanol, Cocamidopropyl Betaine)
• Alba Botanical Kids Mineral Sunblock SPF 30 (Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone)
• Burt’s Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen (sodium borate (borax), A Canadian reader also told me her tube claims its not to be used on children under 3…. true?)

Sunscreen Usage and Sun Tips

Follow the directions on the sunscreen you use for proper sun protection.However, our motto is “everything in moderation”. This means sun exposure too of course. It’s ok to be out in the sun for 20 minutes without covering every square inch of your kid with SPF 80. Sun exposure is good for us, (Vitamin D!), and it’s been studied that people – especially kids – with regular moderate time in the sun are healthier and may have less risk of developing conditions like Multiple Sclerosis or other auto-immune deficiencies. But sunburns are not good, so choose a safe sunscreen for long days in the sun and apply according to the directions for days when extended sun exposure is on the docket!

When the option is available, use hats, cotton clothing or use the shade of umbrellas to avoid too much sun exposure. No need to bake in the sun all day… keep cool and stay in the shade! Investing in some SPF Protected clothing for the kids is a good idea too. Reduces the need for so much sunscreen and can have a UVB protection of up to 50. Snapper Rock makes great SPF Swimwear for kids. We also like Baby Banz Sun Hats for baby and kids… they also have a wide brimmed bucket hat with an Ultraviolet Protection Factor rating of 50+. The wide brim helps keep sun off kids faces. If you can avoid prolonged sun exposure between 10-2 it’s recommended.

Most importantly enjoy the outdoors and fresh air! Be sure to check out our Safer Bug Repellent Report for safe choices to keep the buggies at bay.