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Sunscreen: Any difference between "Kids" and Regular?


shipgeeks
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Some of the labeling for sunscreens is simply marketing. When it first started, the kids' sunscreens were generally containing less unnecessary chemicals (like fragrance) that could possibly irritate more sensitive skin or cause allergy flare ups. Also, these sunscreens were more apt to contain a non-chemical sunscreen...a physical blocker like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. If they did have chemical sunscreens, they were less likely to have oxybenzone, a hormone-disrupting chemical sunscreen.

 

None of this truly applies anymore...you always have to read labels. There is nothing prohibiting an adult from using kids sunscreen except that kids sunscreen may be more expensive, simply because of marketing and perceived "specialness".

 

It's possible to find sunscreen not geared towards kids alone that are made with the same benefits that would prompt someone to look for kids sunscreens.

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Unless they're "infants", any will sufficient SPF will do...you want at least 30 SPF...apply every 2 hours...more if you towel off! Waterproof doesn't mean it won't wipe off if you dry off with a towel!

 

Current FDA regulations require all sunscreens to say that they must be reapplied every 2 hours unless they undergo additional testing and approval to claim to go longer than 2 hours.

 

No sunscreen can be labeled "waterproof," or "sweat proof" but they can make a claim for "resistant" and the sunscreen must make a claim as to how long the user can expect to be able to continue getting sun protection while in the water; the two choices permitted on labels are 40 minutes or 80 minutes.

 

I do not know how these FDA regulations affect sunscreens made in other countries. Australia manufacturers some of the best sunscreens in the world; they have had strict regulations and testing in place for a very long time. I swear that the Blue Lizard brand was the best sunscreen that my family has ever used.

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