#BEST BABY SUNSCREEN NO CHEMICALS SKIN#

When people ask about sunscreen safety, they are usually more concerned about the chemicals in organic sunscreens, particularly one called oxybenzone.Ībout 4% of the oxybenzone or other organic sunscreens you apply end up being absorbed into your skin, and from there can move into your bloodstream. Health effects of chemical sunscreensīecause these compounds are reactive (that’s how they work, remember?), they can also cause dangerous reactions in the body.Īs always, there’s pros and cons with both organic and mineral sunscreens. You’re more likely to find them in a lotion, although there are some spray formulations now. Unfortunately, mineral sunscreens usually feel heavier and thicker, and they don’t rub in as well.

#BEST BABY SUNSCREEN NO CHEMICALS SKIN#

When you wear a mineral sunscreen, there’s no chemical reaction happening on the surface of your skin.įor this reason, mineral sunscreens tend to be better for sensitive skin than chemical ones. Mineral sunscreens are considered “physical sunscreens,” because the mineral particles work as tiny mirrors, simply reflecting sun away from your skin.

Zinc oxide is better because it protects against both UVA and UVB sunlight.

So unfortunately, a sunscreen made with titanium dioxide alone is not going to be effective. Titanium dioxide is one of the two main mineral sunscreens, but it doesn’t protect against both UVA and UVB light. When people are asking for “chemical-free” sunscreens, a mineral sunscreen is what they mean (even though that’s a totally inaccurate name). You can recognize a mineral sunscreen because it has a metal name (like titanium or zinc) in it.

Mineral sunscreens (like this fantastic option) are typically made with either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They can be really lightweight, and they’re easy to put into spray form. They don’t leave that slimy residue that you might remember from getting sunscreen on as a kid. Often, organic sunscreens seem preferable because they absorb well and feel better. When the organic sunscreen absorbs the UV light, it causes a chemical reaction that breaks down the sunscreen. Organic sunscreens work by absorbing UV light (the type of light that causes damage), keeping the light from affecting your skin. Instead, it just means that the sunscreens are chemicals made mostly of carbon. “Organic” here doesn’t mean the same thing as when you use it talking about organic foods. And because I’ve got a PhD in Environmental Health, you’ll know it’s info you can trust. Want to learn 11 easy swaps to reduce the chemical burden in your home (plus 4 no-cost ways to get rid of toxicants already in your home)? Sign up to get my Simple Swaps for a Healthier Home Guide. That’s why I want to give you the info you need to choose the best non-toxic sunscreens for kids. And it can be hard to know which one to pick. The problem is, there’s a lot of sunscreens out there. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. I needed to more carefully protect my little girl from the sun, whether with clean sunscreen for kids or with protective clothing.Īnd while you might want the best organic sunscreen for babies, it’s important to realize that just because a product is labeled for babies doesn’t mean that it’s really any different from the “adult” sunscreens.ĭisclosure: This article contains affiliate links. That experience was a wake-up call for me. Despite how cool it was, I was so surprised when she had a sunburn after only an hour or two in April. I felt so awful about her red skin. We were at an Easter egg hunt, and my daughter was wearing a little sweet dress with straps.

It was only April, but it was still pretty warm. My oldest’s first Easter happened while we still lived in Georgia. It’s so easy for babies and young children to get sunburned, even when you think it’s too cool for the sun to be a problem.

Best baby sunscreen no chemicals