Sunscreen is essential for a day outdoors. It should be one of the first items on your list of things to bring to the beach or slather on before a hike. With all the sunscreen options out there, how do you choose which to use? Some may choose a brand that they’re familiar with, some may choose to do some research first. If you’re in the latter group, you may find yourself asking if baby sunscreen works on adults.
It's a common query, particularly for those with sensitive skin. The answer is yes, it's effective. Baby sunscreens contain similar active ingredients to adult versions, offering broad-spectrum UV protection. They're fragrance-free and hypoallergenic, ideal for sensitive skin. Yet, differences in formulation and concentration might impact their effectiveness in sun protection.
Is Baby Sunscreen Safe and Effective for Adults?
Most people choose a sunscreen based on the SPF (sun protection factor). While sunscreens with a higher SPF are expected to offer more UV protection, it’s not always the safest choice, especially when deciding on a sunscreen for babies. The EWG (Environmental Working Group) states that high-SPF products require higher concentrations of sun-filtering chemicals than low-SPF sunscreens and some of these ingredients may post health risks when they penetrate the skin. Being aware of what ingredients are contained in the products that you use is important.
When Erbaviva formulated the sunscreen, along with offering UV protection, we wanted to keep it as natural as we could. So we developed a sunscreen that both babies and adults could use - therefore, adults CAN use baby sunscreen! Baby sunscreen still contains active ingredients that protect both baby and adult skin from the sun’s rays. The biggest difference between kids and adult sunscreen is that baby sunscreen is usually a mineral or physical sunscreen as opposed to a chemical one. This means that it contains either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient used to protect the skin from the sun’s rays. If you want to read more about Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen, we have a blog post comparing the two. These ingredients sit on top of the skin instead of being absorbed into the skin, making it safer and cause less irritation than other chemicals used in conventional sunscreen.
Benefits of Using Baby Sunscreen for Adults
Using baby sunscreen as an adult offers several benefits:
- Gentle on Sensitive Skin: Baby sunscreens are formulated to be extra gentle, making them ideal for adults with sensitive or easily irritated skin.
- Free from Harsh Chemicals: They often avoid potentially irritating chemicals and fragrances, benefiting those prone to allergies or skin reactions.
- High Moisturization: Baby sunscreens typically have added moisturizers, helping to keep the skin hydrated while providing sun protection.
- Non-Greasy Formula: Many baby sunscreens have non-greasy formulations that absorb quickly, leaving a light, breathable feel on the skin.
Are Baby Sunscreen Ingredients Different From Adult Sunscreen?
Originally, Erbaviva's sunscreen was marketed as a sunscreen for both adults and babies but with the launch of our new mommy and baby packaging in July of 2017, we released a new “adult” sunscreen – still the same formulation as the baby sunscreen with the only difference being the packaging – so consumers have a choice in a simpler packaging or a more kid-friendly version.
Erbaviva’s SPF 30 broad-spectrum natural sunscreen contains 20 percent zinc oxide. The goal when developing the sunscreen was to offer the highest possible SPF protection without the use of unwanted chemicals. In an article from New Hope, Denis Dudley, MD, an endocrinologist, recommends that a product contain 20 percent zinc oxide when used alone (which is challenging to find in most products) and 15 percent when used with 7.5 percent titanium dioxide.
If you have sensitive skin, you’re probably already using sunscreen for babies or a physical sunscreen due to the fact that mineral sunscreens are less of a skin irritant. Even if a sunscreen is labeled as Baby Sunscreen, we suggest reading the label because ingredients matter! 
Can Baby Sunscreen Protect Adults from Sun Damage?
As you opt for baby sunscreen to address your specific skin concerns, you'll likely wonder if it can also provide adequate protection against sun damage, a critical concern for adults of all skin types.
Baby sunscreen often has a higher SPF, offering enhanced protection against harmful UV rays. Many baby sunscreens boast broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher protection, sufficient for most adults' needs. Baby sunscreens often have a higher concentration of these ingredients than adult sunscreens, making them suitable for adults seeking robust protection.
Conclusion
You've got a gentle and effective sun protection solution in baby sunscreen.
With its fragrance-free, hypoallergenic formula and lower concentration of active ingredients, it's perfect for adults with sensitive skin or skin conditions. Don't worry about its efficacy - baby sunscreen provides broad-spectrum UV protection like adult formulas.
So the next time you’re shopping for sunscreen, don’t steer away from purchasing baby sunscreen as it’s usually made without harmful ingredients. Just make sure that it is a broad-spectrum sunscreen or protects from both UVA and UVB rays and take a look at the label. If you’ll be in the sun for an extended amount of time, don’t forget to re-apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I Use Baby Sunscreen on My Face and Neck?
You can use baby sunscreen on your face and neck, but be aware that it may be thicker and more moisturizing than adult formulas, potentially clogging pores or causing breakouts on sensitive skin.
- Can I Use Baby Sunscreen on My Skin With Acne or Rosacea?
When dealing with acne or rosacea, you're wise to choose gentle sunscreens. Look for fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic formulas that won't exacerbate your conditions; baby sunscreens can be a good option, but always patch test to ensure you don't react adversely.
- Does Baby Sunscreen Expire Faster Than Regular Sunscreen?
