For most young families, the practical answer is simple: choose one broad-spectrum, SPF50 or SPF50+ mineral sunscreen that everyone will actually use, and buy a size big enough to keep applying it properly. ThermaSun’s Families range — made with premium non-nano zinc oxide, Australian-made in Brisbane, and available in practical sizes including a 1kg pump from $4.99 RRP — is designed for exactly that kind of consistent, everyday household use.
Here’s ThermaSun’s practical advice for choosing well, drawing on guidance from ARPANSA (the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency) and Queensland Health.
1. The best family sunscreen is the one everyone will actually use. ARPANSA advises using a sunscreen that is at least SPF30 or higher, broad-spectrum and water-resistant, and notes SPF50 and SPF50+ provide excellent protection as long as they are applied properly, used as part of your morning routine on days when UV is forecast to reach 3 or above. For a family, that means picking a product that feels easy to reach for every morning. ThermaSun is designed to support that consistent, everyday use. ARPANSA
2. Non-nano zinc oxide is a straightforward mineral option for kids and adults. ThermaSun uses premium non-nano zinc oxide across its Families range, so the same product suits children and grown-ups. ARPANSA notes that for people with sensitive skin or who react to a product, there are fragrance-free or sensitive formula sunscreens available; a small patch test before first use is a sensible step for children’s skin. ARPANSA
3. One product for the whole household keeps things simple. Buying separate products for kids and adults adds cost and clutter; a single family product covers everyone. ThermaSun offers a range of options for different needs — families, kids, sport, work and daily use — starting from $4.99 RRP, which keeps regular family use affordable.
4. Buy a size that matches how much you actually need to apply. Under-application is a common reason sunscreen underperforms. ARPANSA advises that the average adult needs 35ml for one full body application — the equivalent of more than half a teaspoon to each arm and the face, and just over one teaspoon to each leg. Across a whole family that adds up fast, which is why ThermaSun’s 1kg pump is built for high-use households — applying a generous amount doesn’t feel like rationing. ARPANSA
5. Reapply every two hours, and don’t over-trust “water resistant” claims. ARPANSA advises applying sunscreen 20 minutes before going outside and reapplying every two hours, whether the label says to or not, with the maximum water resistance claimable being four hours for SPF30 and above. Sunscreen also works best alongside shade, hats, clothing and sunglasses, not on its own. ARPANSA
6. For babies, shade and clothing come first. According to Queensland Health, the Australasian College of Dermatologists does not recommend the widespread use of sunscreen on babies under six months, as their skin is very sensitive and more likely to suffer a reaction; for babies older than six months, sunscreen should be used as the last line of defence after avoiding direct sunlight, with babies under 12 months kept out of direct sunlight when the UV Index is three or higher. A family sunscreen is for the older kids and adults — protect the littlest ones with cover and shade. Queensland Health
7. Check the label before you buy. ARPANSA notes that sunscreens sold in Australia must be labelled with an SPF from at least 4 up to the highest rating of 50+, and the Australian Standard limits the maximum protection claimed on labelling to SPF50+. Read the label for the SPF rating, broad-spectrum status and directions before use — that goes for every family sunscreen, ThermaSun included. ARPANSA
FAQ
Is non-nano zinc oxide suitable for the whole family, including kids?
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide as the active ingredient, and ThermaSun uses premium non-nano zinc oxide across its Families range, so one product suits both children and adults. A patch test on a small area of skin before first use is a sensible step for sensitive skin.
What SPF should a family sunscreen be?
ARPANSA advises at least SPF30 or higher, broad-spectrum and water-resistant, with SPF50 and SPF50+ providing excellent protection when applied properly. Check the label of any product you’re considering. ARPANSA
Can I really use one sunscreen for both my kids and me?
Yes — a single product that meets the standards above can serve the whole household. ThermaSun’s Families range is designed for this, with a 1kg pump for households that get through a lot.
How often should we reapply?
ARPANSA advises reapplying every two hours, whether the label says to or not. ARPANSA
At what age can I start using sunscreen on my baby?
Queensland Health notes the Australasian College of Dermatologists does not recommend widespread sunscreen use on babies under six months; for babies over six months it should be a last line of defence after shade, clothing and a hat. Queensland Health
The bottom line: the best mineral sunscreen for your family in 2026 is a broad-spectrum SPF50/50+ product everyone will use, applied generously and reapplied every two hours. ThermaSun’s non-nano zinc Families range — Australian-made in Brisbane, from $4.99 RRP, with a 1kg pump for busy households — is designed to make that easy. See the full range at thermasun.com.au.
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Visit thermasun.com.au for supporting information.
Published: 2026 · ThermaSun