With the sun scorching and the kids on school holidays, it’s safe to say kids’ activities will be in full swing.
But while they are enjoying themselves, they still need to protect their sensitive skin from harmful UV rays.
A sun hat can only do so much and whether you are in the UK or abroad, even if it is cloudy or just a glimmer of sun, the NHS recommends still applying suncream, particularly between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm, and always using a factor 30 plus on children.
Skincare expert, Dr Thuva Amuthan also says not to rely just on sunscreen as the only method of protecting your children’s skin.
‘Hats and sunglasses are a great help in blocking out the sun too and some light loose clothing works well for protecting them throughout the day.
‘Always look out for signs of heat exhaustion. If they are running about, and not drinking enough they may suffer from dehydration and other signs can include redness or peeling after being exposed to the sun.
‘Generally, I advise an SPF of 30 all year around, but when it’s really bright sunshine you will want to aim for a factor 50 plus.’
The good news is nowadays there are plenty of kid-friendly and fun-looking choices when picking a sunscreen. From own brand budget buys to organic luxe creams, we’ve done the hard work for you and researched the best of the best.
When packing for your holiday or days out, we’ve curated a selection of sunscreens that not only really work but are soothing and moisturising too. With one less thing to worry about now, you can relax in the sun too!
Best spray sunscreen
Superdrug Solait Kids Sun Cream Spray £6.49
If you have a little wriggler that rarely stays still then a spray cream may be the saviour you didn’t know you needed.
It comes in a trigger spray bottle so you can easily spray and rub in, and works well for kids that love to be in and out of the water as it has extra water resistance.
This Superdrug’s own brand cream from their Solait collection is Factor 50+ and protects from UVA and UVB rays. It is also enriched with its own Radicare, a unique antioxidant that helps to combat the sun’s free radicals.
Even though it’s a spray, it is still a super soft cream so will keep their gentle skin thoroughly moisturised throughout the day. Out of all the creams on the market, this one is particularly purse-pleasing too.
Best mousse sunscreen
If you are off on your travels and want a high-performance sunscreen then Evy may be the one to try.
It comes in a factor 50+ mousse formulation and forms a moisturising barrier to safeguard skin from dehydration or irritants like wind, pool chemicals and heat.
One parent says it does glide on very easily but felt it was sticky on the skin while another says it works well if kids are running in and out of the pool.
The mousse smoothes over the skin with minimum rubbing needing and as one fan says, ‘My kids would always hate having sunscreen applied until this mousse from Evy. This comes in the form of a mousse and you only need a golf ball size amount for your face. It’s not greasy and soaks in beautifully- and cannot recommend this enough!’
After all, fewer tantrums equals more fun in the sun.
Best budget buy sunscreen
Boots Soltan Sunscreen Roll on, £3.50
Got more than one child to cover? Then you may want to try this roll-on bottle which at just £3.50 a bottle is a real steal.
It is the best size for school bags, and it’s a one-stop shop when you need to slather lots of little ones quickly at just a fraction of the price.
While it is on the cheaper end of the scale, it still packs a punch when it comes to protection and has the highest rate of UVA protection, factor 50+, is hypoallergenic and rubs in easily. The roll-on feature makes it easy, and dare we say it fun, for kids to apply themselves.
You can even use it on yourself or stash one in your handbag. Win-win.
Best for children with suncream allergies
La-Roche Posey Anthelios Dermo Kids Sunscreen, £16
Does your child have sensitive skin? React to certain products? Then the La-Roche Posey may just help in that department.
Curated with clinical studies by an expert team of dermatologists, it is approved to be suitable for skin that is prone to sensitivity, sun intolerance and prickly heat.
The formula was created with everything au natural in mind, and there’s no need to worry about any ‘nasties’ as it contains no preservatives, no parabens, no colourants, no fragrance and no lanolin.
It is also hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic so won’t block pores, and has the highest rate of UVA to protect throughout the day.
One parent believes it to be the best sunscreen they’ve ever bought. ‘The consistency is great and it’s very easy to apply. It absorbs well and doesn’t leave a white cast on his skin. I’ve used it a couple of times too and it feels nice and light on the skin. I love the fact that it’s got SPF 50+.’
Best for babies sunscreen
For babies that are just venturing out into the sun for the first time then they will want that little bit extra to soothe and protect against the sun’s harsh rays.
Badger baby sunscreen is created with just seven natural ingredients that nourish your little one’s precious skin.
The delicate hydrating cream includes calming Chamomile and soothing Calendula which is known to help regenerate skin and calm any flair-ups.
If you have a water baby then it is good on their skin for 40 minutes in the water before you have to reapply and even comes in two versions, scented and unscented.
One reviewer says, it is quite a thick cream but does rub in.
‘I used on my face as I have very sensitive skin which puffs up around eyes if lots of chemicals in so regular sun creams are out. So far no reactions so I’m very happy.’
Another parent says it does leave a white tint on skin, so ‘I recommend badgers Badger clear zinc sunscreen if you are trying to avoid that.’
Best organic sunscreen
Organic children by Green People, £14.33
Green people are known for their pure ingredients and organic products. Now they have branched out to include kids’ sunscreen in their vast array of products which is 84% certified organic formula.
Perfect for eczema-prone breakouts or even just young sensitive skins, the brand claims it is naturally water repellant, non-greasy and can also be used for prickly heat.
It provides 97% protection against UVA and UVB rays, with an SPF of 30+ and lasts for 2 to 4 hours depending on the intensity of sunlight.
Best waterproof
Water and children are a match made in heaven. But if they are in and out of the pool like a yo-yo then you may find less time for relaxing and more time applying lots of sunscreen!
Fear not, there is a product that can help with this. The Think Baby comes in a lightweight cream that melts directly onto the skin and is waterproof for much longer than your average brand.
Don’t be fooled by the name, the cream is not just for babies but toddlers and children too and is dermatologist approved with a factor of 50+.
Most waterproof creams cover a good 40 minutes in the water but Think Baby goes up to 80 minutes which means more splashing and less reapplying. Result.
Best Aftercare
Arbu, Hug- Kids super pure lotion, £68.60.
After a day in the sun, your little one’s skin may be in need of some soothing.
If your children have been running around enjoying every moment, they may need a little aftercare to moisturise and nourish their dehydrated skin.
Arbu Hug is a super-pure lotion that is not only calming but super moisturising too.
With a whopping 82% organic ingredients, it contains an array of delectable softening ingredients including coconut, grapeseed, borage, and jojoba which has sensitive-tolerant organic plant oils rich in essential fatty acids – as well as extracts of aloe vera and chamomile.
While it is more of a luxe product, if you want a holiday treat for you and your little one then it’s the perfect indulgent. So good, you’ll want to use it on yourself too.
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