How to Read a Baby Sunscreen Label
What to Look for When Choosing Baby Sunscreen
When you’re getting ready for a sunny day with your baby, sunscreen is probably near the top of your packing list. But with so many bottles mentioning SPF, broad-spectrum protection, mineral ingredients, and water resistance, how do you know what to look for?
The answer is on the label. Look for the SPF, broad-spectrum protection, active ingredients, age guidance, water-resistance claim, and application directions. Understanding these details can help you choose a baby mineral sunscreen that fits your family’s needs.
Start With the SPF
First, check the SPF number. SPF stands for sun protection factor and indicates the product’s level of protection against UVB rays, which are a primary cause of sunburn.
A higher SPF provides a greater level of UVB protection, but the number does not tell you how many hours you can safely spend in the sun. SPF 50, for example, does not mean you can remain in the sun 50 times longer without reapplying.
Also look for the words “broad spectrum.” Broad-spectrum sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays contribute to premature skin aging and skin damage, while UVB rays are primarily responsible for sunburn.
Hello Bello’s Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion provides SPF 50 broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Check the Active Ingredient
Next, turn the bottle around and find the active ingredient listed in the Drug Facts panel. Sunscreens use different active ingredients. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or a combination of the two.
Hello Bello’s Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion uses 23% non-nano zinc oxide as its active sunscreen ingredient. It is also dermatologist-tested and contains avocado oil, calendula, and cucumber extract. If you’re comparing formulas, learn more about the differences between mineral sunscreen and chemical sunscreen.
Checking the active ingredient helps you understand what type of sunscreen you’re choosing instead of relying only on the words and pictures on the front of the package.
Review the Age Guidance
The word “baby” on the front of a sunscreen bottle does not replace the age guidance in its directions. Before applying any baby sunscreen, read the complete Drug Facts label and follow the directions for use.
For children younger than 6 months, the FDA recommends asking a doctor before using sunscreen. Shade, protective clothing, and limiting direct sun exposure should be the first lines of protection for young infants. Our guide to when babies can start using sunscreen takes a closer look at age recommendations and sun protection for young infants.
For babies and children old enough to use sunscreen, follow the product’s directions carefully. If you’re unsure whether a particular sunscreen is appropriate for your child, talk with your pediatrician.
Check the Water-Resistance Claim
Planning a trip to the pool or beach? Look for the water-resistance information on the sunscreen label.
Sunscreens may be labeled water-resistant for either 40 or 80 minutes. That number tells you whether the sunscreen has been tested to maintain its labeled SPF protection for 40 or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating. It does not mean your child can remain in the sun for that amount of time without additional protection.
Hello Bello’s Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Its directions call for reapplication after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every two hours.
Don’t Skip the Directions
Even if you’ve applied sunscreen hundreds of times, the directions are worth reading. They explain how much to apply, when to apply it, and when the product needs to be reapplied.
Hello Bello label directs you to apply its Baby Mineral Sunscreen Lotion liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Apply it to exposed skin and pay attention to areas that are easy to miss, including the ears, tops of the feet, shoulders, and back of the neck.
Sunscreen also works best as part of a broader sun-protection routine. Hats, protective clothing, sunglasses, and shade can all help limit sun exposure.
You can also review our guide to how much sunscreen to apply for additional application tips.
Read the Rest of the Label
After checking the SPF, active ingredient, age guidance, and water-resistance claim, review the remaining ingredients, warnings, and storage instructions.
This information can be especially useful if your child has sensitive skin or has previously reacted to a skincare ingredient. If you have questions about a particular ingredient or how your baby’s skin responds, talk with your pediatrician or another healthcare professional.
A Little Label Reading Goes a Long Way
Choosing a baby sunscreen doesn’t have to feel like a chemistry exam. Start by checking the SPF, broad-spectrum protection, active ingredient, age guidance, water resistance, and application instructions.
Once you know what those details mean, you can spend less time studying bottles and more time enjoying the sunny day with your family.
Getting ready for more outdoor adventures? Explore Hello Bello’s Sun & Bug collection, including mineral sunscreen, swim diapers, and bug-care products for the whole family.
