Sunscreen is a summer essential to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. Two popular natural mineral sunscreen brands are Thinkbaby and Thinksport.
But what’s the difference between them and which is better? Let’s take an in-depth look at these two brands.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Feature | Thinkbaby | Thinksport |
| Purpose | For babies & kids | For active adults & kids |
| SPF Levels | 30, 50 | 30, 50 |
| Water Resistance | 80 minutes | 80 minutes |
| EWG Rating | 1 (lowest hazard) | 2 (low hazard) |
| Texture | Thick, needs rubbing in | Thick, needs rubbing in |
| White Cast | Yes | Slightly less than Thinkbaby |
| Price | $2 per oz | $1.50 per oz |
| Size Options | 3 oz, 6 oz | 3 oz, 6 oz, 10 oz |
| Gentleness | Formulated for sensitive skin | Not specially formulated for sensitivity |
| Ingredients | Minimal for less irritation | More ingredients than Thinkbaby |
| Best For | Babies & young kids | Older, active kids & adults |
Overview Of Thinkbaby And Thinksport
Both Thinkbaby and Thinksport sunscreens are made in the USA by Thinksport, a company dedicated to using safe, natural ingredients.
Thinkbaby sunscreens are formulated specifically for babies and children, with ingredients selected for sensitive skin. They come in SPF 30 and SPF 50.
Thinksport sunscreens are formulated for active adults and older kids. They come in both chemical and natural mineral versions. The natural mineral versions are SPF 30 and SPF 50.
Both brands use non-nano zinc oxide as the active mineral ingredient to block UV rays. Their formulas are also fragrance-free, paraben-free, phthalate-free, and free of oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Comparison Of Key Features
Here’s a detailed comparison of the key features between Thinkbaby and Thinksport natural mineral sunscreens:
Active Ingredient
- Both use non-nano zinc oxide as the active mineral UV filter.
SPF Levels
- Thinkbaby has SPF 30 and SPF 50 options.
- Thinksport has SPF 30 and SPF 50 options.
Water Resistance
- Thinkbaby is water resistant for 80 minutes.
- Thinksport is water resistant for 80 minutes.
Safety Ratings
- Thinkbaby gets a 1 rating on EWG’s skin deep database, indicating lowest hazard.
- Thinksport gets a 2 rating on EWG’s skin deep database, still considered low hazard.
Texture and White Cast
- Both have a thick, mineral sunscreen texture that needs to be rubbed in well.
- Both leave a whitish cast on the skin, common for mineral sunscreens. Thinksport may leave slightly less of a white cast.
Price
- Thinkbaby costs about $2 per oz.
- Thinksport costs about $1.50 per oz, so it’s a little cheaper.
Size Options
- Thinkbaby comes in 3 oz or 6 oz tubes.
- Thinksport comes in 3 oz, 6 oz or 10 oz tubes.
Protection for Babies and Kids
- Thinkbaby is specially formulated for babies and kids.
- Thinksport can be used for kids, but Thinkbaby would be the better choice.
Ingredient Safety Analysis
Since safety is a top priority when choosing sunscreen for kids, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients in these two brands.
Active Ingredient
Zinc oxide is a mineral UV filter considered very safe for kids and babies. It provides broad spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Using non-nano zinc oxide eliminates safety concerns about nanoparticles.
Other Ingredients
Here are some of the other key ingredients:
- Beeswax – thickener and moisturizer
- Sunflower seed oil – moisturizer
- Jojoba seed oil – moisturizer
- Vitamin E – antioxidant
- Glycerin – humectant
- Purified water
- Polyglyceryl-3 beeswax – emulsifier and thickener
- Vegetable glycerin – moisturizer
Both brands avoid questionable ingredients like oxybenzone, artificial fragrances and parabens. Thinkbaby aims for an even simpler formula focused on gentleness.
Overall, both brands use safe, non-toxic ingredients ideal for babies and active kids. Thinkbaby takes it a step further in minimizing ingredients for sensitive skin.
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Performance And Protection
In third party lab testing by Consumer Reports, both Thinkbaby and Thinksport delivered their claimed SPF protection levels. They both provided excellent broad spectrum protection and blocked over 90% of UVB rays.
Thinkbaby scored a 73 and Thinksport scored a 63 on Consumer Reports overall sunscreen effectiveness ratings that take into account SPF, UVA protection and stability. Both did very well compared to other natural sunscreens.
Users praise both for being effective at preventing sunburns while allowing the skin to tan. The water resistance holds up nicely even after swimming or sweating.
Application Tips
Here are some tips for applying Thinkbaby and Thinksport sunscreen:
- Apply generously and rub in thoroughly until there’s no white cast left on the skin. Using too little reduces SPF.
- Reapply at least every 2 hours and immediately after swimming or sweating.
- Pay extra attention to easily missed spots like ears, scalp partings, back of neck and tops of feet.
- For kids who won’t stay still, apply to wet skin right after swimming to make it easier.
- Apply a lip balm or stick with zinc oxide like Thinksport SPF 50 Sunscreen Lip Balm.
- Use a hat, shade, clothing and timing of outdoor play to further reduce sun exposure.
Which Is Better For Your Needs?
For babies and kids with very sensitive skin, Thinkbaby is the obvious choice. Its formula is tailored for delicate skin and safety. Also watch this review to know more!
For older, active kids and adults, both brands work well. Thinksport offers more size options and a bit lower price point. It also comes in both mineral and chemical versions.
You really can’t go wrong with either brand. Both offer safe, effective mineral sun protection ideal for the whole family.
Also Read: Comparison Between CeraVe and Neutrogena Sunscreen
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Thinkbaby sunscreens are formulated specifically for babies and young kids with extra sensitive skin in mind. Thinksport sunscreens are formulated for active older kids and adults.
Thinksport mineral sunscreens provide excellent broad spectrum protection and deliver the claimed SPF levels based on independent lab testing. It uses top quality non-nano zinc oxide and skin-friendly ingredients.
Thinksport mineral sunscreen is safe for babies, however Thinkbaby is specially designed for extra gentle protection of baby skin. For babies, Thinkbaby would be the best choice over Thinksport.
The kid and adult versions of Thinksport mineral sunscreen have the same formula. The only difference is the packaging. So Thinksport can be safely used on both kids and adults.
Also Read: Choose Between RoC Deep Wrinkle Filler And Serum.
The Bottom Line
When it comes to safe, effective mineral sunscreen for babies, kids and adults, you can’t go wrong with Thinkbaby and Thinksport. Both brands offer high quality protection from harmful UV rays using non-nano zinc oxide and skin-nourishing natural ingredients.
Which one is best comes down to your specific needs and preferences. But the most important thing is choosing a mineral sunscreen that you’ll use consistently every day, and applying it thoroughly and often. With Thinkbaby and Thinksport, you can enjoy fun in the sun with peace of mind.