Best Sun Protection for Kids & Babies

With all the drama going around SPF in the skincare industry lately, I feel it becomes so overwhelming not just for general consumers but for beauty enthusiasts too. With so many options available on the market, it can be hard to know which ones are actually safe for children. Whether the Sun Protection Factor level is highest or just minimum, some sun protection is still better than no protection at all. In the UK, the highest SPF you get is SPF50 and it is recommended to wear atleast SPF30. The NHS recommends that newborns under six months should stay out of the sun entirely, but after that, the higher the SPF, the better. Regardless of where you live and the weather, you should wear SPF every single day without fail. Even when I’m not going out, I like to keep my window curtains open which means I need to wear SPF even when I am at my home. As a mama of two kids (an 8 months old toddler and a 7-year-old boy), I try to look for kids-friendly SPF which are super easy to use and are safe for my kids. I have tried a few options in the last 7 years and here in this post, I am sharing the ones I liked the most.

Escentual Ultra Protect SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion – Newest to the market is the SPF from Escentual and the brand started a campaign to end sun poverty to ensure that kids have access to high-quality broad-spectrum sunscreen to create healthier, happier futures. Escentual will also be educating school kids on the importance of wearing SPF for healthy sun protection habits. This broad-spectrum SPF has an invisible finish and feels weightless on the skin. It is water-resistant for up to 4 hours. 1 SPF bought from Escentual’s website (Brands – Escentual, Avène or Bioderma) = 1 sunscreen for a child in need. I love that it comes with a clip and has a space for writing the name of the child. I have attached it to my son’s book bag so he can top up his sunscreen while in school. This SPF is suitable for everyone above the age of 6 months which I love as I don’t need a separate SPF for my 8 months old baby.

Bioderma Photoderm Kid SPF 50+ Mousse Sun Foam – This sun foam offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. The whipped mousse sunscreen is enriched with dermatological filters and the brand’s exclusive Cellular Bioprotection™, which provides a powerful defense of skin cells and DNA. It is suitable for delicate and sensitive skin. The mousse is easy to spread and is a fun way to use SPF on kids. It isn’t sticky and is very water-resistant.

Avène Intense Protect 50+ Sun Cream for Very Sensitive Skin – Another absolute fave is the one from Avène – The ultra-light, ultra-water, and sweat-resistant texture keeps skin hydrated for up to 8 hours, quickly penetrates the skin (3 seconds) without leaving white streaks. Whether there are tropical conditions, high altitude, or high humidity, this SPF protects the skin without fail. The best part is you don’t need a separate SPF for different ages – This is one for the whole family – Babies from 6 months, children, and adults! This SPF fluid is also safe for pregnant women, very fair to fair skin, tattoos, and injured skin such as scars or post-dermatologic acts. Not just that, this SPF has Ocean-friendly sun filters respectful of marine biodiversity – A winner in my books!

Child Evy Kids Sunscreen Mousse 50 – This mousse SPF from the Swedish Skincare brand is a delight for kids to use. This light sun protection mousse is so easy to apply and is non-sticky. It is extra water-resistant and is capable of blocking about 98 percent of UV rays while being gentle enough for infant skin. It is rapidly absorbed into the skin, where it works with the epidermis to provide immediate and long-lasting UVA and UVB protection from the sun. It offers hypoallergenic properties as well as is free from perfume, alcohol, and preservatives.

Garnier Ambre Solaire Kids Sensitive advanced Water-resistant sun cream spray 50+ – This SPF formula from Garnier is specially formulated for fair, sensitive, and sun-intolerant skin. It offers 50 times your child’s skin’s natural protection, preventing burning and keeping your little ones safe in the sun. Not just sun protection, its hydrating qualities with the addition of shea butter will leave your little one’s skin feeling soft as well as protected. It instantly absorbs into skin without leaving a greasy residue, so your children’s skin is both protected and comfortable.

UltraSun Family SPF30 for sensitive skin – Suitable for sensitive skin, the sophisticated formula of Ultrasun Family SPF30 not only protects against UVA and UVB rays but also soothes the skin, helping to prevent prickly heat reactions. It’s a particularly good choice for delicate areas, such as the ears and nose. The packaging has now changed from tube to a pump dispenser which I think is even better!

Always remember, you need to reapply your sunscreen throughout the day and limit exposure during peak times from 11am to 3pm. The British Association of Dermatologists (BDA) advises reapplying at least every 2 hours if you’re out in the sun.

Until next time, Ashh xo

*This post includes some PR samples. Opinions are my own and unbiased.