When summer comes, we prepare our sunny days with everything we need. It is time to get the best sunscreen for sensitive skin, thus being able to enjoy all the hours of bathing and relaxation that this season brings us. However, our protection is not the only one that matters to us, far from it. There are also our children.
The skin is the largest organ in the body and perhaps the most delicate. We all know that the skin fulfills the function of covering the body, therefore it is exposed to thousands of external factors that can affect it, as well as temperature, sunrays, humidity and even the friction of clothes can affect the state of the skin.
However, one of the factors that cause more damage to the skin is – without a doubt – the sun, since it is the one that is most present day by day. The sun not only affects us on a day at the pool or at the beach but also when we simply walk in the street. Even when the day is cloudy, we can receive a certain amount of UV rays in the same way as when the day is clear.
In the case of babies and children, you have to be more careful with their skin, since it is much more delicate than that of an adult. In addition, children tend to spend a lot of time playing in parks or gardens in the sun, so it must also be taken into account that you do not only have to be careful when they are at the beach or pool.
One of the most efficient products for skin care is sunscreen, as no other product or implement acts better as a shield against the sun’s UV rays. These creams prevent the skin from absorbing the negative factors that are obtained when there is sun exposure. They also prevent burns, spots due to the sun, sunstroke and premature aging of the skin.
There are many types of sunscreen on the market; there are different brands, models and also types. One of the most identifiable variations between protectors is their protection capacity, this is called SPF (due to its acronym in English: Sun Protection Factor) and can range from level 8 to 130 or more.
Obviously, the more SPF the more protection. However, this is not a value that should be taken as the only one for any circumstance, that is, we should not think that a protector with lower SPF is of poor quality, but that it can be used for less aggressive exposures and less delicate skin.
In this way, we can then deduce that a baby or child with very fair skin should have more protection in the summer than a person with more resistant skin should. In the same way, the season in which it is located must also be taken into account, since the same sun protection will not be required in the summer and in the fall, for example.
Continuing with the case of children and babies, today there are various brands, which have oriented their sun protection products especially to these. So well, we recommend best sunscreens for kids and babies sensitive skin especially for children.
The fact that they are for children makes us think about what details or factors they may contain, in some cases some brands implement fragrances, colors and packaging designs that are “striking” for a child. However, in general, the vast majority focus on creating a product that better protects the delicate skin of a baby or child, that is, they are more effective in terms of protecting the sun’s rays. As well as, their mixtures are more “friendly” with the condition of a child, since products with very strong chemicals may not be beneficial for the sensitive skin of a baby.
Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin Reciews in 2023
- Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen
- Babyganics SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Lotion
- Nivea Sun Moisturising Sun Lotion
- BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt In Milk Body & Face Sunscreen
- Elizabeth Arden Miracle Balm
- Coppertone Pure and Simple Baby Sunscreen
- EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen
- Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Advanced Sensitive Spray
- Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Choosing between a wide variety of brands can be quite a difficult job since we will not be able to know at first glance which is the best or all its specifications. For this reason, here we will leave you a brief review of the most prominent brands on the market, so you will know all the details of each presentation and you can choose the best sunscreen for sensitive skin that best suits your case.
Thinkbaby SPF 50+ Baby Sunscreen
Think Baby sunscreen is another sun protection product specially oriented for use in children and babies. Therefore, it also orients its formula and composition to the delicacy of the skin of the smallest of the house.
ThinkBaby is an American brand that focuses on producing all kinds of baby products, from baby bottles to care products, as well as sunscreen. So well, we can then sense that these products are very safe for application on the skin of babies, without risk of allergic reactions or other types of side effects.
One of the virtues of this sunscreen is its safety; it is totally free of chemicals that are considered biologically harmful. This makes it a perfect product to use on a daily basis, especially on children, babies or anyone with very sensitive skin. The power and consistency of this product make it extremely good to apply to the face and to skin that is naturally extremely dry.
This product is extremely easy to implement, it also has a very pleasant and one hundred percent natural smell, unlike other protectors that implement artificial fragrances that, in addition to being annoying or very strong, contain alcohol, which can be harmful in some cases.
The formula of this product is basically mineral, it is not greasy at all and this makes it very easy to spread over any area of the body, it also does not leave an unpleasant feeling on the skin, nor does it leave white marks on it, so it imperceptible after application.
A very remarkable aspect of this product is that it is completely ecological in composition, the only active ingredient it contains is 20% zinc oxide. This product is the one that provides the best sun protection through a natural and ecological formula, its production is certified and even its packaging is free of BPA, vinyl and phthalates.
ThinkBaby sunscreen has great water resistance; it can stay on the skin for up to 80 minutes while in an aquatic environment, this gives your baby more playtime without having to worry about reapplying sunscreen.
The SPF protection level is 50+, which is the highest in this type of product, this gives us security and enough protection capable of avoiding burns, heat stroke and other problems caused by radiation from the sun’s rays.
ThinkBaby is endorsed by the FDA, and was chosen by the Environmental Working Group, in 2010, as the number one product in quality through an ecological formula, which shows us that it is a product with a very good reputation and history.
This product does not contain harmful chemicals. Its composition is free of Avobenzone, Oxybenzone and any other chemical substance that is used as an absorber for UVA rays. In addition, the formula does not contain nanoparticles, neither parabens, phthalates, PABA nor dioxane. Incredibly, this product does not use gluten in its formulation either. In this way, the sunscreen avoids any type of reaction due to foreign substances or very strong for the baby’s body.
Therefore, in conclusion, ThinkBaby sunscreen is a product belonging to a very recognized brand and endorsed by different institutions, which highlight and reward the quality of the organic production of all its products. In this case, we find a sunscreen free of harmful substances, it is only governed by its mineral components to protect the skin from the sun’s radiation and its use was specially designed for babies.
Most of the people who have purchased this product have awarded this product the highest number of stars, having had an excellent experience with this sunscreen. They highlight the fact that it is quite effective and thanks to its composition being totally natural, this product does not cause adverse effects on the skin and protects it in a great way. It is also mentioned that it is not only used in babies, but because of its great power, it is also used for the whole family, especially those with sensitive skin.
Babyganics SPF 50 Baby Sunscreen Lotion
Babyganics Sunscreen is one of the best sunscreen for kids with sensitive skin. This newborn lotion is a particularly pediatric product, so its use in children is very reliable. The implemented compounds are intended for use on delicate and sensitive skin, such as children and babies.
Babyganics Sunscreen Lotion is very fine and easy to spread, so there is no problem when applying the protector all over the child’s body.
This protector is not greasy nor does it leave the skin shiny, nor does it stain and is resistant to water and friction, so it does not come off easily when having long baths in the pool or when rubbing the skin with an object, clothing or cloth. When this protector is applied it is barely perceptible to the eye.
However, this product does not act as a total mirror of the sun’s rays, but allows the skin to take on a subdued color, but without any type of burn. It should also be noted that this protector uses WetFlex Technology, which in addition to being in charge of its resistance to water, also makes this product absorb very quickly by the skin, it gives the sensation of acting like a gel on it, although it is a cream.
Babyganics Sunscreen can also be applied to wet skin; this is quite suitable for use in swimming pools or beaches, since we can retouch the protector on the child’s body without having to wait for it to dry completely.
Similarly, the most recommended application method is the following:
- Apply generously to completely dry skin
- It is recommended that the first application be thirty minutes before sun exposure
- Touch up the protector every two hours or when sweating excessively, swimming for a long time or after toweling off
The SPF level of this protector is 50+ which gives us a fairly long time of sun protection, this is ideal for use in children and especially when it is summer and we are visiting the park, the beach or the pool. Although it must be taken into account that snow also reflects the sun’s rays and this produces more radiation and we can suffer burns in the same way as on the beach, so sunscreen can also be used in exposed areas in that case.
The Babyganics Sunscreen protector can also moisturize the skin in a great way, so we will not end with an annoying dryness or promote this condition in case our skin is already of this type, but on the contrary, we will be moisturizing the skin in a great way and without realizing it. Thanks to this effect, we can also avoid having to apply another moisturizing product at the end of the day, since we will achieve that effect thanks to the sunscreen.
It should be noted that this protector has a quite pleasant smell and leaves a feeling of freshness on the skin. This provides comfort to use, since it can become annoying that the protector provides a sensation of greasiness on the skin and its smell is not the same. More appropriate.
If we take into account the evaluations made by the buyers of this product we can achieve that this is undoubtedly a protector of high quality. All users agree that its action is quite effective; it prevents sunburn and moisturizes the skin. In addition, it is highlighted that it has a good smell and the sensation it leaves is not uncomfortable, they also highlight that thanks to the fact that it comes in a large presentation (177 ml) it can be used for the whole family.
Nivea Sun Moisturising Sun Lotion
Nivea is a brand of cosmetic products, especially oriented to skin care. This brand is known worldwide, it is one of the most important in this area and the most famous. Nivea started in the world of cosmetic products in 1911 when the first moisturizing cream was invented, however, today they have an extremely wide range of products where sunscreens are obviously found.
The “Sun kids” line is a range of sunscreens specially designed for children. In these products, the primary use is made of a formula suitable for the delicate skin of the smallest of the house.
The sunscreen of the Sun Kids line has a protection of 50+ SPF, which guarantees a protection of more than fifty minutes to a considerable solar radiation, such as that of a very sunny summer day.
This protector is composed of a formula that prevents the skin from absorbing UVA – UBV rays; it acts as a shield that immediately repels the sun’s rays. This gives us security when leaving the child or baby playing in the sun. Most protectors recommend applying the protector 45 minutes before going out in the sun, however, this protector act from the first minute it is applied.
The consistency of the Nivea Sun Kids +50 is quite manageable and it comes in a presentation that allows application by means of a spray for better spreading. However, it is not liquid enough to be ejected by the atomizer in an optimal way, but it is not a problem to handle and apply it on the skin, since it does not have the consistency of a cream.
The protector of the Sun Kids line belongs in turn to a range of moisturizing products, so in addition to protecting the skin, it also keeps it moisturized, which is quite conducive to dry skin, as well as we can also take advantage of this protective in drier environments which cause dry skin, for example, on a winter day.
This protector is water resistant , which leaves us protected even after leaving the beach or the pool, however, it is best to apply a new layer of protector after each bath, likewise, the protector must also be renewed later having met the SPF time.
When the protector is applied to a very strong sun, it acts as a mild bronzer, that is, even if we apply it, we can continue to adopt a soft color on the skin. This is quite beneficial for those who, even using protector, want to obtain a color on their skin.
Nivea Sun Kids protector is fast absorbing and because it is not very greasy, it does not stain clothes after application. This product is dermatologically certified, this assures us of its quality and in this way, we can apply it without worry.
The vast majority of the people who have acquired this product confirm that this project acts effectively and claim that they are permanent customers of the brand, that is, that they have implemented the product for a long time and do not have complaints that make them have to change of protector. 99% of the ratings for this protector are positive, the different cases are very strange and isolated, and so if you want to be safe, you can opt for this brand of sunscreen.
BLUE LIZARD Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt In Milk Body & Face Sunscreen
Elizabeth Arden Miracle Balm
Coppertone Pure and Simple Baby Sunscreen
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen
Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Advanced Sensitive Spray
The L’Oréal Company manufactures Garnier Ambre Solaire sunscreen. This is a company of French origin, highly known in the world of cosmetics and beauty. L’Oréal began producing products in 1907, but then it specialized in hair products, specifically hair dyes.
Today L’Oréal is the largest cosmetic company in the world and produces everything from hair care products, dyes, makeup, perfumes, and skin care products. In addition to this, the company is constantly evolving with respect to its products, as they are one of the most pioneers in dermatological, toxicological and biopharmaceutical research issues.
In this way, we cannot doubt that this protector is a quality product since the history of its producer has a very good reputation.
The Garnier Ambre Solaire protector comes in a 200 ml presentation, which is quite useful for family use, or to be a product for long-term use, since this is a considerable amount for long-lasting use, it can even be used for cover a whole summer’s need.
Garnier Ambre Solaire offers photostable type protection and prevents IVB and UVA rays from penetrating the skin, even for periods greater than 50 minutes. The manufacturer ensures that this protector can protect us up to 80 continuous minutes, which is more than enough to protect the skin while on the beach or in the pool.
The Garnier Ambre Solaire formula has a formula whose composition is endorsed by pediatric control, which guarantees a safe application on the skin of children and babies. The composition is very hypoallergenic and does not contain parabens, so it can be used on all skin types without worrying about a possible allergic reaction.
This protector also comes in a spray or atomizer type presentation, in this way it can be applied much more easily and spread throughout the body more quickly. This method is quite suitable for application in children, since normally they do not tend to stay still or calm when applying sunscreen.
The way to use this product is very simple, we simply have to apply a good amount of the product all over the skin and spread using circular movements, in the way we had better cover each space of the skin. After application, it is best to wait for it to dry and apply another layer if you have very delicate skin. We must reapply the protector constantly; the best will be after two hours and especially after long periods of bathing.
Due to its high level of SPF and paraben-free composition, this product is highly recommended for children and babies with delicate skin, with the protector we will be sure that the skin will not suffer burns and will be protected from the damage caused by the sun’s rays. Especially long-term damage to the skin.
Most of the ratings received for this product are positive. All its buyers confirm that this is a highly efficient and effective protector, none have presented adverse effects or have been exposed to the power of the sun’s rays, and that is, they have not suffered sunburn. In addition, they highlight that its consistency is very good, it is easy to spread, it has a good smell and its presentation is quite good for use in large families (with more than one child).
Therefore, in conclusion, if you want to purchase a pediatric-certified paraben-free protector, you can opt for the Garnier Ambre Solaire with your eyes closed , since its buyers and the reputation of this brand guarantee the quality of this protector.
Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
The neutrogena pure and free baby spf 50 is one of the best sunscreens for kids and babies’ sensitive skin. It is photoprotective and works like a mirror that repels radiation from the sun’s rays, UVA, UVB and infrared rays. This protection mechanism allows to leave the skin exposed to long periods in the sun without any concern, since the quality of protection is extremely high.
This product also offers physical protection because it has color and this produces the reflection of the sun’s rays. In addition, the cream has four different sizes of pigments, which produces a greater protective action against radiation.
The Neutrogena comes in a cream presentation and is specially designed for use in regions of the body where the skin is thinner, such as the face, shoulders and the decollate area. This product, despite being a cream, is easy to apply and its consistency and resistance makes its use excellent for long exposures to the sun, either on the beach, swimming pool, in water or nautical sports and in the snow.
It should be noted that this product acts through a physical filter, which uses chemicals to prevent the penetration of solar radiation. Therefore, cases of intolerance to chemical filters must be taken into account. Since not all People tolerate the action of these types of methods and there are skin conditions that can worsen or develop due to chemicals and sun exposure.
In this case, you must be aware of whether the person who is going to use this product has an allergic reaction to this type of product, or ask for the recommendation or opinion of an expert before using a product of this type.
Similarly, you can always try a little cream in a small area on the top of your hand to see how your skin reacts to the product.
Neutrogena has special indications for use in fair-skinned people, especially blondes, albinos and redheads. However, it can be applied to anyone who wants skin protection and will be exposed to the sun for a long time, either in an aquatic environment or in the snow. Likewise, its use is also recommended for people with dry skin.
It should also be noted that the power of Neutrogena is 50+ SPF, which gives us protection for more than 50 continuous minutes. In this way, we can be sure that we will have extremely high protection for quite a long time.
The factors level of protection and time of the same are extremely favorable for children since we know that they generally like to spend a lot of time in the sun and with this product we avoid the hassle of having to force them to return at all times to reapply the product. So well, with Neutrogena, we will only need a maximum of two or three applications a day.
Neutrogena should be applied to completely dry skin, a thin layer should be used and it is best to touch up the application in the morning or early afternoon (taking into account that the first application is very early before leave the house). The number of applications may vary depending on factors such as sweat or the number of baths at the beach or pool, since due to these the cream may fall a little off our skin.
In conclusion, we have that this protector provides great protection, the only detail that we must take into account is its chemical composition, since it could because alternate effects on delicate or allergic skin to this type of compound. Therefore, the application of this protector must be consulted in advance with an expert, or whether or not our skin or that of our child is allergic to chemical filters.
FAQ
- From what age to use them?
One of the most common doubts is whether children under six months can use sunscreen. The logical thing is to avoid exposing the baby directly to the sun’s rays as their delicate skin is at greater risk of burns. There are other ways to protect it from the sun, with hats, clothing, keeping it in the shade and avoiding the central hours of the day. Even so, if you are going to be exposed to the sun at any time of the day, you should bear in mind that:
If the cream is a chemical filter, it is not recommended, because we are talking about chemical elements that the baby’s skin will absorb, which can cause allergies and irritations.
On the other hand, if the cream is a physical filter, we are talking about different components, which are not absorbed and which, therefore, produce much less reactions on the skin. These can be given to babies under six months only if we consider it necessary.
- What protection factor to use?
To choose a type of sunscreen, a series of factors must be taken into account, such as who it is aimed at and the phototype, which is determined by the characteristics of the pigmentation of the skin, eyes, hair, and the ability to acquire a tan. .
The sensitivity of people to ultraviolet radiation and the formation of solar erythema (redness) depends on it. In the population, there are different individual phototypes of each person, which means that we are not equal in front of the sun.
In the case of children, a very high protection SPF 50+ should be used for children from 0 to 5 years old, and a physical filter. Between 6 and 10 years of age always high (SPF30) or very high (SPF 50+).
- How to apply sun cream?
Before applying the cream all over the body, it should be tested on a small area of the child’s skin in case any component could cause any irritation or allergic reaction.
Once we verify that it is safe, apply a good amount of cream 30 minutes before sun exposure evenly and well distributed, and reinforce every two or three hours, since although there are water resistant creams, it is preferable to repeat the application.
Apply all over the body, especially in areas that we tend to forget such as the nose, pinnae, shoulders, insteps, scalp and on the back of the knees and legs.
- Which to choose?
They are not sensitizing and stable to light, air, humidity and heat. They must be resistant to sand, sweat and water (especially important in the case of children). They must be hypoallergenic products that guarantee maximum tolerance, even in the most sensitive skin, and contain filters that cover most of the solar spectrum, mainly UVB and UVA, in addition to indicating the indices or the ability of the product to protect the skin against both radiations.
In any case, let us take into account the recommendation that these products do not contain PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid), a substance that can cause allergic skin reactions. Overdose of this substance (which is present in very low doses in certain foods, especially meats and cereals) could cause hypoglycemia, hives, intestinal problems, and even liver toxicity, especially in infants.
In terms of format, there are them in cream, lotion, milk, oil and even in spray format, the latter very practical for the beach, so you can choose the one that suits you best.
- Can sun creams from the previous year be used?
It is not convenient, since after one year the protection and stability of the product is not guaranteed. The real protection factor of the cream, months later, may not correspond to that indicated on the packaging, with a greater risk for the skin.
How To Use a Baby Sunscreen
Just by looking at it we can realize how fragile and delicate our baby’s skin is. In addition to being six times thinner than that of an adult, it does not produce as much melanin, perspiration or defenses, which makes them more vulnerable to the sun’s rays and the absorption of chemicals that some sun creams for children contain. Since we are born, the skin is in a state of constant change and more in the first years of life, that is why it is very important to be aware of what the baby’s skin needs at each stage and what must be taken into account when they are exposed to the sun.
Use Sunscreen With a Broad Spectrum Protection Factor
The first and foremost thing is to protect your baby from the sun’s rays with chemical-free sunscreen. The use of sunscreen should not be limited to the exposure time, but it is also advisable to protect the baby or child with sunscreen while it is in the shade and especially during cloudy days. The ideal SPF (Sun Protection Factor) for children is 30 or 50, like the Kids Protection Sun Cream (link) from Freshly Kids, not less. The SPF only indicates the protection of the cream against UVB, for that reason, apart from the protection number, we must read the label carefully and make sure that it is a broad spectrum protector which means that it also protects from UVA rays.
Under 6 Months
It is important that children under six months do not expose themselves directly to the sun, since a few minutes are enough for the sun to damage the melanin of the baby’s skin. During this stage, the best sunscreen is shade.
Over 6 Months
From 6 months on, children should begin to have contact with the sun and nourish themselves with Vitamin D. Special care must be taken and extreme precautions must be taken. During this stage, you will start to use your first sunscreen and it is important to ensure that the sunscreen indicates that it is specific for infants and children. We recommend a high-protection sunscreen (SPF 50+) with natural physical filters.
Their skin creates few defenses and is more likely to absorb any substance that we apply to it. That is why it is vitally important that the sun cream for children is as natural as possible and with ingredients that hydrate and soothe their delicate skin such as our Kids Protection Sun Cream; 100% natural, composed of the best natural physical filters to protect and pamper your delicate skin.
Conventional creams can include components such as synthetic perfumes that are highly irritating, especially for dry and atopic skin, and cause reactions to sun exposure. However, at this stage it is not recommended to expose the baby directly to the sun, which does not mean that you should not wear sunscreen.
Avoid Midday
It is convenient to avoid being in direct contact with the sun between eleven in the morning and four in the afternoon. Watch out! This does not mean that during the rest of the day it is safe for children to sunbathe and above all it is necessary to watch out on cloudy days, since, depending on the density of the clouds, between 50 and 85% of the sun’s rays pass.
Water and Sand Reflect The Sun’s Rays
It is important to bear in mind that some elements such as water, sand, snow or grass reflect the sun’s rays; therefore, in spaces such as the beach or the pool we must be more careful and apply sunscreen more frequently.
Wear Sunglasses For Children During The Exhibition
We cannot forget that the eyes of babies and children, like the skin, are more sensitive than those of adults to the sun’s rays, therefore, in addition to sunscreen, sunglasses should be worn to prevent future eye problems.
Always Well Hydrated
It is very important that the child is well hydrated at all times to avoid heat stroke, both inside and out. It is advisable to always go out with a small bottle of water and help hydration with ice cream popsicles or fresh fruit such as watermelon, peach or strawberry, which apart from being rich in water, are brightly colored and that will help the child to lend them More attention.
Should It Be Applied Half an Hour Before Being Exposed To The Sun
In the case of choosing a conventional sunscreen for children, it is recommended to apply it half an hour before exposure to the sun to have its effect. On the other hand, if our option is to apply sunscreen with natural physical filters, it can be applied at the time of sun exposure. Did you know that physical filters, unlike chemical ones, disperse radiation without penetrating the skin and act immediately?
It Is Important To Insist On Some Areas
It is important to note that some parts of the body are more sensitive and tend to burn more. We must be extremely careful, especially on the face, lips, neck, head, and torso. Also in the parts of the body that protrude, such as the shoulders and the nose. Watch out! Don’t forget any zone! Sometimes we forget the area of the instep of the feet, knees, hands, and ears, some of the areas with the most tendency to burn.
It is Advisable To Apply The Cream Every Two Hours Maximum
The usual frequency of renewal of sunscreen in adults is 2 hours, in the case of children, it is important not to exceed two hours before reapplying sunscreen, since they bathe frequently and maintain a lot of activity physical.