The Best Natural Sunscreen for Kids and the Whole Family

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While sunscreen is supposed to be protecting us from skin cancer, the majority of the brands out there are doing more harm than good. Just like many other cosmetic products on the market today, chemical sunscreens can contain harmful chemicals, that pose a risk to our health. Choosing a natural sunscreen is crucial to protecting our families health.

Lucky for us, we have this wonderful resource called the Environmental Working Group or EWG, for short. I have used EWG to research so many different topics from non- toxic makeup to safe cleaning supplies.

EWG’s ongoing efforts to thoroughly research a wide variety of best sunscreen brands, keeps us regularly informed. This research is complied into a yearly updated guide to help us easily determine the best natural sunscreen for ourselves and our families.

Let’s Break It Down

You don’t want to spend hours reviewing and reading through EWG’s guide, and you don’t have to. Because I have done it for you. Oh btw, you’re welcome.

First understand that sunscreen is ranked 1 to 10. One being the best score (and 10 the worst). With more than 1,800 sunscreen products reviewed, we now have the important information we need to know which brands to avoid.

According to EWG, only about a quarter of the products reviewed provide adequate protection, without compromising ingredients. Read that again. It makes no sense to me why something that is supposed to be protecting us, might be causing more harm than good.

My Research

Through my research, I have found the best type of non-toxic sunscreen is mineral sunscreen (sometimes called physical sunscreen). This is because mineral sunscreen protects us by physically blocking the sun from our skin (reflecting away UV rays).

On the flip side, conventional (or chemical sunscreen) absorbs the UVB rays through a chemical reaction. Keep in mind, before these chemicals can offer any UV protection, your skin has to absorb them.

Let’s discuss these two types of sunscreen further.

Conventional Chemical-Based Sunscreen

Oxybenzone, Avobenzone, and Octinoxate are just some of the ingredients we often find in conventional sunscreen. These ingredients can are known endocrine disruptors, leach into our bloodstream, and have even been found in women’s breast milk.

Additionally, chemical-based sunscreens wash into the ocean, negatively affecting marine life and oceanic ecosystems. Be mindful to look for the “reef-safe” guarantee on the bottle.

Another downside to conventional sunscreen is that it is often found in a spray bottle, with colorful and fun logos, spray bottles pose yet another risk to our health. In the same way second-hand smoke can cause cancer, inhaling the chemicals from spray sunscreen is dangerous especially those with allergies or asthma. The risks associated with this modern convenience far outweighs the benefits.

Mineral-Based Sunscreen

On the flip side, mineral sunscreen contains an active ingredient called zinc oxide – specifically, non-nano. Non-nano means the particles are larger than a nanometer, and they cannot enter your skin. This physical barrier (that sits on top of the skin), often times gets a bad wrap due to it’s white cast or inability to “rub in”.

Believe me, I understand the struggle. I have tried a handful of mineral sunscreens that haven’t satisfied me. But fortunately, there are many brands out there that add hydrating and safe ingredients to create a thinner, lotion-like product. These products are easy to apply and actually rub in well.

Another popular ingredient often paired with non-nano zinc oxide is titanium dioxide which is also mineral based and protections against UVB and UVA rays.

If you are curious about these ingredients you can sleep well knowing that they are naturally derived and has been used in first aid, food, and cosmetic products for hundreds of years.

Here are my favorite natural sunscreen brands

Badger

Badger sunscreen is a fantastic choice for the whole family. Badger is a safe option that is also not detrimental to the health of coral reefs. Their products are made with 98% organic ingredients and scores a one on the EWG database.

Badger is also a great budget friendly option, averaging around $15 a bottle. This option is long lasting and provides adequate coverage.

Badger has specifically formulated a version safe for babies and toddlers. It’s been tested by pediatricians, this natural sunscreen only contains 7 ingredients. The inactive ingredients in this kids sunscreen soothe your baby’s skin while providing a broad spectrum protection.

Badger sunscreen can be harder to rub in, I will be the first to admit it. On the plus side, if you have kids playing ALL DAY, the consistency makes it a truly long lasting and water-resistant sunscreen.

They also have an aloe vera after sun gel that’s super hydrating after a long day in the sun!

Raw Elements

Next, we have Raw Elements. This is my new personal favorite. Not only is it reef safe and cruelty free, it smells FANTASTIC.

They have a variety of sunscreen to choose from including tinted, baby sunscreens, lip protection and more. While this product comes at a slightly higher price point, around $18 bottle, it’s worth the money.

This is yet another brand with a natural sunscreen formula specifically designed for babies and kids. It’s hypoallergenic and enriched with gentle ingredients perfect for a child’s skin. It’s water resistant for 80 minutes and never runs or stings the eyes.

Raw Elements is made in the USA, is non-GMO project approved, and Leaping Bunny Certified. Their natural sunscreen scores a one by EWG, this company truly goes above and beyond.

Use code EARTHTOPAXTON for a discount!

Earth Mama Organics

Earth Mama Organics is another one of my go-to brands. This brand emphasizes their amazing support for new mother’s, babies and everything in between. Did I mention, Earth Mama Organics makes awesome sunscreen with natural ingredients?

Their baby sunscreen is SPF 40 and perfect for baby’s delicate skin. Rated 1 on EWG, this sunscreen has coconut oil, jojoba oil and Shea butter, all organic.

Operating with total transparency, Earth Mama’s natural sunscreen contains no PFAS, chemicals, or artificial fragrance.

Other certifications include NSF/ANSI 305 Certified by Oregon Tilth, Leaping Bunny Certified, and Plastic Neutral

Always remember the best protection from sun damage is minimizing sun exposure, wearing protective clothing, and wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

For the full list of non-toxic sunscreen, check out this article:

For me, non-toxic ingredients are a necessity. We live at the beach so finding the right sunscreen (without toxic chemicals) is extremely important to me. Especially with the many health risks of too much direct sunlight.

I hope you find this guide helpful. For a full version of non-toxic sunscreen brands, check out this article. Now get out there and enjoy the sunshine!

Much love, Paxton