Image: MomJunction Design Team
When your children step out during the hot summers, facing the brunt of the hot sun can be a daunting task. In such cases, using the best sunscreen sticks for kids could help. These sunscreen sticks are non-sticky, easy to use, and portable. Since you might be confused about choosing, you may read the following post. We have curated a list of sunscreen sticks to help you select the right one for your child.
Top Picks
13 Best Sunscreen Sticks For Kids
1.Best PABA-Free:Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Stick
Image:Neutrogena
This sunscreen stick from Neutrogena is water-resistant. It has SPF 70,broad-spectrum protection, protecting your child from UVA and UVB rays.The product has a non-greasy formula and provides approximately 80 minutes of protection with each application.It is also oil-free and has a PABA-free combination formula. The stick shape ensures hands-free and mess-free application. If you want a detailed review of the product, make sure to take a look atthis video.
Pros
- Helioplex broad spectrum
- Works on wet and dry skin
- 适合户外使用
- Hypoallergenic
- Dermatologically tested and recommended
Cons
- May stain fabrics
- May melt easily
Do remember2.Best Fragrance-Free:Babyganics SPF 50 Travel Size Baby Sunscreen Stick
Made to be fragrance-free, this sunscreen with SPF 50 is suitable for children with sensitive skin. The formula does not contain octinoxate, oxybenzone, parabens, PABA, phthalates, and nanoparticles. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the active ingredients in this sunscreen stick. In addition, these products are hypoallergenic and tear-free. The product is water-resistant and can provide up to 80 minutes of protection in a single application. It comes in a pack of two sticks.
Pros
- Formulated with plant-derived ingredients
- Glides smoothly
- Dermatologically tested
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May leave a white cast
- May be a bit thick in consistency
3.Best Non-Greasy:Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick
This sunscreen stick has zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as its active ingredients, and can be applied to the skin on any part of the body.The product is fragrance-free, locks moisture, and hydrates the skin.In addition, it has a non-greasy and non-comedogenic formula that blends quickly into the skin, protecting against sun rays for approximately 80 minutes.
You can apply it on delicate areas such as the lips, earlobes, and nose. The hypoallergenic and PABA-free formula is ideal for sensitive skin. It also contains Vitamin E for skin nourishment and is safe for both children and adults. You can also checkthis YouTuber’s detailed reviewto know more about the results after using this product.
Pros
- Dermatologist-recommended
- Glides easily
- Reef-friendly
- Free from mineral oil
- Ideal for daily use
Cons
- May feel slightly dry
- May leave a white cast
4.Best Plant-Based:Sun Bum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Stick
Sun Bum’s sunscreen stick features a fast-absorbing formula, which does not leave the skin feeling oily. The sunscreen has an SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection and a plant-based formulation with natural ingredients such as cocoa butter, shea butter, coconut oil, and zinc oxide.
The formula is vegan, dye-free, and gluten-free, protecting against the sun’s rays for approximately 80 minutes. It contains dermatologically tested moisturizing ingredients and is free of sulfates, parabens, silicones, and phthalates. This product is safe to use on children aged six months and older.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Suitable for face and body
- Nourishing formula
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- May not be easy to use
- Stick may be a bit firm
5.Best Non-Comedogenic:CeraVe Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
One of the best sunscreen sticks, this product from CeraVe is water-resistant and offers broad-spectrum protection of SPF 50. The fragrance-free formula is appropriate for all skin types and protects from UVA and UVB rays. It contains ceramides that form a protective barrier on the skin. The ingredients are oil-free, lightweight, and non-comedogenic. This product is safe for daily use and protects from sun rays for up to 40 minutes. For a thorough review of the product, have a look atthis YouTuber’s video.
Pros
- 100% mineral sunscreen
- Developed by dermatologists
- Residue-free finish
- Travel-friendly
- Recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation for daily use
Cons
- May be slightly sticky
- May be small for some
6.Best Cruelty-Free:Thinksport Kids SPF 30 Mineral Sunscreen Stick
This kids sunscreen stick with SPF 30 protects your child’s delicate skin from the sun’s UVA and the UVB rays. This mineral-based sunscreen stick has an 80-minute water resistance rating.The product is easy to apply and free from parabens, PABA, BPA, BPS, oxybenzone, and aerosol.It is also cruelty-free. Your child can wear it on the face and body. It contains 20% zinc oxide and leaves no oily residue.
Pros
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Has no chemical smell
- Vegan-friendly
- Biodegradable formula
- Non-toxic
Cons
- Consistency may be a bit creamy
- May leave residue
7.Best Water-Resistant:All Good Baby & Kids Mineral Sunscreen
Suited for sensitive skin, this sunscreen comes with SPF 50 protection and is easy to apply, leaving the child’s skin moisturized. It contains chamomile and coconut oil, which has a soothing effect on the skin. The wide mouth of the stick makes it easy to apply. The formula does not contain harmful ingredients, such as parabens, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. It is also hypoallergenic, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. The product is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
Pros
- Non-greasy formula
- Doesn’t contain chemical UV absorbers
- Ocean- and reef-friendly
- B-Corporation certified
Cons
- May leave a white cast
- May not glide smooth
8.Best Hypoallergenic:Aveeno Kids Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick
Aveeno’s sunscreen sticks feature an unscented formula, making it suitable for children with sensitive skin. The product has zinc oxide as its active ingredient and oat oil for skin nourishment. Its SPF 50 formula protects from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. It is resistant to sweat and water, and will provide protection for around 80 minutes. The formula is hypoallergenic and free of dyes, phthalates, and parabens.
Pros
- Non-greasy formula
- Ideal for face and body
- Glides smoothly on the skin
- Leaves no residue
- Pediatrician-recommended
Cons
- May feel a bit heavy on the skin
- May not last long
Quick fact9.Best Vegan:Boogie Block Baby Sunscreen
The sunscreen stick’s formula is unscented and has an SPF of 50, protecting the child’s delicate skin from UVA and UVB rays. The active ingredient is zinc oxide.The formula is hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested.In addition, this sunscreen for kids is water-resistant and reef-safe. It absorbs quickly and does leave the skin greasy or messy, and will not clog skin pores. The water-resistant formula is suitable for use at beaches and poolsides.
Pros
- Infused with 100% naturally derived ingredients
- B-Corporation certified
- USDA certified bio-based product
- Vegan-friendly
Cons
- May leave a slight white cast
- May not rub well
10.Best Lightweight:Mustela Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick
Image:Mustela
This kids’ sunblock stick is made of 70% organic ingredients and comes with features, such as water resistance and fragrance-free formula. It offers SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection and contains no parabens, being gentle on the skin.
The active ingredient is zinc oxide, while other ingredients include shea butter, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and avocado oil, which hydrate skin and lock the moisture. It is lightweight and will easily blend into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
Pros
- Ideal for face and body
- Has no chemical UV filters
- 适合敏感肌肤
- Accepted by the National Eczema Association
Cons
- May not spread easily
- May be slightly small
11.Best Biodegradable:Coral Safe SPF 50 Face Stick Sunscreen
This sunscreen stick for kids is water-resistant, unscented, and does not contain any harsh chemicals.It is biodegradable and can be used in saltwater since it is reef-safe (it does not contain compounds that harm marine life and coral reefs).The active ingredient is zinc oxide, which is safe for children’s skin. Other ingredients include aloe vera, coconut oil, and sunflower oil, which moisturize the skin.
The product is vegan and cruelty-free. You can take it to beaches and poolsides since the product is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. The compact shape of the stick makes it easy to carry.
12.Best Silicone-Free:Supergoop! Store Sunnyscreen Stick
Image:Supergoop!
Supergoop offers a combination of sunscreen lotion with zinc oxide, antioxidants, and olive oil. It is ideal for sensitive skin since it is pediatrician-tested. The stick has a silicone-free, unscented formula that is non-sticky and hypoallergenic. It is mess-free and will not leave behind a greasy residue. The sunscreen offers SPF 50 protection against the sun’s UVA, UVB, and infrared rays. It has a mineral, non-nano formula, which is free from parabens and phthalates. The formula is water-resistant and will stay effective for up to 80 minutes.
Pros
- Spill-proof
- Infused with non-toxic ingredients
- Nourishes and moisturizes the skin
- PEG-free
- Doesn’t leave a white cast
Cons
- May need to be reapplied often
13.Best Gluten-Free:Babo Botanicals Baby Face Mineral Sunscreen Stick
这个产品有一包两个和锌oxide-based, non-greasy sunscreen that absorbs quickly. The formula is water- and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for use near water bodies. You can apply it to the sensitive areas of the face, such as ears, lips, and nose. The fragrance-free formula is 70% organic and comes with SPF 50 protection. The mineral-based sunscreen is hypoallergenic and does not contain dairy, soy, gluten, paraben, and phthalates.
Pros
- Gentle on the skin
- Packed with plant-based ingredients
- Cruelty-free
- Preservative-free
- Dermatologist- and pediatrician-tested
- B-Corporation certified
Cons
- May not spread well
- May be small
How To Choose The Right Kids’ Sunscreen Stick?
Look for the following features while picking a sunscreen for kids.
- SPF:The sunscreen must have a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 30. If your child spends significant time under the sun, especially during summer, then pick a sunscreen with higher SPF.
- Age:Some sunscreen sticks are recommended for older children, while some work for babies as well. Check the recommended age of the sunscreen before purchase.
- Ingredients:Make sure zinc oxide is an active ingredient since it is gentle on the skin yet effective. It forms an invisible protective layer.
Dr. Dmitriy Schwarzburg, a renowned New York-based dermatologist and owner of Skinly Aesthetics, says,“高防晒指数的产品是至关重要的,以保护你的baby’s delicate skin. Choose a product that is free of parabens and sulfates, and ensure the stick is unscented, as fragrances often contain alcohol, which tends to dry out the skin.”
Why Trust MomJunction?
Poulami Nag, our experienced writer and reviewer of skincare products, brings you this comprehensive list of mess-free and non-sticky sunscreen sticks for children to ensure optimal protection from the harsh UV rays. She has compared several highly-rated products to list the best ones that are safe and effective. Poulami has also checked each product’s ingredients list to ensure the products are safe for children.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are sunscreen sticks safe for kids?
Yes, sunscreen sticks specifically made of child-friendly ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide are safe for children (1). Using an adult sunscreen stick can make children’s skin more prone to burns.
2. What SPF should I use on my child?
The American Academy of Dermatology Association recommends applying sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and reapplying it every two hours when outdoors (1).
3. How long does a sunscreen stick last?
The FDA recommends that all sunscreens remain stable for at least three years. Always check the label for the expiration date; if it is not present, consider the sunscreen expired after three years of purchase (2).
Stepping outside during the scorching summer can be a daunting task for your little ones. In that case, the best sunscreen sticks for kids may come in handy and protect your little one from the harmful UV rays. You may look for one made of safe and clinically proven ingredients. Pick one that suits your skin type, emits a good odor, and does not contain any chemicals that may be detrimental to your skin. Besides, ensure to pick one with a high SPF and is suitable for your child’s age.
Infographic: How To Choose The Right Sunscreen Stick For Children?
Sunscreen protects the child’s delicate skin from harmful UV rays. Using the right sunscreen, based on the outdoor settings, can prevent sunburn and reduce discomfort. Check out the following infographic to learn about the factors you must consider when purchasing the most suitable sunscreen for your child.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Get high-quality PDF version by clicking below.
Download Infographic
References:
- Sunscreen FAQS
https://www.aad.org/media/stats-sunscreen - Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sun
https://www.fda.gov/drugs/understanding-over-counter-medicines/sunscreen-how-help-protect-your-skin-sun - Ask the Expert: Does A High SPF Protect My Skin Better?
https://www.skincancer.org/blog/ask-the-expert-does-a-high-spf-protect-my-skin-better/
Recommended Articles:
