Children’s skin is thinner, more sensitive and much more easily damaged by the sun than adult skin, so this is no time to take the wrong kind of risk. Exposing skin to the sun can cause painful sunburn, irritation, and ultimately result in skin damage that is not apparent at the time of exposure but becomes visible later in life. The effective sun protection product for children needs to be UVA and UVB protective and should be non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin. There are a lot of choices available and selecting the safest and most effective may seem like a daunting task. Here’s a quick list of the top 10 sun cream for kids in India, sorted by SPF factor, ingredients and cost.
10 Best sunscreens for children
| Product | SPF Rating | Approx. Price |
| Babyhug Advanced Mineral Sunscreen | SPF 30+ PA+++ | ₹206–₹299 |
| Healthbest Kids Sunscreen | SPF 30 PA+++ | ₹224 |
| Tuco Kids Face Cream + Sunscreen | SPF 30 PA++++ | ₹240–₹300 |
| Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Kids Cream | SPF 25 PA++ | ₹255 |
| Mamaearth Baby Ultra Light Sunscreen | SPF 50 PA++++ | ₹268–₹399 |
| SunScoop Kids Mineral Sunscreen | SPF 30+ PA++++ | ₹399–₹479 |
| Fixderma Shadow Kids Lotion | SPF 30+ PA+++ | ₹434–₹525 |
| Himalaya Gentle Baby Sunscreen | SPF 50 PA++++ | ₹340–₹539 |
| La Shield Kids Sunscreen Gel | SPF 50 PA+++ | ₹510–₹600 |
| Sebamed Baby Sun Lotion | SPF 50 | ₹1,505 |
1. Babyhug Advanced Mineral Sunscreen
If you’re looking to spend a bit less, the Babyhug Advanced Mineral Sunscreen is great for baby and young children. Contains soft, broad-spectrum sun protection mineral filters that cause less skin irritation and block UVA/UVB rays. It is an easy-to-apply lotion that is not sticky and leaves the skin soft. It can be used every day in the school, during family outings or outdoor play activities. This product is good for parents who want an inexpensive mineral sunscreen that provides good protection.
2. Healthbest Kids Sunscreen
Healthbest Kids Sunscreen is specially formulated for children’s sensitive skin and is designed to protect against daily sun exposure. It provides Sun Protection Factor (SPF 30) and PPD (PA+++) protection and helps to reduce sunburn and tanning during outdoor activities. The lotion is smooth, absorptive and leaves the skin non-greasy without leaving a residue. Gentle ingredients mean that it can be used on children with normal skin at regular intervals without any problems, making it an excellent choice for daily protection.
3.Tuco Kids Face Cream + Sunscreen
On the other hand, Tuco Kids Face Cream + Sunscreen is a moisturizer that offers sun protection as well. It is formulated with anti-UVA and anti-UVB active ingredients, with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30, and has a PA rating of ++++; it keeps the skin moisturized during the day. The cream is particularly formulated for the facial skin of children as this is more exposed to the sun. Lightweight texture absorbs easily and won’t leave a white residue, which makes it comfortable for everyday wear at school, parks and family outings.
4. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Kids Cream
Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Kids Cream is a kid-friendly and trusted herbal based sunscreen. It gives 25 protection and can be used for brief outdoor activity. The cream is filled with ingredients that help condition your skin and protect it from the harmful effects of the sun’s rays. It is a mild formula that is comfortable to wear every day, and it will suit parents who opt for herbal skin care products for their kids.
5. Mamaearth Baby Ultra Light Sunscreen
Mamaearth Baby Ultra Light Sunscreen is one such sunscreen which is in huge demand for babies and children in India. It provides broad-spectrum (SPF 50 PA++++) protection, safeguarding sensitive skin from UVA and UVB rays. It’s a formula filled with calming minerals, including zinc oxide, as well as nourishing elements including shea butter and cocoa butter that help to retain moisture and softness in the skin. Dermatologically tested, toxin free, contains no harmful chemicals, such as parabens, silicones or mineral oil. It’s lightweight, spreads easily and is a good option for parents who want a high sun protection option for day to day outdoor activities.
6. SunScoop Kids Mineral Sunscreen
SunScoop Kids Mineral Sunscreen is specially formulated for children’s sensitive skin and is protected with a mineral UV filter, which is safe and effective. Protective level SPF 30+ PA++++, it protects the skin from the harmful rays of the sun, so it is appropriate for daily use. The sunscreen is fragrance free, non-irritating and contains no harsh chemicals, which makes it safe for use with children who have sensitive skin. It feels smooth and is easy to blend into the skin, and doesn’t feel greasy while wearing. This waterproof water emulsion is perfect for outdoor sports, school activities, family vacations, and more!
7. Fixderma Shadow Kids Lotion
Fixderma Shadow Kids Lotion offers children’s delicate skin protection with a long-lasting SPF 30+ PA+++. The lotion prevents sunburn, tanning and skin damage caused by the sun and keeps the skin hydrated all day long. The formula is also lightweight and will not stick to the child’s hands, keeping the child comfortable even after long play time outside. The lotion has been dermatologically tested and is safe for daily use by most skin types. This is a reliable sunscreen for parents who are looking for a balance of affordability, skin safety, and effective sun protection.
8. Himalaya Gentle Baby Sunscreen
Himalaya Gentle Baby Sunscreens provide SPF 50 PA++++ protection from the sun and are designed to have a mild formula with a blend of herbs. It acts as a barrier protection against harmful rays of the UVA and UVB rays while helping to keep the skin moisturized, especially for babies and children with sensitive skin. Easy spreading cream with long lasting hydration properties, never leaves a grease layer. It has been dermatologically tested and is suitable for daily use; it is an appropriate option for outdoor activities like school, picnics, visiting the playground and traveling as a family. Its formula is also herbal, making it easily appealing to parents that would like gentle skin care products for their kids.
9. La Shield Kids Sunscreen Gel
La Shield Kids Sunscreen Gel is a dermatologist recommended broad-spectrum, SPF 50, PA+++ sunscreen. In comparison to some of the heavy creams, its gel-based composition absorbs into the skin easily, resulting in a light, non-greasy, and no sticky finish. It will shield from sun burn, pigmentation and day to day UV harm impacts and stay agreeable in warm and humid conditions. The sensitive formula protects effectively while outdoor sports, beach trips and normal life activities use is effective, suitable for sensitive skin of children. It is particularly useful in prolonged sun exposure thanks to its high SPF.
10. Sebamed Baby Sun Lotion
Sebamed Baby Sun Lotion is a high-quality baby and young child sun product specially formulated for sensitive skin. It offers SPF 50 broad-spectrum coverage along with skin-friendly ingredients to ensure the skin’s moisture barrier. The lotion has been dermatologically tested and has a pH of 5.5, which helps maintain the health of the skin and also lessens the possibility of irritation. The waterproof characteristics of the formula allow it to be used for swimming, beach trips and long outdoor sessions. Its mild formulation, comfort with the skin and performance are worth the higher price tag for parents who are looking for high quality skin care products for their kids.
How to Apply Sunscreen on Kids: Step by Step Guide
Step1: Clean and dry the skin
Ensure your child’s skin is clean and dry before putting on sun cream. It helps to distribute sunscreen evenly and makes it last longer.
Step 2: Apply before going Outdoors,
Give sunscreen to your child 15-20 minutes before they go outside. This allows the sunscreen to create a protective coating.
Step 3: Use a Generous Amount
Apply sunscreen liberally, more than a thin layer of coverage. Sunscreen with less than full strength reduces its SPF protection.
Step 4: Cover All Exposed Areas
Sunscreen should be applied to the face, ears, neck, arms, legs, hands and feet. Remember the places that are often overlooked such as the back of the neck, tops of the ears, and behind the knees.
Step 5: Make a Blend It Properly
Gently rub the sunscreen into the skin until it is evenly spread. Make sure there are no patches left uncovered.
Step 6: Reapply Regularly
Reapply sun cream often when outside. Repeat after swimming, sweating heavily or drying using towels.
When adding to other sun protection measures, follow Step 7: Combine with Other Sun Protection.
Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and lightweight full-sleeved garments. Try to keep children in the shade during the hottest times of the day, if possible.
Common Mistakes to Aviod
Using the sunblock too late, such as directly before going outside.
- Applying inadequate amounts of sun cream.
- Don’t remember the ears, neck, hands and feet.
- Failing to re-apply every 2 hours.
- Not reapplying after swimming or sweating.
- Using expired sunscreen.
- Using only sunscreen but no protective clothing.
- Not using the product on cloudy day because UV radiation is still present in the environment.
- Using sunscreen incorrectly; leaving areas of skin uncovered.
- Using products not suitable for a child’s sensitive skin.
Conclusion
There are resources available to take proactive measures to protect your child’s skin from harmful UV rays, which should be an integral part of your child’s skin care routine. A good sunscreen protects children from sunburn, tanning, and long-term damage to their skin, while helping them to enjoy a safe outdoor time. The recommended type of sunscreen for sensitive skin is one that contains minerals that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and does not irritate the skin.
The listed products above have been notable for their exceptional UV protection and skin friendly formulations are Mamaearth Baby Ultra Light Sunscreen, SunScoop Kids Mineral Sunscreen and Sebamed Baby Sun Lotion. There are also other cost-effective products that parents can choose, such as Babyhug Advanced Mineral Sunscreen and Healthbest Kids Sunscreen, which provide good protection at affordable prices.
FAQ’S
The safest type to use on children is mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as these are gentle on sensitive skin and have a broad spectrum UV protection.
Most dermatologists advise that for daily outdoor use, you should get a sunscreen that offers an SPF of at least 30 and broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours and after swimming, heavy sweating and drying with a towel.
There are some adult sun lotions that are gentle, fragrance free and contain minerals that may be used. However, baby and children’s specific sunscreens are typically more recommended.
For maximum protection from the sun, wear sunscreen in addition to sun-protective clothing, protective hats, sunglasses, and avoid the sun during hours of peak intensity.
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