Why Neutrogena is our go-to family sunscreen for outdoor adventures
When you spend over 100 days a year on the trail—with two little ones in tow—you learn quickly which gear earns a permanent place in your pack. From sun hats and UPF-rated layers to baby carriers with built-in sunshades, protecting our family from the sun is a full-on strategy. But there’s one product that’s non-negotiable in every adventure bag we pack: Neutrogena sunscreen.
We’ve tested a lot of sunscreens over the years, and Neutrogena is the one we trust for our family. It checks all the boxes: reliable protection, gentle formulas, water resistance, and most importantly—no sticky, greasy mess. Whether we’re hiking, biking, camping, or chasing our kids around the backyard, these are the sunscreens we actually reach for.
The Sunscreen That Stays on the Trail With Us
On a recent trip up Mount MacFarlane near Chilliwack, we put Neutrogena to the test once again. It was one of those days—hot, exposed, and long. Our kids rode in the backpack carriers for most of the day, which means they were front and center in the sun (and very much not in charge of their own skincare routine). Between snacks, trail games, and a few minor meltdowns, we still managed to stay consistent with sun protection thanks to how easy this sunscreen is to apply.
Here’s what we used:
Our Top Picks from Neutrogena
🧴 Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunscreen Spray SPF 60
This one is our MVP. It sprays on in seconds, doesn’t feel greasy, and leaves zero white cast or residue. It’s water-resistant (hello sweaty switchbacks and splashy creek crossings) and doesn’t clog my pores, even on those high-output days. We love how lightweight and clean it feels—not to mention how kid-friendly the application is. No wrestling with lotions, no complaints about texture. Just mist, blend, go.
🧴 Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Body Mist SPF 50+
This one’s for me. I love that it has an antioxidant complex to help fight environmental stressors like cold, pollution, and sun damage. Let’s be honest—while all this time outside is great for my mental health, it’s not always gentle on my skin. This sunscreen gives me peace of mind that I’m doing something to protect it. It goes on clear and leaves my skin feeling smooth, not sticky.
🧴 Neutrogena Kids Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
This travel-sized stick is always in our hiking pack. It’s perfect for quick touch-ups on cheeks, noses, and ears, especially when our toddler is wiggling mid-trail. It glides on easily and holds up well even after snack breaks, naps in the carrier, and the general chaos that comes with adventuring with two kids under four.
Why Neutrogena?
There’s a reason we keep coming back to this brand. It’s dermatologist-recommended, backed by science, and consistently performs in the real world—on dusty trails, at alpine lakes, and in everyday backyard play. We’ve never had an issue with irritation on our kids’ sensitive skin (they’re 10 months and 3 years old), and we appreciate that the formulas are non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic, and thoughtfully designed.
As a family that thrives on being outdoors—and needs sunscreen that can keep up with our pace—Neutrogena has earned its place in our gear closet. Again and again.
A Few Extra Sun Protection Tips for Families on Trail:
☀️ Dress kids in UPF-rated clothing like Patagonia’s Capilene Cool or Honeysuckle Swim swimsuits.
🧢 Don’t forget wide-brimmed hats—the Patagonia Block-the-Sun Hat is our favourite for littles.
🕶️ Julbo kids sunglasses are great for full eye protection and are surprisingly durable.
🎒 Use a sunshade-equipped carrier like the Osprey Poco to shield your child throughout the day.
📦 Pack your sunscreen somewhere accessible—you’ll use it more often if it’s easy to grab.
Whether we’re trekking up a mountain or hanging at the campsite, we know our sunscreen is doing its job so we can focus on enjoying the day. And that’s what it’s all about: creating safe, sun-filled adventures our kids will remember.
If you’re looking for a sunscreen you can trust—for yourself and your littles—we can’t recommend Neutrogena enough.
See you on the sunny side of the trail ☀️
