Applying sunscreen isn't always the easiest task, especially when you're managing a child who's wriggling, doesn't like sunscreen, 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 other tool, makes applying sunscreen simpler, cleaner, and faster. It can turn sunscreen application 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, and 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. Any brand will work in the SUNNYBOD™ Refillable Brush, however for thicker formulas fill from the bottom of the canister. Check expiry dates before transferring any 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 help blend and distribute the sunscreen, making 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. The general rule is to reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming, towel drying, or sweating.^[1] Having sunscreen already in a handy brush makes reapplication quicker, and more likely to actually happen, even on the go, especially when there is no place to wash excess sunscreen off your hands. The SUNNYBOD™ brush is completely hands-free, with no rubbing in with fingers required.

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 of sticky hands, has sensory sensitivities, struggles with the smell or texture of sunscreen, or hates waiting around 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, with face-painting or play-makeup vibes
• Allowing older children to start applying more independently, promoting autonomy
• Speeding up the process for busy parents and educators
• Making reapplication on the go quicker and easier

Tools like the SUNNYBOD™ brush are especially popular with families who have children that are neurodivergent, or kids with tactile sensitivities, 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 that all exposed skin has been covered.

Age-based guidelines for sunscreen application:

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

Sunscreen applicators for schools, daycares, and sports teams

Applicators are particularly useful in group settings, offering:

• Faster application when supervising multiple children
• Hands-off application for educators
• No messy pump bottles or shared tubes
• Better control over portion size and hygiene
• The option to label each applicator with a child's name
• The option for families to exercise individual formula choice

A childcare centre may use a batch of refillable brushes and sanitise the brush head in between children, like face-painting providers do, or change the brush head for each child, or assign one brush per child. These are all effective ways to keep application more hands-free and simpler for educators. For bulk and wholesale enquiries, see our wholesale information for schools and daycares.

Best-practice sun safety: the 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.^[2] Cancer Council provides 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 or SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Slap on a sun-safe hat
• Seek shade, particularly when the UV Index is 3 or above
• Slide on UV-protective sunglasses

Sunscreen should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours, or more often after swimming, sweating, or towelling off.^[1] Sunscreen alone is not enough; it should always be combined with the other four strategies above.

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, the front of the body, the back, and the face including neck and ears, which is around seven teaspoons or 35mL for an adult.^[3] For reference, the SUNNYBOD™ Sunscreen Applicator holds approximately 20mL, so it is a handy option for covering exposed areas.

Can I use any brand of liquid sunscreen in a refillable applicator?

Yes. The SUNNYBOD™ Sunscreen Applicator Brush works with any liquid sunscreen. 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, as 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, and make reapplication throughout the day more manageable for school-aged students.