What is the difference between normal sunscreen and sunscreen for kids?

Are they actually different products, or is it all just another marketing trick?

The baby safe ones are supposed to be free of toxins that are harmful if ingested. Otherwise its mostly marketing, certain smells and things. You could buy any SPF 30 or higher sunblock and it will be the same. They are supposed to be less burning in the eyes, hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin but that depends more on the brand. If you don't want to bother knowing all about every ingredient than let me suggest the Avon brand. After much research it is the sunblock I use for my whole family and it has a natural insect repellent also.

18 Responses to “ What is the difference between normal sunscreen and sunscreen for kids? ”

  1. Silly M on June 24, 2009 at 12:48 am

    It's probably like that shampoo that doesn't cause tears.
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  2. adriana on June 24, 2009 at 1:12 am

    usually, sunscreen for kids has more SPF because their skin is more sensitive
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  3. Meghanita on June 24, 2009 at 1:43 am

    well, the spf is usually stronger, like 40 or 50 instead of 30. also, some are tear free. you can most certainly use adult sunblock, just make sure it is waterproof and 40 or 50 spf
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  4. politicalghettogirl on June 24, 2009 at 2:27 am

    I think it's a marketing gimick to be honest.
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  5. jason on June 24, 2009 at 3:04 am

    sales gimmicks. both dont work
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  6. aussie s on June 24, 2009 at 3:50 am

    it is just a marketing trick as normal everything for kids is more expensive and if parents are led to believe it is better for the children then they will pay the asking price

    :)
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    annoyed parent

  7. TenaciousD on June 24, 2009 at 4:11 am

    The baby safe ones are supposed to be free of toxins that are harmful if ingested. Otherwise its mostly marketing, certain smells and things. You could buy any SPF 30 or higher sunblock and it will be the same. They are supposed to be less burning in the eyes, hypoallergenic and safe for sensitive skin but that depends more on the brand. If you don't want to bother knowing all about every ingredient than let me suggest the Avon brand. After much research it is the sunblock I use for my whole family and it has a natural insect repellent also.
    References :

  8. Jojo on June 24, 2009 at 4:24 am

    Yes, It is a marketing trick!

    The only difference I can think of is that some adult ranges don't go as high as factor 30 and may contain a perfume.

    Some childrens products will be fragrance free. Although some adult ones will be too! Lol!
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  9. Megs on June 24, 2009 at 4:47 am

    I always think that Kids' Sunblock is for more sensitive skin, as children have not yet been exposed to so much sun in their lives. Also, it usually has higher spf factors, like 50.

    I always use Kids' Sunblock and find that I never burn and my skin doesn't get as oily afterwards as with normal sunblock.
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  10. jenn on June 24, 2009 at 5:19 am

    I think that baby sunscreen has a really high SPF.But normal sunscreen can be bought in many different SPFs.
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  11. Jovigirl05 on June 24, 2009 at 5:45 am

    Kids have more protection!
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  12. guest on June 24, 2009 at 6:34 am

    i dont have a clue!!
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  13. BadShopper on June 24, 2009 at 6:47 am

    About £2.50
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  14. Luvfactory on June 24, 2009 at 6:54 am

    I think it's definitely a marketing gimmick. I use Factor 50+ suntan lotion, which is a complete Sun block. Kids sunlotions are usually of that Factor or some of them are even less. I think the reason they make it specifically for kids is because they usually put a colouring in it that will disappear when it gets onto the kids skin, and of course this amazes kids and they'll want to put more on their skin. With this they achieve the intended purpose of the suntan cream: to put it on several times throughout the day, as one application is not enough! Be careful you don't burn!!!
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  15. yashli on June 24, 2009 at 7:10 am

    Read the ingredients. That's what I always do.
    Children's products will usually have less perfumes or dyes or allergens. I will prefer to use the kids products for myself if possible. The drug companies dont usually fool around with kid stuff.
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  16. sara on June 24, 2009 at 7:15 am

    They are more gentle and sensitive and last longer, usually by being more waterproof. They tend not to be perfumed like most normal sunscreens.
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  17. babybro35 on June 24, 2009 at 7:43 am

    honestly i don't think it would be a different product. you are probably right in thinking it's just a marketing trick
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  18. knowitall on June 24, 2009 at 8:19 am

    nothing it is just a big rip off……. SPF 30 blocks the same amount of rays as SPF 50. The SPF of a product only tells its abilty to protect from UVB rays UV B = Burning. But doesnt rates the protection of UVA UV A = Aging. An SPF 30 product that has broad spetrum protection from UVA1, UVA2 & UVB rays is what is important.
    The SPF (sunscreen protection factor) in sunscreen is frequently misunderstood; many people think that an SPF 30 offers double the protection of an SPF 15. However, reviewers say SPF 15 blocks 93% of rays, while SPF 30 blocks 97%, only 4% more. SPF ratings higher than 30 don't offer any further UV protection, and let the same 3% of UV rays through as SPF 30. Further, SPF only blocks UVB rays. For that reason, it's just as important to look specifically for UVA protection. A great way to protect yourself from the suns rays is with this product >> http://www.gatorgubba.com/SunProtection/SunProtection.html
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    http://www.consumersearch.com/www/family/sunscreen/fullstory.html