My children all suffer from eczema and sensitive skin, over the years we have tried and tested many of the best brands of sun cream for eczema prone skin.
Note: I’ve been testing suncreams for years since originally writing this article (and have two more children!) Make sure you read to the bottom for my latest updates on the best sun creams for children with sensitive skin and eczema.
Sun cream for children with sensitive skin
My children’s skin reacts to, seemingly everything, especially in the first few years when they are babies. Perfume, grass, body wash, lotions and creams (even most of the ones that are marketed as treatment for eczema), 90% of laundry products, the list goes on.
On top of that, there are the mystery rashes that appear with no obvious culprit.
We have to use the exact same washing powder and fabric softener combination, and I am wary of trying ANYTHING new in the way of skincare for my children.
Normally, I steer well clear from trying any new skincare products on the boys, and anything that winds up on my ’causes of rash’ suspect list gets axed immediately. But because we’ve been having proper summer weather this year (yay!), I have been slathering them in sun cream, despite knowing that it would aggravate his skin. When it comes to sun safety, you have no choice, do you?
And so the last few months, we’ve been through a bit of a rollercoaster of trying different types of sun cream in an attempt to find one that worked well for eczema and sensitive skin.
It’s one of those things where a recommended children’s eczema sun cream brand might work brilliantly for one person, but not for another, so unfortunately it usually involves a frustrating process of elimination to find the right sun cream for you and your family.
Sun cream for children with eczema
Here is our account of the mission to find the best sun cream for children with sensitive skin:
Nivea kids sun cream spray (SPF 50+) was the first, and really the only, sun cream we had used up until recently. It was always fine on Arlo, but Rory reacted very badly to it, and actually, Arlo did too this year, so maybe they have changed the formula. For us, this is no longer a good sun cream for eczema.
After a quick google, we then moved on to the most popular sun cream recommendation for children with eczema sensitive skin, Sunsense Toddler Milk (SPF 50). Unfortunately, this also caused a similarly bad rash for Rory, but Arlo has been able to use this sun cream with no issues.
I’d read that the higher the sun cream factor, the harder it is for skin to breath. So we swapped our factor 50+ for a factor 30 kids sun cream. Ambre Solaire Resisto Kids High Protection Lotion (SPF 30) This caused a mild rash on both children. Nothing major, but not a perfect sun cream for children with eczema. 
Next up we gave P20 (SPF 30) sun cream a go, as a friend had left his bottle at our house. Rash for Rory. Arlo was fine with it, but he has taken a dislike to the spray bottle, so it was a no for this sun cream, too.
And then we tried Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion (50+). (*PR sample, I requested this sun cream specifically from the brand. Read the disclosure at the bottom for more info on how I feature skincare samples on this blog).
And it works! No rashes for Rory or Arlo. This has been our go-to sun cream for eczema over the past few weeks during the heatwave. It’s a lotion rather than a cream, and the formula is quite thin (be careful, it gets a bit sloppy when dispensed), and I wonder whether that might be part of the key to its success. Either way, our bottle is practically empty, and I’ll definitely be repurchasing, as so far it’s the only sun cream for eczema I’ve found that does not cause any irritation for my children.
The best sun cream for children with sensitive skin
UPDATE:
Aldi Lacura sun lotion caused a mild rash for my boys, but we have had big success with Green People children’s sun lotion – no reactions at all and this is now our main sun lotion for our children with eczema.
The boys still react when I try any sun cream from a supermarket, even ones that say they are designed specifically for sensitive skin. It’s a pain on the occasions in early summer where the strength of the sun catches you unprepared and you realise you need to grab a bottle of sun cream from the shops.
I trust both Green People and Mustela sun cream 100% on my children’s sensitive skin, they are the best sun creams for eczema that we have used. But I have found that neither product are stocked in most local shops, so I do need to be prepared in advance for a heat wave and buy in bulk online.
UPDATE 2:
I know have four children. My third child luckily didn’t react to sun cream, but my fourth is very similar to his two eldest siblings in that I have to use specific types of sun cream for sensitive skin or he will quickly end up rashy and uncomfortable. We are still using Green People or Mustela children’s sun cream, and I have since found out that the reason those two brands in particular don’t cause a skin reaction is because they are mineral sun creams.
Mineral sun cream for children with sensitive skin
Mineral sunscreens use natural minerals—zinc oxide and titanium dioxide—as active ingredients. These minerals sit on top of the skin and protect it by reflecting away UV rays. Chemical sunscreens have chemical compounds as active ingredients such as:
- Oxybenzone
- Avobenzone
- Octinoxate
- Homosalate
- Octisalate
- Octocrylene
Nivea children’s sun cream contains homosalate. Aldi Lacura has octocrylene, as does Child’s Farm sun cream. Pretty much all of the well known children’s sun cream brands that you would find in the supermarket are chemical sunscreens.
As mineral sun creams are made with natural active ingredients and sit on top of the skin, rather than being absorbed like chemical sun creams, mineral sun creams are far less likely to irritate your child’s skin. This is why I have had way more success with mineral sun creams for my children’s sensitive skin.
One downside we’ve found to mineral sun creams is that they are a thicker, chalkier texture which is harder to rub in. And as it sits on top of the skin, mineral sun cream does tend to stain clothes. But for us that’s a small price to pay if it means no rashes, eczema or irritated skin!
The best sun creams for children with eczema and sensitive skin
When it comes to ezcema and sensitive skin, different sun screen brands work for different people.
These are the top sun creams for eczema that came up time and time again when I crowdsourced my instagram audience for this article.
The Anthelios dermo-pediatrics baby sun cream from La Roche Posay is a popular choice for ezcema sufferers.
Altruist sun screen was by far the most mentioned when I surveyed my audience on the sun creams they use on ezcema-prone skin. It's great value and comes in huge sizes as well as the standard travel-friendly tubes of sun cream.
This is our tried and tested sun cream for children with ezcema. Green People is the sun cream brand I come back to time and time again, as I know it won't cause any allergic reaction on my children's sensitive skin.
Tips for Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Eczema-Prone Skin:
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a chronic skin condition that can be particularly sensitive to environmental factors like sun exposure. People with eczema-prone skin need to be extra cautious when it comes to choosing sunscreens to prevent skin irritation, flare-ups, and allergic reactions.
Understanding the Importance of Sunscreen for Eczema
Sunscreen plays a vital role in protecting eczema-prone skin from the harmful effects of UVB and UVA rays. While sun exposure is essential for overall health, it can be detrimental to those with eczema, as it can trigger skin inflammation, worsening the condition. Therefore, it’s crucial to choose the right sunscreen to maintain your skin’s barrier and prevent sun-induced flare-ups.
Consult a Board-Certified Dermatologist
Before selecting a sunscreen, it’s advisable to consult with a board-certified dermatologist. They can assess your specific skin type and any existing skin conditions, providing personalized recommendations for the best sunscreen for your needs.
Look for Mineral-Based Sunscreens
Mineral-based sunscreens, often containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, are excellent choices for eczema-prone skin. These ingredients create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface, reflecting and blocking UV rays, without irritating the skin. Look for sunscreens labeled “broad-spectrum” to protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
Check for Natural Ingredients
Consider sunscreens with natural ingredients, such as aloe vera, which can help soothe and moisturize dry skin associated with eczema. Avoid products with harsh chemicals, fragrances, or preservatives, as they may trigger allergic reactions or skin irritation.
Verify the SPF Rating
Choose a sunscreen with a minimum SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 to ensure adequate protection against UV rays. For extended outdoor activities, opt for higher SPF levels and reapply as directed on the product label.
Read Labels Carefully
Always read product labels to check for any allergens or potential irritants. The National Eczema Association recommends looking for sunscreens that are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, as they are less likely to clog pores and trigger skin issues.
Prioritize Skin Barrier Protection
Eczema-prone skin often has a compromised skin barrier. Opt for sunscreens that not only protect against UV rays but also provide hydration and support to your skin’s barrier function. Some products are specifically formulated to address these concerns.
Consider Protective Clothing
In addition to sunscreen, protective clothing like 50+ UV sunsuits and long sleeved tops can provide an extra layer of defense against UV light. This can be especially helpful on hot, sunny days when sun exposure is unavoidable.
Protecting your child’s skin from the sun’s harmful rays is essential, especially if they have eczema-prone skin. Choosing the right sunscreen is a critical step in managing your little one’s skin condition and reducing the risk of skin cancer. By following these tips on the best sun creams for eczema, and consulting with a dermatologist, your child can enjoy the outdoors while keeping their skin healthy and irritation-free.
Remember, sunscreens are not one-size-fits-all, so take the time to find the perfect one for your unique skin type and needs.
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The Mustela sun cream is a PR sample.
As I occasionally write about my eczema and rash-prone children, we frequently get offered skincare products to test. My policy is to tell PRs that they are welcome to send samples, but due to my reluctance to stray from our strict skincare routine, I offer no promises that the product will get a mention on the blog.
This means I can guarantee readers that the only skincare products that you will see mentioned and reviewed on my blog are ones that have impressed us and made a real difference to the boys’ skin.
5 comments
Oh do try the Green People one if you get the chance – I got a sample of it this summer with Green Parent Magazine and it’s been great on Elma’s skin (also prone to rashes and a bit of eczema) so we stocked up and use it on both girls and ourselves. It was also recommended to me by a friend whose daughter has bad eczema as one of the few things that she’s used that didn’t cause a flare up.
We also use Green People. My daughter has a bit of eczema too and I try very hard to use products that does not make it worse as her father’s eczema is really terrible. We like Green People so far (only started to use it a few weeks ago) and I am thinking to use it onmyself as well as I also have very sensitive skin. Also, it is free of all those harmfull and dangerous stuff that many suncreams have (e.g. The one we were using before).
HI Chloe, We would love to send you over a sample of our Organic Children sun lotion to try, we are certain you will love it! Thanks for the other lovely comments too! We are delighted to have you as fans.
Hi Romy, that would be fab. Do email me at chloebridge@gmail.com : )