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Every summer, my beach bag holds two sunscreen bottles: one labeled “kids” and another for my husband and me. When shopping, I’ve always added both to my cart without asking why. Is my son’s skin really so different from mine that it needs its own formula, or is the idea of sunscreen for kids mostly clever packaging? With sunburns and skin cancer risk on the line, I wanted a real answer. So I asked dermatologists whether kid sunscreen and adult sunscreens are actually different, or if one bottle could cover the whole family.
Is there a difference between kid and adult sunscreen?
The biggest difference between sunscreen for adults and kids comes down to the type of active ingredients used to protect the skin from the sun. “Sunscreens for adults frequently rely on chemical filters like avobenzone and oxybenzone, which also help to give the formula a sheer finish,” says Dr. Neha Chandan, double board-certified dermatologist, Mohs surgeon and founder of Prime Dermatology. “Kids’ and babies’ formulas almost exclusively use mineral blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, since their skin barrier is thinner and absorbs chemicals much more easily.”
To understand why this chemical absorption could be problematic for younger skin, it’s helpful to know a bit more about how the two formulas work. “Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat within the skin, which can cause irritation on a child’s more sensitive skin,” says Chandan. “Mineral sunscreens, by contrast, sit on top of the skin like microscopic mirrors, physically deflecting rays without generating heat or being absorbed.”
That’s why you almost exclusively see mineral sunscreens for kids, though, you can find some chemical options, too. Additionally, mineral sunscreen works immediately, whereas chemical sunscreen needs around 15 minutes to absorb and be effective. That said, some derms suggest giving mineral sunscreen a few minutes to fully dry on skin before heading outside.
Interestingly, the line between “baby” and “kids’” sunscreen is a lot blurrier. “The difference between the two is mostly marketing, though baby versions tend to strip out even more botanical extracts to help prevent contact allergies,” says Chandan. Botanical extracts are often added to sunscreen to further block out rays, but they’re not necessarily needed to be effective, which is why baby formulas often strip them out.
Do kids need a higher SPF than adults?
The quick answer: “Kids do not need a higher SPF than adults,” says Chandan. “I recommend a minimum of SPF 30 to 50 for anyone. Anything higher than SPF 50 offers negligible extra protection and often results in a thicker, pastier formula that parents hate applying.” In other words, chasing SPF 70 or 100 for your child isn’t giving them meaningfully better protection — it’s just making sunscreen application a bigger battle.
Sticking to a well-rated SPF 30 to 50 formula, applied generously and reapplied every two hours, does more for your kid’s skin than a higher number on the bottle.
Expert-recommended sunscreens for kids
If you are in the market for a sunscreen for your kids, check out some of the expert-recommended options below. They are all mineral formulas and have a SPF or 30 or more.
“I’ve used variations of this for years,” says Dr. William Kwan, board-certified dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology. “It is readily available and inexpensive.” This mineral sunscreen goes on sheer with no chalky white cast, stays water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and is formulated for everyday, easy application. For best results, apply it 15 minutes before potential sun exposure.
“The standout that I recommend to fellow moms is Mustela’s SPF 50 mineral sunscreen — I like both the lotion and the stick,” says Chandan. “It has a high zinc content, rubs in easily, isn’t too sticky, is fragrance-free and water-resistant.” Made specifically for babies, this hypoallergenic formula is also recognized by the National Eczema Association, making it a gentle option for even the most sensitive skin.
This is the sunscreen my dermatologist recommended when my son was an infant. It is specifically made for babies. Because of this, it is free of fragrances and has organic aloe to soothe delicate skin, according to the brand. The formula has SPF 50 and is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
What to look for in sunscreen for kids
When shopping for sunscreen for kids, the experts I spoke with suggest paying attention to the following:
- Formula: As mentioned above, experts agree that mineral sunscreens are best for kids — especially younger children who tend to have more sensitive skin. Look for bottles labeled “mineral” or active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
- Fragrance-free: Fragrances can irritate kids’ sensitive skin, so it’s best to look for options that do not have them. Just know that unscented is not the same thing as fragrance-free, says Kwan. Unscented products may contain masking fragrances that make them smell as if they are free of fragrances, whereas fragrance-free means they do not have any at all.
- Application type: “Avoid spray sunscreens for young kids,” says Chandan. “Not because of the ingredients, but because of the inhalation risk and the fact that most parents under-apply them. Sticks and lotions tend to be much safer and more reliable.”
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Frequently asked questions
You can start applying sunscreen once your infant has reached six months of age. Before that, an infant’s skin surface-area-to-body-weight ratio is very high, meaning they can absorb topicals at a much higher systemic rate — so you don’t want to apply anything because they’ll absorb too much of it,” says Chandan. Prior to six months, stick to shade, hats and UPF clothing. After six months, sunscreen is a go.
Technically, you could use your adult chemical sunscreen on kids once they reach six months of age. That said, the experts I spoke with recommend sticking with mineral sunscreen through the toddler years. This is because young skin tends to be more sensitive and chemical sunscreens often contain more ingredients that can cause potential irritation. This is another reason to rely on formulations specifically made for kids — they tend to be hypoallergenic and free of fragrances and other things that may irritate your kids.
When it comes to the protection offered, there is no difference between adult and kid sunscreen. This means, adults can absolutely use sunscreen made for kids or babies. The only reason an adult may not want to is if they’d prefer a chemical formula over mineral, as they tend to be more sheer. Adult sunscreen may also offer other appealing elements that kid-friendly SPF doesn’t — like a mattifying effect or a tinted formula.
Meet our experts
At NBC Select, we work with experts with specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and/or experience. We also ensure all expert advice and recommendations are made independently and without undisclosed financial conflicts of interest.
- Dr. Neha Chandan is a double board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon and founder of Prime Dermatology.
- Dr. William Kwan is a board-certified dermatologist at Golden State Dermatology.
Why trust NBC Select?
I am a commerce editor at NBC Select and a journalist who regularly covers wellness, beauty, home and lifestyle. I have written about reef-safe sunscreen, scalp sunscreens, beauty pillows and more. I have two kids — a one-year-old son and five-year-old daughter — and am religious about applying sunscreen on them. For this story, I spoke with two dermatologists about the difference between adult and kid sunscreen.
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