Slathering sunscreenon kids is a chore. Whether they’re squirming, screaming or crying (all three feel likely) it’s never the most pleasant of tasks. One thing that shouldn’t be challenging, however, is which sunscreen for kids you choose for your little ones in the first place. For many parents, it’s about SPFthat provides excellent protection, sinks into the skin comfortably, and is void of any 'nasty' ingredients. Yet, with so many products out there, it can be something of a minefield to work out what can be trusted. With this in mind, we’ve tried and tested multiple SPFs on babies, toddlers and children to find the very best sunscreen to keep your kids safe in the sun. Plus, we’ve asked the experts to share all of their advice on what to look for when buying child friendly SPF.
The Most Burning Questions About Kids’ Sunscreen
We held a focus group of parents with children of different ages to find out what they wanted to know about sunscreen for their children. We then put the questions to two leading skincare experts, Dr Hiva Fassihi, Consultant Dermatologist for La Roche-Posay & OneWelbeck Skin Health & Allergy, London and Dr Tamara Alireza at Skinfluencer London, to arm you with the answers to help you feel confident in your sunscreen choices for your children.
Do Children Need A Different SPF To Adults?
Let's begin with the basics. We know that a daily SPF is important for our own skin (no matter our skin tone) but equally important is protecting our children's delicate skin from the same harsh UVA and UVB rays that can lead to cell damage and sunburn (and later on dark spots and pigmentation).
‘Children’s delicate skin is more vulnerable to the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) compared to adults and so it is particularly important to keep children protected when out in the sun,’ says Dr Fassihi. ‘It is best to look for specific paediatric ranges as these formulations contain higher concentrations of mineral ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, and are better tolerated. Children’s formulations also contain less irritants such as fragrances and preservatives.’
What Should You Look For In A SPF For Children
'When choosing a sunscreen for children, it is important to look for a high SPF (SPF50) and the circled UVA logo, ' says Dr Fassihi. 'This means that the product will give the best possible protection against UVB implicated in sunburn and risk of skin cancers, and will also protect against UVA radiation which causes skin aging.'
'It is is best to use a sunscreen formulation specifically designed for children,' she notes, 'because - as mentioned above - these will contain a higher concentration of mineral ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are better tolerated. The white residue left by these mineral filters on the skin is not an issue in children and can be helpful for parents to see if any areas of skin have been missed during application.'
The Expert Guide To Keep Your Children Sun Safe
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Sunscreens should be applied 20 minutes before sun exposure. Most people, particular on sunny holidays wait until they have started to sunburn before applying their sunscreen. By then it's too late - the damage has been done.
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The amount of UVA and UVB protection a sunscreen provides is related to how thickly it is applied onto the skin, so be generous with your sunscreen application.
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Stick to an SPF of at least 30 (ideally SPF 50), apply it thickly before sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours whilst outdoors.
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Studies have shown that there are certain parts of the body that we are most likely to miss when applying sunscreen, namely the ears and tops of feet. So try and keep this in mind next time you are applying your sunscreen.
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Ignore ‘once daily’ or ‘water resistant’ branding and always re-apply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours and straight after swimming or towelling in order to maintain protection.
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People rely too much on their sunscreen. For optimal protection, sunscreens must be used in conjunction with sensible sun-exposure behaviour, specifically avoiding the mid-day sun and keeping covered with a hat and appropriate clothing.
How We Tested The Best Sunscreens For Kids
We tested over 25 formulas over multiple months and different weather conditions, to find the best sunscreens for kids. We tested on a range of ages from babies and toddlers to children and tweens. The parents that were testing the sunscreens were mainly concerned about how gentle the sunscreens were on their children’s sensitive skin, how easy the sunscreen is to apply and that the SPFs had high enough and broad-spectrum protections. Most testers said they would be put the quality of the sunscreen over price but we also considered more affordable sunscreens too.
The Best Kids' Sunscreens 2024:
Best overall: La Roche Posay, Anthelios Invisible Kids Spray SPF 50+, £21.51 on Look Fantastic
Best for sensitive skin: Green People Organic Children's Sun Lotion, £24.30 on Sephora
Best kids' sunscreen for swimming: Soltan Kids Once 3hr Waterplay Lotion SPF 50+, £11 on Boots
Best kids' sunscreen applicator: Solar Buddies Sun Cream Applicator Blue, £6.78 on Boots
SHOP: The Best Sunscreen For Kids 2024
www.boots.com
E45 have long been a go-to for sensitive skin and they've finally launched SPF. The range is suitable for delicate and eczema-prone skin and it's lightweight texture means pores aren't clogged.
How It Was Tested: On an eight year old boy during the school week
Our Verdict: Nathan Higham Grazia's Picture Director Says: I'm not fussed whether a product is chemical or mineral I only consider the protection factor and how easy it will be to apply. This impressed me on both counts. It's factor 50 and then pump made this super easy to apply. On first mist it comes out fairly watery but it's easy to rub in - even on a child that's reluctant to sit still - and it absorbs quickly leaving no white cast. My son said he didn't like the smell but I was quite partial to it, it says it's fragrance free but I noticed a light scent of candy. I'd definitely use it again, the only thing to criticise was that my eight year old wasn't a fan of the word 'baby' on it.
Pros
- suitable for eczema-prone skin
- lightweight
- non greasy
Cons
- slight smell of candy
Best Overall Kids' Sunscreen
Best overall
www.lookfantastic.com
La Roche Posay's grown-up SPFs are bestsellers for a reason (and a firm favourite of team Grazia), but this invisible spray has been specifically developed to be gentle on even sensitive skin, and comes in an easy-to-apply spray bottle. We love that it's infused with thermal spring water for refreshing and cooling mist, absorbs into the skin quickly, leaving a non-greasy texture, and is water, sweat and sand-resistant.
How It Was Tested: This spray was tested on a one year old in the garden, playground and on holiday.
Our Verdict: Joely Walker, Grazia's Head of Beauty Says: 'The pump applicator on this SPF50 makes this so handy to apply and the water textures mean it spreads easily and evenly. There's no fragrance which is what I want from child friendly SPF with sensitive skin. I was vigilant with application, reapplying every two hours and I found that it lived up to its promise of being water, sweat and sand resistant. There was no white cast and, crucially, no burns. However, my son's face is super sensitive so I did only use this on his body. I love the texture and the fact it's a brand backed by dermatologists that I trust only to deliver the best formulas, I will be using this regularly.'
Pros
- pump applicator
- spreads easily and evenly
- no fragrance
- water / sweat / sand resistant
3.
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Kids Sensitive Advanced Sun Cream Spray
Best Kids' Sunscreen For Easy Application
This easy to use spray delivers a cool mist to skin and sinks in quickly. It's been formulated with sensitive skin in mind and Garnier claim it's anti-sand, whatever that means.
How It Was Tested: On a 7 year old and a 1 year old over multiple weekends
Our Verdict: Anna Dewhurst, Grazia's Associate Picture Director says: 'You can't beat a spray for quick application and this one comes out fairly milky but absorbs quickly and wasn't sticky or greasy at all. This is a chemical SPF and generally I prefer mineral but they are often too expensive. My kids were in and out of the swimming pool so I had to reapply every thirty minutes but it was definitely play resistant. There was no white cast although my 7 year old did say that the yellow colour of the formula was the colour of bird poo! In fact, the yellow colour was the thing I liked least about this formula as I worried it would stain clothes. I really liked the easy absorption, and there were no skin
Pros
- Spray applicator
- Non-greasy
- Easy absorption
Cons
- Lightly fragranced
- Yellow colour
4.
Lacura Sun Baby & Kids Sensitive Sun Lotion
Best Affordable Kids' Sunscreen For Eczema Prone Skin
Aldi's own brand of sunscreen has received high praise for offering an affordable sunscreen with a 5-star rating for UVA protection.
How It Was Tested: On a 13 year old boy with eczema and very fair skin during the school day
Our Verdict: Jen Croall, Grazia's Head of Production Says: I selected this SPF50 because it's formulated for sensitive skin and my son Lucas suffers from eczema. Plus, it has a 5-star rating for UVA and is water resistant. The squeezy bottle isn't my usual applicator of choice due to the danger of in-bag leaks (this survived the test) and it often comes out too thick. This did have a very thick texture which my son didn't enjoy but given it's high protection rating it's probably necessary. It was alarmingly white to begin with, but it sinks in after a minute or two and didn't feel sticky. I felt it offered good protection and his skin felt nice afterwards, I felt he had a proper coating. Also this is Aldi’s own-brand so is no doubt way cheaper than many brands that feel nice and lightweight but don’t have that crucial 5-star rating for UVA.
Pros
- High UVA Protection
- Non-sticky
Cons
- Very thick
- Squeezy applicator can be messy
Best kids' suncreen for sensitive skin
Green Peoplewww.sephora.co.uk
An organic, natural lotion suited to kids with eczema and psoriasis-prone skin, this one is ideal for those who suffer from irritating prickly heat. It's non-comedogenic, so it won't block pores, and it's fragrance-free, too. We love that it's packed with skin-loving ingredients such as myrrh and rosemary to soothe, plus avocado and aloe vera to moisturise.
Best kids' sunscreen for swimming
www.boots.com
Soltan is a staple brand when it comes to sunscreen, and this option is brilliant for holidays with a pool or days spent in the paddling pool in the garden. Dermatologically tested and with five-star UVA protection, it contains vitamins C and E to moisturise skin. Plus, we love that the tube is made from at least 50% recycled plastic. Reviewers like that it's not sticky, it lasts for a long time, it doesn't come off in the water, and it's suitable for those with sensitive skin.
Best mousse kids' sunscreen
What's great about a mousse formula is that it dries quickly, so it's ideal if your kids can't wait to get into the water and play. Reviewers suggest that the trick is not to use too much product at once; otherwise, it can become sticky and not dry as quickly. Suitable for sensitive skin, water resistant, and non-comedogenic, a little goes a long way.
Best kids' sunscreen for darker skin tones
Sun BumFor a kids' sunscreen that doesn't leave a white cast, this Sun Bum option is not only clear, but it's in stick form, meaning it's super easy to apply. It has a light, tropical smell and is the perfect size for travelling. Reviewers have stated that even the fussiest of kids don't mind having this applied, which is a win in our books.
Best Kids' Sunscreen For Fairer Skintones
Best kids' sunscreen for fairer skin tones
www.boots.com
If you're a fan of Avéne's skincare products (and we are), you might be tempted to grab the brand's children's sunscreen, and you won't be disappointed. Formulated for children with sensitive skin, fair skin and light skin, it offers high protection plus soothes skin thanks to the thermal spring water we know and love. There's also a spray version if you prefer.
How It Was Tested: On a 13 year old over the weekend
Our Verdict: Jen Croall, Grazia's Head of Production Says: This SPF50 has a pump spray, which is my son's preferred application method. It has a collar that you twist to open and close it that was quite good although I would be slightly worried about it twisting to the open position inside your bag. However, I personally feel a little dubious about sprays and the coverage they provide. It's fragrance-free for sensitive skin, which I think is a bonus as my son has eczema. It says it has very high UVA and UVB protection but the bottle doesn’t display the star system that I’ve come to rely on since discovering that some of the premium brands are only 4-star. The lightweight formula was easy to rub in, felt nice on the skin and crucially got no complaints from my teenager, we would use again.
Pros
- Spray application
- fragrance-free
- lightweight
- no white cast
Cons
- no star rating
Best eco-friendly kids' sunscreen
Childs FarmLots of parents swear by Childs Farm products for their children's skincare needs, and this sunscreen comes highly rated. Suitable for sensitive skin and those with eczema, this product also has great eco-conscious credentials, as it's The Vegan Society-approved and certified as cruelty-free through the Leaping Bunny Programme. We also love that the formula is kind to the ocean, and that the tube is made from 70% post-consumer recycled plastic, and can be recycled again.
Best sunscreen applicator
Solar Buddieswww.boots.com
While this isn't technically a sunscreen itself, we had to include this genius applicator on the list, which you might have spotted on Dragon's Den. Simply fill it with your sunscreen of choice and let the roller ball/sponge combo go to work to apply sun cream quickly and with less mess and product waste.
Can You Use Sunscreen On Babies?
‘Sunscreen is not recommended for babies under 6 months of age who should be protected by sun avoidance and clothing cover up,’ notes Dr Fashhihi. ‘And, for those over 6 months, children’s sunscreen formulations containing higher concentration of mineral ingredients, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are better tolerated. The white residue left by these mineral filters on the skin is not an issue in children and can be helpful for parents to see if any areas of skin have been missed during application.’
What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?
UVA Rays penetrate windows and cloud cover and can cause genetic damage to cells, the same genetic damage that can lead to skin cancer. Think UVA for ageing, as this ultraviolet ray takes its toll on the deeper layers of our skin, creating fine lines and darkening over time. Protect from UVA rays with the broad spectrum protection, look out for the phrase on the label of your children's SPF.
UVB Rays cause suntan, sunburn and, in severe cases, blistering on the skin's surface. The easy way to remember that is that UVB stands for burning. UVB rays are at their strongest when the sun is at its highest and unobstructed by clouds, which is also the most important time for babies and children to wear sun hats and stay hydrated.
What is the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen?
'Generally, sunscreens are classified as either chemical or mineral,' explains Dr. Alireza. 'Chemical sunscreens are absorbers. They filter or absorb UV rays. Through a chemical reaction, they convert UV rays into heat, then release that heat from the skin. Mineral (also called physical) sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide are reflectors that act as physical blockers and reflect harmful UV rays before they make contact with the skin’s surface.'
What Sunscreen Ingredients Are Bad For Children's Skin?
'I would avoid using sunscreens with endocrine disruptors such as oxybenzone, parabens and phthalates in their formulations,' says Dr Alierza. 'This is why I would always recommend that my patients try to choose physical sunscreens over their chemical counterparts, especially for children whose skin is sensitive.'
Tanya Rodney, founder of eco-conscious children's grooming brand Dandydill Way, weighs in:
'We tend to think of “natural” ingredients as safest, but where sunscreen is concerned, parents should trust the science. Products claiming an SPF have to be backed by rigorous testing.'
The worst thing you could do? Avoid sunscreen entirely.
My Child Has Eczema, What Sunscreen Should I Choose?
According to Dr Fassihi: 'If a child has eczema, all sunscreens can irritate the eczema further and make the skin itchy. The children's preparations, are better tolerated as they contain a much higher concentration of mineral filters which are inert and rarely cause problems on the skin. My best advice, however, is to clear the eczema as much as possible with prescription creams suggested by your dermatologists before the spring and summer and you will see that your child will tolerate the application of sunscreen much better.'
What sunscreen ingredients are good for children's skin?
'Certain formulations may include hyaluronic acid, which enhances skin hydration,' says Dr Alierza. 'You can also look to vitamin E, which is a terrific antioxidant.'
Can adults use kids' sunscreen?
Research has shown that you don't necessarily have to buy a separate sun lotion for yourself and your kids, but formulas for children offer sufficient protection and tend to be sensitive-skin-friendly and hypoallergenic for delicate skin.
So whether you're planning a vacation, staycation, or getting active kids ready for outdoor playtime, slather on some SPF goodness and enjoy the sun.
Verity Clarkis the Acting Health & Beauty Director at Grazia. Previously contributing beauty editor at the Sunday Times Style Verity has almost a decade of experience writing about the beauty industry.