With summer fast approaching, it's time to replenish your sunscreen supply. But before you do, you'll want to know which products are safest and most effective — especially when it comes to protecting the kids. The Environmental Working Group released its list of best and worst sunscreens for kids, and we're betting you've used at least a few of these brands. So before you head to the beach or pool, check your products carefully.
Sonya Lunder, EWG senior analyst, tells CafeMom that one red flag to watch out for is super high Sun Protection Factor (SPF) levels. Why? Those big numbers offer a false sense of security, and parents don't apply as liberally or as often as they should.
"SPF values between 15 and 50 are good, but the best are between 30 to 50," she says, adding that it's important to reapply every two hours.
EWG also told us which chemicals to watch out for. Check out their recommendations for which ones to buy and which to avoid, for a safe, fun summer!
Image via BlueOrange Studio
Worst: Up & Up Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55
Up & Up Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55 only provides moderate UVA protection, according to EWG. They recommend an alternative to this product, which also contains oxybenzone, a hormone disrupting chemical.
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Worst: Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70+
Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Spray, SPF 70+ is on the list because of its high SPF rating and the ingredients oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate. According to the EWG, on sun-exposed skin, government studies show retinyl palmitate may speed development of skin tumors and lesions! Plus: "Sprays are really worrisome for us," says Lunder. "Alcohol is so light, it evaporates immediately so it's hard to know that you're putting on enough."
The stick version of this sunscreen is also on the list of the worst sunscreens to buy.
Worst: Hampton Sun Continuous Mist Sunscreen For Kids, SPF 70
Hampton Sun Continuous Mist Sunscreen For Kids, SPF 70 is not recommended as the spray poses an inhalation risk for kids and it may not cover their skin completely. Lunder points out that because of the alcohol content in sprays, they evaporate quickly, leaving you unable to tell which parts of the body have been covered completely.
Worst: Equate Kids Sunscreen Stick Broad Spectrum SPF 55
Accroding to the EWG, the ingredients found in Equate Kids Sunscreen Stick, Broad Spectrum SPF 55, pose a "high health concern."
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Worst: CVS Baby Sunstick Sunscreen, SPF 55
CVS Baby Sunstick Sunscreen, SPF 55 contains both oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, which are harmful — especially to children. Lunder also notes that sticks are not as effective on large areas of the body.
Worst: Coppertone Water Babies
The second worst sunscreen is Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Stick, SPF 55. You're probably wondering how something with "Water Babies" in its title could be bad but it contains oxybenzone, a hormone disrupting chemical.
Three more Coppertone products also made the "Worst List":
- Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion Kids, SPF 70+
- Coppertone Foaming Lotion Sunscreen Kids Wacky Foam, SPF 70+
- Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 70+
Worst: Banana Boat Kids Max Protect & Play Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100
Banana Boat Kids Max Protect & Play Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 100 contains oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, making it a poor choice for little ones. Also, that off-the-charts SPF level lulls parents into a false sense of security, notes Lunder, as they're tempted to use less or reapply less often.
Best: Bare Belly Organics Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30
Bare Belly Organics Baby Sunscreen, SPF 30 provides excellent UV protection, according to the EWG. Its ingredients pose a "low" health concern.
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Best: Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, SPF 30
Badger Kids Sunscreen Cream, SPF 30 gets high marks for its excellent UVA protection. (That cute badger on the bottle doesn't hurt either!)
Best: Babyhampton beach*bum Sunscreen, SPF 30
Baby Hampton Beach Bum Sunscreen, SPF 30 is fragrance-free, which makes it a quality choice for those whose skin may be extra-sensitive. It also offers excellent UV protection.
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Best: ATTITUDE Little Ones 100% Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
ATTITUDE Little Ones 100% Mineral Sunscreen, Fragrance Free, SPF 30's ingredients pose a low health concern, according EWG.
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Best: All Terrain KidSport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
All Terrain KidSport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30 is oxybenzone- and paraben-free, making it a healthier choice for kids.
Best: All Good SPF 33 Kids Sunscreen Lotion
Zinc oxide is the active ingredient in All Good SPF 33 Kids Sunscreen Lotion, making it a excellent UVA protection.
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Adorable Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+
Adorable Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30+ tops the list for best sunscreens as ranked by the EWG.
