Looking for a reef-safe sunscreen that uses only zinc oxide as an active ingredient? You’re making a smart choice!
My family has tested over 100 natural mineral sunscreens over the last 10 years, so we know what really works. This brand is pretty good, but in my opinion, if you’re looking for the cleanest ingredients and smoothest application, then head over to my natural mineral sunscreen review and grab one of my top recommended zinc oxide sunscreens instead. My standards are really high though, so this one is still pretty good. 🙂
You can read all the details below to find out why this safe sunscreen brand did not make my top recommended list.
Sol Kid Kare Sunscreen by Caribbean Sol
Overall
-
Ease of Application
-
Clean Ingredients
-
Water Resistant
Details:
2020 UPDATE: Caribbean Sol’s Kid Kare has been reformulated to a non-nano zinc oxide only formula (no titanium dioxide). We have not tried this formula yet.
UPDATE: Demoted because of the nano-particles.
Price Range: $$$$
EWG rating: 2
SPF: 30
Active ingredient(s): micronized zinc oxide (3.5%), titanium dioxide (9%)
Inactive ingredients: Organic aloe vera (barbadensis leaf) extract, glyceryl (vegetable based) stearate, safflower oil, fractionated coconut oil, glycerin (sugar base), ricinus communis oil, thobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, tocopheryl acetate (vitamin E), camellia sinensis (green tea) extract, chamomilla recutita (matricaria) extract, sorbate (food grade), green coffee bean extract (coffee arabica been extract), cucumber extract (cucumus sativus extract).
Antioxidants added: Vitamin E, wild pansy, hibiscus and green coffee
Where to purchase: Amazon, Carribbean Sol site
Ease of application: + rubs in quite well because of the very small zinc (18-30 nanometers).
Scent: Fresh and citrusy
Water resistant? It was still in my daughter’s ear after 6 hours of swimming and beach play!
My experience: Everyone reapplied with Sol Kid while we spent 6 hours at the beach, and it seemed to do a great job. It really is easy to put on, and there is something to be said about having a nice, big bottle that didn’t cost you an arm and a leg. At least for us, we’re more likely to put on an appropriate amount and not skimp and make it too thin. The Caribbean Solutions website claims that they do not use nano technology and that the minerals are simply micronized, but it is mostly accepted that a nano particle is anything less than 100 nm. Nanotechnology is still a fairly new field and tough to decipher.
Star Feature: Specially formulated for children and balanced with skin healthy plant compounds and lots of antioxidants. It goes on fairly clear.
Pros
- 100% biodegradable
- Goes on fairly clear and easily
- Less expensive option
Cons
- Uses micronized zinc and titanium dioxide
Wondering if this one is the very best natural sunscreen for your family?
I organized alllll the sunscreens we reviewed in each one’s recommendation category – one page, at-a-glance to find out what is safe to buy AND works! Print it or save to your phone for reference!
The guide also includes answers to questions people ask me all the time:
- Which brand rubs in the clearest?
- What’s the best for all day outdoor sports?
- How do I save money on natural sunscreens?
- What looks good on ladies’ faces?
- Is there an option that is FAST to apply to wiggly kids?
I’ll send a copy to your email so you can see it right away and find it again later!