The Safest Sunscreens for Kids This Summer

As summer approaches, many parents are already planning fun activities for the whole family. Whether you're planning a trip to the beach or you're simply daydreaming about letting the kids run around outside while you read a good book, time spent in the sun is the foundation of a successful summer vacation.

Regardless of how you spend your summer, there are some items you'll likely add to your shopping list over the next couple of months. Things like bug spray, sunglasses, hats, and of course, sunscreen. If you're not sure which sunscreen is best to buy for your family, we've narrowed it down to some of the safest options for kids.

To determine the safest sunscreens, we used a combination of recommendations from the EWG and dermatologists online. Here are some of the best options to add to your shopping list this year.

No matter what state you live in, sunscreen is a must-have when you're going to be spending time in the sun. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, this type of product is an important part of protecting your skin against sun damage and, in the long term, skin cancer.

Daily use of sunscreen can reduce your risk of developing melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer. A major study in Australia found that daily use of sunscreen reduced the incidence of melanoma by about 50 percent; however, results may vary depending on individual risk factors and adherence. Additionally, sunscreen can reduce the signs of aging, such as wrinkles and age spots. Since children acquire about 25% of their UV damage before they reach adulthood, it's especially important to protect your child's skin when they're out in the sun.

Sometimes, even products labeled as "kid" or "baby" products aren't the safest option. That's why it can be so tricky trying to find the safest sunscreens on the market. When looking for sunscreen for your family, here are some things to consider:

• SPF: It's important to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that's going to shield your child's skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Ideally, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 for your time in the sun.
• Safe Ingredients: The ingredients matter when it comes to products you put on your child's skin. Many products offer sun protection with harmful chemicals. Options that include zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are usually safest for children.
• Lack of Fragrance: Fragrance in sunscreen products is unnecessary and can sometimes cause irritation, especially if your child has sensitive skin. Skip the fruity option and opt for fragrance-free sunscreen products instead.

Blue Lizard offers a variety of sunscreen products, including a Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Kids Mineral Sunscreen Spray, and Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick. According to the EWG, the safest of these products is the Blue Lizard Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50, which has a low hazard score. These products were specifically designed for children's sensitive skin, according to Blue Lizard, and can be purchased at stores like Target or online at Amazon.

Babo Botanicals Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick is EWG-verified, which means it meets the strictest standards set by the EWG. The baby sunscreens offered by Babo Botanicals are free of fragrances, lightweight, and designed for sensitive skin. The Sensitive Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick is made with 17 plant-based ingredients and is NSF-certified, which means at least 70% of the ingredients are organic.

When you search on the EWG website, ATTITUDE has seven products that meet the EWG standards. These products include:

• Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick
• Sunly Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick
• Sunly Kids Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Unscented
• Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick, Unscented
• Baby Oatmeal Sensitive Natural Mineral Sunscreen Lotion, Unscented
• Sunly Kids Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick
• Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick, Tropical

On the ATTITUDE website, it states that their products contain "nothing but gentle ingredients." The products contain non-nano zinc oxide, which helps to provide a protective barrier to the skin without penetrating the skin.

Happy Ocean Mineral Sunscreen is another product that has the EWG-verified mark. The brand's name, Happy Ocean, isn't just a name, either. This company prides itself on offering products that are safe for people and marine life. These sunscreen products are fragrance-free, vegan, and broad-spectrum. While they offer a variety of products, the Kids Mineral Sunscreen is pediatrician-approved and has ingredients like chamomile and calendula for sensitive skin.

Mustela USA offers sunscreen products for the whole family. The Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50, by Mustela is EWG-verified. This product is also broad-spectrum, certified organic, and safe for kids of all ages. Mustela's products also hold the Skin Cancer Foundation Seal of Recommendation and are NSF certified.

Babyganics is one of the most popular sunscreen options for kids. The SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen is made without oxybenzone, octinoxate, parabens, and nanoparticles. It's also tested by pediatricians and is non-allergenic. If you're looking for different options, this brand also offers a Kids Mineral Sunscreen, Mineral Sunscreen Spray, and a Mineral Sunscreen Stick.

Thinkkids is a great option for those with babies or young kids. If you're looking for a product that meets the standards of the EWG, you can choose from the Clear Zinc Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30, Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30, and the Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50. ThinkKids is a product line from Thinksun. They also have a product line called Thinkbaby for little ones.

Stream2Sea Every Day Mineral Sunscreen 4 Kids is an EWG-verified option that's perfect for everyday use. This product, according to Stream2Sea, is highly water-resistant and performs better after you get in the water. This is due to the WetBoost™ Technology used in Stream2Sea products. You can also feel good about using this product on your kids since it's free of silicones, parabens, artificial fragrances, and other concerning chemicals.