What Is the Best Sunscreen for Kids? A Parent’s Guide to Mineral Sun Protection

The best sunscreen for kids is one that provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, has an SPF of 30 or higher, is water resistant, and is gentle enough for your child’s skin. Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide are a popular choice for children because they provide broad-spectrum protection and tend to be well tolerated by sensitive skin.

For parents, choosing sunscreen can feel more complicated than it should be. SPF numbers, mineral versus chemical formulas, water resistance, ingredient lists and terms like “non-nano” can make a simple trip to the beach feel like a research project.

Here’s what actually matters when choosing sun protection for your kids.

What SPF Should Kids Use?

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends choosing a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher for children 6 months and older. Broad spectrum means the sunscreen helps protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.

SPF mainly measures protection against UVB rays, the rays most closely associated with sunburn. But UVA rays matter too, which is why looking for the words “broad spectrum” on the label is just as important as looking at the SPF number.

Higher SPF also doesn’t mean you can skip reapplication. Dermatologists recommend reapplying sunscreen approximately every two hours when outdoors and following the product’s directions after swimming or sweating.

Is Mineral Sunscreen Good for Kids?

Yes. Mineral sunscreen can be an excellent option for children, particularly those with sensitive skin.

Mineral sunscreens commonly use zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both as their active ingredients. The American Academy of Dermatology notes that sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may be less likely to irritate a baby or young child’s sensitive skin.

Raw Elements takes an especially simple approach: non-nano zinc oxide is the active ingredient used throughout its sunscreen formulas. The brand’s Baby + Kids sunscreen uses 25% non-nano zinc oxide and provides broad-spectrum SPF 30+ protection.

That simplicity is important for parents who want to understand exactly what they are putting on their children’s skin.

What Does Non-Nano Zinc Oxide Mean?

“Non-nano” refers to the size of the zinc oxide particles used in the sunscreen.

Nanoparticles are generally defined as particles smaller than 100 nanometers. Raw Elements uses zinc oxide particles above the nano range and independently tests its finished sunscreen products to verify their particle size.

Why does that matter?

For Raw Elements, choosing non-nano zinc oxide is part of a larger commitment to creating sun protection designed with both people and the environment in mind.

Zinc oxide also provides broad-spectrum protection, meaning it helps protect against both UVA and UVB radiation.

What Ingredients Should Parents Look for in Kids' Sunscreen?

Start with the active ingredient.

For children with sensitive skin, the American Academy of Dermatology specifically points parents toward sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Then look at the rest of the formula.

Raw Elements Baby + Kids formulas combine non-nano zinc oxide with ingredients including organic calendula, chamomile, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, cocoa butter and vitamin E. The products are designed specifically for delicate skin without synthetic fragrance.

A good kids' sunscreen should also be something you can apply consistently. Texture, portability and ease of application matter because the sunscreen sitting unused in the beach bag can't provide any protection at all.

How Much Sunscreen Should You Put on a Child?

Enough to thoroughly cover all exposed skin.

Don't forget commonly missed areas like the ears, back of the neck, shoulders, tops of the feet and backs of the hands.

The FDA recommends applying sunscreen liberally to uncovered skin and reapplying at least every two hours. If swimming or sweating, follow the water-resistance directions on the product label.

Raw Elements recommends applying its Baby + Kids sunscreen liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure, then reapplying after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, or at least every two hours.

Making sunscreen part of the routine before leaving the house is often much easier than trying to apply it for the first time when everyone is already at the beach, pool or soccer field.

Is Water-Resistant Sunscreen Important for Kids?

For active kids, absolutely.

Swimming isn't the only reason sunscreen wears away. Running, sweating, playing sports, wiping faces and toweling off can all affect coverage.

Raw Elements Baby + Kids SPF 30+ is formulated for water resistance and directs users to reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating.

It's also important to remember that “waterproof sunscreen” doesn't exist. Sunscreens are labeled according to how long they maintain protection during water exposure, and reapplication is still necessary.

Can Babies Wear Sunscreen?

Age matters.

For babies younger than 6 months, shade and protective clothing should be the first line of sun protection. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends keeping infants out of direct sunlight when possible and using lightweight clothing, pants, a wide-brimmed hat and shade.

If adequate shade and protective clothing aren't available, the AAD says a minimal amount of broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30+ sunscreen may be used on small exposed areas. The FDA advises consulting a healthcare professional before applying sunscreen to an infant younger than 6 months.

For babies 6 months and older, sunscreen can become part of a broader sun-protection routine that also includes shade, hats, clothing and smart timing outdoors.

What Makes Raw Elements Baby + Kids Sunscreen Different?

Raw Elements was created by an Ocean Rescue Lifeguard with a mission centered around effective sun protection, simple ingredients and environmental responsibility.

The Baby + Kids line follows that philosophy closely.

Its SPF 30+ formulas use 25% non-nano zinc oxide as the active ingredient, provide broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and are designed for water play and active outdoor use. The Baby + Kids tin comes in reusable, plastic-free packaging, while the sunscreen stick uses compostable packaging.

Raw Elements also independently verifies the non-nano status of its zinc oxide and maintains certifications and standards including Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certification.

For families who spend a lot of time at the beach, pool, lake, trail or outdoors in general, that creates a sunscreen designed around both performance and conscious ingredient choices.

What Is the Easiest Way to Protect Kids From the Sun?

Think beyond sunscreen.

A complete sun-protection routine includes broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, shade, protective clothing, hats and sunglasses. The FDA and American Academy of Dermatology both emphasize that sunscreen should be one part of a larger approach to UV protection.

The easier you make those habits, the more likely kids are to carry them into adulthood.

Keep sunscreen near the door. Throw a stick into the backpack. Keep hats near the beach bag. Reapply before the next swim session instead of waiting until someone starts looking pink.

Sun protection works best when it becomes automatic.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sunscreen for Kids

What is the best type of sunscreen for kids?

Look for a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. Mineral formulas containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often recommended for young or sensitive skin.

Is zinc oxide sunscreen safe for kids?

Zinc oxide is commonly used in children's mineral sunscreen, and the American Academy of Dermatology notes that zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less likely to irritate sensitive infant skin.

What SPF should children use?

Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher, along with broad-spectrum protection and water resistance.

How often should kids' sunscreen be reapplied?

Generally, sunscreen should be reapplied about every two hours and after swimming, sweating or towel drying according to the product's label.

Can babies under 6 months wear sunscreen?

Shade and protective clothing are preferred for babies younger than 6 months. The FDA recommends consulting a healthcare professional before applying sunscreen to infants in this age group.

Is mineral sunscreen good for sensitive skin?

Mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may be less irritating for sensitive skin than some other formulations, which is one reason they are frequently used in baby and children's sunscreens.

Is Raw Elements sunscreen water resistant?

Yes. Raw Elements Baby + Kids sunscreen directs users to reapply after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying and at least every two hours.

Simple Ingredients. Serious Sun Protection.

Kids don't stop moving when the sun comes out.

They swim, run, climb, surf, splash, sweat and somehow manage to get sand everywhere.

Their sunscreen needs to keep up.

Raw Elements Baby + Kids mineral sunscreen was created to provide broad-spectrum protection using non-nano zinc oxide and thoughtfully selected ingredients — with formulas and packaging made for families who care about protecting both their kids and the places where they play.

Protect their skin. Build better sun habits. Keep the adventure going.