How to Read a Kids Sunscreen Label: Every Term Explained

Sunscreen is regulated as an over-the-counter drug in the United States, not a cosmetic. That means every bottle is required by the FDA[^4] to carry a standardized Drug Facts label, typically on the back or side of the container. The Drug Facts box lists active ingredients, uses, warnings, directions, and inactive ingredients in a consistent format across every brand.

When you're comparing sunscreens at the store, the Drug Facts box is the most reliable place to look. Marketing language on the front of the bottle (words like 'advanced,' 'ultimate,' or 'premium') carries no FDA definition. The Drug Facts box does. For a full walkthrough of what the Coppertone Kids label tells you, see our guide to choosing sunscreen for kids.

Broad Spectrum is an FDA-regulated claim that means the sunscreen has passed a standardized test demonstrating it helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays. According to the FDA[^3], UVA rays penetrate deeper into skin and are linked to premature skin aging. UVB rays cause sunburn. A sunscreen without Broad Spectrum on the label only addresses UVB.
For children, Broad Spectrum coverage is not optional. The AAD confirms[^2] that both UVA and UVB rays cause cumulative skin damage, which means a sunscreen that only stops visible sunburn is leaving real UV damage unaddressed. All Coppertone Kids formulas carry the Broad Spectrum designation.

Water Resistant on a sunscreen label has a specific FDA meaning: the sunscreen maintains its SPF for either 40 minutes or 80 minutes of water exposure, based on standardized testing. Water Resistant (80 Minutes) is the maximum duration the FDA recognizes. No sunscreen is waterproof, and the FDA prohibits the word 'waterproof' on sunscreen labels.
For kids who swim, the practical implication is straightforward: reapply after every time they towel off, regardless of the time elapsed. Coppertone Kids SPF 50 Tear-Free Lotion and the full Coppertone Kids range are water resistant for 80 minutes. For families who go through sunscreen quickly at the pool or beach, the Coppertone Kids Spray SPF 50 Twin Pack keeps a backup bottle on hand so reapplication never gets skipped. For more on applying sunscreen around water activities, see Coppertone's application guide.

The active ingredients section of the Drug Facts box tells you the type of UV filter the sunscreen uses. Mineral (physical) sunscreens use zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or both. These two ingredients are the only sunscreen actives the FDA classifies as GRASE (Generally Recognized As Safe and Effective) under OTC Monograph M020[^5], and they sit on the skin's surface, absorbing and scattering/reflecting UV rays rather than absorbing through it.
Chemical sunscreens use organic UV filters such as avobenzone, homosalate, or octisalate, and work by absorbing UV rays. They tend to feel lighter and blend more easily, often leaving no white cast. For children with sensitive skin or eczema, mineral formulas are generally recommended. Coppertone Pure & Simple Kids Stick SPF 50 uses a mineral based active, zinc oxide. For parents who prefer a mineral spray format, Coppertone Pure & Simple Kids Mineral Spray SPF 50 delivers the same zinc oxide protection in a spray for faster full-body application. Coppertone Kids SPF 50 and 70 Lotions use chemical filters that are free of oxybenzone, PABA, and dyes. For a full side-by-side, see Coppertone's mineral vs. chemical sunscreen guide.

Two label patterns are worth steering clear of for children:
• Combination sunscreen and insect repellent products. The AAD does not recommend these[^6] because sunscreen needs to be applied generously and reapplied frequently, while insect repellent should be used sparingly. A combined product makes it impossible to follow the correct dosing for each.
• Moisturizers or cosmetics as the primary form of sun protection. SPF in a daily moisturizer or foundation is not equivalent to sunscreen used as directed. The AAD notes these products are fine as a supplement but should not replace a properly applied broad-spectrum sunscreen.

On the free-of side: for kids with a history of contact dermatitis or known ingredient sensitivities, scan the inactive ingredients list for any known allergens. Coppertone offers a range of formulas that are fragrance-free and hypoallergenic. All Coppertone Kids formulas are free of oxybenzone, PABA, and dyes.

Sunscreen active ingredients break down over time, which reduces the protection actually delivered to the skin. If a bottle has a printed expiration date, discard it after that date. FDA permits no expiration dating on the label if a product has a shelf life of over 3 years. However, Coppertone products’ typical shelf life is 3 years and includes the expiration date on the label so consumers know when to discard the product.
Heat and UV exposure can accelerate ingredient degradation, so sunscreen stored in a hot car or beach bag may degrade faster than the date suggests. Check your Coppertone Kids supply at the start of each season. For more on shelf life, see Coppertone's sunscreen expiration guide.

Most sunscreen labels include age-specific directions. For infants under 6 months, the FDA advises[^3] asking a doctor before applying sunscreen, because young infants are at greater risk of absorbing topical ingredients through their thinner skin barrier. The safest approach for this age group is shade, lightweight protective clothing, and wide-brimmed hats.
For children 6 months and older, broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher applied as directed is the standard. Coppertone Water Babies SPF 50 is formulated specifically for babies 6 months and older, with a hypoallergenic, dermatologically-tested formula. 

Every product in the Coppertone Kids range meets the four terms that matter most: Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB, SPF 50 or higher, Water Resistant for 80 minutes, and active ingredients free of oxybenzone and PABA. Coppertone has over 75 years of formulation experience. Every Kids formula is dermatologically tested.
Whether you choose Kids SPF 50 Tear-Free Lotion for everyday play, SPF 70 Lotion for full beach days, or Pure & Simple Kids Stick SPF 50 for sensitive skin, the Drug Facts box on every Coppertone Kids bottle will show you exactly what you're getting.