Last month, for our Monthly Meh feature, we shared a list of Somewhat Sucky Sunscreens. Unfortunately, I need to add Badger sunscreen to this list.
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Badger Sunscreen Review
I had heard great things from other eco-conscious moms about Badger sunscreen, so I was eager to put this product to the test. I fully expected that I would fall in love. After scoping out the different sunscreen options made by Badger and checking out the ingredient lists, I was even more certain that I would like this product. Then I tried it.
Applying sunscreen to a wiggly child is a challenge at the best of times. When one has 4 wiggly children to slather up, an easy-to-apply sunscreen becomes a must. Badger sunscreen was thick and difficult to apply. I had to press hard (while my children tried to wriggle away and complained loudly in response) and a lot of sunscreen was needed to get the job done.
Once I had successfully covered a couple children in sunscreen, I looked at my handiwork. As a result of the zinc oxide in this product, my kids looked liked they should be hanging out with Caspar the Friendly Ghost. Thinking that their ghoulish appearance may have been due my inability to effectively rub the sunscreen into their skin properly (because they were so wiggly), I decided to try the sunscreen on myself. I should not have done this before I needed to leave the house. I spent the next three hours out in public looking like I had some sort of plague.
With all that said, we tested Badger sunscreen on an especially hot and sunny day. We spent the majority of the day outside and showed no signs of sunburn. Badger sunscreen provided us with very good protection. Despite the frustrations I had when applying this sunscreen, I do feel that it’s one of the best choices if you are looking for sunscreen for to use on a baby or young toddler. For older kids, you may want to explore easier-to-apply alternatives.
The Challenges of Finding a Good Eco-Friendly Sunscreen
- Natural, organic sunscreens typically contain zinc oxide as their main source of sun protection (although coconut oil and shea butter have natural SPFs of about 4-5 as well). Zinc oxide makes you look pasty.
- DIY homemade sunscreen recipes usually call for zinc oxide powder as well. If you are attempting to make your own sunscreen at home, be aware that zinc oxide (while very safe when applied to the skin) is harmful if inhaled. You need to wear a mask if you are making your own sunscreen.
- Eco-friendly sunscreens tend to be harder to apply. Not a big deal if you only have one baby or toddler, but it becomes an issue when you have older kids (as they grow, so does the surface area requiring coverage) or if you have more than a couple kids (because spending roughly 10 minutes per child applying sunscreen is not an option if you have a houseful). So far, I have only found one eco-friendly sunscreen that comes in an easy-spray container similar to chemical brands –I hope to test out that sunscreen soon!
Tell us: Have you tried Badger Sunscreen? What do you think about this product?
Disclosure: This review is unsponsored.
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