How to choose a sunscreen for children? Characteristics of sunscreen for children from sunburn

Probably, everyone has already heard that excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation on the skin can cause serious harm to human health. Therefore, for everyone who likes to bask on the beach, doctors strongly recommend using special sunscreen and not going out into the sun in the very heat from 11-00 to 17-00. And for children, immoderate sunbathing is even more contraindicated. But how to protect the baby from the aggression of the summer sun? Sunscreen is a great option. But the question for the child is which one to choose from them?

Cream from 1 year old - which one to choose?

When choosing cosmetics for sun protection for young children, consider the level of SPF - the sun protection factor. This parameter will indicate how effective and how long the product will protect children's skin from the sun. Near the abbreviation SPF are numbers from two to one hundred, and the larger they are, the longer the remedy will work (Popular about health).

Do not use adult products to protect children's skin. They can cause serious skin reactions - hyperpigmentation, allergies, etc. Buy only those sunscreens that are suitable for your baby's age.

When choosing a product, be sure to read the label - consider the presence of contraindications, study the chemical composition, pay attention to the expiration date. And take your time, read reviews on the forums about children's sun protection creams. So you can choose a really great option.

Sanosan SPF 50

You can choose this German-made sunscreen for a child. It is of high quality and the right balanced composition.

Such a product does not contain mineral oils, it does not contain preservatives, dyes, fragrances and other aggressive components. Sanosan is considered environmentally friendly, which is why it is recommended by both pediatricians and other mothers. It is characterized by increased resistance to water, and is a source of some additional enriching components, represented by tocopherol, as well as panthenol. Therefore, its use contributes to additional hydration and prevents dryness of the skin. The cream does not cause a feeling of sticky skin and is hypoallergenic.

Babyline +35

This is a fairly popular brand that offers various children's products. Babyline sunscreen can not only protect delicate baby skin from the aggression of ultraviolet rays, it also has an additional softening and moisturizing effect. The manufacturer advises applying the cream to children's skin about half an hour before going out into the sun. The main advantage of this product is the absence of smell and rather low cost, but the cream is absorbed for a long time.

My Sunshine

This is another affordable and effective remedy for protecting babies' skin from the sun. It comes with SPF 20 and 30. This cream contains a number of additional components, represented by vitamin E and. However, there is evidence on the net that this inexpensive cream can cause allergic skin rashes. Also, some users complain about its too thick structure, which makes it difficult to evenly distribute the cream over the skin. So think about whether you should take this cream, whether to choose another ...

La Roche Posay

This is a very effective sunscreen for children, which, however, stands out for its rather high cost. This cream has an SPF 50 rating and really helps protect against sunburn and the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Its composition is completely natural, so the likelihood of allergic reactions is reduced to almost zero.

Sunscreens from this company are made in Germany. They meet quality standards, are easily applied to the skin and do not leave a sticky film behind, quickly absorbed. On sale you can find Bubchen children's sun creams with SPF 50 and below, all of them have a delicate texture and will not harm babies.

This sunscreen has SPF 50 and is especially safe, because dermatologists approve its use to protect the skin of babies who are not yet a year old. The product is easy to apply, well distributed and quickly absorbed. It is practically incapable of causing allergies and any other negative reactions. The Mustela cream contains additional components represented by vitamin E and zinc salts. It is resistant to moisture and is able to have a healing effect on skin cells.

Eco Cosmetics Baby Sun Cream SPF 50

Such a tool is characterized by a completely safe composition. It effectively protects the delicate skin of babies from the aggression of ultraviolet radiation. Such a sun cream contains several additional components, represented by sea buckthorn and pomegranate extract. It has a good moisturizing and nourishing effect, helps prevent dryness and tightness of the skin and even get rid of such unpleasant phenomena. In addition, this cream has an unobtrusive and pleasant smell.

Additional Information

If you have decided which SPF cream to buy, which one to choose both in terms of price and protective properties, learn a few more simple recommendations. Such a tool should be applied exclusively to clean skin, only in this way the protective layer will be reliable and uniform. It is best to use the cream half an hour before going outside, and renew it every two hours, and after each bath or rubdown. And after returning home, be sure to wash off the product from the skin.

Excess UV rays cause significant damage to the skin. To avoid this, sunscreens are used. This is especially true for children. Therefore, the requirements for children's cosmetics are increased. How to choose a cream, read the article.

Features of baby sunscreen

Children's sunscreen is a product that protects the surface of the skin from the effects of ultraviolet rays. You can use it both on a beach holiday and in everyday life. This kind of rays affect the epidermis of the skin. Considering that the skin of the child is especially delicate, accordingly, the harm increases many times over.

The cells that produce the color of the epidermis are formed in children at the age of 3 years. Until then, there is no protection. Therefore, when the sun's rays hit the surface of the child's skin, spots in the form of an allergy may appear.

Sunscreen Features:

How to choose sunscreen for kids

Choosing the right sun cream for a child is a tricky issue for parents. To choose the right tool, you need to use the tips:

Proper use of baby sunscreen

In addition to the qualitative composition, the correct use of the cream is very important:

  • After purchase, do not immediately use the drug on the entire area. It is better to test its effect on a small piece of skin. If after a day the place does not turn red and the allergy does not begin, then the remedy can be used.
  • You need to apply the cream in advance. Better than 30 minutes before leaving. The substance needs time to activate.
  • The bathing field or if the child sweats, the drug should be applied again.
  • Renewal of funds should be dealt with during the day, even if the child does not bathe.
  • Cosmetics are also applied when the baby is in the shade.

Composition of sun creams

The sunscreen should have a uniform consistency. The composition does not include alcohol. It does not leave grease spots on the body and is quickly absorbed.

  • Oxybenzone. This substance is able to change the hormonal background, so it is not applicable to the child.
  • Octyl methoxycinnamate. The presence of such a substance leads to the production of free radicals.
  • Retinyl palmitate. The substance is good for adults because it has a rejuvenating effect, but in the sun it can have mutagenic characteristics and is not applicable to children.
  • Nanoparticles. Accumulating in the child's body, they can change the composition of the tissue. They are especially dangerous if the child takes the drug by mouth. Strong impact twitches the intestines.

Age preference

Depending on the age of the child, certain creams are allowed to use:

What is better cream or milk

The choice is determined depending on what kind of skin the child has:

  • For oily skin, baby milk is better.
  • In case of dry skin, it is better to use a cream.

Preparations must be purchased with UVB and UVA filters. If the tube or milk is opened, their shelf life is not more than six months.

Choosing a filter for baby skin

In cosmetic children's products, the filter plays an important role. It affects the components inside the tool.

Filters are:

  • chemical:
  • mineral.

Substances with such filters should be applied to the skin in advance, 30 minutes before going out. Their action develops due to a chemical reaction that begins after the cream is absorbed into the skin.

Mineral filters are also called physical. They have the ability to reflect the rays of the sun. Baby creams with such filters do the work while they are on the surface of the skin. They are considered harmless because they contain natural substances.

But there is also a drawback in the form of a dense texture. Applying them to children's skin, they are poorly absorbed and leave stains on the child's clothes.

An overview of children's sun products

Here are some sunscreens that are preferred:

A child who is in direct sunlight is at risk of getting sick. The action of ultraviolet rays is very harmful. Therefore, it is worth stocking up on various drugs in advance and using them in accordance with the instructions.

Both children and adults love to bask on the seashore under the warm sun. The benefits of such a holiday are undeniable: the sun promotes the production of vitamin D, strengthens the immune system and even improves mood.

In order for a vacation by the sea to bring only benefits to your child, it is very important to follow the rules for staying in the sun, and also use sunscreen. And while many pediatricians say the best sunscreen for kids is light clothing and shade, extra protection while playing on the beach is a must.

Read our article on what to consider when choosing a baby protector cream and how to use it, so that the summer sun was only a joy.

Children's sunscreen: what is the use

Our skin knows how to protect itself from the sun. This function is performed by melanin, which absorbs ultraviolet rays, preventing them from penetrating into the deeper layers of the skin. The accumulation of melanin in the skin under the influence of sunlight leads to the formation of sunburn.

However, this mechanism works in adults, but not in children. The baby's body begins to produce melanin only after 3 years, which means that until this time the child is practically defenseless against the sun.

Therefore, the most correct answer to the question of which sunscreen is best for a child is this: the one you bought, applied in a timely manner and do not forget to renew. Below we will tell you what marks children's sunscreens should have and how to choose them depending on age.

But not only the age of the child affects the right choice. The fact is that The effectiveness of protective equipment depends on many factors:

  • from the activity of the sun (it varies depending on the season, time of day, climate zone);
  • from the color of the skin and hair (snow-white or pinkish skin in combination with blond or red hair burns out very quickly);
  • from medications taken (antibiotics and antiallergic drugs can reduce the protective properties of the skin);
  • from the activity of the child on the beach (the cream is washed off during swimming, rubbed off on the sand, comes off with sweat).

Therefore, when you are looking for sun protection products for children, the reviews of other buyers are unlikely to be useful to you. It will be more important to determine the type of skin of your child, take into account in what latitudes you are going to spend your vacation, and do not forget that for children who run and swim a lot, the cream layer needs to be renewed.

  • Read also:


How to choose sunscreen for a child

If you stop at a grocery store or pharmacy window and ask how to choose sunscreen for your baby, the first step is to find those products that say “family”, “childish” or “from birth” on the package.

Typically, these creams contain mineral filters that retain harmful ultraviolet radiation - zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. There may also be chemical filters in the composition, but their concentration is much lower than in products for adult skin.

It is advisable to choose a cream marked "waterproof": yes, the cream layer will still need to be renewed after swimming, but it will protect your child during swims and water fun.

Some creams are resistant to sand - this is useful for relaxing on the beach, so look for information about this on the package.


Some children's sunscreens turn white for a short time when rubbed into the skin. There are also sprays that, when applied, paint the skin in a bright color.

This is convenient - untreated areas immediately become visible, and the child is happy to undergo the spreading procedure. Soon the product will become transparent and will not be noticeable.

A good cream for children does not contain fragrances - such additives can only increase the photosensitivity of children's skin.

Tip: products for protecting children's skin from the sun are available in the form of creams, mousses, gels, sprays. It is believed that creams, due to their dense texture, provide better protection than liquid mousses or sprays. However, it is worth choosing the tool that will be convenient for you to apply.


Children's sunscreen: choose the degree of protection

What kind of rays does the sun send us? They are divided into 3 types. Type C rays scatter in the atmosphere and our skin is not affected by them. We meet with rays of type A and B. Type B causes a tan, but it also causes sunburn.

The influence of type A rays does not appear soon and is expressed in skin aging, the appearance of new moles and age spots. Children's sunscreen is required to have type B protection (UVB mark will indicate this) and it is desirable that it provides protection from type A rays (UVA, IPD, PPD).

  • It will be useful:

But you can not go into such details, but pay attention to SPF - a sun protection factor. The number next to these letters shows how many times you can increase the time of safe exposure to the sun.

For example, if a child with fair skin can safely sunbathe for up to 5 minutes, then an SPF 15 cream will increase the sunbathing time to 75 minutes.

Sunscreens for children have an SPF of 15 to 50. In temperate latitudes, during urban walks, you can use an SPF 15-25 cream. On the beach you will need a product with a higher protection factor. It should be the higher, the lighter and more sensitive the skin of the child.

However, the use of funds with SPF above 30 is not always justified. A cream with such a protective factor makes it possible to stay in the sun for 2.5 hours - it is unlikely that you are going to spend so much time on the beach.

It is impossible to be with a child in the open sun from 11 to 17 hours, even with the use of a cream with a high degree of protection.

Tip: use the cream even on a walk. Treat them with all parts of the body that are not covered by clothing, including the nose, ears, arms and legs of the child.


How to use sunscreen

The cream is selected - which means that half the battle is over. It remains to learn how to use it correctly. Here's what to keep in mind:

1. Perform a tolerance test before first use. Apply a little cream on the elbow or on the popliteal fossa of the child. If there is no irritation, the remedy can be used.

2. Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before going outside, or as directed.

3. Regardless of the degree of sun protection your chosen cream, renew it after each bath. Before applying, dry the child's skin.

4. Cloudiness is not a hindrance to the sun's rays, so on a gloomy day you need to use the cream as actively as in clear weather.

5. Apply sunscreen for babies in any case, even if you are relaxing in the shade.

6. Two coats of a low SPF product will not turn it into a high UV protection product. In other words, if your child with white skin and blond hair needs SPF 50 children's sunscreen, you can't replace it with a thick layer of SPF 25 cream.

7. Re-applying sunscreen does not extend the amount of time you can safely spend in the sun. If the SPF 30 cream allows you to sunbathe for up to 150 minutes, count down from the time you and your child went outside.

Tip: Protector cream allows you to stay in the sun longer, but cannot neutralize the effects of ultraviolet radiation. Keep your children away from the sun between 11:00 and 17:00, and prefer shady places for outdoor recreation.


Sunscreen for a child: choose according to age

On sale, it is easy to find sunscreens that are marked “children's” or “family”. But you need to know that such funds are intended for children over 3 years old.

After 5 years, you can buy a regular cream for adults. If you are choosing a remedy for a baby, you need to look for other information on the tubes.


Sunscreen for children up to a year

Sunscreen for babies should be marked "from birth" or "0+" on the packaging. However, this cream can only be used for children older than 6 months. Until this age, the child should not be shown in the open sun.

Sunscreen for children under 3 years old

If your child is not long before the age of three, you can test for sensitivity to the agent and, if there is no reaction, use such a baby cream. But still, it is advisable to use products intended for infants before reaching 3 years of age.

Tip: light-colored clothing made from natural materials also saves the skin from UV exposure. Do not forget about the headdress for the child.


What to do if the skin is still burned

Although the use of the right sunscreen minimizes the risk of sunburn, it is desirable to be able to recognize a sunburn and quickly manage the discomfort associated with it.

The main indicator of a sunburn of the first degree will be reddened, hot to the touch baby's skin. Having noticed this, immediately take the child away from the street, and at home put him under a cool shower (water temperature + 25-28 ° C).

Since burned skin is very sensitive, drape a towel over your child's shoulders while showering to help soften the sensation of water on the skin.

After that, spread the reddened areas with an anti-burn cream containing panthenol or aloe. To lubricate the skin, in no case should you use fatty creams, sour-milk products, alcohol-based products.

Sunscreen for children up to a year protects the skin from ultraviolet radiation in the first year of life. Children's thin and sensitive skin needs a high level of protection. Babies who are under 3 years old, namely newborns and one-year-old children, need special care.

Interesting! In the hot season, it is necessary not only for children, but also for adults. Reliable protection against the negative effects of ultraviolet rays will help keep the skin healthy and prevent aging. It is important to use sunscreen not only on the beach, but also when walking around the city. Summer foundation and day creams containing SPF will help protect the skin from photoaging.

Why does a one year old need sunscreen?

Summer is the time for holidays and relaxation under the rays of the sun. Many parents go to the sea with babies and children under one year old, so the question of choosing a sunscreen for children under one year old is very relevant.

Do babies and toddlers need sunscreen? There is a lot of controversy about this. Not all doctors are unequivocally sure that sunscreen is needed for children under 3 years of age. Skin cells in babies of this age cannot protect themselves and produce enough melanin. Therefore, small children very often and quickly burn in the sun.

Almost all pediatricians agree that for babies under 3 years old it is not recommended to sunbathe and stay in the sun for a long time, and sunscreen cosmetics are completely contraindicated. The components that make up sunscreens can penetrate the fragile skin barrier and enter the bloodstream.

If you still decide to go to the sea with a small child, be sure to get a sunscreen, as even the indirect rays of the sun cause sunburn. At the same time, it is very important to purchase high-quality and safe sunscreen for children under one year old.

Important! Do not use adult cosmetic sunscreens for children under 5 years of age. Weighted and saturated formulations can harm the delicate epidermis and cause an allergic reaction.

How to choose sunscreen for children under 1 year old

When choosing sunscreen cosmetics, it is necessary to take into account the SPF level, which determines the allowable protection time when applying this product.

The level of sun protection for children up to a year:

  • For the first days at the beach, babies require products with a high SPF level. It is necessary to prepare the delicate skin for intense exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
  • After the baby's epidermis has "survived" the stress caused by the sun's rays, you can lower the level to 15-30 SPF.
  • Do not use products with a higher protective index. They are saturated with highly concentrated components, which in large quantities negatively affect the skin.
  • Products containing less than 15 SPF will not be effective enough for babies and will not be able to protect the skin.
  1. Buy only specialized products for children. Pay attention to the packaging, very often manufacturers do not give more detailed information about the age at which to use the cream, but simply indicate “for children”. This is fundamentally wrong, since the standard "baby" cream is recommended for older children from 3 to 5 years old. The packaging should indicate the exact age of use of this product.
  2. We recommend purchasing cosmetics of well-known children's brands that specialize in the manufacture of products for babies.
  3. Don't skimp on baby sunscreen. A good and high-quality tool can cost much more than a regular one. But this does not mean that sunscreen cosmetics can be inexpensive and effective.
  4. Buy a product that is “fresh” in terms of expiration date and quality. One package is usually enough for one season. Next summer, you will need to purchase a new product, as the effect of UV filters decreases over time.

Important! Buy in specialized stores and supermarkets where air conditioners work. This allows you to maintain the quality of products on the counter and prevent spoilage. Also, if you don't need sunblock and you won't be going to the beach soon, keep it in the refrigerator.

How to use

Consider the following tips for reliable protection of the skin of babies from the sun:

  • Apply the cream to cleansed skin in order to form a reliable and uniform protective layer.
  • Use sunscreen beforehand. Sunscreens begin to act no earlier than 20-30 minutes after application to the skin.
  • Constantly renew the product layer, at least 2 hours after applying the previous layer. In addition, be sure to apply the cream again if you bathed the baby or wiped it with a towel.
  • Use additional protection methods - an umbrella for shade, hats and light, light-colored clothing. Give your child more fluids.
  • After the beach, be sure to wash off the cream from the skin.

Important! Before the first use, be sure to test for sensitivity to this product on a small area of ​​​​the epidermis. This will help prevent the occurrence of an allergic reaction on a large area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin.

Good creams for children 1 year old

  • Protects the delicate epidermis from ultraviolet radiation;
  • Contains sea buckthorn and pomegranate extract;
  • Has a moisturizing and nourishing effect;
  • Eliminates tightness and redness on the skin;
  • Has a pleasant aroma.

Price: 1200 rub.

My Sunshine

  • For children from a year;
  • Has a hypoallergenic formula and mild action;
  • Moisture resistant;
  • Recommended for face and body protection;
  • It has a thick texture and is perfectly distributed on the skin;
  • Sun protection factor with an index of 50.

Price: 80 rubles.

Mustela SPF 50

  • Helps protect the epidermis from the negative effects of ultraviolet radiation;
  • Restores the functionality and health of skin cells;
  • Contains vitamin E and zinc salts;
  • Moisture resistant;
  • Suitable for newborns;
  • Has a delicate texture.

Price: 300 rubles.

Conclusion

Sunscreen for children under one year old should have a mild and safe effect, as well as reliably protect against burns and UV exposure. Small children are not recommended to stay under the open rays of the sun for a long time, so take care of protecting your baby and his health.

This time I set myself the task of choosing the most effective and safe sunscreen.

In many reviews of sunscreens, you can find stories about vacations at sea or in the mountains, in which sunscreen prevented burns. This fact usually gives grounds for unambiguous conclusions about the effectiveness of the remedy. I would argue with the authors of such reviews. In fact, any cream with SPF 20 or higher will do to protect against burns. But often, skin damage caused by solar radiation is not limited to burns alone. We cannot see or measure the damage caused to the skin by UVA-type radiations until a certain stage (the appearance of premature wrinkles or, even worse, the development of melanoma). In this article, I tried to consider all the important points that need to be considered when choosing a quality cream.

Sunscreen for children | Characteristics of sun filters

When choosing sun protection, first of all, you should pay attention to the type of filters (active sun protection components). Main classification:

  • Chemical. Protect after absorption. Each chemical filter has its own individual protection mechanism due to its own spectrum of chemical reactions. For protection, it is necessary to pre-apply the product, approximately 30 minutes in advance.
  • Physical (mineral, reflectors). Protects while on the surface of the skin. They simply reflect light. Physical filters provide a higher level of protection. By virtue of their work on the surface of the skin, these filters are safer in terms of exposure to the skin. This type of filter works immediately after application. The main disadvantage of tools with physical filters is the high density of textures. Due to the dense textures of the filters, products with physical filters are difficult to apply and leave whitish marks on the surface of the skin.

From the graph above, you can see that Zinc oxide or Avobenzone filters must be present to protect against UVA waves.

Let's take a closer look at the most popular filters:

Description Safety rating according to ewg.org (scale from 1 to 10, the safest 1, the most harmful - 10)
  • Name: Zinc oxide (CI 77947, nogenol, pigment white 4, zinc gelatin);
  • Type: physical;
  • Recommended concentration:
  • in its usual form: 15% - SPF - 12-19, 25% - SPF over 20.
  • in the form of nanoparticles: 12% - SPF 12-19, 20% - SPF over 20.
  • Protection spectrum: Rays of UVB and UVA;
  • Advantages: Self sufficient and can provide full sun protection. Provides the largest range of UV filtration.
  • Disadvantages: Products containing Zinc oxide have a dense texture and are difficult to distribute on the skin. Zinc oxide resistant to sunlight. The nanoparticle form provides a less dense consistency of sunscreens and ease of distribution of the product on the skin, but its complete safety has not been proven.
Well-researched safe filter. Depending on the modification, the rating is 2-4 points out of 10 possible.
  • Name: Titanium dioxide (TiO2, CI 77891, titanium peroxide, pigment white 6);
  • Type: physical;
  • Recommended concentration:
  • Protection spectrum: UVB rays;
  • Advantages: Works better than Zinc oxide
  • Disadvantages: Does not provide full protection against the full spectrum of UVA rays. May clog pores.
Depending on the modification, the rating is 1-3 points out of 10 possible.
  • Name: TINOSORB S (synonyms: BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE, BEMOTRIZINOLI; BEMT; BIS-OCTOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE; TRIANILINO P-CARBOXYETHYLHEXYL TRIAZINE; UVINUL T 150), TINOSORB M (less protection than TINOSORB S) ) ;
  • Type: chemical;
  • Recommended concentration:
  • in its usual form: 12% - SPF 12-19, 20% - SPF over 20.
  • in the form of nanoparticles: 6% - SPF 12-19, 10% - SPF over 20.
  • Protection Spectrum: Provides protection against UVA and UVB radiation. In terms of the protected range, it is close to Zinc oxide. a graph of the protected range is shown.

ewg.org's conclusions are based on a limited amount of data, so this filter is not at the top of the list.

  • Name: Avobenzone(butyl methoxy-dibenzoyl-methane, Parsol 1789, Eusolex 9020, Escalol 517, BMBM, BMDBM);
  • Type: chemical;
  • Recommended concentration: maximum concentration 3%;
  • Protection spectrum: Provides protection from UVA waves. Not designed for UVB protection.
  • Disadvantages: It is photo-unstable, so it is found accompanied by its chemical counterparts.
Rating 2 points out of 10 possible. ewg.org's conclusions are based on a limited amount of data, so this filter is not at the top of the list.
  • Name: Octocrylene (Uvinul N539T, OCR, Eusolex OCR);
  • Type: chemical;
  • Recommended concentration: maximum concentration 10%;
  • Protection spectrum:
  • Advantages: Photostable. Helps stabilize other filters.
Rating 3 points out of 10 possible.
  • Name: Octisalate (octyl salicylate, ethylhexyl salicylate, EHS, Escalol 587);
  • Type: chemical;
  • Recommended concentration: maximum concentration 5%;
  • Protection spectrum: Does not provide UVA protection. Designed for UVB protection.
  • Advantages: Waterproof.
  • Disadvantages: May cause allergies.
Rating 4 points out of 10 possible.
  • Name: Octinoxate (octyl methoxy-cinnamate, OMC, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, EHMC, Escalol 557, Parsol MCX, Eusolex 2292, Tinosorb OMC, Uvinul MC80);
  • Type: chemical;
  • Recommended concentration: maximum concentration 7.5%;
  • Protection spectrum: Designed for UVB protection.
  • Disadvantages: The component is unstable. For stabilization it goes in combination with other filters. May cause endocrine disruption.
Rating 6 points out of 10.
  • Name: Oxybenzone (benzophenone-3, BP3, Uvinul M40, Eusolex 4360, Escalol 567);
  • Type: chemical;
  • Recommended concentration: maximum concentration 6%;
  • Protection spectrum: Designed for UVB protection
  • Advantages: Helps stabilize other filters;
  • Disadvantages: May cause hormonal imbalance.
Rating 8 points out of 10 possible.

At the moment, the most popular physical filters are Zinc oxide and Titanium dioxide. The graph shows the increased effectiveness of Titanium dioxide against UVB waves and the effectiveness of Zinc oxide against UVA.

About the disadvantages of sunscreen in the form of a spray

The spray version is very attractive because of the ease of application. I was cautioned against choosing a sunscreen spray by an FDA opinion publication. It turns out that scientists have big doubts about the safety and effectiveness of sunscreen sprays. They pose a serious inhalation hazard. Also, when applying products in the form of sprays, it is difficult to ensure uniform coverage.

If you apply the logic, then it is really necessary to maintain a large distance from the skin in order to evenly distribute the product during application. In this case, particles are likely to enter the respiratory tract.

Sunscreen for children |Vitamin A content in sunscreens

Another critical point in the analysis of sunscreen formulations is the presence of vitamin A (retinol). Vitamin A in sunscreen can cause skin cancer. There is currently a debate in the European Commissions on a ban on vitamin A in sunscreens, but many cosmetic safety regulators have already started raising awareness about the issue. Details.

To be honest, when choosing a sunscreen, I did not meet a single product with vitamin A in the composition.

Requirements for safe sunscreen for babies

  • the presence of safe filters (the best option is physical) from UVB and UVA radiation;
  • in the form of a cream, stick or lotion;
  • no dangerous Oxybenzone filter , vitamin A and dangerous preservatives (the harmfulness rating of preservatives is given)

sunscreen rating for kids

Let's move on to the consideration of specific instances. For clarity, I brought creams from different price segments. As expected, the first positions of the rating were safe and expensive foreign funds. Budget funds are at the end of the ranking.

Please note that all products for babies are designed for use from six months. Until 6 months, it is not recommended to leave the child in the open sun. Clothing, umbrellas, etc. should be used as protection for up to 6 months.

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Update 07/15/2016: The tinting option spreads well on the skin, but the test in extreme conditions, the cream "flunked". Despite the declared rather high SP, the cream did not cope with the protection! Weeding the beds on a sunny July day ended with burnt skin. I am lucky that Yana's skin is less receptive to light than mine. Only I burned out. I do not recommend this cream for fair-skinned people with sensitive skin. In general, I lost confidence in this brand, since SPF 30, at least, should have prevented burning. By the way, the eco-friendly insect repellent Badger also failed to do its job. Protection, if any, is minimal. Badger sunscreens can be recommended in conditions where there is no bright sun. Badger insect protection can be recommended when insects do not bother :-).

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When analyzing the composition, the following sources were used:

  • www.ewg.org English site. In case of lack of data, it may show index = 1, which means that the component is safe, but information about the lack of data with a red signal circle will be displayed below: Data available: Limited.
  • cosdna.com English site. Substances, the harmfulness of which is in question, is defined as neutral. You can check the security of a group of components at one time.

Probably, regular readers guessed that I wrote this post as part of choosing the optimal sun protection for Yana, and many of them are interested in what means I chose. Our cosmetic arsenal has been replenished with the following products:

  • ATTITUDE, Little Ones, 100% Mineral Sun Protection (Iherb.com). There is a huge discount on this position on Iherb.com, so I could not pass by. It has only one component that is questionable. Given the price of the product and the moderate harm of this component, I cast aside my doubts.
  • Badger Company with a tinting effect to eliminate whitish stains from zinc(Iherb.com). I am familiar with the procedure for applying zinc-based products, so I decided to smooth this moment with a tinting option from the popular Badger line.

P.S. To get a 10% discount for the first order at Iherb.com, also if you want to support the blog, use the referral code when buying SZS150.

I wish you all only the gentle sun!

          • (analysis of the composition of brand products:,);
          • (r, r);

About the Author

Recently a software engineer. Favorite platforms ASP.NET, MS SQL. Experience in the field of programming 14 years. In blogging since 2013 (year of birth of Yana). In 2018, she turned her hobby into her favorite job. Now I am a blogger!

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Sunscreen for children (educational program + rating of funds with analysis of compositions): 43 comments

  1. Tatyana

    Ekaterina, hello! Thanks for the article. Titanic work in all these substances to understand. I choose sun protection at sea, I wanted to buy the La Cree brand, we use it, and we seem to be satisfied. But after reading useful things from the VPS, for which I thank you again, I decided to check the composition. And here's to you! There is even vitamin A! like this.
    Ingredients: Octocrylene, homosalate, butylmethoxydibenzoylmethane, titanium dioxide, dimethicone silica, 4-methylbenzylidene camphor, sorbitan isostearate/polyglyceryl-3 polyricinoleate, isostearyl isostearate, C12-15 alkyl benzoate, glycerin, jojoba oil, avocado oil, aloe extract, cetyl stearyl alcohol, panthenol, licorice extract, caprylyl glycol, methylisothiazolinone, xanthan gum, allantoin, vitamin E, vitamin A, sodium EDTA, fragrance, water.

  2. Ekaterina

    Ekaterina, hello!
    What cream did you end up with? Have you found something perfect for you?
    And another question about raspberry seed oils, carrot oils with spf up to 15-50, up to coconut oil with spf up to 7 (a friend uses it) - can these oils be used on children's skin? And what do you think about their effectiveness? Do they protect? As for me, the absolute naturalness is a plus (there is only oil in the composition and nothing else), but there seems to be no physical filters there, and wouldn’t such an oil have any undesirable therapeutic effect?
    Thanks for the site, learned a lot.

  3. Darius

    This summer we tested Goddess Garden. Very satisfied. The child was never burned, although he periodically ran along the beach in the very sun. After bathing, the cream did not renew. Allergies also did not arise, although we are allergic.
    The tube was enough for a whole month (the child was a year and 9 months old at the time of the trip).
    Ordered from iherbe.

  4. Kseniya

    Hello Ekaterina! For some reason, your referral code for IHerb does not work, I already made an order, but I decided to write anyway, all of a sudden you need this information. Thank you so much for the wonderful collection of safe products, this is unrealistic painstaking work.

  5. Natalia

    An excellent article, but I still haven’t found a good remedy for a 4-month-old baby, because it’s a long wait with iherb ... And then what can I buy in Moscow that is harmless?

  6. Dmitry

    Unexpectedly very efficient article, with analytics, charts and other things. Thank you for your hard work. Saved the article.
    It is curious why by adding titanium dioxide, which provides a significantly higher level of protection against UVB, manufacturers reduce the content of zinc oxide.

  7. Yana

    Hello Ekaterina. Thank you for doing such a great job. I am in love with your site and have found a lot of new things here. I ask you for advice about this cream. What do you think?
    Baby Tan Baby Sun Body Cream SPF 45 UVA/UVB with cocoa and olive oils. Price 880 rubles.
    Ingredients: Aqua/Water, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit, Magnifera Indica (Mango) Seed Butter, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Prunus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Ceteareth 20, Glyceryl Stearate, Glyceryl Palmitate, Beeswax, Polyglyceryl-3-Diisostearate, Isopropyl Myristate, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Avobenzone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Parfum/ Fragrance, Hexyl Cinnamal, Limonene, Linalool, Hydroxyisoxexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde, Amyl Cinnamal, Citronellol, Geraniol, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Coumarin, Benzyl Alcohol, Anise Alcohol.
    It is positioned as a 100% natural product, but I doubt something.

  8. Nina

    Ekaterina, good afternoon! Have you released any new skin protection products from the sun over the past year? maybe the nature of siberica (although I did not find it) or other Russian manufacturers?
    and join the question of funds for adults. thanks!!!

  9. Darius

    Ekaterina, hello! Can you tell me please, do you use sunscreen only in the summer? Did you apply it only to exposed areas of the child's body? Or on the face too?

  10. Natalia

    Tell me, what kind of sunscreen did you choose for yourself?

  11. Elena

    Good afternoon. Thanks to you, I got acquainted with the iherb website and successfully used its services last year, ordering safe products for the baby and household chemicals. Now the stocks have begun to come to an end, and besides, I attended to the choice of sunscreen (which led me to this article) and insect repellant. But while collecting a basket in iherb, I was horrified by the changed delivery conditions. Incredibly expensive and I can't get free shipping as broxberry limits shipments to 5 kilos and all the stuff I need is heavy.... In short, I am in a wild difficulty, tell me if you have encountered this problem and if so, what solutions do you see? Maybe you found a similar site with loyal delivery terms or figured out how to collect a basket without compromising the family budget? Or maybe I'm panicking for nothing and this is a temporary 'madness' with iherb? Has this happened before, you have been using this site for a long time.
    P.S. Think tool link, Thinkbaby is invalid, opens with ATTITUDE.

  12. Irina

    You are my find!) This summer I was actively looking for a good cream, honestly I didn’t find anything and didn’t take a chance.

  13. Galina

    We bought Earth's Best for the summer (number 6 on the list). They were very satisfied! Since May we have been living in a dacha in the suburbs. The summer was quite hot. The child was on the street almost constantly, but always with cream. And by mid-August, the skin is still the same “untanned”. For a one year old child, it was enough to use for almost 3 months. In May, she applied it to her face and hands, since June - to almost everything. In August, they switched to Israeli funds Mommy Carey. Also satisfied with the result.

  14. Marie

    Hello, how was the test drive of the sunscreen you purchased? I would like to know your opinion, whether they met your expectations. Thanks to!

    1. Post Author

      Good time of the day! Maria, information has been added to the Badger cream above. In general, I have a lack of confidence in the company:

      Sun cream with a tonal effect did not save me from skin burns in the latitudes of southern Siberia. I must add here that my skin is very sensitive to the sun. Yana avoided the burn only because her skin is more resistant to the sun. It took me only three hours in the garden with Badger cream with a tinting effect to burn badly and experience the discomfort of a burn for three days. At the same time, there were no water procedures, which, as you know, are a tanning catalyst and can wash off sunscreen. In general, a big disappointment.
      We also tested the safe insect repellent Badger and it also proved to be very weak. When leaving the shore of the reservoir, this tool could not save us from mosquitoes and the rest had to be completed ahead of schedule.