Arguably one of our most asked questions is whether or not our products are suitable for your children’s delicate skin - and it’s a question we take seriously and is part of our OhSo Bare mission. The skin is our largest organ, and when it comes to babies and young children, it’s significantly more sensitive and absorbent than adult skin. That’s why being vigilant about what goes into their skincare - especially products like suncream that are applied generously and frequently, is so important.
With so many suncreams on the market, it’s easy to assume they’re all created equally - that they all do the same thing and have the same safety protocols. But the reality is, many conventional formulas that you find in your local supermarkets are packed with hidden toxic ingredients, hormone-disrupting chemicals, and synthetic fragrances that can cause irritation, allergies, or worse. For parents and carers trying to do the right thing, this can create real confusion and anxiety when choosing what’s actually safe for their little ones.
Understanding what to look out for, and what to avoid, is the first step in protecting your child’s skin and long-term health. That’s why we’re committed to transparency, education, and offering gentle, non-toxic alternatives that you can feel confident using on even the most sensitive skin.
Can I Use OhSo Bare On Children?
Simple like our formulas, the answer is of course, yes! And if suncreams cannot be used on children, then that’s simply a red flag in itself. Our creams are 100% natural, organic and non-toxic and even better? They’re safe for the whole family.
And while there’s growing awareness around non-toxic beauty and suncare products, Chantelle, our founder, quickly realised that there still wasn’t much on the market that combined non-toxic, skin-safe ingredients with deeply nourishing, protective benefits. When it came to creating these creams, she formulated them first and foremost for her two young children. Transparency, safety, and skin health were non-negotiables when developing OhSo Bare and that ethos applies to making products friendly for everyone.
What Ingredients Should I Avoid In Suncreams For My Children?
When choosing suncream for yourself and your children, it’s important to avoid certain ingredients that may cause irritation, disrupt hormones, or be potentially harmful with long-term use. Whilst there are unfortunately many mixed into most pina colada scented suncreams on the market, here are some key ingredients to avoid in suncreams - especially for your children.
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Oxybenzone
Oxybenzone is one chemical which most of us thankfully know to avoid in our beauty setup. It’s a common chemical filter used in alot of suncreams to absorb UV rays, but it has been linked to hormone disruption and allergic skin reactions. It's especially concerning for children, whose developing systems are more sensitive to endocrine-disrupting chemicals. It's best to steer clear of products containing this ingredient and if you couldn’t already tell, OhSo Bare gets the green light!
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Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate)
Octinoxate is another UV filter often found in alot of chemical sunscreens but this can hide under various names. Some studies even suggest it may interfere with hormone levels and cause skin irritation. A study carried out by the NIH even investigated Octinoxate as a potential thyroid hormone disruptor. It’s also known to contribute to coral reef bleaching, and is banned in several environmentally conscious locations, like Hawaii.
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Homosalate
Homosalate helps sunscreen penetrate the skin but can accumulate in the body over time. There are concerns that it may disrupt hormones and affect the body's natural chemical balance, which is particularly risky for growing children.
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Retinyl Palmitate (Vitamin A derivative)
While Vitamin A is often used in skincare for its anti-ageing properties, Retinyl Palmitate can become unstable in sunlight. Some studies suggest it may contribute to the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied before sun exposure, making it a risky ingredient for children’s sun protection.
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Fragrance (Parfum)
Fragrance might make sunscreen smell pleasant, but it often contains a mix of undisclosed chemicals that can trigger allergic reactions or skin sensitivities. Since children have more delicate skin, it’s safer to choose fragrance-free or naturally scented products.
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Parabens (e.g: methylparaben, propylparaben)
Parabens are used as preservatives to prevent bacterial growth, but they've been linked to hormone disruption and can mimic estrogen in the body. Although many brands now offer paraben-free products, it’s still important to check the label before purchasing suncream for your child, or just stick to your trustworthy OhSo Bare.
How Often Should I Reapply To My Child?
Most dermatologists and skincare experts recommend reapplying your suncream every two hours when you're exposed to the sun, like when you’re on holiday. This is because suncream can naturally wear off due to sweat, water exposure, and general absorption into the skin which is completely normal.
We actually have a full blog on this which you can read here.
The Takeaway
As parents, your child's safety is always your top priority from the foods they eat to the environments they play in. But that care shouldn’t stop at skincare. Sun protection is just as important, especially during outdoor adventures like park days or family holidays. Choosing the right sun protection isn’t just about avoiding sunburn it's about safeguarding your child’s skin with products that are safe, gentle, and effective. Because protecting your little one should always include what you put on their skin.
