On testKids Sunscreens on Test
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About this test
If you're whisking the kids off somewhere hot this year, a good quality sunscreen is your number one holiday essential. In fact, even if you plan to go no further than your back garden, you still need to cover them up - recent news revealed that more people get burnt whilst at home in the UK, so it's essential to stay protected.
This month's panel have been busy testing six different sunscreens on their tiny tots. Products range from traditional creams ('a good option for all the family') to sprays ('fast, effective and easy to apply') and chemical-free, natural lotions ('great for sensitive/allergic skins and ethically-minded parents')
The panel agreed that thicker lotions 'take longer to rub into your child's skin' but 'provide reassurance that they're giving a good level of coverage and won't come off after a few splashes in the pool'.
They also found that 'natural options are a good alternative to traditional sun creams and provide a perfectly acceptable level of protection - without any of the chemicals'
We tested for
- Application/consistency
- Child appeal
- Effects/ingredients
- Quality
- Value for money
Points to consider
Application/Texture : It might seem like a non-important factor, but the way the cream is applied, its texture, smell and longevity will all play a part in whether you and your child want to use it again.
Our panel found spray on creams like the Lavera Sun Neutral Spray the easiest to apply and agreed they 'worked best for kids who hate sun lotions as the ordeal is over in a few seconds!'
The mini testers showed a particular fondness for the Sun Sense Toddler Milk as 'the roller ball makes the application process fun whilst the small bottle is easily gripped by tiny hands'.
The panel advise to 'always check the instructions before heading outdoors as some lotions like the Banana Boat Kids Ultra Mist need to be applied at least fifteen minutes before exposure to the sun'.
They also found that 'it can be tricky to know how much to use' and showed a preference for the thicker creams like Organic Children Sun Lotion and Lil Kids Sunscreen: 'Both of these took longer to rub in, but at the same time, provided a greater level of reassurance that they were doing the job properly as you can physically see the lotion dissolve into your child's skin'.
Packaging: If you're after an ethical option, look for biodegradable/recyclable packaging like the Lil Kids Sunscreen and Yaoh Hemp Seed Sunblock. Our panel also liked the Lavera Sun Neutral Spray as the spritzer bottle can be re-used afterwards.
If you're flying somewhere, it's important to consider size and weight - especially if you want to keep your luggage to a minimum. Our panel felt the Sun Sense Toddler Milk was a good value buy for holidays as it's 'neat and compact whilst a little goes a long way'. Other bottles like the Banana Boat Kids Ultra Mist and Yaoh Hemp Seed Sun Block were 'heavy in comparison, though good for long-term use at home'.
Chemicals: The panel agreed that 'children are exposed to enough chemicals as it is, without us actually applying it to their skin!' And since two of the children suffer from sensitive skin and eczema, they were naturally drawn to the chemical-free options like the Lavera Sun Neutral Spray and Organic Children Sun Lotion . Both of these offered 'a good level of coverage and left a more natural scent on their child's skin'. The only negative was 'the need to re-apply them more regularly than some of the more conventional creams on test'.
Value for money Our panel felt that 'price shouldn't be a contributing factor - especially if you want a chemical-free sunscreen or your child has sensitive or allergic skin'. The more expensive options were generally very good though they did find that prices varied widely - especially with the natural options. Lil Kids Sunscreen was liked by all members of the panel but so was the Yaoh Hemp Seed Sun Block which, at £2 less contains double the amount of cream and would probably last the entire summer.
Awards - which products won
The Organic Children Sun Lotion won the Best Buy award with our panel citing it as 'a gentle, natural lotion that's perfect for sensitive skins that need a lot of care and protection'. Best Value was awarded to the Yaoh Hemp Seed Sun Blockfor its 'paraben-free ingredients, yummy smell and recyclable packaging - all at a refreshingly reasonable price'.
See how the other sunscreens faired in the full test results
Where to next?
- Full test results
- Read the reviews:
Aloe up Lil Kids Sunscreen SPF30+ 8/10
Banana Boat Kids Tear Free Ultramist SPF50 8/10
Green People Organic Children Sun Lotion SPF25 10/10 BEST BUY
Lavera Baby & Child Sun Spray SPF30 8.5/10
Sun Sense Toddler Milk SPF50 8/10
Yaoh Organic Hemp Seed Sun Block SPF30 9/10 BEST VALUE
- Add a review and you could win a prize
- Check out babyworld shop's range of sun protection products
- Chat to other mums in our product talk forum
- About our Product Tests
- Visit the babyworld shop
