Best sunscreens for beach holidays (for all the family!) image
  • Baby & Child
  • Sun & travel

Best sunscreens for beach holidays (for all the family!)

Ensure every family member stays protected with sunscreens that are kind to sensitive skin and the ocean. Discover gentle, effective formulas for your next beach adventure.

By Alexandra Julian

9 Minute read

There is nothing quite like the feeling of the first morning on a family holiday. As you prepare for these sunny adventures, ensuring your family stays protected with effective, gentle skin care is vital for keeping everyone happy and comfortable.

We believe that sun protection should be a worry-free ritual. When you are choosing products for a beach holiday, you need formulas that respect both your family's sensitive skin and the delicate marine environment you have come to enjoy. 

Our range of natural sun creams is designed to offer high-performance protection with truly skin-friendly and ocean-friendly formulas, so you can get on with enjoying precious time with your family.

At a glance

What makes a good beach holiday sunscreen?

When you are spending long days in the sun, your skin care needs to work harder. A good beach sunscreen must offer broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields against both UVA rays - the ones responsible for long-term skin damage - and UVB rays, which cause burning. On a holiday, you also need water repellence to ensure protection stays put while you and the children are splashing in the sea.

For those prone to prickly heat, the choice of sunscreen is particularly important. Traditional sunscreens often contain silicones and mineral oils that can block pores and trap heat, leading to uncomfortable itchy rashes. Our formulas use plant-based waxes and oils that allow the skin to breathe, making them a much kinder option for reactive skin types.

Why choose Green People?

We have been pioneering organic beauty since 1997, and our sun care range is built on a foundation of ethical, effective ingredients. We understand that what you put on your body eventually ends up in the sea, which is why we never use Oxybenzone or Octinoxate, which are thought to be harmful to coral reefs. Instead, we use a high percentage of organic ingredients that are as gentle on the planet as they are on your skin.

Our commitment to quality means our sunscreens are dermatologically tested and suitable for even the most sensitive complexions. We balance science with nature, using skin-defending antioxidants like Edelweiss and Green Tea to provide a second line of defence against free radical damage caused by sun exposure.

Best very high protection for adults with sensitive skin

Our Scent Free Sunscreen SPF50+ offers very high protection in a formula that is completely fragrance-free, making it the perfect choice for adults with sensitive skin.

This sunscreen is remarkably light for an SPF50+ product, sinking in quickly without leaving a greasy or white residue. It allows you to feel protected from the sun while keeping your skin hydrated with organic Aloe Vera.

It is an ideal companion for the face and body, especially if you find that heat and sun often leave your skin feeling tight or reactive.


Our best beach sunscreen for children

Applying sun cream to an excited child who just wants to jump in the water can be a challenge. You need something that stays in place, yet spreads smoothly enough for a quick application. The Organic Children Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 is a best-selling favourite for a reason. It is designed to be exceptionally gentle on the delicate skin of little ones, including those who who may struggle with eczema or allergies.

This formula is packed with soothing Chamomile and antioxidant-rich Edelweiss, and provides a moisture-rich shield that does not feel sticky once it has settled. Parents often notice that their children stay comfortable even in hot, humid beach conditions where prickly heat may occur. It is water repellent, giving you peace of mind while they explore rock pools or play in the waves.

"We formulated our children's sun care to ensure that even the most sensitive young skin can enjoy the outdoors without the discomfort of irritation or prickly heat."

- Charlotte Vøhtz, Founder of Green People

★★★★★

“Absolutely fantastic! We have no dramas using it and no prickly heat. Easy to put on, waterproof and non-greasy. This is the only sun cream that my daughter ensures I purchase for her!”

Amanda · Verified Buyer

Reviewing: Organic Children Scent Free Sun Cream - SPF30 150ml

See this product now →


The essential family sundown ritual

The day is winding down, the sand has been washed off and it is time for the evening wind-down. After a day of salt, sand and sun, every family member's skin will appreciate a hit of hydration. Our Hydrating After Sun is a COSMOS Organic certified essential that transforms the way your skin feels after a beach day.

With a refreshing botanical scent of Peppermint and Eucalyptus, it provides an immediate cooling sensation that feels wonderful on warm skin. The texture is non-greasy and creamy, absorbing instantly so you can get dressed for dinner without feeling tacky. Because it is enriched with Mint and Aloe Vera, it helps to calm skin and supports the skin's natural repair process, helping your holiday glow last even longer.


Frequently asked questions

Are these sunscreens ocean-friendly?

Yes, all our sunscreens are formulated to be ocean-friendly and reef-safe. We avoid chemical UV filters like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate, as well as microplastics, which can harm marine life. You can read more in our guide to ocean-friendly sunscreen.

Which SPF is best for children with prickly heat?

Our Organic Children Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30 is specifically designed to be kind to skin prone to prickly heat. It is free from pore-clogging silicones and mineral oils, allowing the skin to breathe and sweat naturally even in hot beach weather.

How often should I reapply sunscreen at the beach?

We recommend reapplying your sunscreen at least every two hours, or more frequently if you have been swimming or towel drying. Even though our formulas are water repellent, mechanical friction from towels and sand can remove protection. For more tips, see our essential guide to applying sun cream.

Can I use the after sun on my children?

Yes, our Hydrating After Sun is suitable for all the family, including children. Its cooling Peppermint and Aloe Vera formula is perfect for soothing young skin after a long day of outdoor play.


We hope you have found the best sunscreen for beach holidays. If you need any more help or advice, our friendly UK customer care team are happy to help on 01403 740350 or on social @GreenPeopleUK.

MEET CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE

Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, has 25+ years of experience in the natural and organic beauty industry.

A recognised leader in the field of organic beauty, Charlotte helped inform the UK's first organic beauty standards and was voted the People's Choice in the 2023 list of Who's Who in Natural Beauty.

A published author, she wrote the organic beauty bible Naturally Gorgeous. Previously, she qualified as a nurse and spent over 10 years working in pharmaceuticals.

Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of organic beauty brand Green People

 

If you wish to republish this content, please credit Green People as the original creator with a link to 'Best sunscreens for beach holidays (for all the family!).' Please do not use an affiliate link.

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