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After 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. Bonus! They’re all under $15.
See the safest spray sunscreens for kids here + why safe sunscreen even matters here.
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.
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.
I listed the sticks in order from least expensive to most expensive.
In my experience, sunscreen sticks for the face last all summer long.
But it is always good to have a few sticks on-hand – in the pool bag, at home, in your purse.
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:
Below are 13 of the safest STICK sunscreens for kids, ranked from least expensive to most expensive.
EVERYTHING in the list is under $15 (as of posting this).
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.
As 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.
Another note – if you’re looking for your fave brand and you don’t see it here, it’s because…
- it costs more than $15 AND/OR
- the EWG didn’t rate it AND/OR
- it didn’t score a 1 (the safest) – for the sake of limiting the options, I didn’t include 2’s
For instance, Beautycounter’s stick scored a 2 AND it’s over $20 and thus isn’t on this list.
Babyganics Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50+
EWG Rating // Amazon // Target // Walmart // $7
“retains its SPF strength for up to 80 minutes – even after a dip in the kiddie pool (now that’s what we call waterproof). BabyGanics’ mineral based 50+SPF formula provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and best of all it glides on smooth for fun and effortless application. Perfect for high exposure areas and targeted protection.” – pretty good for under $8!
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Stick, Sport, SPF 50
EWG Rating // Target // Walmart // $8
“Zinc Oxide protects physically, not chemically, and provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB coverage with 80 minutes of water resistance. Vitamin E: Protects skin from environmental damage. Infused with natural Coconut and Vanilla essential oils. 80 Minutes Water Resistance. Paraben Free / Non-GMO”
Bare Republic Neon Sunscreen Stick, Any Color, SPF 50
I’m going to give this colored stick sunscreen a try – the color doesn’t fade but I like that the color shows you where the sunscreen has been applied. Plus I think my kids will think it’s cool? “Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, Free of Chemical Sunscreen Actives, Reef Friendly, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan”
EWG Rating // Amazon // Target // Walmart // $8
thinksport Kids Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
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“SPF 30 (non-nano zinc oxide), broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, the highest level of water resistance (80 minutes), mineral-based – Zinc Oxide 20%, paraben, phthalates, PABA-free, sunscreen produced in the USA.”
EWG Rating // Amazon // $8
Goddess Garden Baby Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
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“Gentle and effective formula, lightly scented with organic lavender essential oil and water resistant for 80 minutes, featured in convenient, lightweight packaging. Non-nano minerals offer powerful broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50, while organic shea butter and coconut oil hydrate and nourish, making it gentle for even the most sensitive skin. Free from harsh chemicals, reef-safe, vegan.”
EWG Rating // Amazon // Target // Walmart // $8
Goddess Garden Kids Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
“Ultra-sheer, unscented formula that’s water resistant for 80 minutes featured in convenient, lightweight packaging. Non-nano minerals offer powerful broad-spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 50, while organic shea butter and coconut oil hydrate and nourish, making it gentle for even the most sensitive skin. Free from harsh chemicals, reef-safe, vegan.”
EWG Rating // Amazon // Target // $8
Goddess Garden Sport Mineral Sunscreen Stick, SPF 50
“Designed for on-the-go coverage and quick, mess-free application, the convenient stick offers powerful, broad-spectrum protection in a lightweight, ultra-sheer formula. Unscented and water resistant for 80 minutes, it’s the perfect companion to outdoor training, playing and competing. Made with non-nano, reef-safe zinc and organic plant-based ingredients like aloe vera and coconut oil, the Sport Goddess Garden SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Stick is also safe for sensitive skin, vegan and reef-safe, making ethical, eco-friendly sun protection a snap.”
EWG Rating // Amazon // Target // $8
thinkbaby Sunscreen Stick, SPF 30
We’ve used this for years and I really like it! “Highest level of Broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection + highest level of water resistance (80 minutes). Mineral-based – Zinc Oxide 20%. Applies and absorbs easily. Non-oily feel.
EWG Rating // Amazon // Bed Bath & Beyond // $9
Badger Face Stick, Unscented, SPF 35
“Formulated with organic shea and cocoa butter, extra virgin olive oil and beeswax for their soothing and moisturizing properties. Water and sweat resistant to 80 minutes, hypoallergenic, and great for the whole family. Fits nicely in your beach bag, travel bag, or backpack.”
EWG Rating // Amazon // Target // $9
Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick, Fragrance-Free, SPF 50
“Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Face Stick delivers easy-to-use and on-the-go broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection with a lightweight, non-greasy, moisturizing sunscreen to keep your babies skin protected from those harmful UVA/UVB rays.”
EWG Rating // Amazon // Target // $10
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Stick, Baby, SPF 50
“UVA/UVB mineral SPF 50 baby sunscreen stick that’s free of active chemical sunscreens and synthetic fragrances. Our easy-to-apply mineral baby stick blends gentle, non-nano zinc oxide, which screens physically not chemically with soothing ingredients such as Coconut Oil, Meadowfoam Oil, Shea Butter and Chamomile Extract. Made for babies but perfect for everyone under the sun! Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection, Free of Chemical Sunscreen Actives, Reef Friendly, Paraben-Free, Cruelty-Free, Vegan”
EWG Rating // Amazon // Walmart // $10
Babo Botanicals Baby Face Mineral Sunscreen Stick, Fragrance Free, SPF 50
“New SPF 50 Baby Skin Mineral Sunscreen Lotion For Face & Body glides on sheer and is non-whitening. Gently formulated with 100% non-nano zinc oxide, this vegan, lightweight baby sunscreen is fragrance free and formulated for very sensitive skin. Gluten, Soy and Dairy Free. 80 Minutes Water Resistant and Reef Safe. The formula was created by a mom of three.”
EWG Rating // Target // $12
All Good Sport Sunscreen Butter Stick, SPF 50+
“All Good Sport Sunscreen Butter Stick Water Resistant SPF 50+ combines non-nano zinc oxide with soothing organic oils and calendula flowers to protect and hydrate your skin. A natural sunscreen, it’s great for kids. This All good sunscreen stick is coral reef friendly.”
EWG Rating // Target // $16
Alright, ladies! That’s all I’ve got on stick sunscreens.
I really hope this is helpful and makes it easier for you to choose the right stick sunscreen for your family this summer!
