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We have a long summer ahead of us here in the South, so we've been testing out a few sunscreens for our nearly four-year-old daughter, Z. I started my search by going to the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetic Safety Database to narrow down my choices. I confined our shortlist to those with an SPF of 30+ that were rated a 2 or less (out of 10) for their potential health hazard and 1 or less for sun hazard.
They are:
- UV Natural Sport SPF 30+
- California Baby SPF 30+
- TruKid Sunny Days Face Stick SPF 30+
- TruKid SunnyDays SPF 30+
- Badger SPF 30 Sunscreen
- KINeSYS KIDS Sunscreen Spray
Overall, we liked all of these brands - none of them were greasy or sticky, they all went on smoothly and disappeared completely, and none bothered Z's eczema, which even hummus on her cheeks can cause to flare up. We all commented on the wonderfully citrus smell of the Badger sunscreen, and found the stick types very convenient. But since the sunscreens were all rated as safe, and they seemed to function equally well, for us this contest ultimately came down to cost.The two stick types were significantly more expensive per ounce, but given the mode of application, they should last a lot longer; considering the convenience factor (easy to carry in a purse or pocket, no risk of spillage), we'll probably keep one on hand as a supplement to liquid sunscreen.
Between the two stick types we tried, TruKid's was significantly cheaper, at $10 for a .62 oz. stick ($16 per oz.) compared with $12.99 for California Baby's .5 oz. stick ($25.98 per oz.). Both are available on Amazon.com [TruKid|California Baby].For liquid sunscreens, we compared the cost per ounce and per bottle among the three brands we tried (California Baby, TruKid, Badger) and the two we didn't (UV Natural, KINeSYS). Again, TruKid won out.
TruKid's SunnyDays sunscreen was the most affordable by far, at $3.50/oz. and $14 for a 4-oz. bottle. KineSYS KIDS' 4-oz. spray bottle lists at $17, or $4.25/oz. (although it's currently available on Amazon for $15); Badger's 30 SPF sunscreen runs $5.51/oz., California Baby's costs $6.21/oz., and UV Natural Baby costs a whopping $10.58/oz., or $18 for a 1.76 oz. bottle.Since my initial research, the EWG has published a sunscreen guide with a lot more information (but not costs) of a wide range of sunscreens. If you're picking out an adult sunscreen or something marketed for kids, you're doing well if you check ingredient labels and avoid parabens, phthalates, SLS, propylene glycol, PEG’s, dioxanes, and oxybenzones.
23 comments:
Thank you, thank you, thank you for including cost in your review, since I nearly fell over at the 30 dollar small thing of sunscreen when I was looking for baby safe stuff. Another consideration might be availibility, since many of these are not mass market and finding them can be hard. Safest available mass market when you forgot your sunscreen and need some on the way to the beach would be good to have as well. You know, not that it has ever happened to me or anything.
Yep, the ones we didn't get from the companies for this review we had to order online, because no one local carries any of these brands. I think it's a lot easier to find them in big cities or progressive areas but here in Central Texas it's another story.
Great post. While you should avoid the ingredients mentioned, you should also make sure that your sunscreen has ingredients effective for both UVA and UVB rays. Some will only have ingredients for UVB, which are the rays that generally burn you. UVA are the ones that tend to cause cancer. You want a sunscreen that has Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, or Avobenzone (or any combination of the three). Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide sunscreens create a physical barrier, so you don't have to wait as long for them to soak in. These are also great option for those with more sensitive skin. Avobenzone is a chemical that must soak into skin at least 30 minutes to work and is more likely to cause irritation. For young kids, I'd recommend sunscreens with Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide since I tend to dislike putting strange chemicals on kids. Avobenzone also loses effectives more quickly than the mineral types. And let's also not forget the value of covering up with a hat and long-sleeves!
Amelia,
you should sign up for some of these expensive companies' newsletters because they notify you of their sales. I was able to buy Tru Kid sunblocks for half off last week!
But I also appreciated the cost per ounce comparison and the chart was a nice touch.
I was feeling bad that Tru Kid was so expensive, and it is compared to commercial drugstore brands, but I felt better now that I know that it's relatively affordable to other natural brands.
Great post - I have another sunscreen that you could add to your list. We use Blue Lizard Australian sunscreen 30+ rates a 1 or 2 on the skin deep website. In our local grocery it is $10 a bottle (5oz). And the bottle changes color to indicate UV exposure. My daughter was really sensitive to other products on the market and this was recommended to us by a dermatologist - we have been happy ever since. We are also very fair in coloring and this has done a wonderful job keeping us protected. Protects against both UVA and UVB. Just thought I would throw in one more for the mix.
@Sally: Thanks for the UVA/UVB note - all of the sunscreens we tested have titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as their active ingredient. And yes, at our house a hat at least is a must - it's a bit hot for long sleeves.
@Dayna: Thanks for the addition!
I have had my pediatrican tell me the sticks are also much easier to apply. I like the fact they are small, compact to carry since how much stuff can we carry to the beach! Thanks for the comparison info!
why, oh, WHY do the spray cans have to be such a nightmare for both health and the environment??!!! they are absolutely heaven-sent for busy parents trying to protect their kids' delicate skin. i just dropped $30 on a tube of UV natural. hope it's as good as the claims. i'll let you know... until then, seek shade!!!
Is there a reason Mexitan wasn't on here? is it because their 15 SPF doesn't rate as high as their 30 on UVB, or because they aren't listed as a children's sunscreen? Just curious. :-) I haven't tried it myself yet but I've heard good things about it. Oh, and if you buy the larger bottle of UV Naturals, you get a much better price per ounce - it's around $30 for 5.29 oz, which comes out closer to $6/oz. Go figure! (And yes, I was doing my own price comparisons the other day. I didn't find TruKids for some reason, though, so thanks!)
We are also huge Blue Lizard fans and was surprised not to see it on your list. It seems like all the pediatricians recommend it as well because almost everyone in my Mother of Twins club uses Blue Lizard. It is readily available in several local supermarkets and drug stores as well as online options if you want to buy it in bulk for the whole family.
@Rhonda: Blue Lizard Sunscreen does not meet our qualifications for a "safe" sunscreen. It contains Propylene Glycol, 3 different parabens, and PEGs.
@Anonymous: We didn't list Mexitan because it's not aimed towards children but I checked the ingredients and it does meet our qualifications as a "safe" sunscreen.
Thanks for sharing this -- especially the cost breakdown. Also, I might add that we use the stick for the face because my little girl gets all squeamish about having lotion rubbed on her face. "The Stick" works wonders.
I just started using the TruKid and really like it. Great light fragrance and not greasy. Easy to apply.
SafeMama.com also has some great info and ratings on children's sunscreens.
Once you buy from TruKid online you're on their list - and I too just stocked up last week during their two-day half-off sale (and passed the tip on to all of my friends!)
In Canada, you can get the KINeSYS sunscreen at Costco - they offer a 2pack of the full size bottles for $17. They also have the adult version, same price.
Can anyone tell me the about the Jason Naturals line? We are heading to the lake today and that seems to be the only one I can find locally. Thanks!!!
I would like to add one thing for babies. My DD (8 months old) also has egzema and our dermatologist recommended Neutrogena Sensitive Skin (SPF 30). She told us that sunscreens alike california baby are better for older children (2 years old +).
My son needs a very good sunscreen. allenbth3@yahoo.com
Thank you for your post regarding the different chemical free sunscreens. I recently bought Mexitan SPF 30 and have also used California Baby's SPF 30 fragrance free lotion and stick. I like them all. I think the Mexitan lotion is thinner which makes it easier to spread. However, I worry that may mean its sun protection is not as good and it did not fair as well in the EWG's sun protection rating but still had a good rating overall. I had not heard of KINeSYS sunscreen and I will look for it at Costco so thank you missmarble. It is hard to get most of these sunscreens in Canada. I spent a fortune in brokerage fees ordering California Baby. Mexitan is readily available and Trukids can be purchased online from Bug and Blossom http://www.bugandblossom.com/catalog/index.php
UV baby can be purchased from http://www.amotherstouch.biz/cart/home.php
May be helpful to other Canadians out there looking for natural sunscreens.
This has been a difficult decision process. In regards to the comment, "If you're picking out an adult sunscreen or something marketed for kids, you're doing well if you check ingredient labels and avoid parabens, phthalates, SLS, propylene glycol, PEG’s, dioxanes, and oxybenzones.".
I'm curious why you listed California Baby's liquid sunscreen due it containing PEG-30 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE. Isn't this post recommending avoiding PEG's?
Thanks for this review. I find many of your reviews so helpful. Any chance you could review some kid's mosquito repellants? I am swarmed and frustrated.
safemama.com has a new post with a response to the EWG's new sunscreen recommendations: http://safemama.com/2008/07/07/the-thing-about-sunscreen/
safemama.com also has a new post with recommendations on bug repellant!
CA Baby is available in some Target stores at a lesser price than I have found online. As for the comment on hats and shirts, my 3YO doesn't hit the beach, lake or pool without an SPF long sleeve wave shirt (I like the LLBean ones best) and a Columbia wide brimmed hat with SPF 50...she wears an adult hat (there is an adjustable elastic in the hat which lets us fit it to her head) to ensure that the brim covers her WHOLE face...it can get wet and dries quickly.
hi, HOw about Aveeno Baby, got it for my 9 month old as he has dermatitis. I am not sure I can afford the others..had some coupons for Aveeno and have been using other creams and lotions from Aveeno..THanks
Happinesss
Vidya
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