How to Use a Sunscreen Applicator

A Parent & Educator's Guide to Hassle-Free Sun Protection

Applying sunscreen isn't always the easiest task, especially when you're managing a child who's wiggling, distracted, or trying to run off toward the nearest playground or pool. Add in time pressure, messy lotions, sandy fingers, and the need to reapply regularly, and it can feel overwhelming.

But it doesn't have to be.

A sunscreen applicator, like a refillable brush or roller tool, makes applying sunscreen simpler, cleaner, and faster. It turns sunscreen time from a stressful moment into something easy, manageable, and even fun—whether you're at the beach, day-care drop-off, or on a field trip with 20 other kids.

In this guide, we'll show you how to use a sunscreen applicator the right way, with practical, family-focused tips for:

• Parents and carers
• Teachers and early childhood educators
• Coaches, sports volunteers, and anyone caring for kids outdoors

What Is a Sunscreen Applicator?

A sunscreen applicator is a refillable tool designed to help spread sunscreen quickly and easily, without getting it all over your hands. Some applicators use a soft brush head, while others use sponges or rollers. The goal is to make sunscreen application:

• More efficient
• More hygienic
• Less messy
• Less frustrating (especially for kids!)

Tools like the SUNNYBOD™ Refillable Sunscreen Brush let you fill the internal canister with your favourite sunscreen, then apply it using the built-in brush. No more greasy hands, sticky phones, or lotion-covered car seat buckles.

Step-by-Step: How to Use a Sunscreen Applicator

✅ 1. Fill the Applicator

Unscrew the brush head from the brush base of your applicator and squeeze in your favourite sunscreen. Thinner lotion sunscreens tend to flow best, but any brand will work in the SUNNYBOD™ Refillable Brush.

Tip: Check expiry dates when transferring sunscreen into a reusable tool and always follow the guidelines of your sunscreen's manufacturer.

✅ 2. Secure and Prime the Brush

Reattach the brush head to the brush base and gently pump the white button until you see a little sunscreen appear at the tips of the bristles. This "primes" the applicator so the brush glides smoothly and distributes sunscreen into the bristles.

✅ 3. Apply on-the-go

Use gentle sweeping or circular motions to apply the sunscreen across all exposed skin, taking care to cover ears, neck and shoulders, around the eyes, and other easy-to-forget areas.

With a brush-style applicator, the bristles do the blending for you, helping distribute the sunscreen and make applying to tricky areas like the eyes and ears quicker and easier. This is especially helpful with kids who move around a lot or don't like sunscreen being applied near the eyes.

✅ 4. Reapply Regularly

Sunscreen needs to be applied at least 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapplied throughout the day, especially if children are swimming, sweating, or playing outdoors.

General rule: reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming, towel drying, or sweating. Having sunscreen already in a handy brush makes reapplication quicker—and more likely to actually happen—even on the go.

Why Sunscreen Applicators Work So Well for Kids and Families

Let's be honest, sunscreen can be one of the most challenging family routines, especially if your child:

• Doesn't like the feeling or sticky hands
• Has sensory sensitivities
• Struggles with the smell or texture of sunscreen
• Hates waiting around or struggles to sit still before play

A sunscreen applicator helps by:

• Removing the "ick" feeling of lotion on hands (for both adults and children)
• Making sunscreen application feel more like a fun activity (face-painting/play-makeup vibes)
• Allowing older children to start applying more independently—promoting autonomy
• Speeding up the process for busy parents and educators

Tools like the SUNNYBOD™ brush are especially popular with families who have children on the autism spectrum, or kids with tactile challenges, because it keeps the experience predictable and hands-free.

Can Kids Use Sunscreen Applicators Themselves?

While sunscreen applicators can help children become more involved in their own sun safety, SUNNYBOD™ always recommends adult supervision during sunscreen application, regardless of the child's age. Proper sunscreen use is essential for effective protection, so a responsible adult should always check for full and even coverage.

Age-Based Guidelines for Sunscreen Application:

• Ages 1–4: Adult-applied only
• Ages 5–7: Child may participate with direct adult supervision
• Ages 8–12: Partial independence; adult must supervise and confirm coverage
• Ages 13+: May apply more independently; adult reminders and checks recommended

Even with increasing independence, adults should always check that sunscreen has been applied evenly, to all exposed areas, and at the right amount and frequency (especially during sports, swimming, or outdoor play).

Sunscreen Applicators for Schools, Daycares & Sports Teams

• Faster application when supervising multiple children
• No messy pump bottles or shared tubes
• Better control over portion size and hygiene
• Can be labelled with each child's name

A childcare centre may use a batch of refillable brushes (changing the brush head for each child) or assign one brush per child—an effective way to keep application more hands-free and simpler for educators.

Wholesale & bulk enquiries: Wholesale Information

Best Practice Sun Safety (Australian Guidelines)

Australia has some of the highest UV levels in the world, which is why sun protection is recommended whenever the UV Index is 3 or above. Health authorities such as the Cancer Council provide a simple five-step message for sun safety that families, carers, schools, and outdoor groups are encouraged to follow:

• Slip on protective clothing
• Slop on SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Slap on a sun-safe hat
• Seek shade during peak UV times (usually 10am–4pm)
• Slide on UV-protective sunglasses

Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every 2 hours, or more often after swimming, sweating, or towelling off. Sunscreen alone is not enough; it should always be combined with the other four strategies above.

Learn more:
Cancer Council Australia – Sun Safety Guidelines
SunSmart Global UV App | Bureau of Meteorology – UV Index

Frequently Asked Questions

How much sunscreen should I use with a brush?
Apply enough to cover all exposed skin. A useful guide is one teaspoon for each arm, each leg, front, back, and the face (including neck and ears) — Cancer Council Australia. For reference, the SUNNYBOD™ Sunscreen Applicator holds approximately 20 ml.

Can I use any brand of liquid sunscreen in a refillable applicator?
Yes. The SUNNYBOD™ Sunscreen Applicator Brush works with most lotion-style sunscreens. It can also help apply after-sun lotions and even light complexion products like BB cream or foundation. Always check with the product manufacturer before transferring from original packaging to ensure the product remains effective for its intended use.

Can my child take a sunscreen applicator to school?
Check your school or childcare policy—most allow individually labelled sunscreen kits. Applicators are also great for quick application as part of your morning routine or at day-care drop-off.

Shop the SUNNYBOD™ Refillable Sunscreen Brush

Sunscreen applicators are a simple but powerful tool to help make sun safety easier for parents, carers, teachers, and families everywhere. They turn messy and stressful moments into smooth, reliable routines. And the more we support healthy sunscreen habits early, the better protected our kids will be, now and in the future.

Teaching independence. Building routines. Keeping kids protected. That's the SUNNYBOD™ way.

If you're looking for the best brush for sunscreen to make application quick and mess-free, check out our SUNNYBOD brush here.

Disclaimer

This information is provided for general guidance only and is not intended to replace medical or professional advice. Always follow sun safety recommendations issued by your local health authorities, and consult your family doctor or healthcare provider if you have questions about sunscreen use, skin sensitivities, or individual needs.