Discover Our Best Kids and Babies Sunscreen​

We all know how important it is to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays, as too much cumulative exposure cause long-term skin damage. As babies and children have very sensitive skin, they are at even greater risk and should be protected from the sun as much as possible.

As a basic guidance, the NHS advises that babies under 6 months should be kept out of direct sunlight as much as possible¹, especially when the sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm*. It’s also recommended to keep their skin covered in light layers and their head protected with a sun hat, in addition to wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen suitable for their age. Some sunscreens are only suitable from 6 months old so be sure to check when buying for infants. Older children, over 6 months, should also have their skin covered as much as possible when playing outside in direct sunlight, in addition to wearing sunscreen. Don’t forget to re-apply it frequently and generously, especially after sweating and swimming.

When choosing a sunscreen for your child, the first thing to think about is where they’ll be wearing it. If it’s for everyday use and also needs to be used on their face, you’ll probably want a lightweight fluid that you can apply easily. If it’s for a hot beach holiday, you may need a formula that’s also sand and water-resistant. Likewise, if your children don’t like the feel of thicker creams, a lightweight spray might make life easier for the whole family. Sprays go on white but sink in invisibly and dry quickly. Sunscreen sticks are also really handy for reaching tricky areas like the ears, back of the neck, and face.

La Roche-Posay has a formula for a variety of needs so you can find one or two options that work for your whole family.

For Kids: Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics Lotion SPF50+

This very high SPF50+ sunscreen is formulated for children who are particularly sensitive or intolerant to the sun. It offers photostable UVA, UVB and Infrared protection in a velvety, water-resistant texture that spreads easily and sinks in quickly. This sunscreen also has reinforced protection against UVA. It’s also non-greasy and non-sticky so you can apply it to both the face and body.

For Babies: Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics Baby Lotion SPF50+

Offering very high SPF50+, photostable UVA and UVB, and Infrared protection, the Anthelios Dermo-Pediatrics Baby Lotion is suitable for babies six months old and over. It’s specifically formulated for the most sensitive skin on the face and body, and contains naturally derived shea butter and La Roche-Posay Thermal Spring Water to protect and moisturise the skin. Organic filters will also provide your little one’s skin with reinforced UVA protection.

Anthelios Invisible Kids Spray SPF50+

Every family needs an invisible sunscreen spray to help make application quick, easy and drama free. This one from Anthelios has very high SPF50+ protection and a lightweight texture that goes on white (so you can see where you’re applying it) and soaks in invisibly. La Roche-Posay’s Thermal Spring Water also helps to leave sensitive skin feeling soothed.