Playing in the sun is not only beneficial for your children’s development but it is also a great way for them to burn their never ending supply of energy. It allows your little ones to get the needed vitamin D. While most of us know that sunscreen is essential, we often forget that our little ones need sunscreen too. In this article, we’ll look at the best sunscreen for kids.
Little ones love to play outside with their friends. However, because Singapore is located close to the equator, the country is exposed to rather intense ultraviolet (UV) levels.
Singapore’s natural hot climate is further exacerbated by the effects of global warming in recent years. Therefore, higher UV level readings which makes being exposed to sun rays more harmful.
Why do children need sunscreen?
Overexposure to UV rays may lead to sunburn, damaged skin and possibly severe illnesses like skin cancer.
To prevent this, the proper use of sunscreen is definitely important. This is especially so if your child is very active and athletic, doing lots of sports outdoors.
Regular sunscreen suitable for adults might not be safe for children and babies. Their skin is more delicate and using harsh products may lead to irritation.
Some sunscreens are made with harmful or even toxic chemicals that may hurt the skin cells. Therefore, it is important to look for safer sunscreen alternatives, ones that are filled with healthy minerals.
If you have a beach day or park outing planned, be sure to pack some long-lasting, heavy duty sunscreen. For day to day use, feel free to opt for a more lightweight formula.
How to apply sunscreen for kids
Spray bottles allow for more even application and take less time to apply. However, they may need a second coating.
On the other hand, lotion would ensure a higher level of protection and nourishment.
- Step 1: Shake the product well.
- Step 2: Squeeze the product onto your palm. For sunscreen that comes in a spray bottle, spray generously, directly onto skin.
- Step 3: Spread product out thoroughly on all parts that are exposed to sunlight, while making sure that no product goes into your child’s eyes.
What to look for in your kids’ sunscreen
Now that we are certain of the many benefits that come with using sunscreen, the vast array of options on the market may make the process of choosing the perfect one for your children overwhelming.
Here are some tips to remember when choosing sunscreen and choosing the best sunscreen for your kids. In addition, we have listed down the various criteria you should keep in mind when selecting the best product for your family.
Sun Protection Factor (SPF)
SPF is a measure of how well that particular sunscreen protects against UV rays. Therefore, the higher the SPF, the better!
While some research says to pick a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15, experts recommend going for sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Consistency
Often, sunscreen with greater UV protection leaves a thicker feel that may feel uncomfortable.
Thus, choosing a sunscreen with a lighter consistency might not be a bad thing. It could actually encourage your little one to wear it more often.
Organic Ingredients
Selecting a sunscreen with natural ingredients allows you to “feed" your skin with minerals rather than chemicals.
Harmful Chemicals to Avoid
Avoid sunscreen that has oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate or octinoxate as they may be hazardous.
Duration
Be sure to double check how long the sunscreen will last before it has to be re-applied. Also consider how long your child is going to be out in the sun for.
Best Sunscreen for Kids
| Best For… |
Brand |
| Best Daily Sunscreen for Kids |
Mama’s Choice Baby Gentle Sunscreen SPF30 PA++ |
| Best Nourishing Sunscreen for Kids |
BabyGanics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen SPF 50+ |
| Best Sunscreen for Sporty Kids |
Banana Boat Simply Protect Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ |
| Best Organic Sunscreen for Kids |
MooGoo Natural Sunscreen SPF 40+ |
| Best Lightweight Sunscreen for Kids |
Safe Sea Organic Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 |
| Best Sunscreen for Kids with Sensitive Skin |
Wotnot Naturals Baby Sunscreen SPF30 |
Best Sunscreen for Kids
 | Mama's Choice Baby Gentle Sunscreen |  | View Details | Buy Now |
 | BabyGanics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen SPF 50+ Best Nourishing Sunscreen for Kids | | View Details | Buy Now |
 | Banana Boat Simply Protect Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ Best Sunscreen for Sporty Kids | | View Details | Buy Now |
 | MooGoo Natural Sunscreen SPF 40+ Best Organic Sunscreen for Kids | | View Details | Buy Now |
 | Nivea Sun Kids Moisturising Sun Spray SPF50+ Best Lightweight Sunscreen for Kids | | View Details | Buy Now |
 | Wotnot Naturals Baby Sunscreen SPF 30 Best Sunscreen for Kids with Sensitive Skin | | View Details | Buy Now |
Best Daily Sunscreen for Kids
Mama’s Choice Baby Gentle Sunscreen is the perfect everyday sunscreen for babies as it effectively prevents sunburn while nourishing the skin.
Unlike other sunscreens, this baby sunscreen uses mineral sunscreen to create a physical barrier on your baby’s sensitive skin to protect it from harmful UV rays.
This fragrance and alcohol-free formula is also enriched with the goodness of aloe vera to hydrate the skin, avocado to protect the skin from free radicals, and coconut to soothe the skin.
What We Love:
- Broad spectrum SPF30
- Dermatologically tested
- Hypoallergenic
- No alcohol
- No fragrance
- Designed and lab-tested in Singapore
Best Nourishing Sunscreen for Kids
If you’re looking for a highly effective yet nourishing sunscreen, the BabyGanics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen SPF 50+ is what we recommend. This sunscreen has been designed specifically with children in mind.
Help your little ones apply it before they head into the sun and if you guys have a pool day planned, make sure to reapply it immediately after towel drying.
It helps prevent sunburn, is water resistant for up to 80 minutes of swimming, and is non-allergenic.
What We Love:
- Tear free formula.
- Broad spectrum SPF 50+.
- UVA + UVB protection.
- Water resistant (80 Minutes).
- Non-allergenic.
- NeoNourish natural seed oil blend.
- Pediatrician + dermatologist-tested.
Best Sunscreen for Sporty Kids
The Banana Boat Simply Protect Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+ is our pick for sporty kids. It is a mineral-based sunscreen that is mild and gentle enough for even the most delicate skin.
Its special formula is gentle on the skin, it does not contain oxybenzone, parabens, or fragrances. 20 minutes before your kids head to soccer practice, make sure the Banana Boat Protect Baby Sunscreen is generously applied on their skin.
What We Love:
- Mineral-based.
- Mild and gentle.
- Suitable for delicate skin.
- No oxybenzone and parabens.
- No added oils or fragrances.
- Tear-free formula.
- Broad spectrum UVA/UVB.
Best Organic Sunscreen for Kids
Say goodbye to the days of worrying whether there are harmful chemicals in your children’s sunscreen!
The MooGoo Natural Sunscreen is long-lasting and is suitable for all ages. Fun fact, the creators of this sunscreen spent 4 years formulating and perfecting this product.
They wanted to make a good, broad spectrum sun protection lotion using only zinc while also making sure that it would not be too greasy.
Zinc acts like a reflective umbrella on the skin, ensuring that harmful rays would not be absorbed.
What We Love:
- Long-lasting and moisturising.
- Natural.
- Water-resistant.
- Non-greasy.
- No chemical UV filters.
- Suitable for all ages and skin types.
- Active ingredient: Zinc Oxide 24.96%.
Best Lightweight Sunscreen for Kids
Nivea is a brand that most of us know and love. Undoubtedly, the Nivea Sun Kids Moisturising Sun Spray does indeed live up to the brand’s good reputation. It was formulated specifically for children’s delicate skin.
The mild, gentle formula reduces the risk of sun allergies. The spray bottle allows for easy application—some children may even find fun in the application process of spraying and applying!
What We Love:
- Water-resistant.
- Non-greasy.
- Non-sticky.
- Quick absorption.
- Suitable for sensitive skin.
Best Sunscreen for Kids with Sensitive Skin
There is no doubt that this award winning, high protection face and body sunscreen would make this list of our top picks!
The Wotnot Naturals Baby Sunscreen is enriched with all natural and certified organic ingredients. Zinc, coupled with the most gentle, natural extracts are incorporated into its production process.
With the finest ingredients, like aloe vera and shea butter, it is suitable for babies from 3 months old onwards.
What We Love:
- 100% natural.
- Zinc which provides broad spectrum UV protection.
- Specially designed for problem prone and extra sensitive skin.
- Suitable for baby from 3 months old onwards.
- Organic ingredients.
- Free from titanium dioxide.
- Broad spectrum protection against UV-A and UV-B.
- No artificial preservatives.
Price Comparison Table
One last important factor when considering which product to purchase is how much it costs. We know how busy being a parent can get, to make it simple for you, we have broken it down in this table.
|
Product
|
Volume (ml) or Weight (g)
|
Price (SGD)
|
Price/mL or Price/g
|
|
BabyGanics Mineral-Based Baby Sunscreen SPF 50+
|
177ml
|
$25.90
|
$0.14/ml
|
|
Banana Boat Simply Protect Baby Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+
|
98ml
|
$16.90
|
$0.17/ml
|
|
MooGoo Natural Sunscreen SPF 40+
|
120g
|
$33.90
|
$0.28/g
|
|
Nivea Sun Kids Moisturising Sun Spray SPF 50+
|
200ml
|
$20.61
|
$0.10/ml
|
|
Wotnot Naturals Baby Sunscreen SPF 30
|
150g
|
$31.90
|
$0.21/g
|
Note: Each item and price is up to date as of publication, however, an item may be sold out or the price may be different at a later date.
Aside from skin protection, parents should also provide learning and development for their kids. Read more here: Best Kids Story Books for 4-5 Year Olds
