The Best Sunscreens

If you’re looking for the best sunscreen for you and your kids, I’ve got you covered. First of all, I take sunscreen very seriously. I had to when my kids started pointing out all my wrinkles. 😂

Why Sunscreen is a Must for Your Family

While sunlight is important for our health (Vitamin D is your friend), practicing safe sun care is key. I remind my kids that if they want to minimize those wrinkles as they age, start using sunscreen now!

But really, UV exposure and continuous sunburns just aren’t worth it. Not only can they damage your skin, but they can also lead to more serious issues, like skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma.

This is why it’s so important for everyone to wear sunscreen. In fact, most experts say you really should wear sunscreen daily to protect your skin — even on cloudy days. It may not seem like it, but up to 90% of UV rays can penetrate clouds!

Now that we have the scary stats out of the way, let’s talk about how to choose the best sunscreen for your family.

How to Choose the Best Sunscreen for Your Family

As parents, we always want to protect our children. But even something that seems simple, like choosing a sunscreen, can feel overwhelming when you start your Google search. Especially if you’re a first-time parent researching all the things.

So hopefully this post with all of my favorite sunscreens helps you save some time! Living in Texas and having kids who swim outdoors all year long means I’ve tested a lot of options to find the best sunscreen for different situations as well as preferences among family members.

These are the products I use on my kids (or on myself), before they head to school and when they are at the pool or on the playground. From lip sunscreen to scalp sunscreen, sunscreen to apply on wet skin and more, I’ve got your whole family covered! ☀️🎉🏖️

Also, a quick tip for those of you who like to tan. No sunscreen is 100% effective, so you can still get a tan while wearing sunscreen. Now onto my list!

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Best Sunscreens for the Whole Family

Best Everyday Face Sunscreens

EltaMD UV Clear: I wear this sunscreen 365 days a year, rain or shine. My tween loves it too.
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen: This totally invisible, weightless sunscreen goes on like a silky primer—no white cast, no greasy feel, just smooth, SPF 50 protection that works under makeup or on its own.
Colorescience Total Protection Face Shield Flex: This tinted mineral sunscreen blends seamlessly, providing SPF 50 protection with a natural, skin-perfecting finish—no heavy makeup required. This and a touch of mascara and blush are the only makeup I wear frequently during summer.
Supergoop! (Re) setting 100% Mineral Powder: I use this lightweight, mineral-based powder sunscreen to set my makeup along with being used for touchups throughout the day.

Best Water-Resistant Sunscreens for Kids & Active Families

EltaMD UV Sport: My holy grail water-resistant sunscreen! SPF 50 Sunscreen that is not only water-resistant sunscreen, but also tear-free.
Sun Bum Sunscreen Stick: A long time favorite of mine. Perfect for the face. I keep it in my purse (and diaper bag at one point) for easy on-the-go application.
Sun Bum Wet Skin Sunscreen Stick: Easy to apply, tear free formula, it quickly and reliably absorbs into wet or dry skin.
Alba Botanica Sunscreen SPF 50 Spray: I use this sunscreen on myself and my kids every time we are outside!
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Cooling Water Sunscreen: This lightweight, cooling sunscreen feels more like a hydrating skincare step than a greasy SPF, making it perfect for everyday wear.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids: This gentle, fragrance-free sunscreen is perfect for kids' sensitive skin, providing high SPF protection without the greasy mess or dreaded white cast.
Alba Botanica Sunscreen While Wet Sunscreen Spray: Easily applies and sticks to wet or dry skin!
Alba Botanica Sunscreen Lotion SPF 45: Mr. Kids prefers lotion sunscreen and this is a favorite. It absorbs quickly and is non-greasy.

Best Sunscreen for Babies

Blue Lizard Baby Mineral Sunscreen: This baby-safe mineral sunscreen is gentle on sensitive skin, easy to apply, and packed with SPF protection—perfect for sunny park days and outdoor adventures.
Thinkbaby Clear Mineral Sunscreen: This reef-safe, non-greasy mineral sunscreen is gentle on baby’s skin, easy to rub in, and perfect for all-day sun protection without the sticky mess.

Sunscreen You Can Apply on Wet or Dry Skin

Alba Botanica Sunscreen While Wet Sunscreen Spray: Easily applies and sticks to wet or dry skin!
Sun Bum Wet Skin Sunscreen Stick: Easy to apply, tear-free formula. It quickly and reliably absorbs into wet or dry skin.

Best Scalp Sunscreens

Sun Bum Scalp Sunscreen: This convenient spray application is perfect for protecting the scalp. Great for kids who don't want to wear a hat at all times!
Supergoop! Poof 100% Mineral Part Powder: I love this non greasy scalp sunscreen, that feels similar to dry shampoo.

Best Lip Sunscreens

Sun Bum Lip Sunscreen: My kids and I both love this SPF 30 lip sunscreen. Great for school backpacks, purses, diaper bags and more.
Supergoop! PLAY Lip Sunscreen: This reef-friendly, SPF 30 lip balm is super hydrating. I keep this in my purse.
COOLA Tinted Lip Sunscreen: Sun protection and a little color. Yes please!

Sunscreen Tools & Accessories for Easy Application

In addition to these amazing sunscreens, some products make applying sunscreen even easier and more effective:

UV Detection Stickers: These simple stickers change color to indicate when your sunscreen is wearing off or when it’s time to reapply. They’re a fun way to keep track of sun exposure and ensure your family is properly protected.
Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator: This mess-free applicator holds up to 100ml of sunscreen, making it perfect for kids and adults who need quick, easy application without the hassle.

Sun Care Tips for Families

Wear a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) daily, even on cloudy days. If you’ll be outside for a while, reapply every two hours. Make sure to also reapply after swimming or going through sprinklers.

Apply sunscreen 15-20 minutes before you go outside to all uncovered skin — don’t forget your ears, lips, scalp, hands, and feet.

Be generous! Most people use less sunscreen than needed. It takes about 2 tablespoons of sunscreen to cover your body when wearing a swimsuit.

Apply it well. Whether you use a lotion, spray, roll-on, or stick, make sure to rub in the sunscreen until it’s absorbed.

If possible, limit your time in the sun, especially from 10am-4pm. This is when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest! If you need to be outside, look for a shady spot.

Cover up when you can. There are so many options for UPF clothing now!

Don’t forget to protect your head! This wide-brimmed hat is easy to take with me to the beach or pool. If your kids allow hats on their heads, this UPF 50+ baseball cap comes in lots of different colors. And this sun hat is perfect for babies.

Choose sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection. This goes for kid’s sunglasses, too! Here are my favorite kid’s sunglasses and baby sunglasses.

Keep babies out of direct sunlight. Only kids 6 months and older can wear sunscreen.

Use roll-on sunscreens for toddlers and preschoolers who have trouble staying still when you’re trying to apply sunscreen. A roll-on sunscreen will go on much faster. And you can even let them roll it on themselves!

Your body needs more water when it’s warm outside, so take a water bottle with you to stay hydrated. This Hydro Flask is my favorite water bottle for kids.

Check the expiration date on your kids sunscreen (and yours too!) to make sure it’s not expired. Toss any expired sunscreen as it may no longer be effective.

FAQs About Sunscreen for Kids & Families

Can babies wear sunscreen?

Only babies 6 months and older can wear sunscreen. For younger babies, use shade, protective clothing, and hats instead.

What’s the best sunscreen for sensitive skin?

Look for fragrance-free, mineral-based sunscreens like Thinkbaby, La Roche-Posay Anthelios Kids, or Blue Lizard Baby.

Can I still get a tan while wearing sunscreen?

Yes! No sunscreen is 100% effective, so you can still tan while protecting your skin from burns and long-term damage.

Do I need to wear sunscreen on cloudy days?

Absolutely! Up to 90% of UV rays penetrate clouds, so you should wear sunscreen every day.

Is spray sunscreen as effective as lotion?

Yes, but make sure to rub it in after spraying to ensure full coverage and reapply frequently.

More Ideas

As they say, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll wear. Hopefully this list helps you choose a favorite! If you have one to recommend, comment below and let us know.

For more posts like this one, check out my beach must-haves.