Are chemicals in sunscreen safe for babies and toddlers?

What's actually in it

When you pick up a bottle of sunscreen at the store, the label often says it is made for babies or children. However, a 2026 study in Pediatr Dermatol found that these products often rely on marketing tactics rather than transparent ingredient lists. Many of these formulas contain chemical filters that are not always clearly labeled or explained to parents.

Beyond the bottle, children are exposed to a mix of chemicals in their daily lives. Research shows that infants and toddlers are frequently exposed to substances that can interfere with their hormones. These include chemicals found in common household items that, when combined with other exposures, may pose risks to their developing bodies.

What the research says

The science on chemical exposure in early life is clear: mixtures matter. A 2026 study in Int J Hyg Environ Health conducted a risk assessment on 9 chemicals known to be toxic to the reproductive system. The study found that children and adolescents are exposed to these chemical mixtures, which can negatively affect sperm quality.

a 2026 study in Environ Sci Technol examined how prenatal exposure to mixtures of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (substances that interfere with hormonal systems) impacts fetal growth and placental function. These chemical mixtures can alter biological markers early in development.

Finally, a 2026 study in Environ Int confirms that our homes and gardens are major sources of these chemical exposures. Because babies spend so much time in these environments, their total "chemical load" from products like sunscreen, combined with other household sources, is a significant concern for their health.