Good Sunscreen Without Odor

Updated on April 26, 2008
C.M. asks from Englewood, CO
40 answers

As the weather is warming up, my children are ready to be outside more. Two of my 3 children (ages 6, 5 and 2 1/2) are blonde with fair skin. My middle child is not as fair, but still needs protection. I hate the smell of most sunscreen outside of the pool. I really don't want to lather my kids up everyday to play outside and have them smell like the swimming pool. Does anyone know of a brand of sunscreen that doesn't smell like the pool that my kids can wear everyday, even to school? Any suggestions are much appreciated! Thanks

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So What Happened?

Thanks to everyone that offered suggestions on sunscreen that is odorless or a pleasant scent. I have some great products to look for to protect my family all summer!! Happy Summer! C. M

Featured Answers

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H.M.

answers from Fort Collins on

I use the Arbonne Baby Sunscreen. The scent is minimal and the product is free of animal biproducts and mineral oils so it is safer for their sensitive skin. You can go online to Arbonne.com and sign in as a client using my consultant ID 16353965, if you are interested.

H. McBroome

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A.S.

answers from Denver on

I have been using Mary Kay's sun protection for years. They don't have one particularly branded for kids, but it is SPF 30. My husband and I both use it because it works well, doesn't smell, it is very light (not a thick white paste) and it is not greasy at all so it blends in well. I love it.

I also noticed a lot of other advice for Melaleuca and Arbonne. I have friends who sell both of those plus Mary Kay if you need any recommendations for either.

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L.A.

answers from Boise on

Hi C.. The greatest Sun block ever is from an Idaho based company called Melaleuca. they have a spray sun screen that is great. they have a website you can buy it on.

thanks
L.

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J.S.

answers from Casper on

I really like the burts bees sunscreen. It has a smell to it but it's not all chemicly like most sunscreens.

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D.M.

answers from Denver on

1. we all need vitamin D from the sun.
2. we should protect ourselves when the sun is at it's most intense between 11am and 3pm
3. IF you use sunscreen it should be between those times but hats and long sleeves, sunglasses (to protect those tender eyes)and long pants are preferable.
4. any sunscreen/bug repellant has chemicals that can be absorbed through the skin and I would avoid/limit them if possible

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C.L.

answers from Provo on

Aveeno continuos protection is by far the best :) And I abhore sunscreen on babies, and so if I like it you know it's good :)

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C.K.

answers from Denver on

Aveeno makes one for kids that does not smell.

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L.B.

answers from Atlanta on

I love the aveeno sunscreen. We boat a lot and spend quite a bit of time outside and it works well. It is thick (which I like because I know they're covered) so you might not like it for day to day. I can't smell it on them either- which is great!!

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A.C.

answers from Denver on

We love California Baby sunscreen! It's chemical free and has a nice fresh scent. You can find it at Vitamin Cottage:)

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J.B.

answers from Denver on

Hi C.,

Go to my website and check out the ABC line sunscreen! www.lifetrust.myarbonne.com

There are no artifical fragrances and it is pediatrician and dermatologist tested.

Hope that helps!
J.

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E.S.

answers from Missoula on

We use Beach Baby by Reviva Labs, SPF 25.

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K.P.

answers from Denver on

I really like the sunscreen products at Bath & Body
Works.....they also have sunscreen products for faces.
I have two girls, 15 & 12.....its not greasy and it
doesn't make their skin breakout.

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M.C.

answers from Denver on

As a fair-skinned person with sensitive skin, I also prefer Arbonne Baby Care sunscreen for my 3-year-old and me. I trust Arbonne to include only natural ingredients in their botanically based products.

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J.S.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I have a suggestion. I use the sunscreen (and all other) products from Melaleuca. I like the fact that none of their products are caustic and contain no harsh chemicals. their sunscreen is either in spray or lotion form. I'd attach a picture if I could but I don't think it will let me here. If you want to learn more about becoming a customer with Melaleuca and shopping at a discount, just check out this site-it's brand new!!!! http://www.saferisbetter.com/jmej7

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M.S.

answers from Denver on

I only saw one reference to ewg's site, so I figured I'd add my 2 cents. the site is ewg.org. they've got a database on personal care products and did a big study on sunscreens last year - can be scary and can be tough to slog through all the info. In a nutshell....because I didn't want to be buying stuff off the internet that I couldn't smell/feel and I didn't want to make special trips to whole foods, etc., I made the decision to try and stick w/products that use titanium dioxide or zinc oxide which are phyical sunscreens. Tit. dioxide and zinc oxide are relatively inert (although there is debate about the inertness when they're microszied - or whatever the word is). And, zinc oxide has been used as a sunscreen for 40 years or more - pretty good track record. I've found a couple that can be bought at King Soopers (Kroger) and Walgreens. Most of the inexpensive products use chemical sunscreens that react w/our skin to provide protection. Some of these chemicals are known carcinigens, some we don't know about. As a family, we HAVE to stay away from avobenzene, which is in almost all inexpensive products (think coppertone, etc.) because my daughter has horrible skin reactions to it. Bottom line - load 'em up if you're outside but also take the "easy" way out that has no odor - use fabric. Wide brimmed hats are required in our household to be outside. And, because they've been wearing them since they were infants, they actually hate to not have their hats because "I have to squint." So, it hasn't been an issue now that they're at school and the only ones w/hats - so far they don't care and wear them at recess. Also, spaghetti straps and tank tops are banned in our house - cap sleeves are the min. And both kids have rash guards for swimming outside (those swim shirts that have become so popular). Just know that if you're not also practicing these things you can have battles - Mom and Dad wear hats, cover up, and use sunscreen too! Skin cancer isn't the only issue - a sunburn is just plain miserable and when they're 40 w/out wrinkles they'll thank you!

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M.C.

answers from Colorado Springs on

I love the neutrogena spray sunsreen. It has a clean scent and is light and easy to spray on with a high SPF. We used it when we lived in Phoenix and my children never suffered from burns. I even use it myself. Another good backup is the aveeno. But you can get the neutrogena one at costco for a 2 pack I think for $13 and it should last a long time. I did that last summer and used it daily with 4 kids. Hope this helps!

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M.O.

answers from Denver on

C.,
My daughter is the same way. I love the sunscreen (many options available) from my own business. The last time I respnded to someone about the products and put the website in the response I was sent an email stating that I could not do it. So, if you would like awesome products for your little ones as well as you and your honey. Send me an email ____@____.com and I will get you the best of the best for you and your family.
Hope to hear from you.
M. O'Cana
Mother of 3 great kids (12, 11, 5) and wife to the best husband in the world for 15 years.

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W.N.

answers from Denver on

There is a company called Melaleuca that sells a variety of all natural products for children. I have used the sunscreen on my eight month old, who is also blonde and fair, and it worked great. It smells good and she didn't burn.

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K.D.

answers from Denver on

We like the No Ad baby sunscreen. It works really well and comes in a stick that works well for applying to the face. We've never had a burn with it, and I don't recall the odor. I, too, hate the smell, so it must not smell that I don't remember. We use the baby since it's Paba free and two of us are allergic to Paba. I haven't smelled the normal. Another plus, it's pretty cheap, so slathering doesn't get skimped. We usually get it at Wal-mart or Target.

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M.R.

answers from Grand Junction on

This question surprises me, as sunburns before the age of 18 have been proven to significantly increase the risks of skin cancer later in life. That fact alone should help you get over any smell issues.

As for sunscreen, Neutrogena makes an Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock, it is one of the best on the market and it doesn't have much of an odor. It is recommended by our doctor and is the #1 dermatologist brand. (we used to use No-Ad also, but Neutrogena works better)

Perhaps if you get into the habit of applying the sunscreen on your kids every day, as you should, you will begin to associate any related smell with health and prevention, instead of just the pool.

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J.M.

answers from Pocatello on

I love the sunscreen that Mary Kay makes. My kids have very sensitive skin and they have had no problems with this sunscreen. I also like the smell. If you want to know more you can email me at ____@____.com

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S.H.

answers from Denver on

Try Vani-cream sunscreen. My little one has ezcema, and this is the only type she can use. There is no fragrance at all, and it is spf 30. You may have to ask the pharmacy to order it for you... We've gotten all of our tubes from National Jewish... Good luck! :o)

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H.G.

answers from Denver on

Arbonne sells a really great sunscreen that is odor free and all natural. It's great for even the fairest of skin. You can order it by going to www.arbonne.com. I am also a consultant and would be more then happy to order you some if that is the route you want to go. ###-###-####. Good luck!

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R.M.

answers from Boise on

Hi C. I work for a company that has great produces sunscreen is one of the products. Everything that the company sells is safe and healthy for you family if your interested let me know i would love to tell you more. The company is called Melaleuca.
R.
www.workathomeunited.com/momof3forever

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G.W.

answers from Colorado Springs on

All the health food stores carry great un-scented brands.

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E.B.

answers from Denver on

Hi Chrstine, I have been using Mary Kay sunscreen with my daughter for years--it has very little odor and it smells more like just a hand lotion if any scent is detected. My daughter, blond and very fair-skinned, also prefers it because she has a very sensitive smell and does not like cocoa butter kind. Plus, it works great even through activities in the sun--I still re-apply after swimming, but through normal acivities it lasts a very long time. I have a freind who swears by MK sunscreen when she goes on vacation scuba diving, indicating it is a bargain, because she is not constantly re-applying it. It is approved and recommeded by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
An additional note...my husband has been using it evenon his face, because it has wonderful moisturizers, but has NO greasy feeling and it does last.

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T.W.

answers from Salt Lake City on

i believe no-ad is scent free and if you have little ones they have a stick that is great for faces. . . . in case of squirmy ones you know? so it doesn't get in their eyes. it works well.

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S.H.

answers from Denver on

Check out the sunscreen selection at Whole Foods or Vitamin Cottage; I find that the sunscreens without all the chemicals tend to not have that strong odor. I use Avalon brand on my kids (it's in a purple tube) and I don't notice an odor at all; and, I feel better knowing that it doesn't have so much unnecessary "stuff" in it.
Happy almost summer!

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T.S.

answers from Denver on

King soopers and the vitamin cottage carry a brand called kiss my face that is very good. A friend just sent me info. on sunscreens... if you go to www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/special/sunscreens/summary.php if you want to check it out.

:) T.

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D.W.

answers from Pocatello on

I like Avon's Skin So Soft sunscreen with bug repellent in it. It doesn't smell like the other sunscreen's at all. Knowing Avon, they may even have one that is unscented.

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D.F.

answers from Pueblo on

I have a couple of favorites.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer dry-touch sunblock. It's not greasy and works great (what I've used on myself for years)

Aveeno sunblock because it's not greasy, very gentle, and works.

Burt's Bees sunblock because it's phthalate-free, which is really good for the kiddos. The only thing with this one is it is the kind that leaves the thick white layer, but it works. It does have a scent, but it's a nice one, sort of floral, not the usual odor you associate with sunscreen.

I'd also suggest a floppy hat or a ball cap. My son and I are bot fair skinned and blonde, hats on top of the sunscreen REALLY makes a difference (and I work with horses, so I'm outside ALL the time)

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A.E.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Hi C.,

I like Avon's Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus IR3535 insect repellent SPF 30 very water resistant moisturizing sunscreen with vitamin e and aloe because it comes in two fresh summer scents (Cool N Fabulous and Gentle Breeze). It is a wonderful product suitable for the entire family. I sell Avon and love it's policy that if you don't like it, you can return it and get your money back. I believe it is on sale right now.

A.
____@____.com

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S.M.

answers from Denver on

Arbonne has the best sunscreen for kiddos!

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A.S.

answers from Denver on

We use Arbonne sunscreen. I t works really well and doesn't have an odor.

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A.F.

answers from Salt Lake City on

It depends on what SPF you want. I know Vaseline makes a lotion with SPF that doesn't smell like sunscreen at all. But I don't think it's a very high number. There is a sunscreen specifically for faces that has a high SPF, but might cost a little more. I don't remember who makes it, but it comes in a white bottle with light blue lettering and has the word 'faces' on it. I got some at walmart in the sunscreen section. It works very well and has virtually no odor at all.

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A.M.

answers from Denver on

We have different brands. Aveeno doesn't smell like swimming pool.

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A.M.

answers from Salt Lake City on

I'm 36 fair skinned and already have several basal cell skin cancers. It's not fun. My dermatologist said sunscreen with helioplex is the best. So far only Nutragena has it. It has very little odor that I've notice. Hat's are good too.

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S.L.

answers from Boise on

I love Neutrogenas UltraSheer dry-touch sunblock. It has an spf of 55, has a light scent when you put it on but it goes away quickly and you can't feel it on your skin. This is the only sunscreen I will wear on my face because it doesn't smell and I can't feel it on my skin.

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