What Parents Should Look for on a Kids’ Sunscreen Label

When choosing a sunscreen for children, Jennifer Sawaya, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained cosmetic and laser specialist at the Center for Aesthetic and Laser Medicine in Scottsdale, Arizona, said the first thing parents should confirm is that the product is broad spectrum, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. SPF matters too, though less than many parents assume beyond a certain point. Sawaya recommends SPF 30 or higher, noting that SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UV rays while SPF 50 blocks about 98%, a marginal difference once a product clears the SPF 30 threshold. For kids spending time in pools or splash pads, she also recommends looking specifically for a waterproof formula.

Physical Blockers Versus Chemical Filters

Sawaya explained that sunscreens generally fall into two categories: physical, or mineral, blockers containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which use particles to physically deflect UV rays, and chemical sunscreens, which rely on UV-absorbing filters. While some chemical filters are considered safer than others, Sawaya said mineral sunscreens are consistently a safe choice for children, particularly younger kids. She noted that zinc oxide, a common ingredient in diaper rash products like Desitin, doesn’t just protect against sun exposure but can also help restore an impaired skin barrier, making mineral formulas especially well-suited for children with eczema, dry skin or other barrier issues.

When Babies Can Start Wearing Sunscreen

Sawaya said the American Academy of Pediatrics’ guideline against sunscreen use in babies under 6 months old stems largely from infants’ high skin-surface-area-to-body-ratio, which raises concerns about absorption, along with a broader recommendation to keep very young babies out of direct sun exposure altogether. For infants under 6 months, she recommends avoiding sun exposure entirely when possible: staying out of peak sunlight hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; using shade, sun-protective clothing, hats and stroller canopies; and being mindful of overheating risk in young babies.

Once children reach 6 months old, Sawaya recommends SPF 30 or higher, ideally from a physical blocker, reapplied every two hours outdoors and as often as every 40 minutes during water play.