18 of the Best Suncreams for Children 2025
Protecting children’s skin against the harmful damage caused by sun exposure is vital. Babies and children have especially sensitive and delicate skin that is highly susceptible to sun damage – and that’s not just when they’re on holiday or down at the beach. According to the NHS, babies and children should wear sunscreen between March and October in the UK.
Make sure you choose sunscreens made specifically for babies and children as adult sun care and blocks are often packed with chemicals. Kids’ sunscreen uses minerals to create a physical barrier from the sun’s rays making it gentler on young skin while giving strong protection.
The SPF number is the sun protection factor and for children you should never use anything lower than 25. Preferably, kids sunscreens should be factor 50+ or higher as the higher the SPF, the better protection it offers.
According to the NHS, babies and children should wear sunscreen between March and October in the UK
Best Sun Protection for Babies
With its non-drip tube, this product allows you to control the dose and the creamy texture leaves no sticky residue. Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF50+, £16.95 for 100ml, Sephora
This organic easy-to-apply cream is suitable for sensitive skin, prickly heat and it’s Eczema-friendly. Organic Children Lavender Sun Cream SPF50, £29 for 100ml, Green People
The invisible easy-to-apply texture makes it perfect for young skin and is formulated for children prone to allergies. Anthelious UVMune 400 Derno-Paediatrics Spray SPF50+, £20.40 for 200ml, La Roche-Posay
This clean stick ensures even coverage and easy application and is water resistant for up to 80mins. Thinkbaby Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Stick SPF 30, from £10 for 18.4g, iHerb
This water-resistant cream shields delicate baby skin from the sun’s harmful effects even in the pool. Formulated by Soltan’s suncare experts with a unique antioxidant blend of Vitamins C & E. Soltan Protect & Moisturise Baby Lotion SPF50+, £5.50 for 200ml, Boots
The Trigger spray format is perfect for convenient and easy application on wriggly babies. NIVEA SUN Kids Sensitive Sun Cream Spray SPF50+, £14.79 for 200ml, Superdrug
Best Sun Proctection for Toddlers and Children
This quick-absorbing, extra water-resistant formula is a doddle to apply with its unique roll-on feature. Childs Farm 50+ SPF roll-on sun lotion, £10 for 50ml, Boots
This fragrance-free lotion is hypoallergenic to help minimise allergies, but it’s the unique sand repelling action for children who hate that itchy sand feeling on their skin that make it a must for the beach. Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Sensitive Advanced Kids Anti-Sand Mist, £8 for 150ml, Boots
An innovative, premium mineral formula with SheerTech Zinc and non-nano UV filters for high SPF protection and time-release technology that delivers all-day hydration. Evereden Kids Sunscreen SPF 50, £58.92 for 60ml, Ninth Avenue
This plastic free sunscreen stick is fragrance free and forms a physical layer that naturally protects your little ones skin against UVA and UVB radiation thanks to its non-nano zinc oxide formula. Attitude Kids Sunly Sunscreen Stick SPF30, £20.60 for 60g, Big Green Smile
This lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs easily without leaving a white cast, made with natural ingredients, it’s water-resistant, reef-safe, and perfect for everyday outdoor adventures. SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen, £15.99 for 50ml, LAV Kids
This trusted light-weight, fast-absorbing, long-lasting cream is non-greasy and water resistant. With added Vitamin E, Vitamin B, and Celligent, it’s suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Kids SPF50+, £32 for 150ml, Ultrasun
Smart Buy for toddlers and small children
We love these genius child-friendly, refillable sunscreen applicators designed for little hands. Just fill with your favourite kids’ sun cream and the roll-on applicator gives them a smooth and even application without sticky hands or spills. There is selection of colours and tools, making them ideal for all the family. From £7.98, for a single applicator.
Best Sun Proctection for Tweens & Teens
The perfect lightweight, non-greasy face moisturiser that provides coverage from UVA, UVB, blue light and environmental stressors for teenage skin with tropical notes of coconut and vanilla. Everyday Hero SPF 50+, £25 for 50ml, indu
This clean, expertly formulated lotion is lightly tinted to protect against sun rays and HEV Blue Light. Tweens will love the fast absorbing and non-greasy texture with an acne safe formula. TweenScreen SPF50, £18 for 60g, Tweeny Skin
The first eco sunscreen for tweens/teens protects young skin and sensitive faces against sun damage, without blocking pores and causing blemishes. No nasties means it’s reef-safe too. Sun Squad Sensitive Skin SPF 30 for Face, £25 for 50ml
This oh-so-silky gel for face and body is invisible, water and sweat resistant and has a delicious citrus scent. Bringing the fun to suncare it’s laced with sunflower, rosemary and rice antioxidants to shield against the impact of pollution. Supergoop! Play Everyday Lotion SPF50, from £11.50 for 30ml, Cult Beauty
The sheer, lightweight texture blends easily into skin and being non-comedogenic it’s ideal for blemish-prone skin (there is also a tinted version), and the airless-pump makes applying throughout the school day/holiday easy and mess-free. Bubble Solar Mate Invisible Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, £19 for 50ml, Boots
The airless pump bottle reduces the risk of contamination, as well as waste. Its light, non-greasy texture promises fast, comfortable application plus it’s water-resistant even during active water sports. Ouate Ma Crème 1, 2, 3 Soleil SPF50+, from
£13 for 30ml, Smallable
Stay in the shade between 11am and 3pm when the sun’s rays are at their most powerful and try to apply 15 minutes before going out into the sun. Reapply when in the sun and then every 1-2 hours and always after swimming or towelling down.
Follow the famous Aussie rules and just Slip on a shirt, Slop on suncream and Slap on a wide-brimmed hat.
Opt for a suncream that has a high sun-protection factor (SPF) at least 50+. And remember, apply suncream even when it is cloudy. Apply generously using 1-2 tablespoons full of product for the child’s entire body and rub in well.
Natural fibres, such as cotton, help skin to breathe and help prevent dry skin and heat rash. Look for UV-protective swimwear and don’t forget sunglasses are also vital to protect young eyes.
Chlorine can irritate the skin, so get kids to hit the shower after a swim.
