Pretty Little Apron

The Safest Sunscreens

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Let me just start this post by saying I WILL BE THAT MOM. Children are more vulnerable to harm from dangerous chemicals in sunscreens due to higher absorption and bioaccumulation. Their little bodies can absorb the chemicals that we put on their skin in as little as 26 seconds! Sunscreens can be laden with unnecessary chemicals, making them one of the most toxic products on shelves today. 

How Sunscreens Work

To choose the best sunscreen for yourself and your children, it is important to understand how these products work. There are two main active ingredient categories in sunscreen:
1. Mineral UV Filters : Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide
2. Chemical UV Filters: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
You will always want to choose the mineral UV filters, so flip over the package and see what the active ingredient is at the top. In addition to choosing a mineral UV filter, you will also want to check for other toxic ingredients such as PEG’s, Fragrances (hidden ingredients), Retinyl Pamitate, and more. Thankfully, I have done the leg work for you and compiled a list of the safest sunscreens!
 

Sun Safety For Babies and Kids

  • Infants and babies under the age of 1 should not use sunscreen. Hats, rash guards, and shade are recommended for Infants instead of sunscreen.
  • Rash Guards for kids are a great idea and limit the amount of sunscreen needed.
  • Bring your sunglasses!
  • Don’t forget the water! And if you are me, the snacks! 😂
  •  Don’t skip the daily facial SPF. My favorite product to use is Cruchi’s Sunlight. Browse Crunchi www.toxinfreelivingwithdana.com

 THE WORST SUNSCREENS

  • The chemical found in these sunscreens, oxybenzone is an allergen. It is absorbed quickly through the skin in high amounts. Oxybenzone been found in breastmilk, amniotic fluid, urine, and blood. It is also a potential endocrine disruptor. Not only do these products contain oxybenzone, they also contain a wide variety of other potentially dangerous chemicals.
  • Higher SPF does not mean better protection!
  • Spray sunscreens seem to have worse ingredients. I would recommend sticking to a lotion if possible.
  • Off brand products seemed to score worse, specifically CVS brand and Walgreen’s. I would stay away from all of their sunscreens!
  • Products marketed to kids and babies are not exempt from having terrible ingredients.
  • For a full list of products rated a 10 (the worst!!) by the EWG, click here: https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/about-the-sunscreens/?ptype=sunscreen&score=10

The Safest Sunscreens


  • Under active ingredients you should see zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are considered mineral sunscreens.
  • The ingredient lists are not as scary, and WAY shorter as opposed to the worst sunscreens.
  • There ARE mineral sunscreens that still contain toxic ingredients so check those labels.
  • Some can come off as white, and need a bit more rubbing in, but the reward of not using dangerous chemicals is worth it to me.
  • Generally they are not fragranced which is a positive because the word “fragrance” on an ingredient label could include over 1500 different hidden chemicals.
  • For a full list of the best sunscreens, click here: https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/about-the-sunscreens/?ptype=sunscreen&score=1
LINKS TO PURCHASE:

Honorable Mention Sunscreens

These sunscreens didn’t necessarily make it on the safe list due to other potentially dangerous chemicals. I do understand there are times we are in a pinch and need to stop at a convenience store or pharmacy to grab sunscreen. I wanted to add these for those instances where we just can’t find the safest choices because life happens!
  • Neutrogena Pure and Free baby
  • Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide
  • Hello Bello Baby Mineral Sunscreen
  • Sun Bum Baby Mineral Sunscreen
  • Coppertone Pure and Simple Kids sunscreen

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