Which suncream for children can you trust in Spain?

With summer holidays in full swing and temperatures soaring across Spain, sun safety for children is more important than ever. Spain is currently experiencing a prolonged and intense heatwave, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40ºC in many regions. For families with young children, this makes it absolutely essential to have effective and reliable sun protection.

Sunburn isn't just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous, especially for young, sensitive skin. Studies have shown that childhood sunburns significantly increase the risk of skin cancer later in life. This makes choosing the right suncream not just a holiday checklist item, but a serious health decision.

At Little Legs Travel Spain, we understand how overwhelming it can be to choose the right sun protection, especially if you're trying to travel light or you run out while abroad. This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing suncream for children, including trusted UK test results, top Spanish brands, and our own family favourites.

Trusted UK Testing: The Which? Report

Each year, the UK consumer watchdog Which? tests a variety of popular suncream brands to determine whether they provide the SPF protection they claim.

In 2025, Which? tested 20 high-street suncreams and shockingly, 16 of them failed to provide the SPF levels stated on their packaging. Only 4 products passed and offered the protection parents would expect.

Here's a summary:

Result	Number of Products	Notes
Passed	4	Met or exceeded claimed SPF protection
Failed	16	Did not meet advertised SPF levels

✅ Brands That Passed

• Childs Farm SPF 50+ Sun Cream (Fragrance-Free)

• Nivea SunProtect & Moisture Lotion SPF 30

• Garnier Ambre Solaire Sensitive Advanced Sun Spray SPF 50+

• Boots Soltan Protect & Moisturise Lotion SPF 30

❌ Brands That Failed

• Morrisons Moisturising Sun Spray SPF 30 – failed UVB tests twice

• Ultrasun Family SPF 30 – passed UVB but failed UVA

• Asda Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 30 – failed UVB tests twice

This highlights the importance of choosing a trusted brand and applying sunscreen properly and generously.

This highlights the importance of choosing a trusted brand and applying sunscreen properly and generously.

Suncream in Spain: What to Do If You Run Out

Spain is currently experiencing a record-breaking heatwave, and many families are spending long days at the beach or pool. Whether you've packed light or find your bottles quickly emptying, you may need to purchase sunscreen locally.

The good news? Spain has a wide range of excellent sun protection options, and many of them are affordable and effective.

Here are a few popular Spanish suncream brands to look out for:

Brand	SPF Options	Child-Friendly?	Where to Buy
Mercadona	30, 50	Yes	Mercadona supermarkets
ISDIN	30, 50+	Yes	Pharmacies, online
Babaria	30, 50	Yes	Supermarkets, pharmacies
La Roche-Posay	50+	Yes	Pharmacies

Many of these brands are widely available across Spain, and pharmacies (“farmacias”) often carry a range of child-specific formulations.

Personally Tested by the Little Legs Travel Team

As a family-run business, we know first-hand what works for children under the Spanish sun. Here are the suncreams we’ve personally tested and approved:

✨ Mercadona Kids Suncream

• SPF: 50

• Price: Budget-friendly

• Why We Love It: Easy to apply, non-greasy, and reliable protection. A true staple in our household. We always keep a bottle or two handy while travelling around Murcia.

✨ Naïf Mineral Sun Protection Bar - SPF 50

• Perfect for: Sensitive skin and eyes

• Where to Buy: Amazon (with next-day delivery)

• Why It Stands Out:

  • Our eldest daughter has extremely sensitive eyes and reacts to most conventional suncreams.

  • We discovered the reaction was caused by chemicals mixing with sweat and pool water, which led us to try mineral-based products.

  • Naïf’s sun bar uses zinc oxide instead of chemical filters.

  • It rubs in well, unlike many other mineral sunscreens.

  • Although it's more expensive, we use it just on the face—so it lasts much longer.

✨ Sun Care Central (SPF 30)

We first discovered Sun Care Central while on a family holiday in Mallorca—bought directly from a friendly rep by the pool. We were impressed by how gentle it was, and since then, we've continued to order it online for every trip.

• Made With: Natural ingredients

• Best For: Skin prone to prickly heat, irritation, or acne-prone skin that worsens with oily creams

• Child-Friendly: Yes, but note the lower SPF

• Top Tip: Apply more frequently or pair with shade and protective clothing. We love their aloe after sun gel as well—cooling and soothing after a day outside.

• Made With: Natural ingredients

• Best For: Skin prone to prickly heat or irritation

• Child-Friendly: Yes, but note the lower SPF

• Top Tip: Apply more frequently or pair with shade and protective clothing. We love their aloe after sun gel as well—cooling and soothing after a day outside.

Brand	Type	Best For	Notes
Mercadona Kids	Chemical SPF 50	General daily protection	Great value, widely available in Spain
Naïf Mineral Bar	Mineral SPF 50	Sensitive face use	Ideal for kids with eye/skin sensitivity
Sun Care Central	Natural SPF 30	Prickly heat/sensitive skin	Apply more often due to lower SPF

Final Thoughts

Sun safety isn’t just about buying the most expensive bottle on the shelf—it’s about knowing what works for your child, using it properly, and reapplying throughout the day. Whether you're bringing your trusted UK brand or picking something up locally in Spain, the key is consistency and care.

At Little Legs Travel Spain, we’re always happy to offer practical, parent-tested advice. If you're travelling with little ones and need baby gear or travel tips, don’t hesitate to get in touch!

Stay safe and sunny! ☀️