My Kid Struggled with Sticky Sunscreen—Here’s What I Discovered

By Ramneek, a real mom.


As a parent, I’ve always known the importance of sunscreen for kids. Whether it’s a beach vacation, or even just playing outside, protecting my sons' delicate skin from harmful UV rays is non-negotiable.

My son, Aveer, absolutely hated sunscreen. The moment I tried to apply it, the whining began:

And here’s the problem—I couldn’t find a kid-friendly sunscreen that actually worked without being greasy, sticky, or leaving an awful white cast. It wasn’t just frustrating; it made me question what I was putting on his skin.

Why Regular Sunscreens Aren’t for Kids

When it comes to protecting our little ones from the sun, not all sunscreens are created equal. Many commercial sunscreens that work well for adults might not be the best choice for kids. Here’s why:

❌ Too Greasy & Heavy – Uncomfortable for Kids

Most sunscreens available in the market are designed with adult skin in mind. These formulas often contain rich emollients and thicker textures meant to provide long-lasting protection, but for kids, they can feel unbearably greasy and heavy.

• Sticky residue that children hate the feeling of.

• A greasy formula traps dust, dirt, and sand.

• Using it over a long term locks pores & causes breakouts.

❌ Harsh Chemicals & Parabens – Unsafe for Young Skin

Children’s skin is still developing, which means it is far more sensitive than adult skin. Many mainstream sunscreens contain a cocktail of harsh chemicals that may not be suitable for kids.

• Oxybenzone & Octinoxate can cause skin irritation and may even disrupt hormones.

• Parabens & Sulfates are used as preservatives, and can cause  allergic reactions, redness, and irritation.

• Artificial Fragrances can trigger skin allergies or cause discomfort.

❌ Faster Absorption – Higher Chemical Exposure

Children’s skin is thinner and more porous than adult skin, meaning it absorbs anything applied to it up to four times faster. While this is great for nourishing ingredients, it also means that any harmful chemicals present in conventional sunscreens get absorbed more quickly and in larger quantities.

• Higher Risk of Skin Reactions: Even a small amount of chemical sunscreen ingredients can lead to redness, itching, or even burning.

• Potential Long-Term Impact: While still being studied, early findings suggest they may interfere with natural skin barrier functions and hormonal balance.

The Search for a Non-Sticky, Safe Sunscreen for Kids

Like any determined parent, I went down the rabbit hole of research. I looked up "best sunscreens for kids," read countless reviews, and even tested a few on my own skin. Every product claimed to be "gentle for kids’ skin," but the results were disappointing—sticky formulas, overpowering scents, and even redness on Aveer's sensitive skin.

Then, I came across Tuco 2-in-1 Sunscreen & Body Lotion, a natural sunscreen for kids that claimed to be lightweight, hydrating, and non-greasy. I had my doubts, but I decided to give it a try. And let me tell you—it was a game-changer!

Why the Tuco Sunscreen works

From the very first application, I noticed a huge difference. Here’s why I swear by Tuco now:

✔️ Lightweight & Non-Greasy – No more sticky, oily mess! This sunscreen feels more like a moisturizer than a sunscreen. 

✔️ No White Cast – Unlike other sunscreens that made his skin look chalky, this one blended effortlessly and left no residue.

✔️ Natural Ingredients – With saffron and turmeric, it provides sun protection while also soothing and nourishing the skin. Plus, no parabens, sulfates, or harsh chemicals!

✔️ Kid-Approved! – The biggest win? Aveer actually lets me apply it without any complaints. 

Sunscreen Struggles? Not Anymore!

Since switching to Tuco, applying sunscreen is no longer a battle in my house. It’s quick, mess-free, and gives me peace of mind knowing that Aveer's skin is protected and nourished without harmful chemicals.

If you’ve been facing the same struggles, I highly recommend looking beyond regular sunscreens and choosing something truly designed for kids' skin needs. This has been a lifesaver for our outdoor adventures, and I know it will be for yours too!