When it comes to protecting your child’s skin, especially if they have eczema or sensitivities, sunscreen can feel like a double-edged sword. You know you need it, but may have questions about what’s actually safe and non-toxic for your family’s skin?
In this blog I’m breaking down the best sunscreen practices for kids (and adults!), how to choose clean and safe sunscreen, and why reading the ingredient label matters.
We’ll also talk about eczema-safe sun care and share a curated list of clean sunscreen swaps to make summer easier for the whole family!
Why Sunscreen Can Be Tricky for Kids (Especially With Eczema)
Sunscreen is essential, but many conventional options are packed with ingredients that can irritate young, sensitive skin. For kids with eczema, this can mean stinging, redness, rashes or a full-blown flare-up.
Harmful Sunscreen Ingredients to Avoid in Sunscreen
Not all sunscreens are created with sensitive or eczema prone skin in mind. Many conventional products are packed with chemical ingredients that can do more harm than good for those with sensitive skin, allergies, or eczema.
Avoid these ingredients as they may disrupt hormones, irritate the skin barrier, or trigger allergic reactions like:
- PARABENS
- 👎 Mostly found in beauty products
- 👎 Other names are butylparaben, ethylparaben, methylparaben, propylparaben
- 👎 They mimic the activity of estrogen in the body
- 👎 Risk to reproductive health and the endocrine system
- PHTHALATES
- 👎 Have been shown to lower levels of testosterone
- 👎 Associated with increased risk for PCOS
- 👎 In sunscreens it appears as ‘Fragrance’ or Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP) on the label
- 👎 Risk to reproductive health and the endocrine system
- 👎 Associated with abnormal urogenital anatomy of boys called “Phthalate Syndrome”
- OXYBENZONE
- 👎 1% to 9% skin penetration
- 👎 Lower testosterone levels in men and boys
- 👎 Lower sperm counts
- 👎 Increased risk for endometriosis
- 👎 Associated with altered birth weight in human studies
- 👎 High risk of skin allergy
- OCTINOXATE
- 👎 Found in mother’s milk
- 👎 Hormone-like activity
- 👎 Reproductive system, thyroid, and behavioral alterations
- 👎 Moderate risk of skin allergy
Unfortunately, many “kid-friendly” or “sport” sunscreens on store shelves still contain these.
That’s why switching to mineral-based and fragrance-free options is recommended for families focused on wellness and skin health. I have linked my favorite sunscreen brands and more eczema friendly summer tips inside the Summer Wellness Tips for Families Guide, which you can download here.
READ MORE ON:
How Summer Heat Impacts Your Eczema (and The Perfect Trio to Help Soothe & Protect Your Skin)
What to Look for in a Non-Toxic Sunscreen for Eczema and Sensitive Skin
To choose a better option, you want to go beyond SPF. Here are a few green flags to look for:
✅ Mineral-based protection (like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide). These ingredients sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, unlike chemical sunscreens that absorb into the skin and bloodstream. They’re less likely to cause irritation and are considered safer for sensitive skin.
✅ Fragrance-free formulas: Fragrance is a common irritant for those with eczema and often masks dozens of undisclosed chemicals that can affect hormones or trigger allergies.
✅ Reef-safe and biodegradable: What’s good for the planet tends to be gentler on the body. Choosing reef-safe formulas means avoiding ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are harmful to marine life and your child’s developing endocrine system.
✅ Tested for sensitive skin: Products that undergo dermatological testing or are labeled “safe for sensitive skin” are less likely to include common allergens or known irritants.
While not every natural product will work for every child, many families find better results with fewer ingredients and simple, non-toxic formulations.
Dr. Ana-Maria’s Top Picks for Non-Toxic Baby and Kid Sunscreens
When shopping for the perfect sunscreen it can be overwhelming as there are hundreds of brands that sell sunscreen! To save you some time I have put together a list (inside the Summer Wellness Tips for Families Guide) of my favorite sunscreen swaps for kids, babies, body, spray and face (and yes even tinted!). But not only that, this guide is jam-packed with all my favorite tips to keep your skin healthy this summer.
But back to sunscreen, inside the guide I give you options to shop for:
- Sunscreen for Babies and Toddlers (6+ months): Choose lightweight, mineral-only formulas without fragrance. Stick formats can be easier to apply without the mess.
- Sunscreen for Kids and Older Children: Sheer zinc sunscreens can blend better without leaving a white cast. If you prefer, there are spray safe sunscreens that are easier to use and cover the whole body for busy children and adults. Avoid sprays near the face or open skin.
- Sunscreen for Face-Specific Use: Opt for a separate face formula, especially if you or your child are acne-prone, have eczema or have reactive and sensitive skin.
- My Favorite Tinted Facial Sunscreens: These are a favorite for a flawless and light look mom!
Shop these safe sunscreen swaps inside the Summer Wellness Tips for Families Guide!
Beyond Sunscreen: Protective Clothing for Extra UV Defense
Many families worry about sun exposure making eczema worse, but here’s the nuance: a little isn’t bad.
UVB exposure in small doses may help reduce inflammation and bacterial growth on the skin. But too much sun (especially paired with sweat, chlorine, or sunscreen chemicals) can tip the balance and worsen flare-ups.
Here are a few ways to manage sun protection:
- Stick to morning or late afternoon outings when the sun is gentler.
- Use light, breathable clothing to reduce sweat buildup.
- Apply sunscreen only to areas not covered by clothing.
- Always patch test new products before full-body use.
Plus, our Summer Wellness Guide includes eczema-specific sun care tips to help reduce reactions and keep summer fun from turning into a flare-up.
Don’t Forget the Rest of the Picture
Sunscreen is just one piece of the puzzle. The full Summer Wellness Tips guide also covers:
- 🌱 Sunburn remedies using natural, non-irritating ingredients
- 🦟 Bug repellent tips that avoid harsh chemicals
- 🛁 Pool & bath tips to minimize chlorine exposure
- 🧴 Topical & internal solutions to support the skin barrier all season long
Together, these tips offer a whole-family, inside-and-out approach to seasonal skin care.
Whether you’re already deep into your eczema-healing journey or just beginning, summer is the perfect time to be intentional about your choices.
Click [here] to download it now, and enjoy a simpler, safer summer.
SOURCES:
- What Are Parabens, and Why Don’t They Belong in Cosmetics?
- The trouble with sunscreen ingredients
- National Eczema Society
