Aside from the rating, the EWG offers a list of ingredients to look for and to avoid on each product.
Active ingredients to look for include:
- zinc oxide
- titanium dioxide
- avobenzone or mexoryl SX
These options are the best for children, people with sensitive skin, and for optimal UVA protection. It is also best to use a cream-based sunscreen with a broad-based spectrum, and with an SPF of 30+ for pool or beach use. Water-resistant brands are also good for these activities, as well as for use during exercise.
Ingredients to avoid include:
- oxybenzone
- Vitamin A (retinyl palmitate)
- added insect repellents
In addition, avoid sprays or powders, since these can pose an inhalation risk, and anything with an SPF of 50+.
Although some of the EWG’s picks cost a little more than typical sunscreens, they tend to be a lot thicker, so you end up using less. The following is a list of the top-rated sunscreens for kids within a reasonable price range, from lowest to highest price per ounce. Read on to find the right one for your child.
(6 oz)
(6 oz)
Cost: $16.99
Price per ounce: $2.83
Titanium dioxide and transparent zinc oxide are the main ingredients in this all natural sunscreen.
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(6 oz)
(6 oz)
Cost: $18.99
Price per ounce: $3.17
With 82 percent organic ingredients, a broad-spectrum base, and zinc oxide and titanium oxide listed as the main active ingredients, this product is a great choice to help keep your child safe from the sun.
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Cost: $21.99
Prince per ounce: $3.66
This non-greasy, fragrance-free lotion is safe for sensitive skin, and is oxybenzone-free and paraben-free. Zinc oxide is listed as the main active ingredient.
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(4 oz)
(4 oz)
Cost: $14.99
Price per ounce: $3.75
Water-resistant and suitable for all ages, this product contains no additives, with zinc oxide and titanium listed as the main active ingredients.
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Cost: $18.99
Price per ounce: $3.79
This sunscreen is 100% chemical and fragrance free, making it a good choice if your child has sensitive skin. Zinc oxide and titanium oxide are listed as the main active ingredients.
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Cost: $24.99
Price per ounce: $4.16
This zinc and titanium based mineral sunscreen is also free of parabens, phthalates, and nano particles.
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(3 oz)
(3 oz)
Cost: $13.95
Price per ounce: $4.65
This zinc oxide-based sunscreen is also free of PABA, gluten, parabens, phthalates, fragrances, petrochemicals, and dyes.
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(2.5 oz)
(2.5 oz)
Cost: $11.99
Price per ounce: $4.80
Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and broad-spectrum protection are what give this sunscreen its good rating.
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(2.9 oz)
(2.9 oz)
Cost: $16
Price per ounce: $5.52
This broad-spectrum, water-resistant brand retains its SPF even after 40 minutes of sweating or activity in the water. The zinc oxide used as the main ingredient has a high quality pharmaceutical grade, making it good for sensitive skin as well.
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(3 oz)
(3 oz)
Cost: $19.39
Price per ounce: $6.46
Although this product is a little pricier, the broad-spectrum protection combined with the added herbal benefits of skin rejuvenation give this sunscreen its great rating. Zinc oxide acts as the main ingredient, and all the other ingredients are biodegradable, chemical-free, and completely safe for kids skin.
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(2.9 oz)
(2.9 oz)
Cost: $19.99
Price per ounce: $6.89
This fragrance-free sunscreen lotion is specially formulated for people with sensitive skin or allergies, making it well worth the extra money. It is gentle, water-resistant, and broad-spectrum, so you can use it on kids of all ages. Titanium dioxide is the main active ingredient.
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(3 oz)
(3 oz)
Price: $20.00
Price per ounce: $6.99
Zinc oxide is the main ingredient in this hypoallergenic, biodegradable, UVA/UVB broad spectrum sunscreen.
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(2.9 oz)
(2.9 oz)
Price: $24.95
Price per ounce: $8.60
Made from only natural, non-toxic ingredients, this sunscreen offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage, and contains no oxybenzone or other harmful chemicals.
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