Samantha Goodwin

Make an informed choice when selecting the safest sunscreen for your baby or child. We also offer a curated list of safe Canadian sunscreens.

Canadian Safe Sunscreens for Babies and Kids 

Babies and children are much more vulnerable than adults to the damaging effects of the sun's rays. Their skin is thinner, more sensitive and still developing. In fact, the first 20 years is a critical period for sun exposure as it has a significant impact on the chances of developing skin cancer later in life. One severe sunburn in childhood can double the chances of developing melanoma in adulthood (Mudditt, 2022). Suffice to say, early protection from the sun's UV rays is paramount.

Although they are most vulnerable to the sun, babies aged 0 - 6 months should not be exposed to sunscreen. They are most likely to lick the sunscreen on their skin and inadvertently ingest its chemical ingredients. Additionally, absorbing the sunscreen through their skin can lead to the build up of toxins which can impede their health. Toxins within the sunscreens can act as allergens, carcinogens and endocrine disruptors that hinder their development. Instead of sunscreen, babies' skin should be protected with lightweight loose clothing when outside. 

Babies 6 months and older along with children should use sunscreen in combination with coverage from clothing and hats. Their delicate skin can get burnt within the first 10 minutes of sun exposure regardless of skin type or pigmentation. Even without a sunburn, the sun's UV rays can deeply penetrate their skin and cause long term damage. This is possible on cooler and cloudy days too. 

When making sunscreens intended for babies and children, many companies produce them with a high sun protection factor (SPF) value. This number is often misleading. Parents and guardians assume that the higher the number, the higher the degree of protection but this is not actually the case. The SPF value only considers how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays; which are responsible for sunburns and non-melanoma skin cancers. SPF does not consider protection against UVA rays; which are responsible for aging and other cancers including melanoma. UVA does not cause sunburn so sunscreen users can not see the damage being done internally (The Trouble with SPF, n.d.). Many common sunscreen products do not meet the European Commission standards for adequate UVA protection.

There are additional dangers to simply choosing babies' or children's sunscreen products based on a high SPF. SPF is not a linear scale so a higher value only provides a negligible increase in protection. Lulled into a false sense of security, users may not take the same precautions as with a sunscreen with a lower SPF. More concerning is that sunscreens with a higher SPF contain more chemicals that provide UVB protection at the expense of chemicals that protect against UVA (thus an overall lower protection from UVA rays) (The Trouble with SPF, n.d.). The higher concentration of chemicals can act as toxins with unintended harm on young bodies (see our article on safe sunscreens). 

So what to do? Babies and children still need to go outside. The key is to look for a mineral based sunscreen formulated for babies' or children's skin. Mineral sunscreen does not absorb into the skin, instead it forms a physical barrier on its surface and reflects the sun's rays. Its key ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which are biodegradable and do not build up in the body. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide should not be ingested so if your baby is still licking everything, avoid it. They should also not be inhaled so look for non-nano products if you wish to buy it in an aerosol form. Mineral sunscreens allow you to avoid the toxic ingredients found in chemical sunscreens. 

The sunscreen does not necessarily have to have a high SPF, instead it should have a value of at least 30 and offer a broad coverage for UVA 

 UVB rays.  By looking for a babies' or children's variety, the additional ingredients in the sunscreen should take their delicate skin into consideration. There should not be harmful chemicals present.

Here are some Canadian brands that offer safe sunscreen for babies and children:

Boo Bamboo has a Baby Boo line of sunscreen for babies. It is mineral based (zinc oxide) and made with organic bamboo extract that is gentle on baby's skin. The parent company, Hush Brands Inc., is responsible for making products primarily from bamboo and hemp. They focus on natural but effective ingredients and adhere to safe practices including cruelty free, paraben free and SLS free.

Shoosha is the first complete USDA certified skincare line in North America. They offer a mineral based sunscreen for babies and another for children composed of 70% USDA-certified organic ingredients. The sunscreens are free from synthetic or harmful chemical components. The active ingredient is uncoated zinc oxide and the non-medical ingredients are added with babies' sensitive skin in mind: Organic Shea Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, and Organic Calendula Oil.

Attitude's sunscreen line is mineral based and formulated with non-nano zinc oxide to provide sun protection. As with all of their products, their sunscreen is produced with an emphasis on safe, natural ingredients while being hypoallergenic, cruelty free, vegan, ocean safe and distributed in recyclable packaging. Attitude makes a sunscreen line for babies and kids that is gentle on sensitive skin. It comes in a stick (for easy application) or lotion. It also comes unscented or with a choice of scents.

The Green Beaver founders have a background in biochemistry and microbiology and have applied their knowledge to make natural and safe skin care products free of dangerous chemicals. They are responsible for developing the first Canadian organic mineral sunscreen with support from the National Research Council. The key ingredients of this mineral based sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These form a physical barrier on the skin and are not absorbed. 100% of the total ingredients are from natural origin. In addition, the sunscreen moisturizes the skin and does not leave a sticky residue. They make a mineral sunscreen specifically for kids (Junior Beavers) in a lotion or spray. 

Ombrelle is recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association for their sunscreen and their products are cruelty free. Ombrelle uses Mexoryl Technology. This is a patented term for a carbon based sun filter. It does not readily absorb into the skin. They offer a mineral sunscreen line as well as chemical based sunscreens. We, at Norther, recommend their mineral line. The mineral sunscreen for kids is made with titanium dioxide.  It is lightweight and hypoallergenic. 

Live Clean products are available in major retail stores. They have built a reputation as a Canadian brand committed to offering plant and naturally derived, eco-conscious products. They abide by a list of standards including: SLS Free, Dye Free, Paraben Free, Cruelty Free, Petrolatum Free, Dermatologist Tested, Hypoallergenic and Certified Organic Botanicals. They offer a mineral sunscreen for babies consisting of non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. It is pediatrician tested and fragrance free. 

Mudditt, J. (2022, July 5). Why sunscreen is not enough to prevent sunburns. BBC. Retrieved July 10, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20220704-why-childhood-sunburns-are-so-dangerous

The trouble with SPF. (n.d.). EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens. Retrieved July 10, 2022, from                                                    https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/report/whats-wrong-with-high-spf/

What makes sunscreen reef safe or marine safe along with a list of Canadian brands that offer reef safe products.

Canadian Non-Nano Reef Safe Sunscreen 

Whether surfing at the beach or cottaging at the lake, Canadians love to soak up summer by the water. It may then, be daunting to know that the simple act of putting on sunscreen before jumping into the waves can be harmful to aquatic environments and detrimental to marine life. If you are planning on swimming somewhere other than a swimming pool this summer, here is what you need to know about Reef Safe sunscreens and some Canadian options you should consider.

Common sunscreens work by absorbing the sun's rays and converting the UVA/B wavelengths into infrared (heat). Although they offer protection from the sun, there are concerns about the safety of the ingredients in these sunscreens. Notably, oxybenzone, octinoxate and octocrylene act as allergens, endocrine disruptors, and two of them are carcinogenic. That is just their effects on people! These chemicals have been banned in Hawaii, Palua and Aruba, with several other countries following suit, due to their harmful effects on aquatic life. For example, octocrylene has been shown to be toxic to coral reefs. 

A safer alternative to chemical sunscreens is mineral sunscreen. This is usually composed of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They form a barrier on the surface of the skin and physically block the sun's rays. The minerals can come in different sizes. Nanoparticles are generally much smaller which allow the sunscreen to be less visible when applied to the skin. They generally do not absorb into the skin, however, they can be dangerous when in an aerosol medium as they can be damaging to the lungs when inhaled. There is conflicting data on their impact on aquatic environments with some organizations cautioning against using them. Non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are 

harmful to aquatic organisms or their environments because they are biodegradable.  

Here are several environmentally conscious Canadian brands that offer non-nano and Reef Safe sunscreens:

3acres makes environmentally friendly and healthy products derived from their bee hives in Dunham, Quebec.  They produce a 100% bio-based mineral sunscreen from beeswax, coconut, raspberry oil and other recognizable ingredients. The active component that offers sun protection is non-nano zinc oxide. Their sunscreen is safe for oceans and marine life. 

Birch Babe makes personal care products free of toxins, ethically sourced, and free of plastic and unnecessary packaging. Their mineral based sunscreen is certified all natural, vegan and cruelty free. Its key ingredient is non-nano zinc oxide which reflects the sun's rays without being absorbed into the skin. It is also made up of coconut oil, avocado oil and shea butter so it's no surprise that the sunscreen goes on creamy like a moisturizer and rubs in clear. It is marine life friendly.

Cocoon Apothecary uses ethically sourced ingredients and makes all of their products in-house to maintain control over the quality of their products. Their skin care line is verified as natural and organic as they have the Ecocert Cosmos Natural or Organic certification. Their sunscreen is mineral based with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide acting as key ingredients offering physical protection from the sun. There is no mention of whether they are in nano form or not, however, the sunscreen does not come in an aerosol form. The sunscreen is non-greasy, moisturizing and made with nourishing sea buckthorn seed oil and pulp extract and shea butter. It is Reef and Water Safe.

Rocky Mountain Soap Company focuses on natural ingredients that are safe, healthy, can be processed naturally and work. In an effort to be transparent with their costumers, they attempt to use recognizable ingredients that are also effective. They aim to make each product with 10 ingredients or less to avoid useless or potentially toxic components. Their vanilla coconut sunscreen is made with non-nano zinc oxide and shea butter. It is Reef Safe so it safe to use in aquatic environments. They offer a summertime collection, with a signature scent, for a limited time. Try the whole collection.

Valley Organic Blends is a family run business in Hanmer, Ontario. They handcraft their products in small batches using mainly vegan, cruelty free, organic and preservative free ingredients. They sell their products locally but they are also available online. Their handcrafted sunscreen is 80% organic and made with only 5 ingredients: cocoa butter, beeswax, non nano zinc oxide, coconut and olive oil. There is no mention if it is Reef Safe but it is made of biodegradable ingredients. 

Live Clean products are available in major retail stores. They have built a reputation as a Canadian brand committed to offering plant and naturally derived, eco-conscious products. They abide by a list of standards including: SLS Free, Dye Free, Paraben Free, Cruelty Free, Petrolatum Free, Dermatologist Tested, Hypoallergenic and Certified Organic Botanicals. They offer a variety of mineral sunscreens for the body, face, sport, kids and babies; available in lotion or spray. All of their sunscreens are made with non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and they are Reef Safe. 

Are all sunscreens safe? Here is an explanation of the toxins found in many suncare products as well as a list of Canadian toxin-free sunscreens.

Canadian Safe Sunscreen

If you want to make an informed decision on what sunscreen to buy, you should be aware of the potential hazards associated with their key ingredients. Although the purpose of sunscreen is protect you from the damaging rays of the sun, it can also have the unintended impact of exposing you to toxins. 

Toxicology is the scientific study of the negative effects of chemicals on living things. Toxins damage or kill living organisms because they react with cellular components to disrupt metabolic functions. As a society, we produce an abundance of synthetic chemicals that each achieve an objective but simultaneously pose unintended hazards.  We are then bombarded with toxins from all of the products we use without consciously calculating the risks and rewards. Sunscreen is no exception. While it offers some degree of sun protection, it also contains toxins that are absorbed into the skin and pose other health risks. Not all sunscreens are created equal. Below, is a breakdown of toxins to look out for, followed by a list of Canadian-made sunscreens that do not contain them.

 - are substances that activate the immune system. Many are sensitizers of the immune system that are directly allergenic and can trigger reactions to other substances. 

 - are chemicals that suppress the immune system rather than activate it leaving someone vulnerable to illness. 

 - are chemicals that disrupt normal hormone functions. The body's endocrine system is responsible for controlling many of the body's processes including metabolism, growth and development, reproduction, and response to stress and injury. It does this through chemical regulators called hormones. Hormones are produced in one part of the body (typically glands) and affect another part. Toxins can prevent hormones from communicating with their target organs. 

 - are a special class of poisons that target nerve cells. Most are extremely toxic and fast acting.

 - are agents that damage or alter genetic material (DNA). These can lead to birth defects, tumors, or be passed on to future generations.

 - are chemicals that cause abnormalities during embryonic growth and development. They can cause birth defects. 

The following chemicals work by absorbing the sun's radiation and converting it to heat.  Although they have been approved for use in sunscreen, the issue is that concentration matters and high levels of these chemicals can act as toxins. They are highly absorbent and may stay in the body for a long time (i.e. they do not simply wash off at the end of the day). 

 - acts as an allergen, endocrine disruptor, teratogen and is possibly carcinogenic. It has been found to lower testosterone levels in adolescent males.  Female exposure has been linked to increased risk of endometriosis and possibly breast cancer.  Finally, studies have found that exposure to oxybenzone affects birth weight and length of pregnancy for both male and female babies. Oxybenzone is readily absorbed through the skin and has been found in higher than recommended levels in individuals that use sunscreen. 

 - acts as a hormone disruptor mainly on the metabolic and reproductive systems. It also acts as an allergen. Like oxybenzone, octinoxate is readily absorbed through the skin and has been found in regular sunscreen users in high levels. 

- is an allergen and possibly an endocrine disruptor. It is highly absorbent and can be found in regular sunscreen users in high levels.

 - another highly absorbent toxin, it is an endocrine disruptor and is not easily excreted by the body. In other words, it stays in your system for a long time.

 - is an allergen and  possible endocrine disruptor. It is often combined with benzophenone, which is known to be carcinogenic. Octocrylene is highly absorbent and can be found in sunscreen users.

 - this is not a stable chemical. When it breaks down, its products can act as allergens and endocrine disruptors.

Source: The trouble with ingredients in sunscreen. (n.d.). EWG’s Guide to Sunscreens. Retrieved July 5, 2022, from https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/

 - is possibly carcinogenic when applied to sun-exposed skin

 - is naturally found in crude oil and gasoline. It is carcinogenic and has many immediate health risks. It is not an ingredient that is added to sunscreen; however, it has been found in many sunscreen products as a contaminant or byproduct of the manufacturing process. Major brands (including Johnson & Johnson) have had to recall their sunscreens due to the presence of benzene. 

The United States takes, what is known informally as, the 'Innocent Until Proven Guilty' approach when it comes to introducing new materials into the market. This means that there is a minimum amount of pre-market testing by industry, the government and scientists that must be done before a product is released to be sold to the public. The benefit of this approach is that there is a great deal of choice available to consumers. The problem is that many of the products will need further testing to determine their level of safety. Regulations, re-calls and bans of products come 

 they have impacted the public. It is ultimately up to consumers to inform themselves to make the best choice.

European countries take the 'Precautionary Principle' approach with regards to new products. Rigorous testing must be performed to gauge the safety of a product before it can be released to the public. The drawback of this approach is that there is less selection, however, the available products are generally safer and not subject to further regulations, re-calls or bans. 

These differing approaches can be seen in action when it comes to sunscreen. For example, the European Commission has set a limit for the concentration of oxybenzone (at 2.2%) and homosalate at (1.4%) to be allowed in sunscreen products. U.S. manufacturers can legally exceed these recommendations and have used these ingredients in far greater concentrations.  

Health Canada must approve all cosmetics sold in Canada as safe to use and not posing any health risk. They must meet the requirements of the Food and Drugs Act and the Cosmetic Regulations. Given our proximity to the U.S. and reliance on their economy, our government is more lenient than Europe when it comes to releasing products to market. The ingredients listed above can be found in many sunscreens in higher than recommended concentrations. It is important for consumers to be informed and make decisions for themselves. 

Here are some Canadian sunscreen brands that offer an equivalent, if not better, degree of sun protection without the toxic ingredients listed above. Unlike chemical sunscreens which absorb into the skin, mineral based sunscreens form a layer on top of the skin and physically block the sun's harmful rays from penetrating. Thus, mineral sunscreens are not absorbed by the body and do not build up.

Attitude's sunscreen line is mineral based and formulated with zinc oxide to provide sun protection. As with all of their products, their sunscreen is produced with an emphasis on safe, natural ingredients while being hypoallergenic, cruelty free, vegan, ocean safe and distributed in recyclable packaging. Attitude's sunscreens come in a lightweight and non-greasy stick for easy application. You do not have to compromise on beauty care as their sunscreens come in tinted, brightening and sensitive skin varieties too.

Cocoon Apothecary uses ethically sourced ingredients and makes all of their products in-house to maintain control over the quality of their products. Their skin care line is verified as natural and organic as they have the Ecocert Cosmos Natural or Organic certification. Their sunscreen is mineral based with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide acting as key ingredients offering physical (not chemical) protection from the sun.  The sunscreen is non-greasy, moisturizing and made with nourishing sea buckthorn seed oil and pulp extract and shea butter. 

The Green Beaver founders have a background in biochemistry and microbiology and have applied their knowledge to make natural and safe skin care products free of dangerous chemicals. They are responsible for developing the first Canadian organic mineral sunscreen with support from the National Research Council. The key ingredients of this mineral based sunscreen are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These form a physical barrier on the skin and are not absorbed. 100% of the total ingredients are from natural origin. In addition, the sunscreen moisturizes the skin and does not leave a sticky residue. 

Ombrelle is recognized by the Canadian Dermatology Association for their sunscreen and their products are cruelty free. Ombrelle uses Mexoryl Technology. This is a patented term for a carbon based sun filter. It does not readily absorb into the skin. They offer a mineral sunscreen line as well as chemical based sunscreens. We, at Norther, recommend their mineral line. The mineral sunscreen is is lightweight, fragrance free, colorant free and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. They also offer a lightly tinted mineral sunscreen for the face and one for sensitive skin. 

Birch Babe makes personal care products free of toxins, ethically sourced, and free of plastic and unnecessary packaging. Their mineral based sunscreen is certified all natural, vegan and cruelty free. Its key ingredient is non-nano zinc oxide which reflects the sun's rays without being absorbed into the skin. According to their website, the sunscreen goes on creamy like a moisturizer and rubs in clear.

The Sage Soap Company makes personal care products from plant based and locally sourced (when possible) elements. The key ingredients in their mineral based sunscreen are carrot seed oil, coconut oil and zinc oxide. Carrot seed oil actually blocks the sun's rays, especially UVB rays. Coconut oil forms a protective barrier on the skin and has microbial and anti-bacterial benefits. Finally, zinc oxide protects against UVA/B rays and does not readily absorb into the skin. 

They also make a vegan plant based bug repellent which may come in handy if you are heading outside.

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