The perfect sunscreen is the kind you'll use a lot and regularly. It should be affordable but also feel nice and smell good on your skin. Where kids are concerned there are a few more factors at play. The prevailing advice is to keep kids out of the direct sun as much as possible before the age of 2. In that sense, no suncream is best, if the sun can be avoided.
However, not only is that impractical, but also there is so much joy to be had at the local Badi (pool) or by the lake from May to September, so let's take a look at the best sunscreen for babies and toddlers up to two years.
In general on kids sunscreen... The issue is that if you want one without a Chemical filter, you will need to use a mineral-based version which many dislike because of the whitening effect
The first key component is that you're looking for a mineral broad spectrum product, otherwise known as physical and not chemical sunscreen. Best practice, although maybe a little tough logistically, is to completely wash away mineral sunscreens at the end of a day in the sun.
The ideal formula spreads relatively quickly and absorbs without leaving a white cast. As you may remember from your childhood, sunscreen containing only physical UV blockers tend to be chalky and difficult to rub in. To identify a sunscreen as mineral, you're looking for products with both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as active ingredients, and ideally with no added fragrance. Bonus points if they have a reef safe declaration.
Even when you know which characteristics you're looking for it can be overwhelming to compare products, I get it. Which makes the Code Check app invaluable. Scan the barcode on any bottle and get a quick overview, with a detailed breakdown of any problematic ingredients. The app profiles the sunscreens both in terms of contents and sustainability and gives a very digestible and swift indication. It's as close to a like-for-like comparison as it gets.
With that in mind, watch out for products containing Avobenzone, which has been identified as a hormone disrupter.
All things being equal, it's also worth keeping an eye on the cost per millileter of any given product, after all there's a lot of reapplication- every 2 hours ideally, or more if swimming.
make sure you shake it before using it because the zinc sinks to the bottom, thus when you pump
without shaking your face will be
really white
We polled our swiss mom's network for tried and tested products and compiled a list of the top 10 most recommended, in no particular order:
And if you're up for a deeper dive here are some great pieces on this topic
On to my personal choice. Skincare lovers will be well aware, than sun protection is the first line of defense for your face all year round. If I don't manage an influencer-friendly 12 step routine (not gonna happen any time soon), I can at least manage to add a daily protective layer, so I’ve been wearing this SPF 50+ liquid foundation by mother-founded fellow swiss-korean brand RoseKin Cosmetics since the Autumn, and I just repurchased it. I use the shade light. This multipurpose Liquid Foundation feels like a CC cream, and is pretty fool-proof to apply. It blends easily is buildable, subtle, and most importantly, fuss-free. And a little goes a long way, which also helps!
All recommendations are my own, no part of this post contains product placement or sponsorship. If I've missed out on a favourite sunscreen you love, please let me know in the comments below and I'll add it to the list.
All the best,
Kate
Kate is owner and founder of studio huske, a swiss-based kids interior-products brand which is dedicated to developing premium quality, phase-less. genderless, robust, wipeable children's products. The range celebrates texture and colour and textiles which appeal to both the adult and the child's eye alike. Produced sustainably in small batches in Korea, the vegan leather textile used is OEKOtex 100/1 certified and has a Korean eco label. Studio huske products are intended to be a daily support in the lives of both parents and children. Designed by an architect mother for her own kids- by parents for parents.
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