As a parent, there's nothing quite like watching your little one explore the world outdoors - building sandcastles, splashing in puddles or playing at the park.
But with all that delightful outdoor play comes a serious responsibility: protecting their delicate skin from harmful UV rays. If you've ever stood in the sunscreen aisle feeling completely overwhelmed by the options, you're not alone.
As experts in sunscreen for children with sensitive skin, we’re here to help you choose a sunscreen for toddlers that keeps them protected, without harsh ingredients.
Why toddlers need special sun protection
A toddler's skin is estimated to be 20% to 30% thinner than adult skin, which makes it far more vulnerable to sensitivity and sun damage. As well as being more susceptible to sunburn, early sunburns can have lasting effects that have implications later in life.
The good news? With the right sunscreen and sun safety habits, you can protect your little one's skin whilst still enjoying all those precious outdoor moments together.
What to look for in a toddler sunscreen
When it comes to toddler sunscreen, the difference between mineral and chemical formulas is worth understanding.
Mineral sunscreens work like a protective shield sitting on top of the skin, physically blocking UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, absorb into the skin and convert UV rays into heat.
Both are viable ways of protecting your child from the sun. No matter which you choose, these are the key features to prioritise in your child’s sunscreen:
SPF 30-50+: Aim for at least SPF30, which blocks about 97% of UVB rays. SPF50 offers 98% UVB protection for sensitive toddler skin, while SPF50+ offers 98+%.
Broad-spectrum protection: This ensures protection from both UVA rays (which cause premature ageing and penetrate deeper into the skin) and UVB rays (which cause sunburn).
Water-repellent formula: Toddlers and water go together like sunshine and summer. A water-repellent formula will stay put through splashing, sweating and all that energetic play.
Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic: Synthetic fragrances are a common trigger for skin reactions in little ones. Opt for unscented formulas to minimise the risk of irritation.
At Green People, our natural and organic children’s sun care range is formulated with gentle, organic ingredients that protect sensitive skin without harsh chemicals. Our sun creams are non-pore clogging and suitable for those who may be prone to prickly heat (heat rash).
Combining broad-spectrum UVA & UVB defence with natural water repellence and organic Aloe Vera to gently soothe and hydrate, our sunscreens for toddlers offer peace-of-mind protection for your family.
Best sunscreen for toddlers 0-3
Our top-pick sunscreen for kids under 3 years is our Organic Children Scent Free Sun Cream SPF30. With over 800 5-star reviews and packed with natural goodness you can trust, this is a family favourite for both everyday and holidays.
This best-selling baby and toddler sunscreen is eczema-friendly and clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin. It’s great for older children too – and even adults!
Organic Children Scent Free Sun Cream - SPF30 150ml
Discover peace-of-mind protection with our best-selling kids’ SPF30 sun cream£30.00
Best after sun for toddlers
Gentle and packed with soothing plant actives, our Organic Children Aloe Vera Lotion & After Sun is ideal for toddlers, babies and older children.
The nourishing lotion, enriched with calming Calendula and hydrating Aloe Vera, gives a cuddle of comfort to dry and easily irritated young skin.
Ideal for use as an after sun and also as an everyday body lotion, it is clinically proven to be kind to sensitive skin.
Organic Children Aloe Vera Lotion & After Sun 150ml
Soothe, calm and hydrate with an organic Aloe Vera lotion for children£16.50
Ingredients to avoid
When choosing a sunscreen, you may wish to avoid these potentially problematic ingredients or formats:
- Oxybenzone and Octinoxate: Linked to coral reef damage
- Ethyl alcohol/ethanol: Dries the skin and can lead to skin irritation
- Synthetic fragrances: A leading cause of skin irritation in children
- Petrochemicals and waterproofing ingredients: Can lead to blocked pores, like wrapping the skin in cling film, which can lead to prickly heat
- Aerosol sprays: Whilst convenient, Cancer Research UK indicates that they can lead to patchy application and provide inadequate coverage[i]
How to apply sunscreen properly
Even the best sunscreen won't work if it's not applied correctly. Here's how to ensure your toddler gets proper protection.
For babies and toddlers aged 6 months or over, apply sunscreen generously to all exposed skin around 30 minutes before heading outdoors, and then again before you go out. Most parents underestimate how much sunscreen is needed - you want a visible layer before rubbing it in.
Don't forget those commonly missed spots: ears, back of the neck, tops of feet, and the part in their hair.
Reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming, towelling or excessive sweating.
Toddler sun safety beyond sunscreen: creating positive habits
Whilst sunscreen is crucial, it's just one part of a comprehensive sun protection strategy. For the best protection:
- Seek shade during peak sun hours (11am-3pm)
- Dress them in protective clothing: Lightweight, long-sleeved and loose-fitting shirts, wide-brimmed hats that cover the nape of the neck, and UV-protective swimwear
- Lead by example: When your toddler sees you applying sunscreen and seeking shade, they'll learn these habits naturally
- Keep them cool and hydrated: Ensure they drink plenty of fluids during hot weather
For babies under six months, avoid direct sun exposure entirely. Their skin is too delicate for sunscreen, so rely on shade, protective clothing and timing outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Making sunscreen application a fun part of your routine helps toddlers cooperate rather than squirm away. Try singing a special "sunscreen song," letting them help apply it to their arms and legs (you can go over their work afterwards), or making it part of getting dressed for outdoor play.
Remember, you're not just protecting their skin today - you're establishing lifelong habits that will serve them well into adulthood.
The sun shouldn't be something to fear, but rather something to respect and enjoy safely. With the right sunscreen and sun-smart habits, your toddler can explore, play, and make wonderful outdoor memories whilst their precious skin stays protected. After all, childhood should be filled with outdoor adventure - just with a healthy dose of sunscreen along the way!
Explore Organic Children sunscreen now.
If you would like further help choosing one of our natural and organic sunscreens for toddlers, please contact our friendly UK customer care team on 01403 740350 or on social @GreenPeopleUK.
BY CHARLOTTE, FOUNDER OF GREEN PEOPLE
This blog post has been written by Charlotte Vøhtz, founder of Green People, who 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.
If you wish to republish this content, please credit Green People as the original creator with a link to 'What's a safe sunscreen option for toddlers?' Please do not use an affiliate link.
