We Ask a Derm: What’s the Difference Between Child and Adult Sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a must, but is having a separate sunscreen for kids really necessary? We asked a board-certified dermatologist for some clarification ahead.

Dr. Dendy Engelman, MD, FACMS, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologic surgeon at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City. Dendy attended Wofford College and received a B.S. from the Medical University of South Carolina. She completed her residency at Mount Sinai Hospital in Dermatology and her Mohs fellowship at the Medical University of South Carolina. She is a Mohs surgeon and media expert who specializes in medical and cosmetic dermatology, and has recently served as the Director of Dermatologic Surgery at New York Medical College, where she trained future Mohs surgeons and dermatologists.

First of all, does everybody need to be wearing different sunscreen? “You absolutely do not need to buy separate formulas for different members of the family. In fact, I often tell my patients to buy the baby versions for their personal use.”

Tell it to me straight: Is there even a difference between “kid” and “adult” sunscreen? In a nutshell: No. Though many “kids’” sunscreens tend to be mineral-based because they’re less likely to cause irritation. 

So, can a child use “adult” sunscreen? Yes, but only if it’s a mineral or physical formula, says Engelman. “You want something that’s formulated with either zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or a combination of the two,” she explains. So, look for those two ingredients and make sure that it offers broad spectrum (or UVA/UVB) protection of at least 30. Some of our favorite adult brands that are totally safe to use on children include Alba Botanica Sensitive Fragrance Free Mineral Sunscreen ($12) and Cetaphil Sheer 100% Mineral Liquid Sunscreen ($9).

Do all “children’s” sunscreens adhere to these recommendations? Unfortunately, no. There are children’s sunscreens out there that contain chemical blockers like avobenzone, oxybenzone and octinoxate. And though the FDA is still in the process of updating its regulations for sunscreen safety, for now, the only two ingredients that have been deemed safe are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Some solid kid-marketed suggestions: Thinkbaby Safe Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($23) and All Good Kid’s Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 ($30). 

What might happen if a child used a chemical sunscreen? Their skin might get irritated. Kids have thinner, more absorbent skin, which is why Dr. Engelman (and many of her peers) recommends a physical formula (which sits on top of skin to deflect UV rays) over a chemical one (which is absorbed into the skin) to be extra safe.

Bottom line: There is no real difference between kid and adult sunscreen. In both cases, they can be chemical or physical. What’s more important are the ingredients (as outlined above) and consistent reapplication (every two hours if you or your kid is outdoors).