Protecting kids’ skin from the sun is a priority that extends beyond the summer holidays. According to NHS guidance, children should wear sunscreen of at least SPF 30 from March to October in the UK, even on cloudy days, as UV rays can still penetrate through overcast skies. It’s also important to check the expiry date on your sunscreen – most formulas should be used within 12 months of opening, to ensure they remain effective.
SPF (sun protection factor) measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. The higher the SPF number, the greater the protection. But don’t forget UVA protection, too – that’s what shields against deeper skin damage. In the UK, look for a UVA star rating – the gold standard is five stars.
When choosing a sunscreen for kids, look for broad-spectrum protection (both UVA and UVB), water resistance, and a high SPF – ideally SPF 50. Consultant dermatologist and official spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, Dr Derrick Phillips, says: “Children’s skin is more sensitive and vulnerable to the harmful effects of UV rays, which can cause sunburn, blistering and increase the risk of skin cancer later in life.” He recommends mineral sunscreens for sensitive skin: “They begin to work straight away, are hypoallergenic and less likely to cause irritation.”
Make sure you’re applying plenty of SPF (don’t forget areas such as ears and feet) and remember to reapply – especially after swimming or sweating. “Even if a sunscreen says it’s waterproof, it will need to be reapplied after your child has been swimming,” says Dr Phillips.
It’s also worth considering texture, format and finish. Spray bottles and roll-ons are often quicker to apply (especially on wriggly toddlers), while mineral sunscreens can sometimes leave a white cast – although modern formulas tend to be less chalky. Those with darker or Black skin tones may prefer chemical formulas that blend more easily, though mineral options are still the gentlest overall.
Will all that in mind, keep scrolling to find the best kids’ sunscreens on the market.
How we tested
We tested about 30 children’s sunscreens (in the UK and on family holidays abroad). Each formula was tested on a wide range of ages and skin types, from babies to teens, as well as on adults aged between 25 and 70. We looked at how easy the sunscreen was to apply, how it felt on the skin, how it smelled, the cast it left on skin and clothes and how long it lasted in real-life conditions, such as during beach days and nursery runs, and when playing in paddling pools and in the garden. Overall, we looked for formulas that offer effective protection without breaking the bank.
Why you can trust IndyBest reviews
Ella Delancey Jones has tested everything from baby eczema creams to purple shampoos for IndyBest. Every product is tested under real-life conditions, and Ella will only recommend products she believes are worth buying. In this case, Ella tested kids’ sunscreens on herself and her preschool-age daughter, as well as gathering feedback from a diverse group of parents, kids and teens with a range of skin types and needs.
The best kids’ sunscreens for 2025 are:
Altruist family sunspray, SPF 50
Best: Overall
SPF: 50
Type: Spray
Size: 250ml
Why we love it
- Great value for money
- Non-slip trigger spray makes application easy
- Light texture absorbs quickly
- High UVA and UVB protection
- Suitable for the whole family
We love everything about this sunscreen, which has become a daily go-to. It’s applied via a trigger spray that covers a wide area, and we found application quick and fuss-free, even for impatient toddlers. The texture is light, absorbs fast and doesn’t mark clothes or leave a sticky residue or white cast. It’s water-resistant and held up well throughout pool play and outdoor activities – though we still reapplied regularly, as advised by experts.
At £11.50 for 250ml, we think it offers good value for money. Suitable for those aged six months and over, it’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and offers high-level broad-spectrum protection (SPF 50 with a five-star UVA rating). This is one of those rare products that truly ticks every box.
Buy now £11.50, Altruistsun.com
Lacura sun lotion, SPF 50
Best: Budget buy
SPF: 50
Type: Lotion
Size: 200ml
Why we love it
- Incredible price point
- Well tolerated by sensitive skin
Take note
- Needs reapplying more often than some other options
This Aldi own-brand sun lotion has earned cult status among savvy parents – and for good reason. At just £2.99, it’s the most affordable sunscreen on our list, but the formula still offers SPF 50 protection and is designed for sensitive skin, making it a fantastic all-rounder. It rubbed in easily, didn’t feel greasy, and was well tolerated by our mini testers – even those with more reactive skin.
We did find ourselves reapplying a little more often than with some premium brands but, at this price, it’s easy to stock up and keep bottles in your bag, car, and by the door. It’s a great budget-friendly option for families who get through sunscreen fast, and it’s ideal to have on hand for impromptu park trips or garden play. A true bargain buy that doesn’t compromise on performance.
Buy now £2.99, Aldi.co.uk
Heliocare 360° pediatrics stick, SPF 50+
Best: For a gorgeous scent
SPF: 50+
Type: Stick
Size: 25g
Why we love it
- Smells incredible
- Invisible finish with no mess
- Ideal for little hands and top-ups on the go
Take note
- Small size – may need frequent repurchase
- Expensive compared with others
Be warned: you are going to want to eat your child once their skin has been slathered in this product. It’s not advertised as such, but the scent almost has a vanilla cookies and cream quality. Our little tester loved applying this formula – the stick design is perfect for little hands to hold, and makes it easy to slip into a bag for top-ups throughout the day. Designed to be applied before sun exposure, the stick provides broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, has an invisible finish and is water-, sweat- and sand-resistant.
Although we did have to reapply this SPF quite soon after our mini tester finished their water play, we felt comfortable they were protected. It’s designed for children aged two years or more but, at £25 for 25g, it’s not cheap.
Buy now £24.99, Cantabrialabs.co.uk
Malibu SPF 50 clear hair and scalp protector
Best: For scalp protection
SPF: 50
Type: Spray
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- Great for partings, braids and hairlines
- Lightweight, non-greasy spray
- Pleasant, nostalgic scent
Take note
- Not a replacement for a hat
- Suitable for children but not designed specifically for them
All parents know the struggle of trying to get their kids to wear hats when playing in the sunshine. If it’s a battle you often lose, this spray can help protect delicate scalps. While it’s not specifically marketed for children, Malibu confirmed this product can safely be used on kids aged six months and above. It’s ideal for kids with exposed partings, braids or fine hair that doesn’t offer much natural cover.
We loved using it on days when hats just weren’t happening – it gave peace of mind without any fuss or stickiness. The spray dries quickly, leaves no visible residue and has a lovely, nostalgic scent that made our mini testers smell delicious. The bottle is also compact enough to throw in your bag for on-the-go top-ups. Of course, it doesn’t replace the need for a hat, but it’s a brilliant back-up for real-life parenting. Plus, at less than a fiver, it’s a handy, budget-friendly product to keep at hand all summer.
Buy now £4.49, Malibusun.com
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 dermo-pediatrics invisible spray, SPF 50+
Best: For sensitive skin
SPF: 50+
Type: Spray
Size: 200ml
Why we love it
- High UVA and UVB protection
- Great for eczema-prone or sensitive skin
- No white cast or greasy feel
Take note
- Awkward bottle design
- Expensive, compared with some other options
This sunscreen feels impressively high-performance – and offers serious peace of mind if your child has sensitive or eczema-prone skin. It’s fluid, gentle and absorbs well, with no greasy residue or white cast. We felt confident using it on delicate skin during water play, and it lived up to its promise of water resistance. However, the bottle design let it down – it was tricky to grip and pump efficiently, especially with wriggly children or wet hands.
The price also puts it at the premium end of the spectrum, which may be hard to justify, given there are more user-friendly, affordable options out there. That said, the inclusion of ultra-high UVA protection via La Roche-Posay’s UVMune mexoryl 400 filter, plus added skin-soothing ingredients such as vitamin E and shea butter, means it may be a good investment if your child has particularly reactive skin.
Buy now £25.50, Laroche-posay.co.uk
Ultrasun family wet skin spray, SPF 50
Best: For post-pool application
SPF: 50
Type: Spray
Size: 200ml
Why we love it
- Applies directly to wet or dry skin
- Light, transparent texture
- Antioxidants add skincare benefits
Take note
- Bottle design could be more ergonomic
- Premium price
This clever sunscreen impressed us with its unique wet-skin application – perfect for those frantic moments post-pool when no one wants to towel off properly. The formula sprays on easily, without turning into a messy, diluted film, and absorbs quickly into both wet and dry skin. The transparent formula feels super light – almost like you’re not wearing anything – which is great for comfort, but we found ourselves reapplying more frequently, just to be safe.
It’s non-greasy and didn’t leave any noticeable residue, even after swimming. While the bottle design could be more ergonomic (especially when your hands are wet and sandy), the formula itself is high-performing and packed with antioxidants, such as vitamin C and coenzyme Q10, to help protect skin beyond just UV exposure. At £32 for 200ml, it’s undeniably expensive but could be worth the splurge for beach-heavy holidays or poolside families.
Buy now £32.00, Ultrasun.co.uk
St Moriz suncare SPF 50 sunscreen body spray
Best: For teens
SPF: 50
Type: Spray
Size: 200ml
Why we love it
- Teen-friendly packaging
- Super-fine mist dries quickly
- Non-sticky
- Easy to use
Take note
- Feels quite light, so not ideal for very hot days
This lightweight sunscreen is a brilliant option for teens. The packaging looks modern, and our teen tester was more than happy to throw it in their bag and use it without prompting. The spray goes on as a super-fine mist, which feels weightless on the skin and rubs in easily, drying quickly with no residue. That said, the texture is very light, so we did feel the need to reapply more often, especially during hotter conditions.
We wouldn’t rely on it for a full day in strong sun, but it’s great for top-ups on the go. It’s also packed with skin-loving ingredients such as vitamin E, and the wider range includes a face lotion (£9.99, Superdrug.com) with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid that’s worth checking out, too.
Buy now £9.99, Superdrug.com
Eucerin kids’ sun gel cream, SPF 50+
Best: For acne-prone or fussy skin
SPF: 50+
Type: Gel cream
Size: 200ml
Why we love it
- Gentle and non-greasy
- Absorbs quickly with no white cast
- Anti-stain technology
Take note
- Expensive compared to other family-sized options
This gel-cream scored highly, thanks to its gentle formula and excellent finish. Marketed as suitable for those aged three months old or more (though some parents may choose to wait until six months, as per NHS guidance), it felt safe and effective for sensitive skin, with no irritation or reactions.
We loved the texture – it’s lightweight, absorbed quickly and didn’t feel greasy, making it a dream to apply, even on hot, sticky days. It didn’t leave any white cast or marks on clothes, and held up well through wet and dry play. With broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection and added antioxidants to guard against UV rays, it offers real peace of mind. While the price tag puts it in the premium bracket, we felt the performance justified the cost for kids with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Buy now £23.00, Boots.com
Ocean Freedom surf clay mineral sunscreen, SPF 50+
Best: For water resistance
SPF: 50+
Type: Clay
Size: 50g
Why we love it
- Visible coverage helps ensure full application
- Reef-safe and eco-friendly
- Fun colour options for kids
Take note
- Thick and hard to apply
- Not suitable for everyday use
This fun, functional surf clay is a serious contender when it comes to water-based adventures. Ocean Freedom’s mineral sunscreen offers high-level SPF 50+ protection, with a bold tint that provides visible coverage – ideal for making sure no spot is missed, especially during sports or extended water play. Made with non-nano zinc oxide and free from parabens and sulfates, it’s reef-safe and gentle on skin.
Be warned: this isn’t your everyday run-around-the-park sunscreen. It’s thick, slightly tricky to apply, and very much a look, but for beach days, surfing, or outdoor swimming, it delivers reliable, long-lasting protection and a fun splash of colour. Our little tester loved the pink version but it’s also available in blue, and it’s a great way to get kids excited about staying safe in the sun. The 50g tin is compact and travel-friendly, and we loved its eco-conscious credentials. Not one for rushed mornings, but a winner when water resistance matters most.
Buy now £13.00, Bling2o.co.uk
Nivea Sun kids’ protect and care coloured sun cream spray, SPF 50+
Best: Coloured spray
SPF: 50+
Type: Spray
Size: 200ml
Why we love it
- Tint helps ensure even coverage
- Nostalgic scent
- Non-sticky and rubs in well
Take note
- Needs regular reapplication
This cream spray was a big hit with our kid and adult testers. The ridged bottle design made it easier to grip – a small but very welcome detail when you’re wrangling slippery limbs in the sun. The blue tint added an element of fun and helped us spot any missed patches, but it rubbed in easily and didn’t leave clothes or skin stained.
The formula feels light yet reassuringly effective, and the scent is pure nostalgia. With SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection, extra water resistance and added moisturising ingredients, it’s well-suited to active days outdoors. At less than £8 for 200ml, it’s a strong performer at a fair price – a cheerful, practical option that ticks a lot of boxes.
Buy now £7.50, Boots.com
Calypso all school day long sun lotion
Best: For everyday use
SPF: 40
Type: Lotion
Size: 200ml
Why we love it
- Designed for long school days
- Only needs one application
- Affordable option for daily wear
Take note
- Thicker texture takes time to rub in
- Lower protection than some other options
With up to eight hours of protection from a single application, this formula is ideal for busy mornings when you need to get your child off to nursery or school without packing a bottle of SPF. While the texture is slightly thicker than others we tested (it takes a little effort to rub it in), we found it reassuring – it felt like it was really staying put.
It’s water-resistant and active within 15 minutes, and although the SPF level isn’t as high as some premium options, it still offers solid coverage for UK weather. It’s a practical everyday option that gives peace of mind without needing midday top-ups.
Buy now £9.99, Calypsosun.com
Tesco Soleil kids sun protection trigger spray, SPF 50+
Best: Supermarket brand
SPF: 50+
Type: Spray
Size: 200ml
Why we love it
- Trigger spray makes application easier
- Great value
Take note
- Basic formula without added skincare extras
There’s absolutely nothing wrong with opting for a supermarket-brand sunscreen – especially when it performs this well. Tesco’s Soleil spray is a standout for convenience and value. At just £4 for 200ml, it’s affordable enough to pick up with your weekly shop and stash in every bag or buggy pocket. We particularly loved the trigger spray, which made application quick and fuss-free – especially useful when you’ve got wriggly little ones.
The formula offers high broad-spectrum protection and was easy to rub in, without leaving skin sticky or greasy. While it may not have the skin-boosting extras of some premium brands, it does exactly what you need it to – provides strong, reliable sun protection. This one became a trusted back-up during testing, and we’d happily repurchase for school runs, park trips and general out-and-about coverage.
Buy now £4.00, Tesco.com
Avène spray for children, SPF 50+
Best: For specialist skincare
SPF: 50+
Type: Spray
Size: 200ml
Why we love it
- Gentle and soothing formula
- No white cast
- Great for sun-sensitive skin
Take note
- Expensive Slightly awkward to apply
If your child has sun-sensitive or reactive skin, this premium SPF is well worth considering. Though the price tag puts it firmly in the high-end bracket, it’s formulated with Avène’s signature thermal spring water, making it a gentle, soothing option for those prone to irritation.
The spray bottle isn’t the easiest to handle – especially with damp or sandy hands – and the formula is on the thicker side, despite being a spray, so it does take some rubbing in. That said, it left no visible cast, didn’t feel greasy, and gave us real peace of mind during long days outdoors. The formula includes four sun filters, plus provitamin E for antioxidant protection, and offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB coverage. It’s not the most practical or affordable for everyday use, but it’s a brilliant choice for children with skin concerns or sensitivities.
Buy now £19.20, Lookfantastic.com
Spots & Stripes sensitive skin SPF 30 for face
Best: Face SPF for teens
SPF: 30
Type: Cream
Size: 50ml
Why we love it
- Non-greasy and great under makeup
- Packed with natural ingredients
Take note
- Lower SPF than others on the list
- Pricey for a face-only product
This chic, skin-friendly sunscreen is perfect for image-conscious teens and tweens who want serious sun protection without compromising their skincare routine. The brand says the mineral formula is 99 per cent natural, reef-safe, and packed with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera, jojoba and green tea – making it ideal for breakout-prone or sensitive skin. Our teen tester loved the cool branding and the fact it didn’t feel like a ‘kiddy’ product.
It applied easily, left a lovely dewy finish without greasiness, and sat well under makeup. While the SPF 30 rating is lower than others on this list, it still offers broad-spectrum protection and is water-resistant. We wouldn’t rely on it for a full beach day, but it’s an excellent everyday face SPF for older kids and teens starting to take ownership of their skincare. Bonus points for the sustainable, BPA-free aluminium tube and clean ingredients list.
Buy now £25.00, Spots-and-stripes.com
MooGoo natural sunscreen, SPF 40
Best: Natural blend
SPF: 40
Type: Cream
Size: 120g
Why we love it
- Chemical-free
- Nourishing, moisturising formula
- Great for delicate skin
Take note
- Lower SPF than some other options
If you're looking for a gentle, chemical-free sunscreen with a naturally nourishing formula, this is a great everyday option. We’re fans of the brand’s sensitive skincare, and this sunscreen fits right in – it's packed with skin-loving ingredients such as jojoba oil, shea butter, and non-nano zinc oxide, making it especially suitable for delicate or reactive skin. It applies smoothly, rubs in clear, and feels, moisturising without being heavy or greasy.
With an SPF 40 rating, it offers solid protection for mild-to-moderate UK weather, but we wouldn’t rely on it for long days in strong, direct sun – especially abroad. It’s water-resistant, cruelty-free and free from chemical UV filters, so it’s a solid pick for families conscious about what goes on their skin. Not the highest protection, but a thoughtful, natural blend for everyday use.
Buy now £16.50, Moogooskincare.co.uk
Riemann P20 SPF 50+ suncream for kids
Best: All-rounder
SPF: 50+
Type: Cream
Size: 200ml
Why we love it
- Long-lasting with up to 10 hours of protection
- Water-resistant for up to three hours
- Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
Take note
- Thick texture takes time to apply
- Premium price point
If you’re after all-day protection and don’t mind a little extra effort during application, Riemann’s P20 sunscreen is hard to beat. The formula is thick and takes time to rub in, so it’s not ideal when you're racing to leave the house. It also feels heavier on the skin than some lighter sprays or gels, which may not suit every child. However, the benefits more than make up for that.
With up to 10 hours of protection from a single application and water resistance for up to three hours, it’s a great option for beach days, school trips or outdoor activities where reapplying might be a challenge. It’s hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, dermatologist-tested and specifically developed for sun-sensitive skin. Yes, it comes with a premium price tag, but if your priority is long-lasting, high-level protection that works hard in the background, this is a great choice.
Buy now £29.99, Boots.com
Sunscreen for kids FAQs
What to look for in a kids’ sunscreen
There are a number of things to consider when looking for the best sunscreen for kids...
SPF: This denotes the sun protection factor and is a measure of the amount of ultraviolet B radiation (UVB) protection in a suncream. It is important to ensure the product has an SPF of at least 30.
UV rating: The ultra violet rating measures the amount of protection against UVA rays – you want to see at least a four-star rating but ideally this would be five. UVA protection can also be indicated by the letters “UVA” in a circle, which indicates it meets the EU standard.
Mineral vs chemical: There are a couple of different types of sunscreens for kids – ones with mineral filters and ones with chemical filters. Mineral sunscreen, which is often also referred to as physical sunscreen, stays on the surface of the skin and deflects the sun’s harmful UV rays. Meanwhile, chemical sunscreen is absorbed into the skin and protects by inactivating UV rays via a chemical reaction. For the most part, there is not one type of sunscreen that is considered better than the other, it simply comes down to preference and what is comfortable for your skin.
How often to apply kids’ sunscreen
If you plan to be out in the sun long enough to risk burning, the NHS advises sunscreen needs to be applied twice before leaving the house: 30 minutes before going out and just before going out. Sunscreen should be applied to all areas of skin not protected by clothing, such as the face, ears, feet and backs of hands.
It’s important to reapply sunscreen liberally and frequently, including straight after you have been in water (even if you’re using a water-resistant formula), and after towel drying, sweating or in any other instance when the sunscreen may have been rubbed off. It’s also recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours, to ensure it continues to be effective.
The NHS advises not to use sunscreen on babies younger than six months, as it’s not great for their very delicate skin. Instead, young babies should be kept out of direct sunlight between March and October.
Can adults use kids sunscreen?
Unless a brand specifically says not to, adults can use kids’ sunscreen, too. The formulas feature similar active ingredients, broad-spectrum UV protection and often use more gentle hypoallergenic ingredients, so, if you have sensitive skin, children’s sunscreens may be a better pick.
What sunscreen should children with eczema use?
For anyone with eczema, it’s a good idea to opt for mineral sunscreen over chemical-based ones, as the latter can cause flare-ups or irritation. Meanwhile, any formulas that are too thick and greasy may become itchy and uncomfortable on the skin, so, it’s best to test a new product on a small patch of skin first, rather than simply slathering on the lotion and heading outside. Look for formulas that contain titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, as they are very effective UV ray blockers and have a low-allergy risk.
The verdict: Sunscreen for kids
After testing dozens of formulas, the Altruist family sunspray SPF 50 stands out as a great all-rounder – it’s relatively affordable, easy to apply, water-resistant and offers high UVA and UVB protection for the whole family. For sensitive or acne-prone skin, Eucerin’s sun kids gel cream SPF 50+ is a brilliant, gentle option, while Ultrasun’s wet skin spray impressed us for poolside top-ups when towelling off isn’t realistic. Budget-conscious parents will be pleased with Aldi’s Lacura SPF 50, which is a cult favourite for a reason. Whether you need fuss-free morning application, on-the-go top-ups or serious water resistance, there’s something here to suit every skin type, age and summer scenario.
Now the kids are sorted, invest in one of these facial sunscreens that will give you daily protection, too
