Quick Summary:

Date Tested: 01/26/2022 (edited 08/20/2022 – results table plugin wasn’t showing formatting correctly)

In this review, I tested the Badger kids broad spectrum SPF30 sunscreen using my UV testing station. This specific formulation is an extremely thick and viscous physical based (non-nano uncoated zinc oxide) sunscreen for kids. This particular SPF30 formula provides amazing protection, but is incredibly difficult to apply in cooler temperatures. During testing I needed to put it in the microwave to get it to about 75-80F to allow it to flow well (ambient temperature was around 60F).

As a side note, my wife hates using it on our kids because its so thick and difficult to apply (we have three kids, so difficult x3!). However, the Badger SPF30 sunscreen reduced the UVI by 99.94%, blocked 99.97% irradiance in the UVA spectrum, and 99.71% in the UVB spectrum. This is the highest scoring physical (inorganic) sunscreen I have tested to date. This could be due to the high viscosity of the sunscreen causing the sample to settle in a thicker layer when prepared on the microscope slide, but this principle should hold true when also applied to the skin (in our own experience using this on our kids, this holds true).

Overall I think it provides great UV protection but because of its difficulty in applying it, we personally don’t use it.

Badger Kids SPF30 sunscreen characteristics at a glance:

• Broad Spectrum
• Physical Based (non-nano uncoated Zinc Oxide 18.75%) sunscreen
• Inorganic or physical sunscreen
• Smells like yummy fruit (tangerine and vanilla)
• Contains 100% Natural and 98% Organic ingredients
• Viscosity: THICK

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Badger Kids SPF30 Sunscreen UV blocking test results

Ultraviolet light quick reference:

UVA: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 315nm – 400nm. The “Aging UV light” – Causes wrinkles.
UVB: The Ultraviolet wavelength from 280nm – 315nm. The “Bad UV light” – Causes skin cancer.
UVI: The global sun UV index. The more a sunscreen can reduce the level of UVI, the better.

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Badger Kids SPF 30 Daily facial sunscreen test results:

Ultraviolet sensor readings

Want to know more about how I test sunscreen? Head here to read about the details.

Badger Kids SPF 30 testing notes:

This sunscreen formulation is thick, and I mean THICK. In fact I had to microwave the tube to get the sunscreen warm enough to flow well enough to create a decent enough sample. It was 60F ambient temperature so by the time it hit the microscope slide, it was already thickening and resisting the magnetic force to squish the sample between the cover slip and slide. This resulted in a thicker layer (as seen in the above photo with the prepared slide).

As such, the thicker sample layer will block more UV light from passing through to the UV sensor, yielding a better result. This is OK, as the physical properties will probably translate to applying it on skin as well. The Badger sunscreen tube has the word “Active” which is probably why its so thick. The thicker or more viscous a sunscreen is, the more resistant to wearing off it typically is. As such, this sunscreen would be a good choice when using at the beach or at a water park. Be aware that this will apply in thicker layers, and because of this will have a whiter cast on the skin.

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