Research-backed
Sunscreens can help prevent irritation in children with eczema. Here, we have included a list of the best sunscreen for kids with eczema to make your search easy. The most common signs of eczema in children are red rashes, itchy round patches, and scaly skin. When exposed to sunlight, these signs tend to worsen. A quality calming sunscreen can help soothe the skin and protect it from further irritations. Take a look at some safety-tested sunscreens that protect the skin from eczema. However, you should seek a dermatologist’s advice before using these products.
Top Picks
10 Best Sunscreens For Kids With Eczema
1. Best Non-Oily: Baby Bum Moisturizing Lotion
Baby Bum sunscreen is specially formulated for toddlers and babies. It is non-oily and absorbs quickly on the face and body while offering SPF 50 protection. The nourishing baby sunscreen lotion is a trusted choice as it contains shea butter, avocado oil, aloe, cocoa butter, and monoi coconut oil that help nourish and hydrate all skin types. This quick-absorbing and hypoallergenic formula is free of phthalates, dyes, and preservatives such as parabens. Further, it is cruelty-free and gluten-free.
Do remember
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is a hit with users, evidenced by the 382 fine reviews on Amazon.
2. Best Water And Sweat Resistant: Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Sunscreen
With SPF 50, this baby-friendly sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection for your little one’s skin against UVA and UVB radiations. It is gentle on the baby’s skin and easily locks in moisture. The lotion contains oats and naturally sourced 100% zinc oxide as the active ingredients. It is water-and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. This baby sunscreen is non-greasy and free of fragrances, parabens, and phthalates. Check out this video for a detailed review of the product.
3. Best UVA And UVB Protection: Banana Boat Simply Protect Sensitive Clear Sunscreen Spray
The Banana Boat hypoallergenic mineral sunscreen contains SPF 50 and provides broad-spectrum protection from UVB and UVA. It is made from naturally sourced zinc and manufactured without oxybenzone, parabens, added oils, or synthetic fragrances. And the innovative spray bottle ensures even coverage. Trusted by moms, the eczema-friendly sunscreen’s broad spectrum formula is lightweight, water-resistant, and gentle on sensitive skin.
Baby Bum Moisturizing Lotion Best Non-Oily | Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Best Water And Sweat Resistant | Banana Boat Simply Protect Sensitive Clear Sunscreen Spray Best UVA And UVB Protection | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3.52 ounces | 0.58 Grams | 6 Ounces |
| Dimensions | 2.3 x 1.5 x 5.9 inches | 3.76 x 7.94 x 7.38 inches | 2.09 x 4.2 x 7.36 inches |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | 382 | 225 | 114 |
| Price | $11.48 | $18.99 | $16.68 |
| Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
4. Best Pediatrician-Recommended: Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen
Mineral-based and made from zinc oxide, this SPF 30 + sunscreen is water-resistant for 80 minutes. The bottle changes color when exposed to UV rays due to its smart bottle technology. It is free of harmful ingredients and is pediatrician-recommended for sensitive skin. Take a look at this video to learn more about the doctor-approved baby sunscreen.
5. Best Lightweight: Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion
Babo botanicals’ sunscreen is a lightweight, non-whitening, and fast-absorbing lotion suitable for sensitive skin. It is made from 100% non-nano zinc, sunflower oil, jojoba oil, avocado, and watercress. This water-resistant, baby-friendly sunscreen can be reapplied every 80 minutes and is free of dairy, walnuts, gluten, and peanuts.
6. Best Paraben-Free: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen
Dermatologically tested, this sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection. It is a 100% mineral sunscreen that reflects the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB radiations. Three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid are included in this safety-tested and hydrating formula to lock in moisture and make the skin look healthy. It is free of parabens, fragrances, and chemical filters and is suitable for sensitive skin.
Quick factWhy We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has garnered more than 255 positive reviews on Amazon.
7. Best For Sensitive Skin: Mustela Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Image: Mustela Mustela sunscreen lotion for the body and face is suitable for babies and sensitive skin. The texture is sheer, lightweight, and water-resistant. It doesn’t contain chemical UV filters. This skin-soothing sunscreen for babies is paraben-and fragrance-free and contains simple ingredients such as coconut oil, zinc oxide, and macadamia oil.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
It's no wonder that this quality product has earned over 143 positive reviews on Amazon.
8. Best Reef-Friendly: Earth Mama Uber-Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion
Image: Earth Mama Made from colloidal oatmeal and shea butter, it is water-resistant for nearly 40 minutes. It is pediatrician- and dermatologist-approved and is clinically tested for irritation. The non-irritating lotion is reef-friendly, does not contain artificial fragrances or parabens, and is suitable for sensitive and delicate skin.
9. Best Chemical-Free: Project Sunscreen Kids Mineral Sunscreen Roll-On Lotion
Project Sunscreen roll contains titanium dioxide and zinc oxide as active components. This mom-approved lotion is free of chemicals, parabens, and fragrances. Its rollerball design and quick-drying formula make sunscreen application easy. It has SPF 50 and is water-resistant for about 80 minutes.
Quick tip10. Best Biodegradable: Trukid Eczema Daily Sunscreen
The non-nano mineral sunscreen is made from aloe vera, jojoba oil, sunflower oil, and other natural ingredients that softly nourish the skin. It is best suitable for babies with eczema or sensitive skin. The eczema relief sunscreen is free of fragrances, parabens, and phthalates. The product is cruelty-free and biodegradable and comes in a recyclable pack. It has SPF 30 and should be reapplied every 40 minutes.
Disclaimer: The information given in this section has been taken from manufacturers’ sources. MomJunction is not responsible for any of the claims made here. We recommend readers’ discretion.
How To Choose The Right Sunscreen For Kids With Eczema?
Here are a few tips to remember before buying sunscreen for kids with eczema. However, it is wise to consult your doctor to ensure the product does not flare up eczema.
- Mineral sunscreen: Mineral actives are preferred by most dermatologists for sensitive skin. According to the FDA, the two sunscreen chemicals — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — are considered safe and non-sensitizing. Additionally, allergy-tested sunscreens are safe for your child’s eczema prone skin.
- Lotions: Lotions are preferred over sprays as they are easy to apply. Sprays don’t work as effectively as lotions.
- Water-resistant: Water-resistant sunscreens are preferable for beach or pool outings. But, as no sunscreen is completely waterproof, they have to be reapplied often.
- Broad-spectrum: The word “broad-spectrum” indicates that the sunscreen provides UVA/UVB protection. Choose a safe and effective sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 50.
Dr. Enrizza Factor, a board-certified dermatologist, says,“Mineral-based sunscreens work better than chemical absorbers for children with eczema. Besides the sunscreen, ensure your child wears protective clothing and a hat when stepping out. Also, do a small patch test before applying any new sunscreen on your child’s skin.”
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I still need sunscreen when it’s cloudy?
Yes, you need sunscreen even if it’s raining or overcast. This is because clouds do not prevent harmful UVA and UVB radiations from affecting your skin. Though you may feel cool on a cloudy day, the UVA and UVB radiations can still be absorbed by your skin.
2. What are the different types of sunscreens?
Mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens are the two types of sunscreens available. Each variety employs a unique technique for screening UV radiation to help prevent skin damage.
3. What are UVA and UVB radiations?
UVB and UVA are the two forms of ultraviolet rays that reach the earth’s surface. Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and play a more significant role in premature skin aging.
4. Does higher SPF mean better or long-lasting?
High-SPF sunscreens don’t offer extra protection. However, according to the EWG and the Skin Cancer Foundation, higher SPF creams are relatively better at protecting you against UVB. UVB radiation is blocked about 97% by SPF 30, 98% by SPF 50, and 99% by SPF 100.
5. What do EWG ratings mean?
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) evaluates and ranks specific chemicals based on their toxicity. For example, if an ingredient is five, the product may have an overall safe grade based on how much of that item is present and how it blends with other safer substances.
6. What age can a kid with eczema start using sunscreen?
Normally, only once an infant is six months old, can they use sunscreen. In the case of eczema, it’s always better to consult a dermatologist or skincare expert before introducing your toddler’s sensitive skin to any skincare product. Ideally, a mineral-based and anti-inflammatory sunscreen is recommended for children (1).
7. What are the side effects of sunscreen?
Using non-mineral-based sunscreens (ones not having zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) increases the chances of skin irritation and may flare up eczema. In the case of a sunscreen that contains oxybenzone, there may be hormonal changes (2). Few children may need to take vitamin D supplements due to lack of proper sun exposure.
Why Trust MomJunction?
Summer is the most loved season for outdoor adventures. However, for children who have skin conditions, such as eczema, over-exposure to sunlight might cause further skin damage. Sunscreen can help protect your child from severe skin damage and irritation. If you are keen to buy one, explore our list of the best sunscreens for kids. Poulami Nag, our in-house writer and reviewer of beauty and personal care products, has compiled this list after considering factors such as quality, ingredients, and safety. Poulami has also detailed the specifications of each of these tried-and-tested products and shared a buying guide to help you make a well-informed choice.
The Bottom Line
Finding the right sunscreen for your child’s sensitive skin can be challenging. If they have eczema, you should ensure the sunscreen you choose does not contain ingredients that can aggravate or irritate the condition. It should provide ample sun protection–not less than SPF 50–and contain natural ingredients, such as jojoba oil and aloe vera, for proper nourishment. Our top recommendations are the Baby Bum Moisturizing Lotion for its fast-absorbing, safe formula and the Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Sunscreen for its lasting water and sweat resistance and moisturizing properties. We hope this list of the best sunscreens for kids with eczema can help you analyze the features and benefits to make an informed decision.
Infographic: How To Care For The Skin Of Children With Eczema
Apart from using eczema-appropriate sunscreens to provide adequate sun protection to your little one, there are other aspects as well when managing the symptoms of eczema on a day-to-day basis. Check out the following infographic to know the points to consider to prevent the skin condition from worsening. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
References
- Sun & Skin News Sun-Safe Babies
https://www.skincancer.org/blog/sun-safe-babies/ - The 12 Best Sunscreens for Kids for 2024 According to Dermatologists
https://www.healthline.com/health/childrens-health/best-sunscreen-for-kids#how-we-chose - How to Choose & Use Sunscreen
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/sunscreen.html
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