I found a new favorite stick sunblock and I had to share!

Since we go through so much sunblock during the warm months, I like to try different brands so I can find my holy grail sunblock. My ideal sunblock has a thin consistency, blends easily, doesn’t leave white streaks, and has safe ingredients that provide great sun protection. I haven’t found one that’s perfect yet, but I have found products that we’re happy with. Since there are so many sunblocks that rate a 1 on the EWG website (there are 149), I stick to them when it comes to sunblock for the kids even if many consider the EWG to be overly conservative in their ratings. This is what we’ve been using on the kids and us this year, as well as a review of some other brands we’ve tried!


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1) AllTerrain Phineas and Herb SPF30 Spray ($13.41) – This is the latest addition to our sunblock arsenal. I’d been looking for a safe sunblock spray for a while because they’re just so easy to use. I even spray some in my hands and rub in on the kids’ faces. This is my go-to for daily use because time is limited when we’re getting ready for school in the mornings and this is by far the fastest way to get sunblock on them. The kids don’t mind this at all since it blends in easily, dries clear, and I don’t have to rub it into their faces and bodies like I would have to with a cream.

2) Thinkbaby SPF 50+ ($12.23) – I bought a tube of this last summer and liked its creamy consistency and how it blended well. When the kids are going to the pool or beach, I feel like the thick, creamy sunblock provides better protection than the spray so I like to use this when we need a lot of protection. I’ve tried many, many, many different sunblocks (all rated 1 on the EWG) and so far this is my favorite.

3) Elemental Sunstick ($8.49) – This is the latest stick sunblock I’ve tried, and it’s hands down my favorite. It’s unscented, and goes on easily and clear! I’ve tried several other brands including the Badger SPF35 Face Stick ($6.00) which is also great and affordable, but it goes on white. I like to keep a sunblock stick in the diaper bag for reapplications on the face throughout the day, and when we’re at the pool/beach. It’s much easier to get on faces and the kids don’t mind it nearly as much as regular sunblock — they even want to apply it themselves.

4) EltaMD UV Clear SPF46 ($23.00) – This has a 3 rating on the EWG website and is a little pricey, but I don’t use it on the kids. I would often go without sunblock because of the thick texture and how it would leave my skin looking white. The consistency of this is so light, blends easily, and it dries clear. Now I have no problems wearing sunblock every day since this is so easy to apply.

Two other brands we’ve tried include Adorable Baby ($24.99) and Babo Botanicals Clear Zinc SPF 30 ($11.19). Both are supposed to dry clear and Adorable Baby did a good job of that, but it felt a little greasy and left us shiny. Babo Botanicals is also supposed to dry clear but it has a thick, sticky consistency that was difficult to rub in, and it often left us looking more white than other sunblocks.

There are tons of sunblocks out there that provide great sun protection. I think the most important thing is just that you’re using daily sun protection!

What sunblocks are your favorite for you and your little one?