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Best SPF 50+ sunscreens for kids tried and tested by families

The best sunscreens for babies and children, including SPF50 lotions, sprays, roll-ons and water-resistant formulas for sensitive skin, holidays, school and sunny days out.

Published: June 24, 2026 at 5:00 PM

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Whether you're heading on a sunny family holiday, spending more time in the garden or trying to keep children protected during a UK heatwave, finding the right sunscreen for your child is essential. Babies and children have delicate skin that needs extra care in the sun, so it’s important to choose a high-protection sunscreen that suits their age, skin type and the way they’ll be using it.

"Babies have extremely delicate skin which is more prone to damage from the sun than adult skin, for this reason you must take extra care to look after your child's skin," says Fiona Worsnop, expert dermatologist at Stratum Clinics.

There are a lot of things to consider when choosing the best sunscreen for your child, from SPF and UVA ratings to formulas, sprays, lotions and water resistance. To help narrow it down, we've asked parents which sunscreens they use with their families and which ones they recommend.

You may also want to check out our selection of the best kids' sunglasses, best baby sunglasses and best sun hats to help protect your child's eyes, face and neck too. For more warm-weather buys, take a look at our guides to the best paddling pools, best water play tables and best kids' water bottles.

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Sponsored by Superdrug

Save on a range of sunscreens at Superdrug

Summer is well and truly here, and amidst all the picnics, water parks and family days out, your and your children’s sun protection should be at the forefront of your mind.  Thankfully, Superdrug has taken the stress out of choosing sunscreen by featuring an incredible range of factor 50+ sunscreens specially designed to cater to all types of sun protection needs, from sensitive skin to delicate scalps. Here’s a selection of our favourites:  Buy Childs Farm Kids And Baby Spf50+ Sun Cream 200Ml for £18.99 £15.99 (save £3 or 15%) at Superdrug Get 20% off La Roche-Posay 50+ sunscreen at Superdrug Buy Ultrasun Uv Face & Scalp Mist Spf50 75Ml for £17.99 £14.39 (save £3.60 or 20%) at Superdrug

Best sunscreen for kids and babies at a glance

How did we choose the best sunscreens for kids?

When testing and selecting the sunscreens, we considered features such as protection, water resistance, capacity and ease of application, as well as how each product would work with different skin types. Our 10 of the Best lists are compiled by qualified and experienced parenting journalists. They rely on a number of sources, including our independent reviews, testing undertaken during the MadeForMums Awards, and feedback from our home testing panel and Top Testers Club. Each year thousands of products are put through their paces by hundreds of parents across the country on behalf of MadeForMums, to ensure we’re bringing you honest and true reviews and recommendations. Our list is not an ordered ranking from 1-10. Instead, it is a carefully selected group of tried-and-tested products, each of which we believe is best for a different situation or requirement. We don't just tell you what is best, we help you discover what is best for your family.

How the best sunscreens for kids compare

ProductBest forPriceSPFUVAFormulaWater resistantCapacityLa Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics Lotion SPF 50+Sensitive skin£27.5050+UV filter UVMune Mexoryl 400LotionYes250mlGarnier Ambre Solaire Kids Classic Spray Sun Cream SPF50+Spray sunscreen£10.2750+5 star ratingSprayYes150mlHeliocare 360° Paediatrics Stick SPF 50+ Sun CreamKids applying it themselves£17.7650+PA++++StickYes25gChilds Farm Bluey SPF50+ Sun Cream Bluey-berryEczema-prone skin£1250+5 star ratingLotionYes200mlRiemann P20 SPF50+ Suncream for KidsOne application£19.9950+4 star ratingLotionYes100mlSoltan Baby Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF50+Budget baby sunscreen£5.50 50+5 star ratingLotionYes200mlSoltan Family Essentials Travel PackBundle buy£1250+ and 305 star ratingLotionYes50ml kids, 100ml adult and 50ml AftersunUltrasun SPF50+ KidsActive kids£3350+PA++++LotionYes150mlNivea Sun Kids Sun Caring Roll-On SPF50+Roll-on kids sunscreen£6.0550+UVA/UVB filter systemRoll-onYes50mlGarnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Kids Sensitive Advanced Sun SprayWater-resistant sunscreen£1650+5 star ratingSprayYes150ml

Here’s our pick of the best sunscreens for kids for 2026

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics Lotion SPF 50+, £25.90

Best for: Sensitive skin

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La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics Lotion SPF 50+

Why we chose it: A hypoallergenic, moisturising lotion that parent testers rated for sensitive skin, water resistance and easy absorption.

I chose it as it's one of the brands that doesn't upset my skin. It rubs in easily and smells lovely.

Parent tester Alexander, who uses this sun cream on their 13 month old who has eczema and sensitive skin

What we like

What to keep in mind

FieldLa Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics Lotion SPF 50+Price£27.50UVAUV filter UVMune Mexoryl 400Capacity250mlBest forSensitive skinSPF50+FormulaLotionWater resistantYes

This sun cream is ideal for kids with sensitive skin thanks to its minimalist hypoallergenic formula, which contains no preservatives, parabens, colourants, fragrance or lanolin. It's easy to apply with a moisturising velvety texture and claims to be very water resistant, non-greasy and non-sticky.

Parent tester Jessica, who has used this sun cream with her 6-year-old son since he was 2, said the cream is super quick to absorb and doesn't leave white marks. She also found it very water resistant and moisturising without being sticky, adding that although it is expensive, it lasts a while and is worth it.

Available from: La Roche Posay, Amazon and Boots

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Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Classic Spray Sun Cream SPF50+, £7.99

Best for: Spray sunscreen

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Why we chose it: A light spray sunscreen with high UVA protection that parent testers found quick to apply and suitable for sensitive skin.

We both have sensitive skin and have never had any issues with it, it doesn't stain our clothes, isn't greasy and doesn't take long to soak into the skin as the spray is light. It's literally spray wait around 1 minute and go, it's waterproof too.

Parent tester Claire, who uses this sun cream on her 7-year-old daughter

What we like

What to keep in mind

FieldGarnier Ambre Solaire Kids Classic Spray Sun Cream SPF50+Price£10.27Best forSpray sunscreenSPF50+UVA5 star ratingFormulaSprayWater resistantYesCapacity150ml

This spray has been specially designed to not stick to sand and help prevent dryness due to salt and chlorine. It has Aloe Vera to refresh and hydrate your child's skin and is water resistant to help protect your child while they're splashing about.

The spray bottle makes it easy to quickly spray and apply. The bottle is also eco-designed, recyclable and made with recyclable plastic.

Available from: Amazon

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Heliocare 360° Paediatrics Stick SPF 50+ Sun Cream, £24.99 for 25g

Best for: Kids applying it themselves

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open bottle of heliocare sunscreen stick for children against a white background

Why we chose it: A clever stick-format sunscreen that parent testers found much easier for reluctant children to apply themselves.

I couldn't believe it when my children were actively asking to put on their own sunscreen and reapplying it generously throughout the day! And these are kids that usually scream and run away from any sun cream! It's been a game changer for us.

Hollie Bond, parent tester, who uses this sunscreen on her children aged 7 and 4 (one with eczema)

What we like

What to keep in mind

FieldHeliocare 360° Paediatrics Stick SPF 50+ Sun CreamPrice£17.76Best forKids applying it themselvesSPF50+UVAPA++++FormulaStickWater resistantYesCapacity25g

Many children find putting on sun cream stressful, and it can be a constant battle for parents to ensure their kids are adequately protected. This sunscreen stick is designed to make applying protection before going outside more stress-free, thanks to its easy-apply stick format that glides on as a hydrating fluid and avoids putting cream near the eyes.

The Heliocare 360° Paediatrics Stick is dermatologist-approved, making it ideal for sensitive and atopic skin. It provides high-level, full-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, Visible Light and Infrared-A: SPF50+ and PA++++. Our parent tester found that her children didn't burn when using it, even when they applied it themselves, and also noted that it didn't stain clothes.

Available from: Boots, LOOKFANTASTIC and Amazon

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Childs Farm SPF50+ Sun Cream, £12 for 100ml

Best for: Eczema-prone skin

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Childs Farm SPF50+ Sun Cream

Why we chose it: A dermatologically approved sunscreen for sensitive and eczema-prone skin

We love all Childs Farm products, so it felt natural to use their sun cream as well. It rubs in nicely and dries quickly which is what you need when you have energetic girls.

Parent tester Kayleigh, who uses this sun cream on her 11-month-old and 4-year-old daughters who both have sensitive and eczema-prone skin

What we like

What to keep in mind

FieldChilds Farm SPF50+ Sun CreamPrice£12Capacity100mlBest forEczema-prone skinSPF50+UVA5 star ratingFormulaLotionWater resistantYes

If your child has eczema then you may already use Childs Farm's toiletries. Their sun cream is designed to keep your child's skin moisturised and hydrated, and it's dermatologically approved for sensitive and eczema-prone skin.

Available from: Boots

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Riemann P20 SPF50+ Suncream for Kids, from £19.99

Best for: One application

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Riemann P20 SPF50+ Suncream for Kids

Why we chose it: A long-lasting sunscreen that parent testers liked for school days, holidays and children with eczema-prone skin.

We've never burnt when using this sun cream, we tried some cheaper options but Henry has eczema so they all brought him out in rashes. It's really easy to apply too and it takes a few minutes to absorb.

Parent tester Chloe, who uses this with her 2-year-old son Henry

What we like

What to keep in mind

FieldRiemann P20 SPF50+ Suncream for KidsPrice£19.99Best forOne applicationSPF50+UVA4 star ratingFormulaLotionWater resistantYesCapacity100ml

Riemann's P20 sun cream claims to provide protection for up to 10 hours and is water resistant for up to 3 hours. The 10-hour protection is useful if you find it hard to top up properly during the day, or if you have a school or childcare provider that won't apply sunscreen.

Parent tester Spyroula, who uses this sun cream with her 4-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son who has eczema, said that although it is pricey, she is very happy with it. She found it useful for school and holidays thanks to the long-lasting protection.

Available from: Amazon and Boots

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Looking for a great sunscreen for a teenager?

Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Matifying SPF50+, £34

This mineral sunscreen is gentle on skin and its zinc oxide helps to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays. It has a lovely, subtle matte finish, it's fragrance-free and really helps to hydrate and moisturise the skin while keeping it protected. Parent tester Gabby, who tested this with her 14-year-old daughter Isabella-May, said, "it's light on the skin and absorbs perfectly. The SPF was easy to apply. Although it felt thick at first, it rubbed in well and once applied, it has a lovely smooth, matte finish which leaves the skin looking lovely and hydrated."  Her daughter Isabella-May loved using the product, saying: "I really enjoyed using a mineral SPF, I loved the slight tint as I do not wear foundation so this offered a mattifying light coverage which was perfect. It lasted throughout the day and my skin looked and felt hydrated." Available from Space NK

2 pictures of Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Matifying SPF50+ being used on tester's hand and skin

Soltan Baby Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF50+, £5.50

Best for: Budget baby sunscreen

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Soltan Baby Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF50+

Why we chose it: A budget-friendly baby sunscreen with SPF50+, 5 star UVA protection and a gentle fragrance-free formula.

It absorbs really quickly and doesn't leave yellow stains on clothes like other brands we have used. A little bit goes a long way, even with me reapplying constantly as I'm so paranoid. I also think it's priced well.

Parent tester Rosie, who uses Soltan with her 11-month-old son

What we like

What to keep in mind

FieldSoltan Baby Protect & Moisture Lotion SPF50+Price£5.50 Capacity200mlBest forBudget baby sunscreenSPF50+UVA5 star ratingFormulaLotionWater resistantYes

This sun cream is gentle while offering very high protection, with a 5 star UVA rating, making it ideal for babies.

It's dermatologically tested and has no colour or fragrance to irritate your baby's delicate skin. It's also water resistant too.

Available from: Boots

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Soltan Family Essentials Travel Pack, £12

Best for: Bundle buy

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Soltan Family Essentials Travel Pack

Why we chose it: A practical family holiday set with adult sunscreen, kids sunscreen and aftersun in one travel-friendly pack.

It works on my children, goes on well, rubs in quickly and doesn't affect their skin.

Parent tester Laura, mum of 2 and 4 year old

What we like

What to keep in mind

FieldSoltan Family Essentials Travel PackPrice£12Best forBundle buySPF50+ and 30UVA5 star ratingFormulaLotionWater resistantYesCapacity50ml kids, 100ml adult and 50ml Aftersun

This bundle buy is great for a family holiday as it has sunscreen for adults and kids. The pack includes Kids SPF 50+, Adults SPF 30, Adults SPF 50+ and some Aftersun. All the sun creams have maximum 5 star UVA protection and are water resistant.

Parent tester Karla, mum of 6-year-old twins, said: "I love the fact that you can buy this as a set and get all the bits, including aftersun etc in one go."

Available from: Boots

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Ultrasun SPF50+ Kids, £33 for 150ml

Best for: Active kids

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Ultrasun Kids SPF 50+ product shot

Why we chose it: A high-protection, water-resistant sunscreen designed with active kids and sensitive skin in mind.

We use Ultrasun which is reef safe, It doesn't stain clothes either! We all use Ultrasun and never burned using it.

Parent tester Stephanie

What we like

What to keep in mind

FieldUltrasun SPF50+ KidsPrice£33Best forActive kidsSPF50+UVAPA++++FormulaLotionWater resistantYesCapacity150ml

Although expensive, Swiss sun protection brand Ultrasun's kids sunscreen offers powerful protection against the sun. Its advanced formula has been specifically designed with active kids in mind and provides long-lasting and very high protection against UVA, UVB and Infrared A for kids.

It's lightweight, non-greasy, fast-absorbing and water-resistant, and it's designed for ultra-sensitive skin too. The sunscreen is free from oils, emulsifiers and perfumes, and it's also a more sustainable option as it's reef and vegan friendly.

Available from: Boots, Amazon

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Nivea Sun Kids Sun Caring Roll-On SPF50+, £6.10

Best for: Roll-on kids sunscreen

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Nivea Sun Kids Sun Caring Roll-On SPF50+ product image

Why we chose it: A small, handy roll-on that’s easy for children to apply themselves at school or on the go.

I like Nivea sun cream, it’s good coverage, soaks in well and never had sunburn.

Parent tester Nikki

What we like

What to keep in mind

FieldNivea Sun Kids Sun Caring Roll-On SPF50+Price£6.05UVAUVA/UVB filter systemBest forRoll-on kids sunscreenSPF50+FormulaRoll-onWater resistantYesCapacity50ml

This Nivea roll-on is handy for on the go and makes it quick for kids to apply to themselves too. Parent tester Kayleigh, who uses this sun cream with her 6-year-old, said: "We use Nivea for our daughter as she can reapply the roll on herself."

The sun cream is also extra water resistant and absorbs quickly, making it a practical choice for school bags, days out and quick top-ups.

Available from: Boots, Superdrug and Amazon

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Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Kids Sensitive Advanced Sun Spray, £16

Best for: Water-resistant sunscreen

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Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Kids Sensitive Advanced Sun Spray

Why we chose it: A very water-resistant spray for kids with sensitive skin, designed to stay in place through sand, water, sea salt and sweat.

We use Garnier Sensitive suncream because it’s so far been the best for not triggering skin reactions in my kids who have very sensitive skin. It does feel a bit thicker than others and takes a little while to absorb. I like this though because it feels like it’s offering a better sun block and I can see where I’ve put it.

Parent tester Caroline, who uses this sunscreen with her 10 and 12 year old kids

What we like

What to keep in mind

FieldGarnier Ambre Solaire SPF 50+ Kids Sensitive Advanced Sun SprayPrice£16Capacity50mlBest forWater-resistant sunscreenSPF50+UVA5 star ratingFormulaSprayWater resistantYes

Not to be confused with the other Garnier option in this list, this sunscreen spray contains Ceremanide, which helps it to stay in place on the skin and keep your child protected for longer once applied. The formula is very water-resistant and designed to work against sand, water, sea salt and sweat.

The lotion is easy to apply with the spray function and can be used on both face and body. It's also kind to kids with sensitive skin, as it's fragrance-free and hypoallergenic.

Available from: Boots

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Expert advice on looking after children in the sun

Fiona Worsnop, expert dermatologist at Stratum Clinics, tells us that babies under the age of 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight entirely if possible.

"If you can't find a shaded area, try and create one with a parasol buggy attachment or pram hood. Cover your baby's skin with light, cool clothing so that they do not overheat but are protected. Sun-protective clothing, which actually blocks or absorbs harmful UV radiation, offers the best protection. Babies should wear a wide-brimmed floppy hat, to keep their face, ears and neck shaded as well as sunglasses with built-in UV protection."

Sunscreen on babies this young is usually not advised, and Fiona suggests it should be used "minimally".

What to look for when buying sunscreen for kids

SPF

"SPF stands for sun protection factor, it refers to protection against Ultraviolet B radiation, the UV most responsible for sunburn. It's a measure of how much longer you can stay in the sun before burning, compared to wearing no SPF. The higher SPF on the label, the better protection it offers. For children, you should look for a sunscreen product with a minimum SPF 30, the higher the better," says expert dermatologist Fiona Worsnop.

All sunscreens listed in this article are SPF 50.

UVA protection

"Protection against both UVA and UVB is extremely important in reducing the risk of developing skin cancer, and also reduces sun damage related skin changes which accumulate over a lifetime," says Fiona. "You should look for excellent protection against UVA; at least 4 or 5 star rating is recommended."

The UVA star rating indicates the percentage of UVA radiation that’s been absorbed by that particular sunscreen compared to UVB, so what you're ideally looking for is both a high SPF and a high UVA star rating. However, this star rating is a UK initiative and not a globally standardised term. You may also see the UVA logo in a circle: this means the sun cream adheres to EU recommendations which state that UVA protection should be at least a third of the SPF rating. You can also look for the words "broad spectrum" on packaging.

Formula

Sunscreens can be bought in lots of different formulas, including lotions, sprays, roll-ons and mists. The best option is the one you find most practical and easiest to apply to your child. For older kids, it’s also worth considering which formulas they find easiest to put on themselves if they need to wear sunscreen at school.

Water resistance

Whether you need a water-resistant sunscreen depends on how it will be used. If your child is just at school or sitting in the garden then it may not be necessary. However, if the paddling pool is out, or you're on holiday and they're going in the pool or sea, then a water-resistant sunscreen can be very beneficial.

Capacity

If you're going on holiday, it's important to make sure your sunscreen will last the whole trip, especially if you only use a specific brand that you may not be able to find abroad. Always make sure you have enough sunscreen, accounting for multiple applications.

Duration

Different sunscreens last for varying amounts of time. Some are marketed as one application a day, while others need to be reapplied every few hours.

What type of sunscreen is best for kids?

Different sun creams appeal to different families, and nowadays you’ll find a whole range of formulas available, from lotions to sprays and roll-ons. One isn’t necessarily better than the other. It all depends on how much you apply and how often you reapply when your kids are in the sun.

Parents we spoke to said they like lotion formulas for kids as you can see exactly where you’ve applied them, but also mentioned how handy sprays are for topping up application or towards the end of the day when there’s less sun exposure.

“We use cream because you can see where it is, and make sure it covers properly. The only problem is it's a pain to get out of t-shirt cuffs, shorts and socks,” said mum Laura.

Roll-on applicators are handy for using on the go, as mum Kayleigh found: “I prefer the roll on lotions, they don’t get everywhere when you’re trying to apply them and it also means I can put one each inside my kids school bags for them to reapply themselves throughout the day.”

How long does sunscreen last?

You might come across some sunscreens that offer “once a day” protection, but it’s not advised to just apply once if your kids are outside for an extended period of time, even if that's what it says on the bottle.

The British Association of Dermatologists advises reapplying at least every 2 hours if you’re out in the sun.

You should also remember to always reapply after swimming or towel drying. Water-resistant formulas will keep kids protected for two 20-minute intervals, 40 minutes total, of moderate activity in water according to the BDA, but towel drying may remove the product, so it’s always worth reapplying.

For more information on keeping kids' skin protected in the sun, check out our detailed guide where we speak to Cancer Research UK.

How can I protect children from the sun during a heatwave?

During very hot weather, sunscreen is only one part of keeping children safe in the sun. Try to keep babies and young children out of direct sunlight as much as possible, especially during the hottest part of the day, and use shade, loose-fitting clothing, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed sun hat to help protect exposed skin.

Reapply sunscreen at least every 2 hours, and always reapply after swimming, paddling, sweating or towel drying, even if the product is described as water resistant.

It’s also worth planning outdoor play for earlier in the morning or later in the afternoon where possible, offering regular drinks and making sure children can rest in the shade.

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About our expert

Dr Fiona Worsnop is a UK-trained Consultant Dermatologist. She studied Medicine at the University of Nottingham, where she also completed an intercalated Bachelor of Medical Sciences degree. She is now an NHS consultant and consults on all general dermatology in both adults and children, including eczema, psoriasis, skin rashes, mole checks, acne and rosacea. Her specialist areas of interest include emergency dermatology, such as skin cancer.

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Authors

Chloe BrightwellDigital Reviews Writer and Coordinator

Chloe is a Digital Reviews Writer and Coordinator for Immediate Media's Parenting team, specialising in household and trying to help parents save money. She researches and writes articles, recommending the best products, ranging from best cordless vacuums to best playpens. She has a First-Class Honours Psychology degree where she developed a strong interest in child development. During her teenage years she worked as a play worker and Brownie volunteer to support children's play.

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