Are baby and children's sunscreens as safe as their marketing claims?

What's actually in it

Baby and children's sunscreens contain UV filters to block the sun, plus preservatives, fragrances, and stabilizers. Common chemical UV filters include oxybenzone, octinoxate, and avobenzone. Mineral options use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Products marketed for babies often use bright colors and gentle-sounding names, but the ingredients inside may not be as gentle as the packaging suggests.

What the research says

A 2026 study in Pediatr Dermatol analyzed popular sunscreens marketed for babies and children, examining both their ingredient profiles and marketing tactics. The researchers found that many products used ingredients that are controversial or under review by dermatologists and toxicologists, despite being marketed as safe for sensitive skin.

Some products relied heavily on marketing language like "gentle," "pure," and "baby-safe" while still containing chemical UV filters and fragrance. The study noted a gap between what parents expect from baby sunscreens and what's actually in them.

Choose sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the only active ingredients. Skip products with oxybenzone, fragrance, or retinyl palmitate. Look for third-party safety ratings from organizations like the EWG.