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  4. 10 Best Aftersuns for Kids 2024 | UK Paediatrician Reviewed
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10 Best Aftersuns for Kids 2024 | UK Paediatrician Reviewed

When ticking off your summer holiday packing list, it's all too easy to overlook aftersun. Sun cream might be there to protect your skin throughout the day, but it's after sun that'll heal and soothe any redness or accidental burns. After sun hydrates and repairs skin, reducing inflammation and preventing peeling, making it particularly important for use on children.


This buying guide is full of tips on how to find an after sun lotion, spray, gel or mousse that your children will be more than happy to let you apply. We've even ranked the top 10 best aftersuns for kids in the UK, including our favourites on Tesco, Asda, Amazon, Argos and Boots!

Last updated 21/03/2024
Dr J Henderson
Expert
Consultant Paediatrician
Dr J Henderson

Dr Jonathan Henderson is a consultant paediatrician who practices for the NHS and his award-winning private practice. His medical qualifications (MB, BAO and BCh) were all completed at Queen's University Belfast in 2007. He then obtained his membership with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2012 and later became a college fellow in 2019. In addtion to his clinical work, he contributes to e-learning programmes and teaches paediatrics internationally to other healthcare professionals. Dr Henderson, who is on the speciality register of the General Medical Council, has a keen interest in promoting quality improvement in paediatrics and has presented work both regionally and nationally.

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Table of Contents

With Specialist Consultation From Paediatrician Dr J Henderson

With Specialist Consultation From Paediatrician Dr J Henderson

Dr Jonathan Henderson is a consultant paediatrician practising for the NHS, as well as privately. His medical qualifications (MB, BAO and BCh) were all completed at Queen's University Belfast in 2007.


He then obtained his membership with the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2012. In addition to his clinical work, he contributes to e-learning programmes and teaches paediatrics internationally to other healthcare professionals. Check out more about him on his website.

How to Choose an Aftersun for Kids in the UK

Key Points to Consider
  1. Choose the application method that suits you the most
  2. Check out for moisturising ingredients 
  3. Pick an Aftersun With an Enticing 'Novelty' Feature
1

Look for Key Ingredients That Will Soothe and Moisturise Their Skin

Look for Key Ingredients That Will Soothe and Moisturise Their Skin

Aftersuns are designed to soothe and cool your skin after a day in the sun, which is achieved via the use of various different ingredients. These tend to be botanical extracts, each of which carries a slightly different benefit. 


By far the most common ingredient found in children's aftersun is aloe vera. This is because it has soothing and cooling properties, whilst being kind to sensitive skin. Equally, avocado oil is often used for its gentle moisturising benefits.


Some other child-safe ingredients to look for are cactus extract, calendula for its anti-inflammatory properties, or shea butter. Both of these plant-derived extracts can help promote healing and lessen the discomfort and redness caused by too much sun, you can also look for myrrh as it can stop the production of inflammatory chemicals that can lead to swelling and pain. 

Dr J Henderson
Consultant Paediatrician
Dr J Henderson

With all the vitamin benefits and hydration ability of aftersun - the key ingredient, aloe vera is a great natural skin healer found in aftersun products. Some contain antioxidants that help protect the skin by reducing inflammation and further skin damage.

2

Pick a Cruelty-Free Aftersun With an Enticing 'Novelty' Feature

Pick a Cruelty-Free Aftersun With an Enticing 'Novelty' Feature

Our top tip is to look for an aftersun with some kind of novelty feature that'll appeal directly to your child and make them more likely to let you put it on them! Many aftersuns intended for children are designed to look appealing to children, whether through the use of bright colours, cute cartoon characters or humorous names. 


Alternatively, the formula itself may be novel in some way. For example, we found a mousse that pops and crackles after you apply it. Such things might seem trivial, but if they encourage your child to be more compliant in allowing you to apply their aftersun, that's a huge amount of stress avoided. Also, now there are many brands that do not test products on animals, so look out for aftersuns that are cruelty-free/vegan. 

Dr J Henderson
Consultant Paediatrician
Dr J Henderson

I cannot emphasise the amazing benefit you get when a child is engaged with their own treatment - especially if this treatment helps to bring pain relief. Playing is essential for a child to develop and learn; by providing such novel features of aftersun, the child will smile and even laugh with you, meaning you can be sure you get every spot needing to be treated.

3

Make Life Easier by Picking Your Preferred Application Method

Make Life Easier by Picking Your Preferred Application Method

Sprayable Aftersuns Are Quick and Easy to Apply to Reluctant Kids

The best thing about sprayable after suns is that they're quick and convenient. Rather than needing to squirt lotion into your hands before rubbing it in, you're instead able to spray it directly onto your child. When it comes to kids, every little time-saver helps, and condensing the application process down into one easy step helps immensely!


You may also find that your child appreciates a spray aftersun more. It's certainly more fun than a handful of lotion, and for that reason they may be more willing to go along for the ride. This incredible convenience is why sprayable after suns are one of the best application methods when it comes to kids.

Dr J Henderson
Consultant Paediatrician
Dr J Henderson

Sun exposure can be done safely, and it also helps with the body's vitamin D requirement; however, despite our best parental efforts, some of our children can still get sunburnt. 


To help manage the sunburn, sponging sore skin with cool water can help, but the act of sponging can be sore - applying aftersun via a spray allows a large area of the skin to be soothed if your child is moving around a lot with the discomfort of sunburn.

Make You Sure Never Miss a Spot by Going With a Lotion

Lotions are perhaps the best known form of aftersun, and they've been consistently popular for decades. This is because they're a safe and reliable bet when it comes to keeping our children's skin healthy. Because it remains highly visible until completely absorbed, it's easy to keep track of where you've applied it, therefore decreasing the risk of you missing a spot.


It's not quite as quick to apply as a spray, but the application is fairly easy as long as you can persuade your child to sit still for long enough. Make sure that you bring some wipes with you, as lotions can make your hands sticky, and that's the last thing you want on a sandy beach or at a restaurant!

Dr J Henderson
Consultant Paediatrician
Dr J Henderson

Covering all the skin areas that have a sunburn will help with skin recovery due to the benefits of vitamin E, vitamin A, and aloe vera, which is very different to applying a moisturizer that aims to re-hydrate the skin only.

Mousses and Gels Offer Novel Textures That Kids May Find Appealing

Mousses are really one a kind when it comes to texture, being foamy in form rather than gluey. There's no doubt that kids will be drawn to its novel appearance, as well as the sound it makes as it squirts out of the bottle. It's a little bit harder to keep track of when applying, but otherwise, an aftersun mousse is a safe bet.


Gels have a similarly viscous quality to lotions, so they're easy enough to apply. They don't remain as visible once applied, making it harder to see where you've covered. However, they do tend to come in bright colours and their transfixing, translucent appearance may appeal to some kids!

Dr J Henderson
Consultant Paediatrician
Dr J Henderson

Managing pain in children is not always easy - a stressful time for those with parental responsibilities as well as the child, making a recovery more appealing to the child can help their engagement - some like blowing bubbles to distract them (the adults can get distracted with this too) while applying aftersun, others will like playing with the textures of the aftersun.

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10 Best Aftersuns for Kids in the UK

This ranking has been compiled by the writing team at mybest UK via careful evaluation of the points made in the buying guide and thorough research of each product and comparing multiple verified customer reviews across the EC sites used.
Popularity
Products
Image
Click to purchase
Price
Key features
1

Sun Bum

Cool Down After Sun Spray

Sun Bum Cool Down After Sun Spray 1

£10.39

High Mid

A Cheeky Spray That's Sure to Crack a Smile

2

Green People

Organic Children Lotion & After Sun

Green People Organic Children Lotion & After Sun 1

£12.50

High

Skin-Friendly After Sun in a Planet-Friendly Tube

3

Bondi Sands

Aloe Vera After Sun

Bondi Sands Aloe Vera After Sun 1

£8.99

High Mid

Water-Resistant Skincare for All the Family

4

Soltan

Soothe & Cool Crackling Aftersun Mousse

Soltan Soothe & Cool Crackling Aftersun Mousse 1

£5.00

Mid

Have Fun With This Crackling Mousse

5

Childs Farm

After Sun Lotion

Childs Farm After Sun Lotion 1

£3.00

Low

Natural Ingredients That Are Perfect for Little Ones

6

Malibu

Soothing After Sun Spray With Insect Repellent

Malibu Soothing After Sun Spray With Insect Repellent 1

£3.49

Low Mid

A Two-in-One Protective Solution for Kids

7

Garnier Ambre Solaire

After Sun Refreshing Hydrating Spray

Garnier Ambre Solaire After Sun Refreshing Hydrating Spray 1

£5.00

Mid

Refreshing Spray From One of the UK's Leading Brands

8

Soltan

Soothe & Moisture Aftersun Spray

Soltan Soothe & Moisture Aftersun Spray 1

£4.50

Mid

A No-Frills Aftersun That's More Than Up to the Task

9

Banana Boat

Aloe Vera Gel

Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel 1

£5.00

Mid

Spark Their Imagination With This Luminous Green Gel

10

Nivea Sun

After Sun Moisturising Spray Lotion

Nivea Sun After Sun Moisturising Spray Lotion 1

£4.00

Low Mid

Cool and Hydrate Their Skin With Aloe Vera and Avocado Oil

If you don't see the product you're looking for, you can request that it be listed.
No.1

Sun BumCool Down After Sun Spray

Cool Down After Sun Spray 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£10.39
High Mid
Reference price
£10.39
High Mid

A Cheeky Spray That's Sure to Crack a Smile

Although not specifically designed for kids, everything about this aftersun, from its aerosol spray formula to its colourfully-designed bottle and tongue-in-cheek name, is bound to appeal to younger ones. This is of great benefit to parents, as you'll have no trouble convincing them to wear it!


Extracts of aloe vera and vitamin E are particularly effective at soothing the skin, and once you've finished spraying the kids, you can also use it on yourself. It even includes ingredients that'll preserve and intensify your tan!

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No.2

Green PeopleOrganic Children Lotion & After Sun

Organic Children Lotion & After Sun 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£12.50
High
Reference price
£12.50
High

Skin-Friendly After Sun in a Planet-Friendly Tube

Based in the beautiful Knepp Castle estate in West Sussex, Green People have a passion for our planet and are the proud purveyors of organically made beauty products. This aftersun is part of their 'organic children' range.


Featuring a healthy dose of aloe vera, as well as calendula, myrrh and lavender, 93% of its ingredients are organic, making it a great choice for children with sensitive skin and those prone to conditions such as eczema or psoriasis. Incredibly, the packaging is recyclable too, being made from sugar cane plastic!

No.3

Bondi SandsAloe Vera After Sun

Aloe Vera After Sun 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£8.99
High Mid
Reference price
£8.99
High Mid

Water-Resistant Skincare for All the Family

This rather fancy aftersun, made by Australian sun care company Bondi Sands, features a healthy dose of aloe vera. In fact, its vegan and cruelty-free ingredients are especially formulated to soothe and hydrate your skin after prolonged sun exposure.


While not specifically aimed at kids, its spray format makes it incredibly easy to apply to wriggly little ones. And because it's water-resistant for up to four hours, it's perfect for a family day at the pool or beach!

No.4

SoltanSoothe & Cool Crackling Aftersun Mousse

Soothe & Cool Crackling Aftersun Mousse 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£5.00
Mid
Reference price
£5.00
Mid

Have Fun With This Crackling Mousse

When it comes to convincing your kids to put on their aftersun, it always helps to have some kind of novel feature. This 'crackling aftersun mousse' literally crackles as you apply it - which is sure to do the trick!


Its hydrating ingredients are perfect for nourishing and soothing their skin after a day in the sun, and the non-greasy formula means their clothes won't stick to them after application. Better yet, this aftersun is vegan and cruelty-free!

No.5

Childs FarmAfter Sun Lotion

Reference price
£3.00
Low

Natural Ingredients That Are Perfect for Little Ones

When it comes to products that are safe for use on children's skin, Childs Farm are surely one of the best known brands. When you take a look at this aftersun, you'll soon understand why, as the ingredients list includes a range of natural extracts, such as coconut oil and aloe vera.


You'll be reassured even further when you learn that this aftersun is also dermatologist and paediatrician approved, as well as being vegan and cruelty-free. All of these factors make this lotion particularly suited for use on your little ones.

No.6

MalibuSoothing After Sun Spray With Insect Repellent

Soothing After Sun Spray With Insect Repellent 1
Source:amazon.co.uk
Reference price
£3.49
Low Mid
Reference price
£3.49
Low Mid

A Two-in-One Protective Solution for Kids

When it comes to spending time together as a family, summer is surely the greatest season. Unfortunately, the warmer months bring with them a number of health risks for our children. In the day time, that means exposure to direct sunshine, and in the evening, it's those pesky biting insects!


Luckily, some clever clogs thought to combine the remedy to both into one handy solution. Not only does this spray nourish and soothe your child's skin after a day in the sun, it also protects them from insect bites, making it an absolute time-saver.

No.7

Garnier Ambre SolaireAfter Sun Refreshing Hydrating Spray

Reference price
£5.00
Mid

Refreshing Spray From One of the UK's Leading Brands

Garnier's Ambre Solaire line is without a doubt one of the best known sun care ranges in the UK. That's because their products are effective and affordable, as is the case with this hydrating aftersun.


Cactus extract is the primary ingredient in this aftersun. That's because it's extremely effective at hydrating your skin and even possesses anti-inflammatory properties. You don't need to wait to benefit from this aftersun either, as you'll get to enjoy a refreshing, cooling sensation as soon as you spray it on!

No.8

SoltanSoothe & Moisture Aftersun Spray

Soothe & Moisture Aftersun Spray 1
Source:boots.com
Reference price
£4.50
Mid
Reference price
£4.50
Mid

A No-Frills Aftersun That's More Than Up to the Task

Boots Soltan line was designed with the intention of offering consumers a no-frills, affordable range of sun care products. While this aftersun doesn't contain any fancy additional ingredients, it's certainly more than up to the task of looking after your children's skin. 


It achieves this is by hydrating the skin to prevent peeling and dryness, and at a very reasonable price too. It also comes in a spray bottle, which every parents knows makes the job of applying aftersun so much easier!

No.9

Banana BoatAloe Vera Gel

Reference price
£5.00
Mid

Spark Their Imagination With This Luminous Green Gel

When it comes to soothing your skin after a day spent in the sunshine, everybody knows that aloe vera is the king of ingredients! This aloe vera gel relieves both sunburned and windburned skin, leaving it feeling cool and moisturised.


There's certainly something appealing about the luminous green, especially when compared to the 'cooling blue' most commonly used in aftersun packaging design. It's a bit basic in its list of ingredients, but if your child is particularly motivated by brightly coloured 'slime', this gel is a must-buy.

No.10

Nivea SunAfter Sun Moisturising Spray Lotion

Reference price
£4.00
Low Mid

Cool and Hydrate Their Skin With Aloe Vera and Avocado Oil

After a day spent in the sun, there are two things that your skin needs most - repairing and moisturising! Luckily, Nivea's moisturising spray lotion achieves this with the help of aloe vera and avocado oil.


While one works to rejuvenate your damaged skin, the other hydrates it, helping to prevent peeling and flaking. Spray bottles are always a win when it comes to an aftersun intended for kids, especially when they come at such an affordable price. Unfortunately, it loses a few points in our book for not being cruelty-free.

Top 5 Aftersuns for Kids

No. 1: Sun BumCool Down After Sun Spray

No. 2: Green PeopleOrganic Children Lotion & After Sun

No. 3: Bondi SandsAloe Vera After Sun

No. 4: SoltanSoothe & Cool Crackling Aftersun Mousse

No. 5: Childs FarmAfter Sun Lotion

View Full Ranking
The descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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