Blue Lizard Kids Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion review

Blue Lizard Kids Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is the strongest all-round pick for families who want SPF 50 from a brand that pediatricians often name. Crown Laboratories lists zinc oxide at 10% and titanium dioxide at 8%, says the lotion blocks 98% of UVB rays and gives up to 80 minutes of water resistance, and has added antioxidant-rich blue algae to the newer formula. It is made without oxybenzone or octinoxate. The feature parents remember is the Smart Cap, which changes color in sunlight when UV rays are present, a simple cue to reapply. The brand says Blue Lizard is the No. 1 pediatrician-recommended mineral-based sunscreen brand, as verified by ProVoice; that is the brand's own claim. The kids line also includes a spray and a stick. The weak spot is price transparency: the site sends you to retailers and shows no price, so compare the per-ounce cost of the 3 oz and 5 oz bottles at your store.

Who it is for

families who want SPF 50 with a UV reminder on the cap

Price

See vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Zinc oxide 10% and titanium dioxide 8% as active ingredients
• SPF 50 broad spectrum, which Blue Lizard says blocks 98% of UVB rays
• Up to 80 minutes of water resistance
• Smart Cap that changes color in sunlight when UV rays are present
• 3 oz and 5 oz bottles

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: The color-changing cap is a visible prompt to reapply outside
• Strength: Formulated without oxybenzone or octinoxate
• Strength: Blue Lizard says it is the No. 1 pediatrician-recommended mineral sunscreen brand, as verified by ProVoice
• Weakness: No price on the brand site; you buy through retailers
• Weakness: Uses titanium dioxide as well as zinc, if you want a zinc-only formula
• Weakness: The inactive list is long and includes several silicones

Key facts

• SPF: 50, broad spectrum
• Active ingredients: Zinc oxide 10%, titanium dioxide 8%
• Water resistance: Up to 80 minutes
• Sizes: 3 oz, 5 oz
• Where to buy: US retailers via the brand's Where to buy page

Where it ranks

Blue Lizard Kids Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion is No. 2 in our Best Kids Sunscreens verdict.