When choosing a sunscreen for your child it is always best to follow the advice of your pediatrician. It is very easy to be enticed to buy sunscreen products with pictures of cute babies on the label. However, despite these marketing tactics, products aimed at children and babies are not formulated any differently than products for adults. All sunscreen formulations with an SPF are alike, and do not differ in any way because of the age of the intended user. The only difference I’ve ever noted in baby products is the use of fragrance and bogus claims that the formula is “mild as water.” Oddly, more fragrance is usually included in the baby products, but that only makes them more problematic because fragrances are irritating for all skin types. As for being “mild as water,” let me assure you that your child won’t feel that way if he or she gets sunscreen active ingredients in the eyes.
What is of greater concern is the fact that many sunscreens claiming to be for children do not contain the UVA-protecting ingredients of avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoyl – methane), Tinosorb, Mexoryl (ecamsule), titanium dioxide, or zinc oxide. If one of these ingredients is not present in the active ingredient list on the label, do not buy it. And if you already own one, now that you know better, do not use it again and throw it out immediately. Yes, UVA protection is that essential.
If you are looking for a less irritating sunscreen for your child, choose one that contains only pure titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as the active ingredient; these are definitely the best options for a baby’s sensitive skin.