Sun School

Everything you need to know about keeping your little ones safe in the sun.

What is a mineral sunscreen? 

Sunscreens use either chemical active ingredients or minerals. Our formulas contain mineral active ingredients (zinc oxide and titanium oxide). The mineral ingredients reflect the sun's rays like a mirror to protect exposed skin. 

What does Broad Spectrum mean?

There are two types of UV light that can harm your skin — UVA and UVB. A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you from both.

What are the active ingredients in Tubby Mineral Sunscreen and Sunstick? 

  • Zinc Oxide 7% (sunscreen) and Zinc Oxide 20% (sunstick)

  • Titanium Dioxide 5% (sunscreen)

  • Titanium dioxide is an Inert earth mineral used as a thickening, whitening, lubricating, ingredient in sunscreen. It protects skin from UVA and UVB radiation and is considered no risk of skin sensitivity.

  • Zinc oxide is a powdered mineral that sits on top of the skin, scattering, reflecting, and absorbing UVA & UVB rays.

How often should I be putting sunscreen on?

Sunscreen should be applied 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Reapplication of sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place, so reapply the same amount every 80 minutes.

What times of day should we put sunscreen on? 

Seek shade when appropriate, remembering that the sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. If your shadow is shorter than you are, seek shade. 

What is the best SPF to be using?

Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which blocks 97 percent of the sun's UVB rays.

Where should my sunscreen be stored?

To keep your sunscreen in good condition, we recommend that sunscreen containers should not be exposed to direct sun. Protect your sunscreen by wrapping in a towel or keeping them in the shade (cooler) while outside for long periods of time.

How old should my baby be to use sunscreen?

If your baby is 6 months or older, liberally use sunscreen. If younger than 6 months consult your pediatrician.

Are these sunscreens safe for faces?

Yes! Tubby Todd SPF is safe for faces. Make sure to rub sunscreens all the way in to avoid getting it in the eyes and if applying Mineral Mist spray onto your hand and then apply to face.

How do you apply sunscreen?

  • Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure

  • For best application, rub, rub rub!

  • Reapply after 80 minutes of sweating & swimming OR every 2 hours 

Are your sunscreens water resistant?

Yes the Tubby Todd SPF is water resistant. Check individual packaging or web pages for details on each product!

Are Tubby SPF products Reef Safe?

Yes all TT sun products are Coral Reef Friendly. Sunscreen washes off your body when swimming and enters the marine environment. Common chemical sunscreen ingredients, such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, can kill coral and damage coral reefs. Tubby SPF products do not have any of these ingredients and they are safe for coral reefs.

What is the difference between adult and child sunscreen?

The difference between a sunscreen made for children and adults and a regular adult sunscreen is the ingredients used to prevent the effects of the sun's rays. Baby sunscreen uses titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to form a physical barrier against the sun's rays; these ingredients are not absorbed into the skin and are better for little ones.

Does the TT sunscreens have a scent?

No, there is no scent to our sunscreens. 

Do the SPF products rub in?

In order to create an effective safe barrier between your little one and UV rays, our sunscreens contain zinc oxide to create a physical barrier on top of the skin. The good news is after years of formulation and testing, we have come up with formulas that will not leave your little ones' skin white and sticky. For best use, squeeze a dollop of sunscreen in your hand and rub, rub, rub.

What is the shelf life?

All Tubby Todd products have a shelf life of two years.