What's the easiest-to-apply, safest sunscreen?

[LuckyMommaToo]

DS (5), is attending daycamp two days a week. They swim in the afternoon. He will wear a sunshirt, and the counselors will encourage them to apply sunscreen, but I'm not sure how much help they'll give.

We use Blue Lizard, but I'm not sure he can really get that on by himself well. Are any of the sticks okay? (For his face, I'm thinking.) I'd love one of those spray ones for his arms and legs, but are they just terrible?

Thanks for any suggestions.
-e

[ElaynesMom]

When I think of sunscreen sticks, I generally think they are better for use on the face (nose, eyelids, ears, etc.) or small touch ups. Most of the sprays will be full of chemicals, but I know Lavera makes a spray sunscreen (it is a pump bottle though, not aerosol) that uses only titanium dioxide. I haven't used it but it received a rating of 2 on the Skin Deep website. It is quite pricey, but it may be easier to use.

Here is the link to the Lavera Sunscreen Spray:

http://www.lavera.com/products/Sun_S...3-1000014.html

Also, for other recommendations for sunscreens and other personal care products check out the Skin Deep Cosmetic Database:

http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com

[northerngirl]

We use California Baby on our dd. This is one that got good marks by the EWG. I was going to switch to something else, but when I compared the EWG list to the options at vitacost and luckyvitamin, the Cali Baby won.
I wouldn't say it's the easiest to apply, and you really have to rub it in, and it can look greasy if you put to much on. But, I like that it got real low scores on EWG and it is waterproof. I would like to know if others have tried any others that score good with EWG.

[shanniesue2]

I haven't used it, but I've seen recommendations for KinEsys (spray/no rub formula)... and it has a good rating on the cosmetic database (I think it's like a 1 or a 2. You have to order it online though, and I think it's like $18 before s&h(which is why I haven't tried it, yet). We are currently using Earth's Best because it was the best option the day I was shopping for sunscreen at target (and it gets a 2 rating). It is a little thick and leaves a slightly whitish cast, but not too bad and it works pretty well.

[LuckyMommaToo]

Thanks, guys! I do check the Skin Deep database, but I find it really overwhelming. The Lavera and Kinesys sprays both look promising. Not sure which I'll order first, but I'm hoping they'll do the trick.
thanks again,
-e