If you have sensitive skin, then you know that shopping for skincare isn’t always an easy task, especially when it comes to categories like sunscreen. While there are plenty of good options out there made for adults, trying out sunscreen formulated for kids may be the way to go if you struggle to find something gentle enough for you. Not only is kids’ sunscreen often cheaper, according to experts, it also provides just as much protection without some of the harsher or irritating ingredients that can be found in formulas made for adults.
In previous reporting, New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green told HuffPost that folks with skin issues (dryness, eczema or general sensitivity) could take advantage of gentler formulations designed for a child’s delicate skin. Plus, in the same story, Dr. Gabriella Baki, director of cosmetic science and formulation design undergraduate program and an associate professor at the University of Toledo, also confirmed that there’s no difference between the sun protection level offered by adult and kid SPF.
Based on this intel, we’ve rounded up a list of the best kids’ sunscreens to buy at your local Target below — whether you prefer a stick, chemical, or mineral sunscreen, you can find your perfect pick ahead.
La Roche Posay Anthelios gentle kids sunscreen
La Roche-Posay sunscreens are a bit pricier, but this dermatologist-backed brand has a vocal fanbase – this product alone has earned a 4.7-star rating from over 400 shoppers. This gentle SPF 50 kid’s formula is lightweight, fragrance-free, great for sensitive skin, and designed to be white cast-free. While it does contain the chemical filter homosalate, it’s designed with sensitive skin in mind and contains antioxidants in addition to UVA and UVB blockers to help further protect the skin from free radical damage.
This is one instance where the kids sunscreen is cheaper, too – a similar formula that’s marketed to adults costs $38 for a 5-ounce bottle, which is over $1 more per fluid ounce than the kids’ version.
Promising review: “Excellent for sensitive skin. My daughter and I have been getting an allergic rash on our face with other sunblocks. This is the only sunblock that doesn’t cause a rash and does a great job preventing sun damage. We are grateful to La Roche for making such a great product.” – MelMar
Blue Lizard kids SPF 50 sunscreen lotion
If you prefer a mineral-only formula, this 5-ounce container of Blue Lizard’s SPF 50 lotion for kids is another great Target option. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and contains antioxidant-rich blue algae to further protect skin from outdoor damage. (Note that a numbers of reviews mentioned it leaving a white cast, which is a common issue with mineral sunscreen.)
You can get a sensitive-skin formulation for adults – also in SPF 50, and with a fairly similar ingredient list – for $22, almost four dollars more than the price of this one.
Promising review: “Protects well, and the main thing it does not give me any irritation. No smell either. Love it!” – Elena B
Black Girl Sunscreen kids SPF 50
This sunscreen doubles as a moisturizer, containing super hydrators like shea butter, carrot seed oil, and jojoba oil. If you like to streamline your routine, reach for it as both your moisturizer and sunscreen in the morning to skip any extra steps. With a 4.7 out of five-star rating and an affordable price tag, it’s hard to pass up.
There’s not an exact match to this kids’ formula in BSG’s “adult” product line, but there’s a comparable SPF 50 chemical-mineral hybrid that retails for $17, while the brand’s zinc-free SPF 30 will run you $16 – both pricier than this kids’ version.
Promising reviews: “I loved it for my self and have been using the adult one for quite some time now, so I thought to take a try at the kids. I love that it goes on clear, no residue. Clean scent. No smear. It’s definitely my fave items to tackle moisture and sun blockage on baby girl and even my boys fave and arms though they are older.” – MrsSmith
“This seems to be exactly the same as the adult version, but it’s a much better value. Love it!” – kto
A water-resistant stick sunscreen from Neutrogena
A sunscreen stick is great to have handy when you’ll need to reapply a lot during the day and don’t want to make a mess. This one from Neutrogena boasts a 4.6 out of five-star rating, contains chemical filters, and can be used on both the face and body. It contains Neutrogena’s Helioplex technology which provides extra strength UVA and UVB protection and glides on smooth and clear, leaving no excess residue on the skin. And, at just $10, it’s a total steal at Target.
The brand’s ultra sheer facial stick sunscreen – which we could only find in a 13-gram package, meaning there’s significantly less product than Beach Defense’s 1.5 ounces – has the same SPF rating and a nearly-identical ingredient list, and costs almost two dollars more.
Thinkbaby SPF 50 mineral sunscreen
While this sunscreen (and the remaining options on this list) don’t have a cheaper “adult” version for comparison purposes, we’re including them here for any sensitive-skinned folks who may want to shop gentler formulations.
If you have concerns about chemical filters, this Environmental Working Group-rated mineral sunscreen is designed to be gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. It does contain a tiny bit of natural fragrance so that’s something to keep in mind if you’re sensitive to scents, but other than that, it’s a creamy formula that’s great for babies and adults alike.
Badger kids' SPF 40 mineral sunscreen
Badger offers this highly concentrated, waterless formula with SPF 40 mineral protection. It’s hypoallergenic and made with 97% organic ingredients. The simple, short ingredient list also makes it an excellent gentle option that reduces the risk of skin irritation. One reviewer also mentioned that it rubs in easier than most other mineral-only formulas.
Mustela’s fragrance-free SPF 50 sunscreen
This gentle, baby-safe option from Mustela is packed with skin-nourishing oils like avocado, sunflower seed, and jojoba while also containing only mineral filters. It’s EWG-verified and completely fragrance-free.
Promising review: “Finally a sunscreen that is actually fragrance free! I love that it is smooth like cream and doesn’t leave any white cast. I’ve been trying many different kids sunscreens and this one so far has been the best. My child hasn’t had a breakout or any complaints about itching or burning from it . Her skin did get a little dry on her neck but can’t say if this was the cause but we just moisturize and she was fine. Love that there is no scent as I am sensitive to fragrance. I wish it came in a larger size though and it is pricey.” – Target Momma
Australian Gold Little Joey kids SPF 50 sunscreen
This Australian Gold kids’ formula is a chemical option, but it’s fragrance-free, provides SPF 50 sun protection, and contains other soothing ingredients like tea tree oil and aloe vera. The $11 price tag also can’t be beat.
Promising review: “This is an amazing sunscreen! It leaves no white cast and does not burn or sting my sensitive skin. I know it's targeted for babies, but I love it. It is a little shiny so it may not be the best for oily skin.” – MayaH
Babyganics kids roll-on mineral sunscreen
As far as mess-free options go, this kids’ rollerball sunscreen from Babyganics is the way to go. It’s a mineral-only sunscreen that’s hypoallergenic and filled with skin-hydrating oils. Because it is mineral-only, it may leave a bit of a white cast – so that’s something to note if you have a deeper skin tone.