The scorching Hong Kong summer is upon us, and as an eco-conscious mama, I want to make sure that my sunscreen is safe for my family and the ocean. Deciphering the ingredients on a label, however, can make that challenging! Here’s how I choose the best eco-friendly kids sunscreens for my family, and where you can buy in Hong Kong.
Remember: The best protection is always covering up or staying in the shade, so consider full-length swimsuits and a sun hat with a large brim, particularly if your child is sun-sensitive.
What to look for in suncreen
Select a sunscreen that offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays have an immediate tanning effect and can penetrate through glass. UVB rays have a delayed tanning effect, and can cause redness and sunburns.
A sun protection factor (SPF) between 30-50 is best; anything over SPF50 doesn’t offer much additional protection. SPF30 will protect you from roughly 96% UVB rays and SPF50 offers about 98% protection. No sunscreen can guarantee 100% protection.
It’s best to opt for mineral sunscreens, with active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are effective against both UVA and UVB rays, and are safer for both the environment and your children’s skin.
Most commercial sunscreens that are easy to buy over the counter are non-mineral; they’ll do in a pinch but try to make your go-to a mineral variety!
As a mother of two toddlers, here are some additional requirements I have for sunscreen:
- Easy to apply (spray, stick, or squirt bottle)
- Lightweight (too thick and it’s a nightmare to rub into excited children)
- Fast and absorbent (no white streaks please!)
- Reusable or recyclable packaging over plastic single use
Avoid these sunscreen ingredients
| UNSUITABLE FOR CHILDREN | HARMFUL TO THE EARTH |
| Active Ingredients like: • Oxybenzone | Aerosol cans: Affect the earth’s atmosphere May pose an inhalation risk Don’t provide a thick enough skin coating to protect from UV rays |
| Skincare ingredients like: • Retinyl palmitate • Retinol • Vitamin A | Ingredients that damage coral: • Avobenzone • Homosalate • Octinoxate • Octisalate • Octocrylene • Oxybenzone |
| Fragrances |
Ziggy’s Top Family-Friendly Sunscreens
The Kind Sunscreen
- SPF30
- Mineral-based (zinc oxide)
- Contains only 9 ingredients
- Sweat- and water-resistant for 80 mins
- Easy application but slower application
- Made from recycled plastic and cardboard
Available ($180) online at hellosamah.com.
Supergoop PLAY! Everyday Lotion
- SPF50
- Free from parabens, fragrances, oxybenzone and octinoxate
- Mineral-based
- Lightweight
- Easily absorped
- Unfortunately, uses plastic packaging
Available in-store or online ($260) from Sephora.
Raw Elements Baby & Kids Sunscreen
- SPF30
- Mineral-based (zinc oxide)
- Soothing natural ingredients coconut oil, calendula and chamomile
- Sweat- and water-resistant for 80 mins
- Thicker texture, slower absorption
- Biodegradable cardboard stick applicator
- Eco-friendly reusable tin
Available in-store or online ($200) from Live Zero
Raloha
- SPF50 PA+++
- Mineral-based (zinc oxide)
- Shields against blue light, infrared and pollution
- Naturally fragranced with essential oils
- Paraben- and sulfate-free
- Non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic
- Sweat- and water-resista
- nt for 80 min
- Fast-absorbing
- Donates portion of profits to charities and NGOs
- Con: Uses plastic packaging
Available from Lane Crawford or online at raloha.com
More on Liv: Where To Buy Reef Safe Sunscreen in Hong Kong