Clean sunscreen for kids: what to pack in your beauty bag this summer?

This publication is also available in: Français Deutsch Italiano Español English (US)

At a time when every grain of sand comes with an Instagram filter, sunscreens are no longer chosen solely for their protection factor.

The summer of 2025 promises to be scorching. For demanding and wellness-conscious mothers, the choice of sunscreen goes beyond just a high SPF. Effective protection, impeccable composition, pleasant textures, and asserted aesthetics: sunscreens are entering a new era. A care product in its own right, to slip into the family beauty kit — especially when it comes to protecting the delicate skin of little ones.

A Market in Full Reinvention

Long considered a necessary evil, sunscreen is undergoing a desirable repositioning. Controversial filters, opaque formulas, environmental impact: critiques have pushed brands to revise their strategies. Mothers are no longer willing to make compromises. They want beauty, safety, and cleanliness. And the industry is responding: organic sunscreens, tinted sticks with minimalist design, creams without nanoparticles or endocrine disruptors are becoming the norm.

Moreover, we are witnessing a collective awareness regarding the impact of UV filters on marine ecosystems. The trend is towards “reef safe”: formulas that respect the marine ecosystem, free from oxybenzone and octinoxate. Sunscreen is becoming a militant, almost political act, in addition to being a protective care.

What Mothers Want: Effectiveness, Safety, Sensory Experience

Protecting a toddler’s skin is a sensitive equation. You need a product that is easy to apply on moving skin, resistant to water and sweat, and does not sting the eyes. For mothers, we look for fine, non-whitening textures that blend in without leaving traces and integrate naturally into a beauty routine. Scent matters too: solar vanilla or subtle fragrance? It’s a matter of taste, but more importantly, of pleasure.

The sensory dimension is gaining new importance: we want silky textures, soft-touch packaging, and portable formats for beach bags. Creams must no longer just protect, they must entice, comfort, and adapt to our demanding, on-the-go lives. A good sunscreen in 2025 is a product that we enjoy applying, even on reluctant children.

5 Clean Sunscreen Brands for Kids That Deserve a Place in Your Suitcase

Seventy One Percent

The iconic French brand of chic surfing. Its tinted SPF 50 sticks are all the rage, as well as its Urban Feel Good face cream, perfect for mixed skin. Their children’s range is dermatologically tested and free from chemical filters. The compact format is easy to take anywhere, even in a beach pouch.

Mimitika

Designed for fair and sensitive skin, this French brand focuses on uncompromising protection. Their children’s solar milk is fluid, allergen-free, and easy to apply, even on wet skin. Special mention for their melting texture and commitment against animal cruelty.

Laboratoires de Biarritz

Probably the clean reference on the French market. Their bio-certified children’s range features formulas based on alga-gorria, a natural antioxidant extracted from red algae. Light fragrance, creamy texture, zero compromise. The brand also stands out for its recyclable bottles and solid environmental commitments.

Pai Skincare

For mothers with highly reactive skin. Their facial sunscreen is a protective caress, free of fragrances and irritating agents. Ideal also during pregnancy or postpartum, when the skin can become more sensitive. Pai also offers complementary care to soothe after exposure.

Acorelle

Balancing organic, sensory experiences, and accessibility, Acorelle checks all the boxes. Their kids’ solar milk is often awarded, both effective and respectful of the ocean. Bonus: lightweight, recyclable packaging, and a gentle price for impeccable composition. The French brand also focuses on 100% natural fragrances and next-generation mineral filters.

Application: The Right Moves for Applying Children’s Sunscreen

A good sunscreen is also a matter of technique. Apply generously before each exposure, reapply every two hours, and always after swimming. For children, prioritize often-forgotten areas: the tops of the feet, the ears, the nape of the neck. Tinted sticks are ideal for the face, while sprays can be convenient when on the go.

A little tip: it’s better to apply sunscreen on dry skin, in the shade, about fifteen minutes before going out. Avoid exposure between noon and 4 p.m., and don’t hesitate to complement protection with UV-blocking clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and category 3 filtered sunglasses.

This summer, choose your sunscreen as you would select a skin jewel: considering its impact, its touch, its style. For mothers and children alike, sunscreen becomes an act of care as much as an act of love. More than just a seasonal product, it embodies a conscious vision of family beauty: protective, aesthetic, and responsible.