Considering that baby skin is so fragile, sensitive, and prone to rashes, parents are entrusted with the seemingly insurmountable task of shopping for a baby-safe sunscreen. Various factors must be considered, such as the right SPF for babies, the active ingredients in the sunscreen, the brand, mineral vs chemical sunscreen, and the list goes on.
To make your decision easier, we’ve compiled a list of the top-recommended sunscreens for babies.
8 Best Sunscreens for Babies in Malaysia 2024 - Top Brand Reviews
Table of Contents
Why It’s Our Top Pick
The Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50+ is a top pick for various reasons. Living up to its name, it offers high sun protection, thanks to its patented ingredient, Avocado Perseose. Said ingredient protects the skin barrier, retains the cellular richness of the skin, and thoroughly hydrates the skin.
What’s more, it’s sand-resistant so that you can bring your baby to the beach without worry.
Overview
Are you ready for some fun in the sun with your little one? Mustela's Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50+ is the ultimate companion for safeguarding your baby's delicate skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Designed for the entire family, from newborns onward (including those out of NICU in case of unavoidable sun exposure), this dermatologist-tested, fragrance-free lotion boasts very high protection against the sun.
Its water-resistant formula and organic avocado composition make it ideal for all skin types, including sensitive and atopic-prone skin.
Details
- Size: 1000ml
- Key ingredients: Avocado Perseose(R), their patented ingredient
- SPF: 50+
- Suitable for: newborns (out of NICU, in case of unavoidable sun exposure), all ages
Who is this for?
For parents seeking a reliable, family-friendly sunscreen that's gentle on sensitive skin, Mustela's Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF 50+ is a go-to choice. Ideal for babies and the entire family, this sunscreen ensures safety and very high protection against sun rays, making it perfect for those sunny outdoor escapades without worrying about skin damage.
Overview
Are you a parent looking for a trustworthy and safe sunscreen for your little one? Mineral-based sunscreens such as the Thinkbaby Sunscreen SPF 50+ are perfect for children.
This type tends to last longer in direct UV light, has a naturally broad spectrum and is ideal for sensitive skin. Not only that, but its natural mineral-based formula is vegan and cruelty-free, free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone, parabens, and phthalates.
The easy-to-apply, fast-absorbing lotion ensures your active baby stays protected without feeling greasy or sticky. Plus, it's water-resistant, allowing worry-free playtime in the pool or at the beach. This sunscreen also absorbs easily into the skin and would not feel greasy. Once applied, it can last up to 80 minutes under direct sunlight.
Details
- Size: 177ml
- SPF: 50+
- Mineral-based
- Suitable for: babies above 6 months of age
Who is this for?
For all parents seeking a safe, natural sunscreen for their babies, the Thinkbaby Sunscreen SPF 50+ is your ideal choice. Its gentle, mineral-based formula, absence of harmful chemicals, and water-resistant feature make it perfect for daily use, ensuring worry-free protection during outdoor adventures for your little one.
Overview
Babies tend to have very sensitive skin, therefore it is important that we apply the appropriate products that won’t irritate their skin conditions. The Babyganics Sunscreen Lotion SPF50+ has does not just provide a high UV protection barrier; it also does not contain much chemicals and other irritants like parabens and phtalates and likewise.
The formula is moisturising as well as dermatology-tested to be non-irritating. It’s also made to be tear-free as well as fragrance-free; both of which can easily irritate and cause a crying baby.
Details
- Comes in 59ml or 177ml
- Formulated with: Octisalate, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, and NeoNourish Seed Oil Blend
- Broad spectrum SPF 50 - UVA + UVB protection
- Water resistant (80 minutes)
Who is this for?
The fact that this formula isn’t just tear-free and non-hypoallergenic, it's also reef-safe as well as water resistant for up to 80 minutes! If you’re constantly out and about, this is a sunscreen that’ll definitely protect sensitive skin babies!
Overview
If your baby has sensitive skin and eczema, you may want to consider the Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Mineral Sunscreen for its gentle, nourishing, and fragrance-free formula.
Made from 100% naturally-sourced zinc oxide, the sunscreen serves as an effective skin protectant, providing superior protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Furthermore, it has a mild, non-greasy formula that feels as if you're applying water to your baby's skin. Moreover, a testament to its hypoallergenic formula is that this baby mineral sunscreen has been awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance.
Details
- Size: Tube (88ml), Stick (14g)
- Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide (Naturally sourced)
- SPF: 50+
- Suitable for: babies above 6 months of age
- Paraben-free, phthalate-free and fragrance-free
Who is this for?
This sunscreen is ideal for parents seeking a gentle, effective sunscreen for their little ones with sensitive skin, especially those prone to eczema. It's a perfect solution for families wanting a reliable, fragrance-free sunscreen that ensures both protection and skin nourishment during outdoor activities.
A paediatrician-recommended brand, this sunscreen by Aveeno is beloved as it does not cause stinging in the eyes, so your baby will be tear-free. Free of parabens and fragrance, even adults can use this without worrying about breakouts.
Overview
Featuring an easy-to-use stick application, the Pyunkang Yul Kids & Baby Sun Stick SPF50+ is perfect for travelling or for applying sunscreen to your baby’s skin on the go.
Utilising 5 types of hyaluronic acids, Centella Asiatica and Mugwort, this sunscreen ensures your baby’s skin is moisturised as well as protected from sun damage. Having been tested for irritation, this sunscreen also contains skin nourishing and protective ingredients such as Rosehip oil and green tea seed oil which contains Linoleic acid and retinoids as well as vitamins A, B2 and C.
Details
- Size: 15g
- Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acids, Centella Asiatica, Mugwort, Rosehip oil and green tea seed oil
- SPF: 50+ PA++++
- Suitable for: recommended for babies age above 6 months
- Glides onto skin smoothly and feels lightweight
Who is this for?
If your baby has sensitive and dry skin, you can opt for this sunscreen by Pyunkang Yul. With its natural ingredients and hypoallergenic features, this sunscreen ensures in providing a protective barrier that feels moisturising as well as lightweight at the same time.
Overview
Sometimes it’s hard for babies to use sunscreen as they’re not used to the textures, which is why the Banana Boat Simply Protect Kids SPF50+ Sunscreen Spray has the perfect application and formula for fussy kids.
Additionally, this minimal-ingredient spray has broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and is made without oxybenzone, resulting in a gentle and tear-free formula that can protect children from UV rays.
Details
- Amount: 170g
- Up to 80 minutes of water-resistance
- Paediatrician tested
- No added oils and fragrances
- Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate
Who is this for
Good for use on babies who can’t sit still long enough for you to apply sunscreen or sticks, just spray this on for easy application.
Overview
Baby splash pools are usually not shaded from the sun, but that doesn’t have to stop your little ones from having fun splashing about. Use the Mamaearth Mineral Based Sunscreen for Babies with SPF20+, a waterproof sunscreen that can protect your loved ones from UVA/UVB damage.
Worry not about the sunscreen wearing off as it can withstand a fun-filled day, and also deeply nourish and soothe your baby’s skin.
Details
- Amount: 100ml
- Up to 5 hours of water-resistance
- Contains Zinc Oxide, Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Aloe Vera
- No petroleum, mineral oil, alcohol, artificial fragrance, SLS, or artificial preservatives
Who is this for
For babies that love playing in the water, this sunscreen can keep them well protected as the waterproof layer won’t wash off as easily.
Overview
Are you eager to let your little one bask in the joys of the outdoors but worried about the sun's harsh rays? Embrace worry-free adventures with Mama's Choice Baby Gentle Sunscreen SPF30++.
Specifically formulated for babies aged six months and above, this sunscreen is a game-changer in sun protection. Plus, it contains zinc oxide, which effectively blocks ultraviolet, making it an excellent physical sunscreen that acts as a strong layer that deflects the sun off the skin’s epidermis layer.
Formulated with natural ingredients like Avocado and Aloe Vera, it's more than just sun protection; it's a nurturing, cooling shield against UVA/UVB rays. All in all, it moisturises, and safeguards tender skin, ensuring a delightful, sun-kissed day out.
Details
- Size: 50ml
- Key ingredients: Avocado, aloe vera, coconut
- SPF: 30++
- Suitable for: Babies 6 months & above
- Free of oxybenzone and avobenzone
Who is this for?
This sunscreen assures the protection needed for your little explorers, offering SPF 30 PA++ in a mineral/physical sunscreen that has been dermatologically tested and rated hypoallergenic. It’s great for those wanting a natural solution free from alcohol and fragrances to keep their baby's skin safe during sunny adventures.
- Can you use sunscreen on babies under 6 months?
The best sun protection for babies below 6 months old is to keep them in the shade, out of direct sunlight. This is because babies have more sensitive skin and are more likely to develop rashes or irritation.
Nonetheless, if you're bringing your baby out to explore the world, it's safe to apply sunscreen, that is if you’re using the right sunscreen.
Parents can apply a thin layer of baby-safe sunscreens to the baby’s face, tops of the feet, and back of the hands. Do note that the sunscreen’s SPF must be between 30 to 50 and not lower than SPF 15.
- What kind of sunscreen is safe for babies?
Mineral or physical sunscreens, as opposed to chemical sunscreens, are safe for babies. The former stays on the surface of the skin instead of being absorbed, which not only makes it safer but also minimises the risk of skin irritation.
Parents should look for broad-spectrum sunscreens as these can protect the baby's skin against both UVB and UVA rays.
Additionally, the sunscreen's active ingredients should be titanium or zinc oxide. Zinc oxide, in particular, is one of the safest ingredients for babies. It's effective for treating skin irritations such as burns, cuts, and rashes, protecting the cells from being damaged, and soothing your baby’s skin.
Of course, sunscreens that contain any dyes, parabens, fragrances, and phthalates are a big no-no.