The best sunscreens for kids
With the advent of summer, a child cannot be kept at home – and why? Fresh air, active games, vitamin D… Just don’t forget about a hat and UV protection. Let’s talk about the best sunscreens for children, and the expert will share tips and answer questions

From an early age, everyone knows how useful sunbathing is. And this is true: the metabolism increases, the work of the endocrine system improves, the amount of hemoglobin increases, vitamin D is produced, the symptoms of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and a number of other diseases decrease (1). Sunbathing is also good for a good mood (since endorphins are produced). 

But it is important to remember the golden rule: everything is good in moderation. Too often and for a long time to be in the sun, ignoring protective measures is harmful. Among the unpleasant and dangerous consequences: burns, pigmentation, photodermatosis and sun allergy, exacerbation of a number of chronic diseases and the risk of developing skin tumors (2).

The human body produces melanin, a pigment that is not only responsible for the color of the skin, eyes and hair, but also protects against the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation. But in children under 3 years of age, the concentration of melanin is low, and the stratum corneum is still very thin (3). Therefore, in their case, it is especially important to apply protective measures: limited exposure to the sun (from 11 am to 16 pm), mandatory headgear and protective clothing, sunscreen for the skin. And not only on the beach!

By the way, these rules apply not only to kids, but also to older children, as well as adults. Together with an expert, we will tell you about the best sunscreens for children, how to choose them and use them correctly.

Rating of the top 10 sunscreens for children “according to KP”

On sale you can find a lot of products not only in different formats (creams, emulsions, sprays, etc.), but also with different compositions and degrees of protection. For a child, it is better to choose the maximum – SPF 50.

In this top you will find the best sunscreens according to Healthy Food Near Me, find out how they differ and for whom they are best suited.

1. GARNIER Ambre Solaire Children’s Sunscreen Baby in the Shade

Hypoallergenic product to protect the delicate skin of a child on the beach, on a walk and at the grandmother’s in the country. The cream contains physical (mineral) filters that reflect the sun’s rays, preventing burns and other dangerous consequences of sun exposure.

The cream is suitable for light and sensitive skin, has a maximum degree of protection, it can be used even in infants from 6 months. 

The composition does not contain benzophenone, parabens, fragrances and dyes. The tool is easy to apply, and, according to reviews, sand does not stick too much to the treated skin, so it is convenient to use it on the beach.

Main characteristics

Degree of protectionSPF 50
AgeFrom 6 months
Volume50 ml
FeaturesFree from benzophenone, artificial colors and parabens

Advantages and disadvantages

Suitable for children from 6 months, easy to apply, odorless, dyes and parabens
May leave traces
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2. Weleda Baby & Children Sunscreen SPF 50

The product from the German cosmetics manufacturer is suitable for people with sensitive and fair skin, including babies. Protective functions are based on the action of mineral filters. The composition is supplemented with natural extracts of mountain edelweiss, sunflower and coconut oil, which care for the skin, help retain moisture and protect it from the sun’s rays. The cream does not contain gluten and animal products, has a vegan certificate.

The manufacturer claims that the cream is waterproof, however, it is recommended to reapply the product during prolonged exposure to the sun, and especially after swimming.

Main characteristics

Degree of protectionSPF 50
Age0+
Volume50 ml
FeaturesNatural extracts and oils in the composition, waterproof

Advantages and disadvantages

Suitable for children from birth, natural composition, waterproof
High price in the segment of sunscreens for children, difficult to find on sale
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3. Librederm Bronzeada sunscreen for children Omega 3-6-9 SPF 50

Sunscreen suitable for children from the first year of life, protects the skin from the negative effects of UVA-, UVB- and infrared rays. 

The composition of the product: thermal water, grape seed and linseed oil, witch hazel extract. Due to these components, the cream has a moisturizing and nourishing effect, helps maintain the hydrolipidic barrier of the skin, softens and soothes the skin. 

The product is recommended to be used from the first long walks in the sun. You need to apply half an hour before going outside, and repeat the application every 2 hours – especially while swimming. 

The cream is suitable for children from 1 year old and for adults with sensitive fair skin.

Main characteristics

Degree of protectionSPF 50
AgeWith 1 year
Volume150 ml
FeaturesRich natural ingredients

Advantages and disadvantages

Natural composition, large volume
High price in the segment of sunscreen for children
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4. Nivea Sun Kids Sun Lotion

“Play and swim” – calls the manufacturer from the label. The tool can be taken to the beach, it will also come in handy in the country, if you are happy owners of a pool near the house. Sunscreen protects the skin from the harmful effects of sunlight, while it is almost not washed off when bathing. 

It contains vitamin E and panthenol, known for its soothing effect on the skin. The lotion is easy to apply to the skin, effectively protects, but if you prefer unscented creams, this is not the case.

Main characteristics

Degree of protectionSPF 50
AgeSince 3 years
Volume200 ml
FeaturesSuper waterproof

Advantages and disadvantages

Really waterproof, high volume
Contains chemical filters
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5. Children’s sunscreen “My sun”

The cream contains safe SPF filters, supplemented with vitamin E and calendula extract. The tool protects sensitive children’s skin from the adverse effects of sunlight, saves from burns, overdrying, inflammation. In addition, the cream softens and moisturizes.

The manufacturer notes that the product is effective even while swimming, and the risk of allergies is minimal. However, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen to your baby’s face and body if he spends a lot of time in the water. 

Among the minuses, a dense texture is noted: you need to carefully smear it and wait until it is absorbed.

Main characteristics

Degree of protectionSPF 50
AgeWith 1 year
Volume55 ml
Featureswater-resistant

 Advantages and disadvantages

Waterproof, low price in the segment
Too dense texture, poorly washed off with water (according to reviews)
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6. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics Baby & Children Milk SPF 50

The sunscreen is suitable for babies from 6 months. Designed to protect the skin from UVA / UVB rays, moisturize and soften. Milk can be used, including on the beach or in the pool. Contains shea butter and natural plant extracts.

With a convenient dispenser, it is easy to apply, and the melting texture allows you to easily distribute sunscreen on the skin. Does not contain parabens and substances that clog pores.

Main characteristics

Degree of protectionSPF 50
AgeFrom 6 months
Volume50 ml
FeaturesHypoallergenic, paraben free

Advantages and disadvantages

Nice texture, easy to use, suitable for children from 6 months
High cost in the segment, small volume
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7. Children’s sunscreen for face and body SPF 50 with SIBERINA chamomile and calendula

This product uses safe physical filters, natural plant extracts, raspberry and babassu oils, vitamin E. It does not contain nanoparticles. Therefore, as the manufacturer notes, the cream can leave white marks on the skin.

Sunscreen is easy to apply thanks to a convenient dispenser, but each time you need to shake the bottle to restore the uniformity of the composition. It is important to renew the product on the skin if the child spends many hours in the sun. And after returning home, do not forget to wash off the remnants of the cream.

Main characteristics

Degree of protectionSPF 50
AgeSince 3 years
Volume200 ml
FeaturesNatural composition, no nanoparticles

Advantages and disadvantages

Easy to use, natural composition, stylish design, large volume
High cost in the segment, may leave white marks, not suitable for infants
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8. Bielita Solaris Kids Sunscreen Mousse Cream SPF 50

If you don’t like using creams because of their thick texture, you can try this remedy. It is easily applied to the skin, quickly distributed and absorbed. In the composition you can find natural ingredients: jojoba oil and sea buckthorn, which are designed to soothe irritations. But it is important to understand: the composition does not contain physical filters that are optimal for children’s skin, but chemical ones.

Cream-mousse from the Belarusian manufacturer protects sensitive and fair skin from the sun, softens and provides moisture. It is also indicated that the composition is waterproof, and therefore it can be taken not only for a walk, but also for rest by the water.

Main characteristics

Degree of protectionSPF 50
AgeSince 3 years
Volume150 ml
FeaturesNatural composition, mousse texture

Advantages and disadvantages

Easy to use, natural composition, pleasant texture, large volume
Contains chemical filters, not suitable for babies
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 9. Sun protection milk Bubchen FZ 50+

Sunscreen from a German brand of cosmetics for children. Protects sensitive skin during sunbathing, effective even during water procedures. The composition includes combined filters, this must be understood.

Thanks to its light texture, the sunscreen is easy to apply. Do not forget to only renew the milk on the skin of the child during a walk or on the beach. And upon returning home, the product must be washed off.

In the reviews there is information that the cream can stain clothes. It is better to apply it on the face and parts of the body that are not in contact with the fabric.

Main characteristics

Degree of protectionSPF 50
AgeFrom 6 months
Volume100 ml
FeaturesCombined filters included, waterproof

Advantages and disadvantages

Nice texture, waterproof
Uneconomical consumption, can stain clothes
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10. Sun protection milk for children SunProf SPF 50

A high-protection sunscreen for children allows you to spend more time outdoors in summer and in resorts. Protects children’s skin from exposure to harmful ultraviolet radiation, shea butter and coconut oil prevent overdrying of the skin, promote recovery, make it soft and supple. The milk is easy to apply on the skin, and thanks to the texture it is quickly absorbed.

Important: the composition contains chemical filters, so the product is allowed for use only from 3 years.

 Main characteristics

Degree of protectionSPF 50
AgeSince 3 years
Volume100 ml
FeaturesChemical filters included

Advantages and disadvantages

Nice texture, low cost in the segment
Difficult to find on sale, chemical filters included
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How to choose sunscreen for kids

When choosing a product, you need to focus not only on the age of the child and the reputation of the brand. 

Composition is the first thing to look at. For baby skin, especially baby skin, it is recommended to use physical (mineral) filters. The most popular creams are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Chemical filters (those that do not reflect, but absorb UV rays) can be part of children’s products, but definitely not in baby creams. 

It is good if the composition is supplemented with protective and anti-inflammatory substances such as natural oils or panthenol.

It is important to consider other points. Under what conditions are you going to use the cream? If the child walks on the street for a long time, and the summer is expected to be hot, it is necessary that the product be with a high degree of protection. If you rarely see the sun, you can limit yourself to SPF 30. 

At the resort, you can not do without a waterproof product, and also pay attention to the texture: the fatter it is, the more sand and grass will stick to the body. 

Popular questions and answers

How to correctly use sunscreens, how they differ, and other questions of parents are answered by our expert, a pediatrician Iryna Semenenko.

How is children’s sunscreen different from an adult’s?

Usually, the compositions of sunscreens for children do not include fragrances, parabens, dyes. And often, by the way, for this reason, the shelf life of children’s sunscreens is less than creams for adults. 

In addition, children’s sunscreens usually have an increased SPF protection and often a waterproof formula, in other words, they protect against UV rays even while swimming. Adults are advised to buy sunscreens with similar characteristics – for increased safety in the warm season.

Do I need to wash off my sunscreen? How to do it right?

Upon returning home, you need to wash off the remnants of the cream, sea water (if you are relaxing at the resort), sand from the skin. If your sunscreen is not greasy, just rinse with plain water. If this does not wash off, you can use a baby detergent. After that, I recommend applying a moisturizer to the skin (for example, with aloe vera or emollients in the composition).

What folk remedies can replace sunscreen?

Sunscreen can be replaced with zinc oxide mechanical barriers. It turns white when dry and is noticeable on the skin, but reliably protects it from sunlight. 

Avocado, jojoba, coconut, sesame oils have a low degree of protection with SPF 4-6. If you forgot the sun cream, you can apply oil to the skin. 

And the simplest folk remedy is a slurry of plantain leaves or any other non-poisonous plants.

For sun protection with a high UV index, more than 2 (can be found in the weather forecast), we use sun protection, including mechanical – clothing with UV protection.

Sources of

  1. O.Yu. Olisova, E.V. Vladimirova, A.M. Babushkin. Skin and sun // journal of skin and venereal diseases. 2012. No. 6. pp. 57-62 URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/kozha-i-solntse/viewer
  2. O.I. Sidorovich, E.A. Tsyvkin. Photodermatoses: prevention and treatment // Medical Council. 2018. No. 12. pp. 132-134. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/fotodermatozy-profilaktika-i-lechenie/viewer
  3. V.A. Shamrikova, co-authors. Determination of the level of melanin in the skin of children by mexametry // Acta biomedica scientifica. 2020. Volume 5. No. 2. pp. 12-16. URL: https://cyberleninka.ru/article/n/opredelenie-urovnya-melanina-v-kozhe-detey-metodom-meksametrii/viewer

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