Kids have great enthusiasm to enjoy holidays and that makes kids sunscreen an important element of their beach bag. If you have too many products and are still confused about which one to buy, our recommendations would help you. After detailed research, we compared the 6 best sunscreens for kids on the list with a detailed comparison.
Sunscreen for kids should be gentle on their skin and have effective ingredients against UV rays. Luckily, there are sunscreens with SPF 50+ spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB. Even if you’re looking for vegan sunscreen for babies, you have various options online. You just require a detailed review, and we are here with it to help you choose the best product. So, let’s see what we have on our list!
How Do We Choose Our Top Picks?
We compared more than 1000 products associated with 20 globally recognized brands in the world. While researching, our experts focused on various aspects including SPF protection, ingredients, packaging, water resistance, price, and texture. Hence, we have the 6 best baby sunscreens Australia on the list for your review. It’s your turn to compare them all and buy a perfect sunscreen for kids online.
Read “Our Methodology” to learn more about the research.
Top 6 Kids Sunscreens for Extreme UV Protection:
Sunscreens that comply Coral Reef Safety bill
Coral reef protection with natural ingredients:
- Baby Sunscreen Natural Sunblock by Thinkbaby, Safe, Water Resistant Sunscreen – SPF 50+ (3 ounce) — Biodegradable non-toxic formula
- NIVEA SUN Kids Moisturising 4 Hour Water Resistant & Fragrance–Free Roll On Sunscreen Lotion. Made in Australia, SPF50+ 65ml (86027) — Natural mineral formulation (zinc-oxide)
Sunscreens for sensitive skins
Dermatologically tested gentle formula formulated with glycerine:
- Cancer Council SPF 50+ Kids 110ml Tube — Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
- La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Dry Touch SPF50+ Facial Sunscreen For Oily Skin 50ml — thermal spring water and glycerine
- Cetaphil Kids Liposomal Lotion SPF 50+ 150mL, Sun Protection For Sensitive Skin, 150 ml (Pack of 1) — Vitamin E, Glycerine, and Aloe Vera
Sunscreens with a non-greasy texture
Mattifying formula for non-greasy and non-comedogenic texture:
Baby Sunscreen Natural Sunblock by Thinkbaby, Safe, Water Resistant Sunscreen – SPF 50+ (3 ounce) — Biodegradable non-toxic formula
Pros
- No harmful chemicals
- Fragrance-free and non-greasy finish
- Biodegradable non-toxic formula
- Quick absorption
Cons
- Not suitable for infants below 6 months
- Overpriced product
Price (RRP): $43.63
Baby Sunscreen Natural Sunblock is concluding the list with its award-winning non-aerosol formula. Interestingly, the product is biodegradable and free from harmful chemicals like paraben and aerosol. That’s why it won EWG’s top-rated title in 2010 and is considered an ideal choice for infants and toddlers. Along with that, you get SPF 50+ broad-spectrum coverage with reliable water resistance.
Specs
- Non-aerosol formula
- SPF 50+ broad-spectrum
- Active ingredients: Vitamin C, E, and Hyaluronic acid
- Comply REEF regulations
Customer Review
So far I love this suncream, my son is very fair like me and I burn terribly if I’m out for any longer than 30minutes.
So far, we’ve been out in the sun every day and my son hasn’t burnt once- But I have when using different sun cream. I’ll now use this alongside my son too.
ALWAYS DO A PATCH TEST WHEN APPLYING ANYTHING NEW TO YOUR CHILD’S SKIN TO CHECK FOR ALLERGIES…
Source: Amazon
NIVEA SUN Kids Moisturising 4 Hour Water Resistant & Fragrance–Free Roll On Sunscreen Lotion. Made in Australia, SPF50+ 65ml (86027) — Natural mineral formulation (zinc-oxide)
Pros
- Increases natural protection from sunburn
- Ideal choice for delicate things
- Easy to carry packaging
- Doesn’t contain Oxybenzone and Octinoxate
Cons
- Require reapplication after 2 hours
- Quantity is too low
Price (RRP): $10.99
NIVEA SUN Kids offers a blend of mineral active formulations and UVA/UVB protection at an affordable price. The product comes with a natural mineral formulation Zinc-oxide that increases natural sunburn protection. Besides this, you have SPF 50+ for better protection from UV rays and premature ageing. Nivea complies with the Hawaii Coral Reef Safety bill and the product doesn’t contain harmful Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.
Specs
- SPF 50+ spectrum protection
- 4 hours of water resistance
- Natural mineral formulation (zinc-oxide)
- Vitamin E and panthenol for better moisturization
Cancer Council SPF 50+ Kids 110ml Tube — Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
Pros
- Dermatologically tested for sensitive skin
- Paraben and fragrance-free
- 4 hours of water resistance
- Non-greasy lotion
Cons
- Not suitable for babies under 6 months
- May create irritation when applied to damaged skin
- Required reapplication after every 2 hours
Price (RRP): $14.50
Cancer Council SPF 50+ Kids 110ml Tube is dermatologically tested sunscreen for kids’ delicate skins. The product features actives like Camphor, Octocrylene, and Butyl to protect your child’s skin from UV rays. If we talk about spectrum protection, you get SPF 50+ that prevents tanning and other harm by UV rays of the sun. Also, its 4 hours of water resistance make it perfect for beach enjoyment!
Specs
- 4 active ingredients
- SPF 50+ board spectrum protection
- Preservatives: Caprylyl Glycol and Glycerol
- Made in Australia
Customer Review
Best sunscreen for kids
My kid loves it. It’s very light textured. Not greasy at all. Absorbs quickly. Gentle to the eyes. Very effective sunscreen for kids.
Source: Chemist Warehouse
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Dry Touch SPF50+ Facial Sunscreen For Oily Skin 50ml — thermal spring water and glycerine
Pros
- Lightweight and mattifying lotion
- Quick absorption
- Hypoallergenic fragrance
- Designed and tested for sensitive skins
Cons
- Leaves shiny T-zones
- Too dry for normal skin
- Not compatible to use under makeup
Price (RRP): $31.95
La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Dry Touch SPF50+ is mattifying lotion from the house La Roche-Posay. It’s a dermatologically tested product designed to prevent the sensitive skin of your child from UVA and UVB. Furthermore, you can keep your child’s skin protected from UV rays with SPF 50+ spectrum protection. Especially if they have oily skin, it offers a mattifying texture and neutralizes the oil.
Specs
- Effective UVA and UVB protection
- SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection
- Formulated with thermal spring water and glycerine
- Product dimensions: 10 x 11 x 12cm
Customer Review
great sun protection without the greasy or sticky feeling others have
Source: Amazon
Cetaphil Kids Liposomal Lotion SPF 50+ 150mL, Sun Protection For Sensitive Skin, 150 ml (Pack of 1) — Vitamin E, Glycerine, and Aloe Vera
Pros
- Liposomal lotion for sensitive skin
- Suitable for both face and body
- Easy to use pump dispenser
- Non-greasy texture
Cons
- Not a lightweight lotion
- Not suitable for damaged skin
- Only suitable for children above 1 year
Price (RRP): $18.59
Cetaphil Kids Liposomal Lotion is a French-made sunscreen suitable for both face and body. The product offers a blend of nourishing elements including Vitamin E, Glycerine, and Aloe Vera. Especially if your child has oily skin, you will love its non-greasy and fragrance-free texture. Moreover, you have SPF 50+ broad spectrum for extreme protection from UVA and UVB rays.
Specs
- SPF 50+ broad-spectrum
- 4 hours of water resistance
- Nourishing elements: Vitamin E, Glycerine, and Aloe Vera
- Net quantity: 150ml
ANTHELIOS INVISIBLE FLUID FACIAL SUNSCREEN SPF50+ LIGHTWEIGHT FLUID FACIAL SUNSCREEN — Non-greasy and non-comedogenic texture
Pros
- Lightweight and fragrance-free formula
- Quick absorption
- Non-greasy and non-comedogenic texture
- Innovative packaging designed to reduce product wastage
Cons
- A bit pricy as per specifications
- No information about water resistance
- Not suitable for free
Price (RRP): $31.95
ANTHELIOS INVISIBLE FLUID FACIAL SUNSCREEN is another child-friendly lotion with a non-comedogenic texture. As it features a non-comedogenic texture, you enjoy quick absorption and an invisible finish without clogging pores. In sun protection, it got high UVA/UVB protection and SPF 50+ spectrum protection for the best results.
Specs
- High UVA/UVB protection
- SPF 50+ broad-spectrum protection
- Neck face decolletage
- Intelligent polymers for a non-greasy finish
Customer Review
Had dry skin issues and allergies to a few other skincare products but this helps my skin feel amazing and no sign of allergies. Thrilled!
Source: Laroche-Posay
How to Buy the Best Kids Sunscreen?
- Protection from UV rays: Protection against UV rays is the primary motive for buying sunscreen for kids. Here we recommend choosing a product with SPF 50 or 50+ broad spectrum for best results. Unlike ordinary creams, sunscreen with a broad spectrum protects your child’s skin from both UVA and UVB rays of the sun. Also, it prevents damage due to UV rays including sunburns, etc.
- Ingredients: Ingredients play a crucial role in making a baby sunscreen safe for your child. So, you should buy a product that features no harmful chemicals or inappropriate formula. It will be great if choose a dermatologically tested sunscreen with vegan or harmless ingredients.
- Water resistance: Kids love to enjoy holidays on a beach playing with sand and water. But you may not expect them to wash away sunscreen and get their face opened to UV rays. So, it’s better you buy sunscreen for kids with water-resistant properties. Especially if your child likes swimming or water sports, a water-resistant sunscreen will be a great choice.
- Texture: No doubt buying sunscreen with high sun protection and safe ingredients are necessary. But what if it makes your child’s skin too oily or leaves T-zones. Thus, our experts suggest buying a product that features a non-greasy and non-comedogenic texture. Make sure it doesn’t close pores or show any side effects on your child’s skin.
- Packaging: Last but not ending, the packaging is also an important aspect to make your purchase worthwhile. You should look for a sunscreen with easy-to-use packaging designed to save wastage. Also, make sure it dispenses an accurate amount of lotion without any leakage for the best results.
Feature-Based Comparison of 6 Best Kids Sunscreens:
| Products | Price (RRP) | Active Ingredients | Highlighted Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Sunscreen Natural Sunblock by Thinkbaby, Safe, Water Resistant Sunscreen – SPF 50+ (3 ounce) | $41.99 | Vitamin C, E, and Hyaluronic acid |
|
| NIVEA SUN Kids Moisturising 4 Hour Water Resistant & Fragrance–Free Roll On Sunscreen Lotion. Made in Australia, SPF50+ 65ml (86027) | $10.99 |
|
|
| Cancer Council SPF 50+ Kids 110ml Tube | $7.24 | Camphor, Octocrylene, and Butyl |
|
| La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Dry Touch SPF50+ Facial Sunscreen For Oily Skin 50ml | $31.95 | Thermal spring water and glycerine |
|
| Cetaphil Kids Liposomal Lotion SPF 50+ 150mL, Sun Protection For Sensitive Skin, 150 ml (Pack of 1) | $18.59 | Vitamin E, Glycerine and Aloe Vera |
|
| ANTHELIOS INVISIBLE FLUID FACIAL SUNSCREEN SPF50+ LIGHTWEIGHT FLUID FACIAL SUNSCREEN | $31.95 | N/A |
|
Source: Amazon, Laroche-Posay, Chemist Warehouse
Our methodology
20 brands examined
Over 1,000 products compared
6 products chosen
- Our team researched the many brands available in Australia that produce the best.
- We poured over hundreds of online reviews in February 2022 to see which products gave customers the best results.
- Our editorial team selects the products on this list based on their benefits and features. Items are not selected based on commercial relationships.
Brands Compared
To choose the best, we examined the following brands:
- Nivea
- Thinkbaby
- Cetaphil
- Laroche-Posay
- Cancer Council
We then carefully read hundreds of online reviews given by customers who have bought and tried these products. We looked at the features of each heater to see how it performed.
We then chose the 6 best products in terms of quality, cost, and special features, based on our research.
Take note: We have not compared all products on the market, and we may receive compensation when you click links on our site or purchase products or services from partners. However, we value our editorial independence, and all reviews and comparisons are based on an unbiased analysis of our research.
Conclusion
If your child loves to enjoy his holidays on beaches, sunscreen for kids will be a perfect inclusion to his beach bag. From sunburns to allergies, you can keep your kid protected from various damages by harmful UV rays. Looking at the benefits, we have reviewed and compared the top 6 sunscreens for kids in Australia.
Yet, our experts recommend buying NIVEA SUN Kids and Baby Sunscreen Natural Sunblock by Thinkbaby. Nivea offers a value pack with SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, mineral formulation, and water resistance. Whereas Thinkbaby is biodegradable and offers a blend of various harmless ingredients with SPF 50+. Also, both comply with the Hawaii Coral Reef Safety bill and feature no harmful chemicals.
Frequently asked questions
How do you choose sunscreen for kids?
Creating a checklist is a perfect way to choose sunscreen for kids. For instance, our experts reviewed and selected products by considering various aspects. We focus on various important aspects including SPF protection, ingredients, packaging, water resistance, price, and texture. Besides this, we also consider child skincare and value for money while creating a list of products for your review.Can I use normal sunscreen on my toddler?
In most cases, normal sunscreens are designed for only adult skins and contain some essential chemicals. But your toddler’s skin is more sensitive and prone to damage than yours. Thus, we don’t recommend using normal sunscreen on your toddler. Even if you’re buying a specific baby sunscreen, make sure it doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients for better safety.Should toddlers wear sunscreen every day?
From school to playgrounds, UV rays of the Sun may chase your child wherever he goes. So, sunscreen for kids should be part of their routine and applied to them before they go anywhere. It will prevent your child from sun exposure and various damages caused by UV rays. However, make sure you choose a product with a lightweight and non-greasy texture for better comfort.Do kids need SPF 50?
Yes definitely, kids require SPF 50 for effective protection against harmful UV rays. Your kid’s skin is quite sensitive and UV rays can easily cause various damage to it. From sunburns to allergies, they may experience various skin problems if they go outside without SPF. That’s why you should buy a product with SPF 50 or SPF 50+ as they protect your child from both UVA and UVB rays of the sun.What is the difference between a baby and kid sunscreen?
It’s one of the most frequently asked questions as parents get confused among baby and kid sunscreen. In products, manufacturers consider a baby as a child under 4 years and create a product with gentle chemical compounds. However, sunscreen for kids may have some essential chemicals that nourish their skin and protect it from the sun without making it oily or greasy.
