The no-mess sunscreen applicator that's a parent's must-have is now $12: 'Sunscreen isn’t a battle anymore'

You've spent time browsing the top sunscreen recommended by dermatologists so that you can find the right one for you and your family, but now comes the real challenge: actually getting your kid to wear it.

Parents know that the sunscreen battle is a necessary evil all year long. Whether they're at the beach or the playground, kids never want to pause their fun and games long enough to reapply when they need to. Getting them to apply it properly themselves is an even bigger challenge. 

That's where our latest Amazon October Prime Day deal comes in. During Amazon's two-day sales event from Oct. 8 and 9, we've spotted the Solar Buddies Sunscreen Applicator — a tool that makes applying sunscreen easy and mess-free — on sale for the cheapest we've seen it this year for just $12.

Solar Buddies is an empty applicator that you can fill up with the sunscreen of your choice. Use the reusable and replaceable sponge to apply the sunscreen easily and mess-free. When you want to reuse it, just clean it out and use it again. It's that simple!

To use, simply fill the container with the best sunscreen of your choice, shake the contents towards the roller ball and apply it to your body. The sponge ring will assist with rubbing in the lotion so you don't have to end up with greasy, sunscreen-coated hands. Plus, no more waste from squeezing too much sunscreen on your hands! Perhaps best of all, it 100ml of sunscreen, so it's perfect for hand luggage and any upcoming beach vacations you have on the calendar. 

When your sponge is looking a bit grubby, there's no need to replace the full tool. Instead, just replace the sponge applicator head, which is recyclable. Replace it with a fresh sponge and it's ready for the next season. 

It's not hard to see why this tiny tool has a 4.3-star rating among 9,500 reviewers on Amazon. The easy application makes it a hit diaper bag essential among parents who say it's been game-changing for getting their little ones to wear sun protection.

"This has been a great add to our diaper bag," said one five-star reviewer. "We live in a state that gets a ton of sun and it’s great to have for days at the park or at the pool. The roller feature makes it easier and less annoying for our baby, as well as our older kid (9), when putting it on."

"Never been easier to apply sunscreen on your young kids or have them apply it themselves," said another five-star reviewer. "Prevents them from using too much and the sponge helps rub it all in. My kids think it’s fun to use and sunscreen isn’t a battle anymore."

Of course, it's not just good for using on kids and babies, several reviewers say it's helped them wear sunscreen more frequently because they avoid getting it on their hands.

"My wife and daughter are always after me to use sunscreen," said another enthusiastic reviewer. "I use it on the golf course where I don't want to use a spray or get my hands greasy."

More deals we recommend:

Related stories:

• Walmart Deals 2024: See what savings to shop during the big Holiday Deals event

• Your ultimate guide to October Prime Day deals: Amazon, Walmart, Wayfair and more

• Wayfair just extended its Way Day 2024 sale: Shop these 35 editor-approved deals now

• The very best October Prime Day deals of 2024, what to shop at Amazon today

Don't have Amazon Prime?

If you have Amazon Prime, you’ll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $25 or more.)