A waterproof sunscreen for kids (and a sunscreen for babies) should be at the top of your packing list when going away on a sunny holiday. Whether they're playing in the water at the beach, splashing around in the paddling pool in the garden or swimming around a pool on their holidays, your children will need a reliable waterproof sunscreen to keep them protected in the sun.
Baby or children's sunscreen works by providing a barrier that stops harmful ultraviolet rays from penetrating their delicate skin. Waterproof or water-resistant: Sunscreens work the same way but involve ingredients that make them harder to wash off when in water which is why your child may be better suited to a sunscreen for kids with eczema and sensitive skin.
The best waterproof sunscreen for kids at a glance:
The sun produces UV rays that can be damaging with prolonged exposure. Sunburn, sunstroke, heatstroke, overheating and skin cancer are just some of the harmful effects of the sun. When it comes to sun safety for babies, as long as the correct measures are taken, this can be avoided.
Even though waterproof sunscreens protect the skin while in water, you'll have to reapply often for guaranteed sun protection. From tips on protecting your kids from the sun to the best waterproof sunscreens you can buy, we've rounded up everything you need to know.
The best waterproof sunscreen for kids
Best to apply
Shortlisted in Mother & Baby Awards 2022 for Best Sun Protection Cream
In the form of a spray, cream and roll-on, Childs Farm has a range of highly rated sunscreen that is shortlisted in the Mother&Baby Awards and comes highly recommended on Amazon. This SPF 50+ unfragranced sunscreen is suitable for those with sensitive skin, is registered with the vegan society and is also water resistant. Childs Farm sunscreen has also undergone clinical dermatological testing and has been paediatrician approved.
Our parent tester said: "Really light, almost watery coconutty after sun cream! To be honest our baby didn’t get much sun but this was the perfect size bottle to bring for a week away for moisturising after baths etc. It smells lovely and leaves skin super soft."
Read our full Childs Farm Sun Range review
Pros
- Different ways to apply the cream
- Lightweight
Cons
- Roll on version can sometimes leak
Best waterproof sunscreen stick for kids
From Neutrogena, this sunscreen stick feels just like a moisturiser when applied, doesn't leave streaky white marks on the skin and is quickly absorbed. All while creating a barrier on your skin with its SPF 70 protection. Great for in the water, the dermatologically tested formula and the highly rated product is also popular on Amazon.
Review: "Great if you have fair skin. I use it when surfing. Stays on in the sea very well."
Pros
- Lasts a long time
- Non-greasy consistency
Cons
- Can become too runny if left in heat or sunlight
Best sand resistant waterproof sunscreen for kids
Designed with kids in mind, the Nivea Sun Kids Swim & Play sunscreen is paediatrician-approved and dermatologically tested, as well as water resistant. This sunscreen claims to offer three times longer protection than your average waterproof sunscreen. Sand and sweat resistant, it's everything a kid could need while playing in the sun.
Review: "I highly recommend this especially for young children. Offers long lasting protection and doesn’t come off in the water. An added bonus is my son has eczema and this doesn’t irritate his skin at all. Great price and good value for money. I have tried other brands and this is the only one that works for me. This like most Nivea products lives up to the expectations."
Pros
- Sand and sweat resistant
- Long-lasting protection
Cons
- Leaves a white cast
Best very high protection waterproof sunscreen for kids
Are you looking for an option with a high level of protection? This SPF 50+ sunscreen with advanced UVA protection by Garnier has it all. With water-resistant and hypoallergenic properties and the fact that it's been tested under paediatric control will give you peace of mind. Working with sensitive skin: this spray is easy to apply and ensures that the kids are sun protected.
Review: "I've used this product before so knew what to expect. Great product and the spray makes it extremely useful for use on children's skins as it takes less time to apply. The spray is great for value for money."
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Easy to spray on
Cons
- Can stain clothing (especially white clothing)
Best scented waterproof sunscreen for kids
www.boots.com
A brilliant option, the Soltan Kids water-resistant sunscreen from Boots is just perfect for kids. With the highest level of UVA protection formulated by scientists, it has been dermatologically tested to ensure it works with sensitive skin. This sunscreen is a great all-rounder for kids. With long protection in the water due to its water-resistant formula, kids can play safely in the sea. Not to mention, it smells great, too.
Review: "Another great product from Soltan! Applies easy and does the job, my kids are safe in the pools, outdoors ... smells nice also :)"
Pros
- Water Resistant for up to 3 hours
- Suitable to sensitive skin
Cons
- Can stain clothing
Best for long protection
Riemann's SPF 50+ sunscreen for kids allows for long protection in the water due to its water resistance. Designed specifically for children - this unscented sunscreen is dermatologically tested and hypoallergenic, meaning it works well with sensitive skin.
Review: "This is one of the best sun creams I have used. Non greasy and easy to apply to children’s skin. It is a bit pricey compared to other brands but it’s 100% worth it. There is no scent which makes it perfect for children with sensitive skin as it won’t irritate it. Water resistant and long lasting. Definitely recommend to buy."
Pros
- Fast absorbing
- Hypoallergenic and dermatologically tested
Cons
- Sticky formula
Best skin hydrating waterproof sunscreen for kids
This hydrating formula from Garnier with responsibly sourced shea butter means it'll glide over their skin, leaving it soft and moisturised. Dermatologically tested, water resistant and up to SPF 50+ protection means your little ones can play safely in the water.
Review: "I have previously tried other sun creams and before buying this I thought it would be the same as others but its not... Other than sun protection it hydrates your skin too, so you don't have to use skin lotion separately (if you have a dry skin like me) and it smells so nice that my daughter just likes to apply it all the time. It's not too sticky and once absorbed it doesn't give the oily look..."
Pros
- Great for dry skin
- Reasonably priced
Cons
- Low level of UVA protection
Best roll on waterproof sunscreen for kids
If you're looking for a sunscreen that's easy to apply, the Nivea Kids range has you and your kids covered. Paediatrician approved, the Protect & Care extra water resistant roll-on does just that. For sensitive skin, almond oil and aloe vera provides a soothing and protective barrier against the sun, despite the waves.
Review: "The bottle is small and you get less cream for your buck but the convenience factor is top notch. We have a 5 year old and a 2 year old, both very active lads. Trying to cream them up can be tricky but the ball on this works well and it must feel nice as both of them let us put it on, and put it on properly. Obviously its for their protection so for the ease and effectiveness of the product I will definitely always keep one in the holiday bag, but not use it all the time."
Pros
- Easy application
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Cons
- Sometimes doesn't dispense evenly
Best waterproof sunscreen for kids containing vitamins
Containing Vitamins E and B5, the Malibu Kids water-resistant sunscreen is ideal for those beach trips and days in the garden. Water-resistant, cruelty-free and with high UV protection, this SPF 50 sun lotion does the job. Plus, it smells amazing too.
Review: "Brought this for my twins when we had some expected hot weather and I ran out. Amazing quality. Smells lovely compared to most sun creams. Good price!"
Pros
- Doesn't leave a white cast
- Good for sensitive skin
Cons
- Strong scent
Best waterproof sunscreen for sensitive skin
www.boots.com
Avène sunscreen is recommended by dermatologists because it offers very high protection against the sun for children and babies. As well as high UVA protection, it's ultra water-resistant, meaning that your little one is safe from the sun while playing in the paddling pool.
Review: "Lovely texture more like reach moisturiser than pasty when you rub it in. Doesn’t leave white marks, skin is nice and shiny, looks more like freshly moisturised than greasy. It’s also fragrance free so comfortable for kids. Lotion is water resistant, so perfect for kids."
Pros
- Fragrance free
- Easy to apply, milky texture
Cons
- May be too runny for some
How to protect your kids from the sun
Here are some measures to ensure your children are safe and protected while playing outdoors in the sun. It's important to follow these steps to prevent the damage that the sun can have.
Shaded areas
Ensure your children have enough shade to protect them from sunburn and sunstroke. If you're going to be in an area with minimal shade, use a beach tent, baby sun parasol or sunshade for some shelter from the rays.
Keeping cool
Prevent overheating and heat stroke by investing in a portable fan or cool snack to take with you to help regulate their temperature.
Staying hydrated
Another way to regulate their temperature is by making sure they drink plenty of water. Prevent dehydration by taking a big bottle of water wherever you go.
Wearing sun protection
Dressing for the weather is the best way to keep your children cool and protected from the sun. Baby sun hats, UV-protected, correctly fitting kids sunglasses, as well as rash vests, will stop skin, eyes and scalp from being damaged by the sun.
Applying sunscreen
Of course, regularly applying sunscreen, whether waterproof or not, is extremely important. The higher the factor, the better, as this will provide more of a barrier against harmful UV rays.
How long does waterproof sunscreen last?
Depending on the brand, waterproof or water-resistant sunscreens can last for around 40 minutes to 80 minutes. You must reapply sunscreen often, especially if your child is in and out of the water.
On a day where UV rays are particularly strong, little ones can get a sunburn in just 10 minutes. Therefore, you must apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before you head outdoors to provide proper protection.
When should I top up waterproof sunscreen?
According to the NHS, sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours.
Sweat and moisture from water will wash off the sunscreen. Additionally, drying with a towel, as well as the heat from the sun, can also dry the product off your skin, which makes sunscreen ineffective.
If your child is in and out of the water, you'll have to reapply it more often, even if they are wearing waterproof or water-resistant sunscreen. We'd recommended applying waterproof sunscreen generously every half an hour or so.
Don't forget to reapply it every time you dry your child off with a towel, too.
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Our product recommendations are based on a combination of real-world testing from our burgeoning army of mum testers and the extensive knowledge of our experienced editorial team and product specialists. Where we can, we also consult experts who specialise in that field to ensure you get the right advice along with the right product, and we listen to what you say as well.
Our thriving mum community on our Facebook group #mumtribe consistently provides great insights into which products mums like best and why, helping us highlight the products that will meet your needs.
For essential products, our annual Mother&Baby Awards shortlist the top products tested. Full reviews from our mum testers can be found on our product pages. The winners and runners-up for each category will also appear in our top picks article for that product, along with other products that were rated highly by our team.
Samantha 'Sam' Price is a Beauty, Fashion & Wellness Products Writer at Bauer Media, working across a number of brands including Closer, heatworld, Grazia, Yours and Spirit & Destiny amongst others.