A Safe, Cheap, and Effective Sunscreen for the Whole Family

Updated from May 2013. I thought this post might be helpful again for those moms out there like me who want a safe, effective, and cheap sunscreen...

Every year I find myself doing new research on the best and most affordable sunscreen that will keep my family protected this summer. The good news is that the Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization that rates the safety of cosmetics and other household products based on their ingredient list, now takes all the guesswork out of this! Check out their extensive list of the best sunscreens.

After reading through most of their list and factoring in safety, effectiveness (I need a waterproof formula, too), and affordability, I decided to use Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen 50 SPF. (It’s also available in 70 SPF for really fair-skinned people.)

We’ve been using this sunscreen for the past year, and it’s worked really well for our entire family. I do find that I have to reapply it to the kids every hour or so when we’re at the pool. But, it’s done the job and hasn’t cost us an arm and a leg!

What is your favorite safe sunscreen for your family?