Posted by Kat Swanson on March 13, 2025
Welcome to the very first blog post from The Conscious Corner! I’m so excited to share this journey with you as a new mom and the co-owner of a small business dedicated to a eco-friendly, sustainable living. When my son was born, everything changed—including my passion for finding clean, safe products. I started The Conscious Corner because I wanted to protect him from harmful chemicals while doing right by the planet we’re leaving him. Today, I’m kicking things off with a topic that’s become a personal mission: finding the best non-toxic sunscreens for babies and kids.
Why Non-Toxic Sunscreen Matters
Sunscreen is a must for keeping our kids safe in the sun, but as a new mom, I quickly learned that not all formulas are safe for their delicate skin—or the environment. Babies and kids absorb more of what’s applied to their bodies, and ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate in chemical sunscreens can disrupt hormones and even harm the ocean when they wash off. That’s when I turned to mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide—natural barriers that block UV rays without sinking in. It’s been a game-changer for my son, and it’s why I’m so passionate about sharing these options with you.
Still, I’ll let you in on a little realization: “non-toxic” can be a buzzword. That’s why I dig into ingredient lists myself—and encourage you to do the same. At The Conscious Corner, it’s all about empowering you to make choices you feel good about!
What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Sunscreen
Here’s my checklist for picking a sunscreen that’s safe for my son and aligns with our eco-friendly values:
- Mineral-Based: Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients.
- No Harmful Chemicals: Skip oxybenzone, octinoxate, avobenzone, and parabens.
- Reef-Safe: Free of ingredients that damage marine life.
- SPF 30 or Higher: Strong protection for little ones (though SPF 50 isn’t twice as good as SPF 25—more on that later).
- Water Resistance: Perfect for splashy playdates, with reapplication as needed.
- Gentle Formula: Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic for sensitive skin.
Now, let’s dive into my favorite non-toxic sunscreens that I’ve vetted for my son—and that I’m excited to recommend to you!
Top Picks for Non-Toxic Sunscreen
1. Think Kids SPF 30 Sunscreen
Think Kids SPF 30 is a mineral-based gem with zinc oxide that’s gentle enough for my son’s skin. It’s water-resistant for up to 80 minutes and rubs in easily—no wrestling matches here!
Where to Buy: Available on Amazon
2. Babo Botanicals Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
This one’s a must-have in our house! Babo Botanicals SPF 50 uses 20% non-nano zinc oxide and soothing organic ingredients like calendula. It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes and blends in smoothly! It’s a clean choice I feel great about as a new mom.
Where to Buy: Check it out on Amazon.
3. Babo Botanicals Super Shield Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
I’ve been loving the Babo Botanicals Super Shield Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 50 for its easy application and gentle formula. This air-powered spray combines zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for broad-spectrum protection, making it a solid choice for sensitive skin. It’s fragrance-free, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and blends in with minimal white cast—perfect for quick touch-ups during outdoor adventures.
Where to buy: Check it out on Amazon
4. STREAM2SEA EcoStick Sunscreen SPF 35
The STREAM2SEA EcoStick SPF 35 is a standout for its eco-friendly focus. With non-nano mineral protection, it’s tested safe for fish and coral—perfect for our sustainable mission at The Conscious Corner. The stick format makes it a breeze to apply on my son, especially on squirmy days!
Where to Buy: Find it here
5. STREAM2SEA Every Day Active Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45
Another winner from STREAM2SEA, this SPF 45 lotion offers broad-spectrum protection with zinc oxide. It’s lightweight, water-resistant, and reef-safe—everything I look for to keep my son protected without harming the planet. It’s become a staple for our outdoor adventures.
Where to Buy: Find it here
6. ATTITUDE Mineral Sunscreen for Baby and Kids
ATTITUDE’s mineral sunscreen is a gentle, fragrance-free option with non-nano zinc oxide. It’s EWG-verified, making it a clean pick I trust for my son. It spreads easily and keeps his skin happy, which is all I could ask for as a new mom.
Where to Buy: Find it here
7. ATTITUDE Mineral Face Sunscreen Stick for Kids SPF 30
This stick version from ATTITUDE is perfect for my son’s face—SPF 30, non-nano zinc oxide, and a mess-free application. It’s unscented, fitting right into my passion for clean, eco-conscious living. I toss it in my bag for on-the-go touch-ups!
Where to Buy: Find it here
8. ATTITUDE Baby Oatmeal Sensitive Natural Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 30
It’s EWG-verified and uses non-nano zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection—safe and gentle with no harsh chemicals. The plant- and mineral-based formula is vegan, unscented, and dermatologically tested, so it won’t irritate his delicate skin
Where to Buy: Find it here
9. Mustela Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50 Broad Spectrum
Mustela’s SPF 50 stick is a new-mom dream—broad-spectrum protection with mineral ingredients, fragrance-free, and super portable. It’s gentle on my son’s skin and water-resistant, so I know he’s covered during playtime. Plus, it’s a clean formula I feel good about.
Where to Buy: Find it here
Tips for Applying Sunscreen on Kids
As a new mom, I’ve had my share of sunscreen struggles! Here’s what’s worked for me:
- Make It Fun: I let my son “paint” it on his legs—it’s messy but effective.
- Stick or Lotion: Sticks for his face, lotion for the rest. I skip sprays—too easy to miss spots or breathe in.
- Layer Up: UPF clothes and a hat pair perfectly with sunscreen.
- Reapply Often: Every two hours, or after water play, keeps him protected.
A Little Food for Thought
Here’s something I’ve learned: SPF numbers can be misleading. SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 gets you 98%—not a big leap! I used to chase high SPFs, but now I focus on broad-spectrum coverage and clean ingredients. It’s a reminder that at The Conscious Corner, we’re about what’s real, not just what’s marketed.
Final Thoughts
Finding non-toxic sunscreens for my son sparked my passion for clean, sustainable products—and it’s why I started The Conscious Corner. These picks—Think Kids, Babo Botanicals, STREAM2SEA, ATTITUDE, and Mustela—are ones I trust to keep him safe without compromising his health or the planet’s future. I’d love to hear your favorites—what clean products do you swear by for your kids? Leave a comment below!
Ready to try these out? Shop them on Amazon through our affiliate links above and support our mission to make conscious living simple. Thanks for joining me on this journey—stay tuned for more from The Conscious Corner!
Happy (and safe) sunny days,
Kat Swanson
Co- Founder, The Conscious Corner