Review: KINeSYS

I was recently asked if I would like to try out KINeSYS sunscreen for my family. Unfortunately, it takes forever to get real sunlight here with all our rain, so the occassions this time of year that we need sunscreen are limited. lol Finally, I was indulged late last week when we hit almost 70 degrees - go ahead and laugh those of you who think that's cold. (I laugh when they whine when it's too hot in the 80's here - we're used to 70's being coat and long sleeve weather ourselves LOL)

I'm not sure if most people realize this, but a bottle of sunscreen should only last you a day or so at the beach for your family. Yes, I'm serious. You need to apply sunscreen liberally as often as the bottle tells you to in order for it to really work.

KINeSYS is a brand of performance sunscreen, meant to stay on while you play hard - and this means while your kids play hard, too. KINeSYS has a series of lines made just for kids! There are even PINK bottles for girls meant to get your daughters happy to use it. (There's a fragrance free edition, too)


KINeSYS Kids comes in a micro spray bottle, making it easier to get to hard to reach places. It is fragrance free, oil and alcohol free, and PABA free, making it hypo-allergenic. It comes in a SPF 30, which is just the right SPF for us all - you do want to get some sun in, helping with your vitamin D levels, of course - but you still want to block the harmful UVB AND UVA rays. (Some folks forget that there are two different kinds of rays... you'd be surprised) It also happens to be water-resistant, so while you will still need to reapply at the pool every few hours, it will help.

The bottles also happen to be recyclable (if your area recycles them, of course), and their products are cruelty free (two thumbs up from my family on that one, of course). Canadian readers will be proud to know the label says it's made in Canada.

So from this Momma's perspective: I actually tested it on my arm first before spraying it on the munchkin. Yes, I'll be paranoid until she's 30. LOL No itching with me, so I tried it on her. The mist is fine, and as soon as it's dry, you don't notice that greasy look like you do with some brands. You don't have to rub it deeply into the skin like some brands either, you just spray it on. (You can also cover your kiddo's eyes and spray it on the face, but I sprayed some on my hands and rubbed it on) It says it is fragrance free, but I *think* I smelled a tiny little something for a split second... it could be my imagination though. I like that the bottle is also small enough that I can slip one into my everything-but-the-kitchen-sink bag for days the sun sneaks through (this IS Washington), and the orange color of this bottle makes it easier to find when I am digging for it through all the kiddo's stuff in the bag. I also don't mind using it on me, so I can stick to one bottle instead of lugging two around when we do make trips to the beach.

Did you know? You need to apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out into the bright sun. Most people wait until they are at the beach or pool to apply - make sure you do it before you get into the car! You also need to apply sunscreen every 2-3 hours, and as soon as you come in out of the water or very sweaty activities.

KINeSYS does retail for $18.99 for a 4 oz bottle making it a little on the higher end for sunscreen, but the spray applicator makes it worth a higher cost - it's easy to apply on little ones. You can order KINeSYS online via their website - and they have free shipping on order of $45 or more right now, so it's a good time to stock up for upcoming Summer camps. You can also find it at places like REI. (one of those places my DH will not let me in for fear I will buy half their outdoor department... LOL)

I received samples of KINeSYS to try out in my home and write a review if I wished. All opinions are my own. For more on sunscreen issues, visit About's How To Use Sunscreen, or speak with your child's pediatrician or dermatologist.