Questions, answered.

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as the active ingredient. In its most recent proposed rule on sunscreens, the FDA proposed that these two are the only sunscreen actives it recognizes as generally safe and effective on current data, and asked manufacturers for more data on the others. For babies under 6 months, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends shade and clothing first; from 6 months, sunscreen is recommended, and the AAP and the American Academy of Dermatology point to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide for sensitive skin.

From 6 months. Under 6 months, the AAP recommends keeping babies out of direct sun, using shade, hats and lightweight clothing, and applying a small amount of sunscreen only to exposed areas such as the face and hands if shade isn't possible.

On days they're outside, yes. UV is present whenever the sun is up, and most UV passes through clouds, so overcast days still count. The AAD recommends sunscreen on all exposed skin whenever you're outdoors, and the WHO recommends protection whenever the UV index is 3 or higher. Daily habit matters because sun damage is cumulative.

Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on the skin and absorb and scatter UV. Chemical sunscreens (such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, homosalate) absorb UV through a chemical reaction in the skin. FDA-commissioned studies published in 2019 and 2020 found that several chemical filters are absorbed into the bloodstream above the FDA's threshold for further safety testing; the FDA has said this does not mean they are unsafe, but that more data is needed. Mineral filters were not part of that concern.

Some ingredients absorb UV but are listed among the inactive ingredients rather than as sunscreen actives. Common examples are butyloctyl salicylate, ethyl ferulate and tridecyl salicylate. They can raise a product's SPF while the label still reads "mineral." In the FDA-registered mineral sunscreens TinySafe tracks (2,091 products with mineral actives only, as of September 2026), 601, about 29%, contain at least one such ingredient.

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are white minerals that scatter visible light as well as UV. The higher the percentage and the larger or less evenly dispersed the particles, the more visible the cast, especially on deeper skin tones. Formulation choices (particle coating, dispersion, texture) change how much shows.

Stinging usually comes from ingredients that migrate into the eyes with sweat or rubbing. Chemical filters, fragrance and drying alcohol are the most commonly reported causes. The AAD suggests mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin and around the eyes, and applying sunscreen to the eyelids carefully.

"Nano" refers to particles smaller than 100 nanometers. Nano zinc oxide gives less white cast; non-nano is preferred by some parents and by some reef-protection guidance. The FDA's review found no evidence that nano zinc oxide or titanium dioxide penetrates intact skin. Sprays and powders are a separate concern, because any sunscreen can be inhaled in those forms.

Both are recognized by the FDA as safe and effective. Zinc oxide covers a broader UVA range on its own, which is why zinc-only products can be labeled broad spectrum without a second filter. Titanium dioxide is stronger in the UVB range. Many products use both; zinc-only products are common in baby lines.

Yes. In the US, sunscreen is an over-the-counter drug regulated by the FDA, so it can be recalled like any drug. In 2021, several aerosol sunscreens were recalled after benzene, a carcinogen, was found in some lots. Recalls are usually lot-specific, so check the lot number on your tube against the recall notice. Of the 2,091 FDA-registered mineral sunscreens TinySafe tracks, 23 have a recall history on record.

For sensitive baby skin, dermatology and pediatric guidance points to fragrance-free products, and to avoiding known sensitizers. Common things parents check for: fragrance and essential oils (the most common cause of cosmetic contact allergy), hidden UV filters, oat and other food allergens if the child has allergies, botanicals from the ragweed family (chamomile, calendula, arnica), and preservatives such as methylisothiazolinone. Spray forms are best avoided for young children because of inhalation.

Yes, and it matters, because sunburn worsens eczema. The National Eczema Association suggests mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, fragrance-free, and patch-testing on a small area first. Moisturize, let it absorb, then apply sunscreen. For a child with diagnosed eczema, ask your pediatrician or dermatologist.

Enough to coat every exposed area evenly without gaps; most people apply too little. Apply 15 minutes before going outside. Don't forget ears, the back of the neck, the tops of feet, and the part in the hair. A hat covers what sunscreen misses.

Every two hours outdoors, and right after swimming, sweating or toweling off, even with water-resistant products. Water resistance on a label means 40 or 80 minutes, not all day.

Sunnytime was founded in New York by Angela Lee, a mother who couldn't find a sunscreen she wanted on her own son. The formula was developed with Korea's No. 1 sunscreen lab. Sunnytime is a brand of ARW House, which also makes TinySafe, a baby-product recall tracker.

A 100% mineral baby sunscreen for the face, made to be worn every day. Zinc oxide is the only sunscreen active. There are no chemical filters, no hidden UV boosters, no fragrance, no plant extracts, and no titanium dioxide. It's Korean-formulated to meet FDA over-the-counter drug standards.

For sensitive skin, dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreen. Under the FDA's current proposal, only two sunscreen actives are recognized as safe and effective. Both are minerals. We use one.

Plant extracts are added to soothe skin, and they're also among the most common triggers for sensitive skin: oat, chamomile, calendula, essential oils. Almost every baby sunscreen we read had at least one. Sunnytime has none.

Zinc oxide, and 36 inactive ingredients chosen for a light water-in-silicone texture and gentleness: glycerin and panthenol for moisture, a gentle multi-purpose preservative system (1,2-hexanediol, caprylyl glycol, glyceryl caprylate, ethylhexylglycerin), vitamin E, ectoin, and the three barrier lipids skin is made of (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acid). The full list is published at launch, once testing is final.

No. A sunscreen's job is to protect from the sun, every day, without upsetting skin. For eczema or barrier repair, a dedicated moisturizer or ointment does that job better. Sunnytime is kept light enough to wear daily.

The formula is locked (August 2026). SPF and stability testing are in progress. Skin testing (HRIPT) and a toxicologist review come next. Parents are testing it on themselves first. Babies come after the skin tests.

6 months and up. Under 6 months, the AAP recommends shade and clothing.

It will be shared when testing confirms it.

To be confirmed in writing before launch.

No. It's made for everyday faces, not swimming.

That's the zinc. It isn't covered with fragrance.

To be confirmed before launch.

Pricing goes to the waitlist first.

After testing is done. The waitlist gets it first.