Sunscreen Applicator

Submitted by Emily, who needed an easier way for her kids to help apply sunscreen at the pool and beach.

The Solar Buddies applicator solves one of the more annoying parts of summer: getting sunscreen onto kids without coating your own hands in lotion or sand. It uses a rollerball to dispense sunscreen and a sponge ring to help spread it, so application is cleaner and faster than squeezing lotion into your hand every time.

The refillable design is the biggest advantage. You can use the sunscreen your family already trusts, whether that’s a mineral brand for sensitive skin or a high-SPF lotion, instead of buying pre-filled roll-ons that force you into a different product.

It also gives kids a manageable way to help with reapplication. The chunky shape is easy for small hands to hold, and the roller format is less intimidating than a bottle of lotion. That makes it useful for pool bags, beach days, field trips, and school or daycare settings where adults may not be allowed to apply sunscreen directly.

It does not replace a parent checking coverage. Kids can miss spots, and thicker sunscreens do not flow as easily through the roller. Very thin lotions can also come out faster than expected. The sponge head needs to be cleaned and replaced periodically, especially with regular summer use.

At 3.4 ounces, it’s TSA-compliant and easy to keep in a bag. If sunscreen application is a constant fight, this makes the process easier without forcing you to change the sunscreen you already use.