Is it Safe to Use Sunscreen for Babies?
Yes, sunscreens are safe to use on babies above the age of six months. That said, as mentioned above, your infant's skin is delicate and sensitive. Due to this, choosing a sunscreen with actives like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide may help. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of your baby's skin and don't need to be absorbed into the skin barrier to work. This makes it less likely that your baby will get rashes or other skin irritations. Mineral sunscreens wash off pretty quickly as well, so reapplications are a must every two hours and after swimming or sweating.Note: FDA and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advise that babies younger than six months old, should be kept away from direct sunlight and in shade adorned in breathable, sun-protective clothing. While sunscreen is not absolutely necessary unless they are directly exposed to the sun without these, applying SPF 30+ sunscreen in minimal quantity is advised.
Top Rated Sunscreens For Babies in India
1. Best in Broad Spectrum: Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Copperstone is a well-renowned sunscreen brand, and this mineral sunscreen lotion does not disappoint. It is a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 protection against harsh UVA and UVB rays. The product is fragrance- and tear-free, making it perfect for reapplication on your little ones. It is hypoallergenic and is water-resistant for about 80 minutes after the first application. The natural botanicals help nourish the skin and keep it plump.
Ingredients: Zinc oxide, tea leaf, sea kelp and lotus extract
Pros: 100% naturally sourced zinc oxide, No oxybenzone, alcohol, parabens
Cons: It does leave a white cast on reapplications
2. Best in Roll-on: Nivea Sun Protect & Care Roll On
This roll-on sunscreen for babies makes a great travel buddy during the holidays. The formulation includes almond oil and glycerin to keep your little ones' skin hydrated in the summer. It is ocean-conscious, free of UV filter chemicals, and 68% biodegradable. Simply hand your young one the roll-on sunscreen and encourage them to apply it themselves. Reach for this sunscreen the next time you are at the beach because it is water-resistant and powered with SPF 50 for high protection.
Ingredients: Aqua, Alcohol Denat., C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Almond oil
Skin Type: Normal
Pros: Handy, Good coverage, Free of microplastic
Cons: It is not fragrance-free
3. Best for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen
With the power of oats, this mineral sunscreen is a broad-spectrum one with high SPF 50 coverage. The tear-free formula is made from naturally sourced zinc oxide, which keeps your child's skin protected from the sun's rays. It is sweat- and water-resistant for about 80 minutes after application. The lightweight formula moisturises and soothes your baby’s skin. While it may leave a bit of a white cast, it sits well on the skin, so applying it generously shouldn’t be an issue.
Ingredients: 21.6% Zinc Oxide
Skin Type: Sensitive
Pros: Free from fragrance and parabens, good coverage
Cons: Has a thick consistency
4. Best in a Liposomal formulation: Cetaphil Sun Kids Liposomal Lotion
Here‘s an unscented chemical sunscreen that is equipped with SPF 50+ for optimal coverage against UVA rays. The smooth liposomal formulation with vitamins E and B5 spreads evenly on the skin and helps to moisturise and nourish your child's skin. It is gentle on sensitive skin and provides up to four hours of water resistance. The sunscreen is perfect for regular use. Furthermore, reapplication won't clog your baby's precious pores.
Ingredients: Glycerin, Aloe vera and Vitamin E
Skin Type: Sensitive skin
Pros: Non-irritating, Non-greasy, Comes with a pump dispenser
5. Best in a Stick: Neutrogena Pure & Free Baby Sunscreen Stick
With more than 80 minutes of water resistance, this is a sunscreen stick that will make a great travel buddy on your next trip. The broad-spectrum sunscreen has an SPF of 50 and is formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. The stick is easy to use and glides on well for a hassle-free application. It is non-greasy, oil-free, and hypoallergenic. Furthermore, the product is also awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance, making it a great choice for babies with eczema and sensitive skin.
Ingredients: Zinc Oxide(21.6%)
Skin Type: Sensitive skin
Pros: Easy to use, Fragrance-free
Cons: May leave a white cast
6. Best in Bio-Based: Mother Sparsh Plant Powered Natural & Mineral Sunscreen
Formulated with about 95% bio-based ingredients, this mineral SPF 30+ sunscreen does more than safeguard your baby's skin from the sun. Free from titanium dioxide, the brand focuses its formulation around zinc oxide, which is gentle on sensitive skin. With the addition of cocoa butter, tomato extract, and olive oil, the sunscreen checks all the boxes for balancing pH, moisturising, and nourishing the delicate skin of babies. The toxin-free sunscreen is lightweight and non-sticky on application, perfect for Indian summers.
Ingredients: Zinc oxide, coconut oil, aloe Vera oil, rice bran oil, cocoa butter, Shea butter, wheat germ oil, vitamin C
Skin Type: All types of skin
Pros: Unscented, Cruelty and Allergen-free
Cons: Leave a white cast, might take a while to settle in
7. Best in Non-Nano Formulation: BabyChakra Moisturizing Natural Baby Sunscreen
Being a non-nano formulation, this mineral sunscreen is specially formulated to sit on top of your baby's skin rather than permeate their skin barrier. It is packed with 100% natural and organic actives that are rich in antioxidants and fight against the harsh skin damage caused by sun exposure. The water-resistant formula contains no skin-irritating filters like avobenzone and oxybenzone. It is non-sticky and backed with SPF 30+ and PA+++ for broad-spectrum coverage.
Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Oxide, Organic Carrot seed oil, Almond oil, Rosehip oil, Chamomile Oil, Radish Root Extract
Skin Type: All, Oily, Sensitive, Dry, Normal
Pros: Budget-friendly, moisturising
8. Best for Hydration: CeraVe Mineral Baby Sunscreen SPF 45
CeraVe offers broad-spectrum coverage of SPF 45 with this paraben-free sunscreen. The mineral sunscreen lotion is made from physical filters like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. It includes three essential ceramides, with the addition of hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, that hydrate and restore your baby’s delicate skin barrier. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free to avoid skin irritation, the formula is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
Skin Type: Normal to oily and dry
Pros: Sulphate-free, Accepted by the National Eczema Association, non-irritating
Cons: Has a thick consistency
9. Best in Tear-Free formula: Banana Boat Baby Sunscreen
Sweat is inevitable in summer. Rest assured that this sunscreen will not sting or irritate your baby's precious eyes. With UVA and UVB protection, the SPF 50 sunscreen is said to have an effective broad spectrum. It is also lightweight and water-resistant. Designed with a quick-absorbing formula, the brand encourages parents to apply sunscreen generously just 15 minutes before sun exposure for optimal coverage.
Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide
Pros: Alcohol-free, Good coverage, Unscented
Cons: Has a thick consistency
How Do I Choose the Right Sunscreen for My Baby?
It can be tricky to choose the right skincare products for your baby. Here's how to pick the best sunscreen for your baby without spending too much time on trial and error:- Consultation is essential: The first and most crucial thing is to consult your paediatrician about what is best for your baby's needs. They can help you determine if your baby's skin is allergic to a particular ingredient and point you in the right direction.
- Follow the guidelines: Get the fundamentals out of the way first. Always choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and PA+++ protection.
- White cast: While mineral sunscreen is preferable for infants and babies with sensitive skin, the majority of them will most likely leave a white cast. Look for formulations that absorb quickly and have minimal white cast if you want to avoid such results.
- Skin Type: Each sunscreen will specify whether it is for dry, normal, sensitive, or oily skin. Formulations for dry skin will be moisturising and thick in consistency. These specifications can help parents decide which type is best for their child.
How to Apply Sunscreen to Babies
Once you've found a sunscreen that doesn't irritate your baby's skin, even after a patch test, here's how to apply it conveniently to prevent sun damage:- At least 15 to 20 minutes prior to heading outside, grab a generous amount of sunscreen and apply it to every part of your baby's skin that will be exposed to the sun.
- Be careful of getting sunscreen in your baby's eyes or hands, as it can pose the risk of ingestion or eye irritation.
- Don't overlook their ears and nose, and always have an SPF 15+ lip balm on hand.
- Reapply every two hours or after swimming or sweating.
In essence,
Truth be told, your infant, who rarely sees the outside world, doesn't need sunscreen on a daily basis. On days that you do venture out with them, like on holidays or a simple trip to the beach, if they are away in the shade, the need for sunscreen is far less. But in any case, if these conditions are not met, your travel-sized SPF 30+ sunscreen will make the safest and most beneficial travel companion. Happy Parenting!
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