The best sunscreen for kids, according to our tests and medical experts

Whether you’re jetting abroad or playing out in the garden, you’ll need the best sunscreen for kids to protect their delicate skin against the harmful effects of the sun.

Whilst the effects of too much sun exposure are bad for both old and young skin, it's incredibly dangerous for small children. "Babies and children have very sensitive skin and are more prone to sunburn, which is by far the most common form of sun damage in children," Dr Sandra Gamper says GP and Cosmetic Doctor at Miriderma. "Severe cases of sunburn, sometimes called heatstroke, sunstroke, or heat exhaustion, can cause severe redness, blistering, pain, headaches, fever, nausea and dehydration. This can quickly develop into a medical emergency if not treated quickly." Avoid the experience with sensible sun exposure habits, protective UV clothing and of course, our tried and tested selection of the best sunscreen for kids.  

For total peace-of-mind protection, you’ll want to consider a few key non-negotiables. The Sun Protection Factor or SPF refers to the level of defence against shortwave UVB rays responsible for sunburn. The number denotes how long your skin is protected for, with SPF50+ being the highest level of defence. On top of this is the star rating system (or PA system in some cases), which shows the level of UVA protection. These are the longwave rays that cause wrinkles, liver spots and even lead to skin cancer. Choose a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB ray protection, also referred to as broad-spectrum, to give your child's skin the ultimate defence. 

There are other factors that make the sun-safe wish list when it comes to protecting children’s skin in particular: a water-resistant formula can come in handy with water babies who love splashing about in the pool. Then there’s the type of protection itself: a spray can be easier to apply on wriggly kids, whilst some brands even offer coloured creams that are a little more engaging.

Dr Sandra Gamper

Dr Sandra Gamper is a GP and Cosmetic Doctor with over 13 years medical experience. She is the founder of Miriderma, a Skin Health and Medical Cosmetics clinic based in Bournemouth.

The best sunscreen for kids:

We loved the texture of this buy - it's a fast-absorbing, non-sticky sunscreen. It’s also water and sand-resistant, and prevents the drying effect of frequent dips in the swimming pool (thanks to aloe vera). It’s been designed in partnership with Disney Nemo to offer an extra enticement to children who may resist wearing sunscreen.

Expert verdict: "The best sunscreen for your family is the one that your children are most comfortable wearing, which is why I highly recommend Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Protection Spray," says Beauty Editor, Stephanie. "Not only does it offer incredible protection against both UVA and UVB rays, but it melts into skin with very little rubbing (great for fidgety kids) and feels completely weightless with no greasiness."

Ultrasun is a brand revered for its quick-to-absorb, non-greasy, weightless-feel sunscreens, and they just so happen to also make the best sunscreen for kids. You can really feel the quality in this - it's not sticky or heavy, so won't put off wriggling kids. This formula is enriched with antioxidants and a special ingredient called Celligent®, which protects against cell and DNA damage. This keeps extra-sensitive skin healthy, well-protected and safe in the sun. But just a note, it’s not suitable for under 3s.

Expert verdict: "Ultrasun products help to prevent sun allergies such as prickly heat making them especially suitable for children and those with very sensitive skin," says Abi Cleeve, skin expert and MD of Ultrasun. "Additional ingredients such as Celligent are also helpful for children as they’ve not yet built up natural defences against the sun’s rays. This is found in the Ultrasun Kids SPF50 formula. Celligent® offers enhanced protection because as an ingredient, it delivers additional cell and DNA protection. In studies, the ingredient has been shown to aid more rapid regeneration of UV related cell and DNA damage."

As this sunscreen is made and tested in Australia (a country where SPF rules are incredibly regulated and stricter than the UK/EU) parents can feel confident that this lotion will protect young skin effectively. To meet the Australian standard, a sunscreen must filter out more than 90% of UVA radiation. All products in the SunSense range filter out between 95% to 99% of UVA radiation, thus making them some of the most protective sunscreens that you can buy. This one feels lovely and hydrating, without being sticky. Plus it provides up to 80 minutes water-resistance.

Expert verdict: "SunSense Kids SPF50+ is formulated specifically for the delicate skin of children aged 6 months plus," says Ian Harrison BSc (Hons), PhD, the Scientific Communication and Clinical Trials Manager at Ego Pharmaceuticals. "It is both paediatrician tested and its SPF of 50+ complies with the AS/NZS 2604:2012 Standard - which is the most rigorous sunscreen testing standard in the world."

It goes without saying that babies under six months should be kept out of the sun. However, any parent will appreciate the added peace of mind that Badger's formula provides. Think of it as the sun parasol on top of the pram hood, offering an extra layer of defence for babies and children.

Mineral sunscreens are best suited to very delicate skins. These types of sunscreen contain either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide as the UV filter, which are both less likely to irritate skin. Badger's organic sunscreen blocks harmful UV rays with Zinc Oxide. 

What's important here is what is left out of the formula, rather than what is put in. It's free from perfumes, emulsifiers, mineral oils and chemical filters so it's perfectly suited to very sensitive skin. In fact, there are only seven ingredients to the 98% organic formula. With calming chamomile and calendula, it's basically like a hug in a tube - it felt like a soothing moisturiser, rather than an off-putting sunscreen.

Expert verdict: "I have always been incredibly paranoid about my children being out in the sun, especially when they were in the pushchair," admits Beauty Editor, Stephanie Maylor. "Try as I did, there was no way to completely keep their little legs out of the sun when out and about, so I wish I'd had this heavy-duty cream back then. For a mineral sunscreen, which tend to be thicker, it is ultra-light, and glides across the skin well without leaving a white cast."

Green People’s organic sun cream is a bit of a cult hit with us Beauty Editors, but chances are, you might not have come across it before. It’s recently had an upgrade, with a new vegan, scent-free formula, and nourishing ingredients like soothing aloe vera, edelweiss and cocoa and shea butters. All of this means that it’s suitable for the most sensitive of skin, from eczema-sufferers to those prone to prickly heat. Expect total peace of mind protection thanks to a two-pronged defence: the hybrid formula includes both chemical and physical sun filters to deliver broad-spectrum protection. 

One of the biggest draws is the almost 900 5* reviews. As one customer, Denise B, remarked: “Excellent product, fantastic for sensitive skin, no reaction whatsoever, so happy to have finally found a suncream for my child.” 

Expert verdict: Beauty Editor, Stephanie agrees. “There is sometimes a misconception that prioritising natural actives in an organic formula may sacrifice the feel of the product but I’m happy to report that this sun cream is one of the best creams out there, for kids AND adults. It doesn’t feel tacky (my own children are very picky customers, but will happily wear this) and doesn’t leave any white cast.”

It even comes in a 150ml sized tube, great for school says Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People and organic beauty pioneer. "It's a great size for popping in their book bag or tray at school. The squeezy, sugar cane plastic sun cream tube also makes it easy for children to apply their own sun protection."

This highly water-resistant cream is fantastic value, and a great option if your child is constantly in and out of the water. It gives brilliant broad-spectrum protection in a quick-to-absorb formula that happens to be sand-resistant. Perfect for those beach-bound days. When tested, we appreciated the quick-to-apply squeezy tube, and the light texture that sank in quickly.

Expert verdict: "Nivea Sun Kids Protect & Play SPF50+ is a great choice for children that you struggle to get out of the water and away from the harmful rays of the sun, with a formula that’s not only enhanced for long-lasting water resistance, but also includes the ingredient Dexpanthenol, which helps protect the skin barrier," says Giulia Guerrini, the lead pharmacist at digital pharmacy, Medino. Its UVA and UVB filters also help protect against sunburn, long-term skin damage and reduce the risk of UV-induced allergies."

Sand, sweat and water-resistant, this invisible spray does it all, cementing its place in our list of the best sunscreen for kids. The spray bottle makes it extra handy, making application extra speedy - much appreciated when we tested it on a pair of impatient young ones. It’s formulated with sensitive skin in mind so won’t cause any irritation and rubs in effortlessly. Just be sure to apply enough to get adequate protection. 

Expert verdict: "The La Roche-Posay Anthelios range is designed for people with sensitive skin," explains Consultant Dermatologist, Dr Hiva Fassihi. "None of the products have fragrance in them and they have minimal ingredients in them. Particularly for children, I look for well recognised brands that are designed for sensitive skin."

Lancaster is known for its ‘full light technology’, which means that its formulas won’t just defend against UVA and UVB rays, but visible light and infrared too, which together make up 100% of the sun spectrum. 

The first thing we noticed was the milky texture, which hints at the waterfall of hydrating ingredients. Soothing cotton extract, softening bitter orange flower extract and glycerol, all provide nourishment to delicate skin. In a clinical study, the Milky Spray was found to provide six hours of hydration after a single use.

Another factor, which is growing increasingly important is the fact that this is a clean, ocean-friendly formula. Scientists have long warned of the link between sunscreen and coral reef deterioration. In fact, some countries, like Hawaii, have actually banned the sale of sunscreen containing coral-harming ingredients altogether. But Lancaster's Milky Spray - and all of their sunscreens for that matter - are chemical-free, mineral formulations suitable for the most sensitive skin.

Expert verdict: Parents love the fact it can be applied directly to wet skin. “Once my children are in the paddling pool, there is no chance of pulling them out for a dry down and sunscreen top up,” admits Beauty Editor, Stephanie, “which is why this wet skin lotion is so clever. I spritz this on them regularly in and out of the pool, which gives me the confidence that their skin is fully protected.”

This deeply moisturising formula is great for children with eczema and other dry skin conditions. An independent trial (based on a consumer user trial with 100 participants after fourteen days use) found that 89% of parents would recommend the product to other parents of young children. Plus, a reassuring 98% found it didn’t cause irritation to their child’s skin. On testing, kids enjoyed the sunny packaging, the ease of application, and the light, non-irritation formula.

Expert verdict: "Childs Farm's suncream is ideal for children because they are rigorous about their protection claims," explains Dr Jennifer Crawley, Leading Consultant Dermatologist based in Harley Street. "The sunscreen is particularly gentle on sensitive young skin. When the purpose is sun protection, it's easy to forget about sensitivity, eczema and other conditions, but the reality for many parents is more complicated than that. Childs Farm really does offer all the different types of protection a parent could want for their child."

Kids and adults alike loved this light, non-tacky lotion during testing - it’s so easy to rub in. A must-have for parents with kids suffering from allergies too, the skin-sensitive formula won’t cause irritation. It works for the whole family, including babies from 12 months, children, adults, pregnant and breastfeeding women. Plus, you can apply it to wet or dry skin, this was most definitely a stand-out in our compilation of the best sunscreen for kids.

Expert verdict: "I always take Bioderma sunscreen away on holiday," admits GoodTo's Beauty Director, Sarah Cooper-White. "The consistency of their sunscreens is so lovely and light that it makes applying it a breeze. Even on wriggly children."

If your child hates the feeling of sticky, gloopy sunscreens, this one will become a favourite - it certainly did during our round of testing. The lightweight, non-greasy spray is extra water-resistant. It is recommended for ages three and up, and is clinically and dermatologically proven to be suitable for children with sensitive skin, including Atopic Dermatitis.

Expert verdict: "For children with sensitive skin types, the Eucerin Sensitive Protect Kids Sun Spray SPF50+ is a great choice," pharmacist Giulia Guerrini tells us. "The protection spray includes Glycyrrhetinic Acid, which supports the skin’s own DNA repair mechanism and is clinically and dermatologically proven to be suitable for children’s sensitive skin, including those with Atopic Dermatitis. However, it’s important to note that mist and sprays are not always as effective as lotions."

Great for sensitive and eczema-prone skin. This highly protective sunscreen is enriched with Avène’s famous Spring Water, revered for its comforting properties. Not the most affordable, but a lovely lotion that’s suitable for the entire family. We loved the luxe feel of this buy, which looked and felt like the best skincare, rather than a frill-free sunscreen.

Expert verdict: "Avéne Very High Protection Lotion for Children SPF50+ is a great all-round option for children’s sun protection, being long-lasting and water resistant too," says pharmacist Giulia Guerrini. "The key ingredients in this lotion include Pre-Tocopheryl, which is a powerful antioxidant, alongside Avène thermal spring water, which has soothing properties that leave the skin feeling soothed, supple and soft."

Fantastic for kids that experience a heat rash or two. This hypoallergenic formula soothes, moisturises and protects. It even helps to prevent the dryness associated with salt water and chlorinated pools. Because it’s a pump bottle, it’s easy to apply, meaning that during testing, application took seconds rather than minutes. But be warned, we found that the top can become a little hard to compress when you have sunscreen on your hands.

Expert verdict: "Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Sensitive Advanced SPF50+ is hypoallergenic, has no perfume and no colourants, making it ideal for children with sensitive skin," pharmacist Giulia Guerrini tells us. "The high SPF is also a bonus, alongside the fact that it protects against UVB, UVA and long UVA rays."

For parents who cannot get their children away from the waves. Try this highly water-resistant lotion that claims to protect delicate skin for 3 hours in the water, with a creamy, hypoallergenic formula that is kind to skin. We tested it during a beach day, and felt really reassured by the durability of the formula.

Expert verdict: "Another great option for parents with children who love to spend their time in the water is the Soltan Kids Once 3hr Protect & Swim Suncare Lotion SPF50+," says pharmacist Giulia Guerrini. "As it says in the name, it’s designed for protection while in the water, with up to 8 hours sun protection. Including 3 hours water resistance from just one application. However, it’s important to ensure that the lotion is re-applied regularly to make sure they’re protected all day long."

Make sun protection as fun as can be for children that hate standing still with this coloured roll-on. It’s the perfect size to pop into a bag. Plus the coloured formula (which comes in green or pink) makes it easy to see where you’ve applied. The younger kids particularly loved the colour, which made the chore feel a bit more fun.

Expert verdict: "The Nivea Sun Kids Protect & Care Coloured Roll-On SPF50+ is also a great option for children," pharmacist Giulia Guerrini tells us. "Being extra water-resistant is a huge plus, because if kids are jumping in and out of water on a warm day it just means parents don’t need to worry about reapplying every single time."

What SPF should I use on my child?

You should aim for the highest factor available - SPF50+ - with protection against both UVA and UVB rays, as these are the best sunscreen for kids generally. The NHS recommends that babies under six months should be kept out of direct strong sunlight altogether. Between March and October in the UK all children should wear a minimum of SPF30 sunscreen, and stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. 

"I always recommend SPF 50+ sun cream, particularly because young skin is so much thinner and more delicate than adult," says Dr Jennifer Crawley. "But it's not all about SPF: it's also important to get a cream that protects against both UVA and UVB rays."

Sensitive formulas are also helpful for children. As Abi Cleeve says: "The most important factors in choosing UV protection for kids is a sensitive formula with a very high SPF and UVA filter (ideally over 90%). Babies and children can be prone to heat rashes during hot or humid weather because their sweat glands are not fully developed."

On top of slathering on the best sunscreen for kids, you should take extra precautions to protect their delicate skin. "Kids of all ages should be covering up exposed parts with suitable clothing," says Dr Mariam Adegoke, GP and founder of Adegoke Wellness Clinic. Whether they are building sandcastles at the beach or playing with the best outdoor toys in the garden, it’s important to help protect your child with the right clothing, from UV protective swimwear to the best sun hats for kids. 

How often should you reapply sunscreen on kids?

Sunscreen should be topped up every two hours, and more often if your child is very active, or in and out of the pool. Apply the cream liberally (you can’t use too much sunscreen!) and always re-apply immediately after your child is out of the water, making sure skin is completely dry beforehand. 

According to Dr Sandra Gamper, you should reapply sunscreen probably a lot more regularly than you think. "Sun avoidance should be practised as much as possible. However, if that’s unavoidable, chemical sunscreen should be applied 15 to 30 minutes before leaving the house. While mineral sunscreens offer protection the moment they are worn. Then keep reapplying every two hours or every time after a swim - when the skin is dry."

How frequently you apply sunscreen does depend somewhat on the formula you choose and your location in the world. "For example, in the UK long-lasting formulas are ideal before school - as re-application isn’t always something that can be done during the school day," acknowledges Abi Cleeve. Generally, creams are best for a thorough application but sprays and mists are sometimes an easier option with children. 

Very few children enjoy having sunscreen applied - even the best sunscreen for kids. Especially when they’re in the middle of building a sandcastle or playing in the paddling pool. So Dr Jennifer Crawley suggests making it as fun as possible: "Get your little one involved in the process of applying sun cream by drawing fun shapes on their skin and allowing them to rub it in. You could also get them to do the same on you."

Green People's Charlotte Vøhtz agrees. "All school-age children can learn how to apply sunscreen and there’s plenty of fun and educational activities you can do to help them understand how much to apply and when to apply it," she says. "A childhood classic, the game of 'Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes' helps children to learn about the body and gets them moving, but have you ever thought to use it to educate young minds on where they should apply their sun cream? Switch the lyrics to face, arms, knees to toes and don’t forget those all-important hands, ears and nose – they’re commonly missed by adults as well as children!"

It's also worth remembering that sun cream does go out of date, so make sure you check the expiration date and stock up when you need to.

Our experts

Giulia Guerrini

Giulia Guerrini is a Superintendant Pharmacist at Medino digital pharmacy. With a Master's in Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Technology from the University of Ferrara, she deals with everything from offering expert healthcare advice to effective product recommendations.

Dr Jennifer Crawley

Dr Jennifer Crawley is a Consultant Dermatologist. Her NHS post is at University College Hospital London (UCLH). She consults on all general adult dermatology in addition to paediatric dermatology. 

Abi Cleeve

Abi is passionate about sunscreen, and helped to launch suncare brand Ultrasun in the UK more than 20 years ago. Since then has created her own anti-ageing brand, Skinsense to deliver skincare solutions in beautiful lightweight formulas.

Dr Hiva Fassihi

Dr Hiva Fassihi is a Consultant Dermatologist at OneWelbeck Skin Health & Allergy and the Clinical Lead for the National XP (Xeroderma Pigmentosum) Service at St John’s Institute of Dermatology. Dr Fassihi consults on general dermatology, with specialist interests in genetic skin disorders and skin cancer.