Baby & Kids Sun Care

Mineral and chemical filters

Sunscreens work one of two ways. Mineral filters — zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — sit on the surface of the skin and physically block and scatter UV. Chemical filters absorb into the top layer of skin and convert UV into heat. Children's formulas lean mineral for two reasons: mineral filters work the moment they're applied rather than needing to settle in, and they're less likely to sting sensitive skin or eyes. The trade-off is the white cast, which is the reason mineral sunscreen has its reputation among anyone who has tried to rub it into a wriggling toddler.

What non-nano zinc means

"Non-nano" refers to particle size — the zinc oxide particles are large enough that they're not classified as nanoparticles. In practice it means the mineral stays on the skin's surface rather than being small enough to raise absorption questions. It's a common labelling point on baby and kids' formulas, and it usually means a more visible white finish than a nano version would give.

SPF, and what water resistant actually means

SPF measures protection against UVB. The jump from SPF 30 to SPF 50 is smaller than the numbers suggest — both block the large majority of UVB, and the difference between them is a few percent. What matters much more is applying enough and reapplying often: roughly every two hours, and immediately after swimming or towelling off. "Water resistant" is a regulated claim in Canada and means the SPF holds for a stated period in water — typically 40 or 80 minutes — not that the product is waterproof. There is no such thing as waterproof sunscreen.

Babies under six months

Health Canada's guidance is that sunscreen isn't recommended for infants under six months. The advice for that age is shade, a hat and clothing, and keeping out of direct sun — particularly between 11am and 3pm, when UV is strongest. From six months, sunscreen becomes appropriate alongside those measures rather than instead of them. If you have any doubt about a specific product and a specific baby, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Sun care in Canada

Sunscreens sold in Canada carry a DIN or NPN on the label — they're regulated products, not cosmetics. Everything here ships from our Ontario warehouse.