
Formulas have improved as of late, though, thanks to nano-size zinc- and titanium-oxide particles that rub in and blend more easily.
#Bare republic sunscreen stickspf 50 target skin#
On the flip side, mineral formulas tend to be chunkier and pasty, presenting a challenge for deeper skin tones. Zinc oxide is good for hyperpigmentation in particular, and is thus a favorite of dermatologists for patients with melasma. Both are often recommended for sensitive skin because they don’t tend to be sensitizing.
Mineral sunscreens work by scattering light, using physical blockers like zinc and titanium oxide. Some ingredients have also been linked to endocrine disruption, although it hasn’t been deemed conclusive, and the FDA (which regulates sunscreen formulations generally) continues to allow their use. Chemical formulas have been under scrutiny as of late, due to the fact that some studies suggest ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate have been shown to bleach coral reefs.
Mineral formulas, on the other hand, sit on top of the skin and work immediately. This process takes about 15 minutes to get started, so you should wait at least this long post-application before heading into the sun. When applied, it triggers a chemical reaction that absorbs the sun’s rays and turns it into heat before releasing it from the body. Chemical sunscreens use ingredients like oxybenzone, avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, octocrylene, and octisalate for sun protection.
it didn’t score a 1 (the safest) – for the sake of limiting the options, I didn’t include 2’sįor instance, Beautycounter’s stick scored a 2 AND it’s over $20 and thus isn’t on this list.Our experts say to look for mineral (also known as physical) sunscreen if you’ve got sensitive skin or heat sensitivities, or if you’re using the sunscreen on babies 6 months or younger because the mineral formulation sits on top of skin to physically block UVA and UVB rays, as opposed to chemical formulations that sink into skin and absorb rays, which can cause irritation in more sensitive skin. The EWG score on all options below is 1 (the absolute safest) I’ve included a link to the EWG’s rating of each product + a link to shop on Amazon and/or Target and Walmart.Īs a note, I did my best on posting current pricing but prices change so if the actual pricing varies from what you see, my apologies.Īnother note – if you’re looking for your fave brand and you don’t see it here, it’s because… However, sunscreen sticks don’t rub in amazingly easily but do work pretty well when you’re smearing them across your squirming toddler’s face… experience on my side here, people! 13 safest STICK sunscreens for kids:īelow are 13 of the safest STICK sunscreens for kids, ranked from least expensive to most expensive.ĮVERYTHING in the list is under $15 (as of posting this). In my experience, sunscreen sticks for the face last all summer long.īut it is always good to have a few sticks on-hand – in the pool bag, at home, in your purse. I listed the sticks in order from least expensive to most expensive. They rate skincare products by their ingredients to give a safety rating 1 to 10 a 1 is the best possible rating – which means the ingredients have low health concerns and a good balance of UVA/UVB protection. So here are my picks for the safest face stick sunscreens for kids, all based on the EWG’s rating – all are rated ‘1’ which is the safest you can get! I’m quoting/holding the EWG as the authority on the safety of sunscreen. See the safest spray sunscreens for kids here + why safe sunscreen even matters here. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Īfter I shared the safest SPRAY sunscreens for kids a couple of weeks ago (spoiler! a spray isn’t the safest type of sunscreen… a lotion is – but lotions are also a PITA to apply to young kids), I wanted to give you a few options for sunscreen face sticks that are rated a 1 on the EWG’s scale – aka the safest money can buy. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a commission if you choose to purchase through links I provide (at no extra cost to you).