22 of the Best Suncreams for Children 2026
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+, from £169 for 100ml, Amazon
This organic easy-to-apply cream is suitable for sensitive skin, prickly heat and it’s Eczema-friendly.
Organic Children Lavender Sun Cream SPF50, £30 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+, from £19 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 Baby Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF50+, £4.80 for 50ml, Boots
The Trigger spray format is perfect for convenient and easy application on wriggly babies.
NIVEA SUN Kids Sensitive Sun Cream Spray SPF50+, £14.80 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.
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
Fast to apply and quick to absorb, this invisible spray is a family-friendly summer essential. We especially like the lightweight, non-greasy finish and a fresh summer scent.
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, from £19 for 60g, BodyKind
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 sun care 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
This pocket-sized SPF50 stick makes sun protection quick, easy and mess-free – as it glides on without leaving a white cast. Water-resistant and enriched with nourishing botanical oils and butters, it’s a brilliant choice for active tweens.
An SPF teens will actually want to use – this handy mineral sunscreen stick glides on making top-ups quick even at school and during sports. Plus, the non-comedogenic formula won’t clog pores – and helps protect skin from everyday UVA and UVB exposure all year round.
A great everyday choice for keeping teen skin protected and healthy. This lightweight, invisible formula ticks all the boxes. With broad-spectrum SPF50 protection, it leaves no white cast, feels comfortable on skin and provides long-lasting hydration without feeling heavy on young skin.
CeraVe Invisible Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 50, £14 for 75ml, LOOKFANTASTIC
Lightweight, silky and completely invisible, this SPF30 face sunscreen is one they will wear every day. The non-greasy, fragrance-free formula layers beautifully under makeup, leaves skin with a healthy dewy glow and offers broad-spectrum protection without a trace of white cast.
Defend Yourself Face Sunscreen SPF 30, £14 for 50ml, GlowHub
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
JUNIOR EXPERT TIPS
Five Ways
to protect children's skin in Summer
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.
