10 best sun creams for avoiding prickly heat in 2024
HOT sunny days can be a challenge for sun allergy sufferers, but help is out there for those who struggle with prickly heat.
Heat rashes, or prickly heat, can appear anywhere on the body as small raised spots and can cause an itchy, prickly feeling as well as mild swelling.
It’s important to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful UV rays and if you have sun-sensitive skin finding the right product is essential.
Sticky sun creams can contribute to prickly heat by blocking pores and sweat glands, which aggravate the skin further.
Dermatologist, Dr Anna Protasova said: “Prickly heat, also known as miliaria, is a skin condition characterised by small, itchy bumps or rashes that develop due to sweat trapped under the skin.
“Individuals prone to prickly heat should choose sun creams that are non-greasy and non-comedogenic to prevent pore blockage and heat rash formation. Look for water-based or gel-based sunscreens that allow the skin to breathe and evaporate sweat effectively.
“Avoid heavy or occlusive formulas that may exacerbate heat-related skin issues. Products with soothing ingredients like aloe vera or chamomile can help calm irritated skin and reduce discomfort associated with prickly heat.”
Luckily, there are plenty of sun creams that have been specially developed with ingredients to combat the causes of allergic reactions to sun exposure.
We’ve rounded up 10 of the best-reviewed and highest-rated sun creams for prickly heat to get you all-set for summer 2024.
Best sun creams for prickly heat at a glance:
- Best overall: COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
- Best SPF 50: Ultrasun Extreme
- Best for moisturising: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sun Protection
- Best for children: Green People organic children scent free sun cream
- Best for budget: L’Oreal Ambre Solaire UV Water Sun Cream Spray SPF20
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+, £22
Pros: Good for sensitive skin, barely-there coverage
Cons: Nothing major
Rating: 5/5
Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is a hydrating cream that offers superior protection from the sun’s harmful rays.
It has a mineral formula that forms a SPF 50+, PA+++ barrier on the skin against UVA and UVB rays.
It feels thin like a daytime moisturiser and absorbs quickly into the skin, drying down semi-matte.
Once absorbed it provides barely their coverage and I found a little cream goes a long way.
It’s very hydrating and wont clog your pores, while the aloe vera soothes red, dry and irritated skin – perfect for those who suffer from skin irritation.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical; SPF Factor: SPF 50+ PA+++; Size: 50ml
Green People Scent Free Mineral Sun Cream
Green People Scent Free Mineral Sun Cream SPF 30, £30
Pros: Mineral formula, soothes and moisturises skin
Cons: None
Rating: 5/5
Green People’s sun cream has an entirely mineral formula that forms a protective barrier on the skin deflecting the sun’s harmful rays.
It is SPF 30, protecting against UVA and UVB rays, alcohol free and contains aloe vera, chamomile and sequoia leaf cell extract to soothe skin and help it retain moisture.
Mineral sun creams can be thicker than chemical sun creams, but this product from Green People feels lightweight and absorbed quickly into my skin.
It left my skin feeling moisturised throughout a day in the sun and has become a staple in my backpack.
It’s also certified organic and vegan.
Type of sun cream: Mineral; SPF Factor: 30; Size: 50ml
Ultrasun Extreme
Ultrasun Extreme 50+ 100ml, £30
Pros: Specially designed to prevent prickly heat, SPF 50+
Cons: Nothing major
Rating: 4.5/5
Ultrasun’s Extreme sun cream has been specially designed for those with intense conditions or ultra sensitive skin.
It has a hypoallergenic formula to prevent prickly heat and sun allergies.
As well as this it is packed with antioxidants and vitamins E and B5 to moisturise and hydrate the skin.
Best of all it provides SPF 50+ sun protection against UVA, UVB and Infrared A.
I found it absorbed really quickly and sat lightly on the skin with no strong fragrance.
While it it didn’t feel as luxuriously moisturising as some others tested, it kept my skin hydrated throughout the day and was impressively light for a cream offering this level of protection.
SPF: 50+ Water-resistant: Yes Size: 150ml
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Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream, £22 £17.60
Pros: Hydrating
Cons: Chemical protection
Rating: 4.5/5
This sun cream from Thank You Farmer is lightweight and really hydrating.
It absorbs into the skin almost instantaneously, leaving no white cast and is so light I didn’t feel like I was wearing sun cream at all.
It’s very hydrating and left my skin feeling soothed and smooth while providing SPF 50+ and PA++++.
It’s genuinely fragrance-free and Thank You Farmer says clinically proven to reduce sebum production and the appearance of acne.
While this cream felt very gentle and skin kind it does provide chemical protection, rather than a mineral block, so if your skin is prone to irritation make sure you carefully check the ingredient list.
Overall it’s a lovely product that sits really well beneath or on top of make-up.
Type of sun cream: Chemical; SPF Factor: 50+; Size: 50ml
Childs Farm SPF 50+ Cream
Childs Farm SPF 50+ Cream, £12
Pros: Suitable from birth and for sensitive skin, socially-responsible ingredients
Cons: Nothing major
Rating: 4.5/5
Child’s Farm develops products for children’s delicate skin so its sun cream range is ideal for kids and babies with dry, sensitive or eczema-prone skin.
The sun cream is water-resistant with an SPF rating of 50+, protecting against UVB and UVA rays. It absorbs quickly and offers instant protection.
It feels very light when applying and I found that a little went a long way.
It’s also made from socially-responsible and naturally derived ingredients.
Key specs: Type: Cream SPF: 50 Water-resistant: Yes Vegan: Yes Size: 50ml; Mineral/chemical: Chemical
Eucerin Sun & Allergy Protection
Eucerin Sun Allergy Protect Sun Cream, £22.99
Pros: Boosts the skins natural defences
Cons: Nothing major
Rating: 4.5/5
This clever cream contains an antioxidant that helps protect against sun-induced skin allergies by boosting the skin’s natural defence.
It delivers SPF 50 protection and also contains a natural ingredient that provides protection against UV radiation.
It’s water resistant but not sticky or greasy and I found it absorbed quickly into the skin.
A great all-rounder for sun allergy sufferers.
SPF: 50 Size: 150ml
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50
Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50, £33.50
Pros: SPF 50, ultra lightweight
Cons: Quite expensive
Rating: 4/5
This facial sunscreen from Kiehl’s is SPF 50 providing a great defence against sun damage, while also protecting against skin irritation from pollution.
It’s suitable for even the most sensitive of skin types and contains Vitamin E and Baicalin, to boost hydration.
I found it was super lightweight and felt really nice on the skin with an invisible finish.
SPF: 50; Size: 30ml
PIZ BUIN Allergy Sun Sensitive Skin Lotion
PIZ BUIN Allergy Sun Sensitive Skin Lotion SPF 50+, £8.99
Pros: High level of sun protection
Cons: Initially slightly sticky
Score: 4/5
Piz Buin’s Allergy range has been specially developed with dermatologists to protect sun sensitive skin.
It is SPF 50+ and protects against UVA and UVB rays.
It also contains a specialist formula that Piz Buin says relieves the redness of skin, repairs cells damaged by UV rays and strengthens your skin’s resilience to the sun.
The cream took a little while to absorb into my skin and was initially sticky, but once fully absorbed it felt light and nourishing.
It is fragrance free and I found that a little cream went a long way.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical SPF Factor: 50+ Size: 200ml
L’Oreal Ambre Solaire UV Water Sun Cream Spray
L’Oreal Ambre Solaire UV Water Sun Cream Spray, £6.84 at Amazon
Pros: Lightweight, refreshing
Cons: Offers only SPF 20 protection
Rating: 4/5
If you’re looking for something low-cost that won’t aggravate your sensitive skin, this L’Oréal Ambre Solaire sun cream is a great choice.
Made with aloe vera water, known to sooth redness and irritation, I found it was light and refreshing to use with a velvety soft finish that wont clog your pores and lead to irritation.
It’s also absorbs so well it’s invisible on your skin, with no greasy or sticky residue.
SPF: 20 Size: 150ml
P20 Sensitive SPF 50+ Sun Cream
P20 Sensitive SPF 50+ Sun Cream, £14.99
Pros: High level of sun protection
Cons: Chemical formula, left skin feeling slightly sticky
Rating: 3/5
The SPF 50+ sun cream has been specially formulated for sensitive skin.
It has a 4-star UVA rating offering superior levels of protection and is free of fragrance, homosalate and octocrylene, all of which can cause irritation.
Impressively, the protection against harmful rays lasts for up to 10 hours or 80 minutes in the water.
I found that the cream took a little while to absorb into the skin and left it feeling slightly sticky.
This cream provides chemical protection, rather than a mineral block, so if you’re skin is very sensitive it might be best to check the ingredients.
Type of sunscreen: Chemical; SPF Factor: 50+; Water-resistant: Yes; Size: 100ml
How we tested these products
All sun creams have been tested by a member of The Sun’s team. They were all worn for at least one day and the testers considered factors including the application of the cream or spray, the level of protection it offered, scent, feel and how often reapplication was required.
Where to buy SPF 50 sunscreens in the UK?
You can buy kids’ sunscreen at many online retailers including:
- Amazon
- Boots
- Beauty Bay
- Cult Beauty
- Face the Future
- Green People
- Ocado
- John Lewis
- Look Fantastic
- La Roche Posay
- MooGoo
- Sephora
- Superdrug
- Ultrasun
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