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Product tests

Here's where users test and review products and give their feedback. If you'd like to run a product test please email [email protected].

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

Find out what MNers of Soltan Kids Once Water Play - £300 to be won for feedback NOW CLOSED

213 replies

EmmaMumsnet · 24/08/2017 14:00

We were asked by the team at Soltan to find 250 MNers with at least one child aged under 10 to try Soltan Kids Once Water Play and to then share feedback on Mumsnet!

Soltan say: "Soltan Kids Once is the only extended wear sun protection range designed especially for kids delicate skin. This product offers up to 6 hours sun protection and 3 hours water resistance, meaning it’s perfect for sunny days out, days by the pool or on the beach”

Here’s their feedback:

Testers please share the below

Who did you try the sun cream on? Where did you go on holiday?
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child?
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product?
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion?
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why?

Everyone who takes part and who shares feedback as required will be entered into a prize draw where one person will win a £300 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

Find out what MNers of Soltan Kids Once Water Play - £300 to be won for feedback NOW CLOSED
OP posts:
IamNotDarling · 24/08/2017 20:13

Who did you try the sun cream on?
Me and my DD6

Where did you go on holiday?
Balearics

How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child?
I wasn't convinced by 'once' claim but managed to go two hours in the pool without burning. DD had step marks but no burning by the end of the week.

What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product?
How quickly it is absorbed, UVA/UBA and staining.

What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion?
Better than my regular brand that seemed gloopy in comparison to this one.

Would you buy this sun protection again? Why?
Probably for a European sun holiday. The price is reasonable. Not sure about more tropical locations. Would need to test it.

Thanks for the chance to test it.

itshappenedagain · 24/08/2017 20:15

Who did you try the sun cream on? I used the cream on my ds (10) and dd (7)
Where did you go on holiday? Weekend in wales and days out.
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child? We use uv beads to indicate when lotion needs topping up, beads never started glowing and the dc were in and out of the water. The 5* uva rating was also reassuring.
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product? Good coverage, good spf and uv rating.
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion? Lotion went on easily and didn't leave a great residue. Very light in the skin. Smells pleasant and dried quickly. So great all round.
Would you buy this sun protection again? Yes I would buy this again, it worked well even in the water and caused no skin irritation.

Ilikesweetpeas · 24/08/2017 20:17

Who did you try the sun cream on?
My daughter and myself
Where did you go on holiday?
Florida
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child?
I hadn't used soltan before but was fairly confident about this brand
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product?
That it doesn't aggravate DD's skin and that it provides protection from sunburn
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion?
Didn't really notice much fragrance, in common with most high protection creams it's quite gloopy but easy enough to apply.
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why?
I would, it protected great protection even against the August Florida sun!

sharond101 · 24/08/2017 20:24

Who did you try the sun cream on? Where did you go on holiday? We went to Dorset and used it on my 2 and 5 year old children.
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child? trusted the 5 stars and it was so thick I knew they were well protected.
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product? I want ultimate long lasting protection that is easy to apply.
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion? It took a while to rub in as it was so thick. I liked the subtle fragrance.
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why? Probably not as I prefer the easy absorption of my more regular brand.

Hatethinkingofusernames82 · 24/08/2017 20:42

Who did you try the sun cream on? I used it on my 4yr old and 16 month old and myself!
Where did you go on holiday?France and Scotland
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child?very confident- well known brand, factor 50, made for kids! Sounds perfect! And the proof was there too- no one got burnt!!
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product?ease of application, how it feels once on
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion?really easy to apply- soaked in nicely. Can't really remember a fragrance but I'm taking that as a good thing!
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why? Yes. It did a great job, what's not to like! Although I have to say I'm usually swayed by offers so package it up as a good deal and I'll buy it!!
Thanks for letting us try it!

MrSlant · 24/08/2017 20:51

Who: Very fair skinned and active DC aged 10.

Where: Southern France, hot and sunny.

Confidence: Trust the brand and whilst applying it seemed a good thick block.

Important: Ease of application/confidence/length of protection.

Application/fragrance: DC thought it smelled lovely, it was a bit thick to put on but as he was part of a test for once he was good about letting me do it!

Use again?: When I put it on him I thought 'what a faff' but in the evening when his skin was perfect and soft and mine (used spray applicator sunscreen because it's easy) had two big burns where I'd missed bits so I used it too for the next couple of days! If I knew we were going somewhere really hot and sunny I'd buy it for us again to be happy we were protected jumping in and out of the sea.

vickyors · 24/08/2017 21:11

We tried the sun cream on both kids, a one year old and a four year old, in Majorca.
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child?
I'm very confident. When I'm the beach the baby wears a nappy (who can explain sand in a swimsuit to a baby) and our 4 year old does the Spanish thing and wears swim pants. So they are both very happy, mostly naked on the beach/by the pool (repeat ad infinitum).. I applied this in the morning, and occasionally if we ended up wrapping or drying them in a towel a lot, but both my beauties are pale and lovely. They had an absolute blast! And they didn't get burned at all. I loved loved it. Hat and pants on, all day in the sun. Fabulous.
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product?
That it is suitable for sensitive skin. Our baby has a haemangioma, and she gets very sensitive skin around it. So that is of paramount importance to us.
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance
Lovely fragrance. Smelt like summer. And very easy to apply. Quite thick, but I think I'd expect that of such a high factor that has to do so much.
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why?
Yes. I trust Soltan as a brand. I have wanted a 'Once' and water play combined. And I tried it and it is suitable for highly sensitive skin. So I am very very happy. I will be buying this from now on.

Find out what MNers of Soltan Kids Once Water Play - £300 to be won for feedback NOW CLOSED
kittensmum82 · 24/08/2017 22:01

I tried this cream on my DD aged 2.5 during a weeks holiday in France. Forunately we dodged the worst of the heat wave but it was pretty warm most days and with a pool at the cottage we were staying in, having a cream that could withstand a length of time in the water was essential. I really liked this cream, but don't honestly think it quite lasts the 3 hours advertised in water . We applied before DD went in the sun and gave time for it to soak in, she then spent about 2 hours in and out of the pool before coming in and reapplying for the afternoon (3pm onwards ) butstill had very slight pinkness to her arms that evening.

The rest of the week we reapplied again after being in water and it did a great job, but id argue therefore that its no different to a normal kids high spf, so probably wouldn't pay the extra £3 or so.

Always rate boots for uva and uvb protection and trust them as a brand.

mummy81 · 24/08/2017 22:26

Who did you try the sun cream on? My 4 year old son and 6 year old daughter.
Where did you go on holiday? Turkey.
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child? I was very confident as the kids had no problems in the sun and I didn't have to reapply often.
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product? Ease of use, stickiness left, absorption.
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion? It was fine to put in as a cream and smelt lovely.
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why? Yes! With 6 hours protection I didn't have to keep worrying about topping the kids up every couple of hours.

Sleepysausage · 24/08/2017 23:07

Who did you try the sun cream on?
We used the sun cream on our 22month old daughter.
Where did you go on holiday?
We went to Andalucia, Spain

How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child?
We felt confident that this cream provided good protection
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product?
We want to feel confident that it offers good protection. We want it to offer good water protection and to last all day.
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion?
It was easy to apply and quite thick so we knew we hadn't missed any areas. The fragrance was ok, nothing special.
This cream did stain any light coloured c loggers quite badly though, and was difficult to remove in the wash.
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why?
I probably would buy this again as it's a great product an so convenient

Newbles · 24/08/2017 23:18

Who did you try the sun cream on? Where did you go on holiday?
I used it on my 15 month old and myself, at home in the garden and paddling pool. He is blond and fair skinned, I am pale and burn easily.
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child?
I have used Soltan products before so was confident it would offer good protection.
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product?
Level of protection, price, texture/consistency of the lotion.
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion?
I found it was a little sticky at first but was fine after a few minutes. It didn't feel greasy and rubbed in well. The fragrance was fairly inoffensive.
For what it's worth, I have psoriasis and this cream didn't aggravate it at all.
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why?
I would buy it on special offer, but for my family finances the full RRP price per bottle is prohibitive.
It certainly protected mine and my toddler's skin while hopping in and out of water and generally running about.

Davenotdave · 25/08/2017 02:31

Who did you try the sun cream on?
2 & 6 year old
Where did you go on holiday?
UK, but will be taking it abroad plaster in the year
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child?
Very confident, Uva and uvb
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product?
Ease of application, coverage, longevity

What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion?
Easy to apply as you can see where you've put it (well as easy as it is to apply on a toddler). Nice fragrance.
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why?
Yes as it's a great all rounder, as others have said it does stain on white clothes, so would recommend another suncream for adults, but my kids don't really wear white as they'd trash it anyway.

buntingqueen · 25/08/2017 08:36

The trial bottle arrived after we got back from holiday, but luckily I spotted it in a Boots on the way to the airport and wanted to try it, so bought a bottle to take with me.

Who did you try the sun cream on?
DCs 5 and 2

Where did you go on holiday?
Cyprus

How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child?
DD comes up in a rash with any brand of suncream other than Boots Soltan, so I use that anyway, and meant that I was confident this would also be a good product.

What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product?
High SPF for the children, and also that it doesn't give my DD a rash!

What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion?
It smelled like normal suncream to me, which I like. It went on easily. It is much thicker than standard suncream, but I felt that almost meant you could feel it was going to be effective.

Would you buy this sun protection again? Why?
Yes, because my DD didn't react to it.
Also, both DC were in and out of the water, and after being cautious at first, I was reapplying every 3 hours as instructed, and neither of them burnt at all in the Cyprus sun!

Stephgr8 · 25/08/2017 08:36

Who did you try the sun cream on? Where did you go on holiday? I tried this suncream on my children aged 3, 7 and 10 in Mallorca where temperatures averaged around 30 degrees

How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child? After just one day's usage I was confident this is the best product because none of my children got any sunburn at all and they spent a lot of time in and out of the swimming pool yet they were protected fully and after a week none of them showed any signs of redness which is unusual especially my youngest who is very fair.

What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product? It is very important that my children are protected from harmful rays and that they do not experience the sunburn I experienced as a child. Because they spend a lot of time in water, I need them to have water resistant cream. I prefer cream which does not have to be constantly reapplied because I am not always on hand and my husband is not good at applying cream so thoroughly.

What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion? It was easy to apply - not too thick or thin although it did become runny on the day when my husband left the Soltan in the hot sun. The fragrance was ok - none of my children disliked it.

Would you buy this sun protection again? Why? I would definitely buy it because it was very effective at protecting my children all day long.

WowOoo · 25/08/2017 08:45
  1. I tried the suncream on my children 8 and 12 years old.
We were on holiday in the Med for 10 days- it was very hot and they are usually not used to this kind of sun.
  1. As it was very thick and factor 50 I was confident that they'd be OK in the sun. We didn't stay in the sun for 6 hours but my children did not get burnt once.
My husband didn't like the thickness of it, but I thought this meant it would be effective.
  1. The protection level is important. I liked this as they were in the sea a lot and I wanted protection whilst they swam.

4.It was easy to apply, but quite a bit came out. So we just slapped it on. I thought the smell was nice.

  1. Yes, I'd buy it again as I was very happy with the results.
Blahblahblueblee · 25/08/2017 08:54

Who did you try the sun cream on? Where did you go on holiday?
I tried it on my 5,3 and 1 year old. We went to Devon.

How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child?
I was fairly confident that it did, it was very thick and none of my children burnt.

What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product?
What factor it is, how often it needs reapplying and how it feels on the skin.

What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion?
I liked the fragrance, it wasn't too strong. It was easy to put on but it felt really thick. It made everything slightly white when it went on so you could see where it had been put on.
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why?
Yes as it did the job well even playing in and out the sea and there were no bad reactions.

Teabay · 25/08/2017 10:40

Have just returned from Mallorca where I took my two DC, aged 6 & 10. They're always in and out of the pool so I need something that is waterproof and a high factor so I know their skin won't burn. Although they do tan I know they burn as well, expect abroad!
We use Soltan as I look for the star protection on uva and uvb, and it smells so nice that I use it on my face too.
It's creamy and easy enough for the DC to squeeze out themselves. The bottle is easy to hold and way better then a slippery spray which won't fit in their hands.
It smells LOVELY, of holidays, and I'll definitely buy it again to use for the DC. I'm going to get a mini one for the car too -fab, Soltan.

Twinkie1 · 25/08/2017 10:43

Who did you try the sun cream on? DD and DS Where did you go on holiday? TUSCANY
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child? VERY CONFIDENT, HAVE USED SOLTAN BEFORE AND TRUST BRAND
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product? THAT IT DOESN'T IRRITATE THE DC'S SKIN, ESPECIALLY DS AS HE HAS EXCEMA PRONE SKIN
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion? QUITE GLOOPY LIKE ALL HIGH FACTOR CREAMS BUT EASY TO APPLY, DIDN'T REALLY NOTICE MUCH IF A FRAGRANCE.
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why? YES IF AT A REASONABLE PRICE.

colleenw · 25/08/2017 10:47

Who did you try the sun cream on? Myself (i'm very fair) My 2 children (1 and 6)
Where did you go on holiday? We went to spain
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child? The brand is one I trust so I was more than confident using this on my kids.
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product? The uv rating and how high the factor is.
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion? Easy as any other good lotions and the smell was rather pleasant - not expected.
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why? Yes - It did a good job.

allthingsred · 25/08/2017 12:13

We haven't been away but live 5 mins walk from beach so my 7, 4 ,10 yo have been using this everyday.
The label was clear,high spf & Boots is a really trusted brand. So I was very confident using it.
When choosing this type of product price, & that it's hypoallergenic is important. With children that have sensitive skin it's a must.
This product was really easy to use. It was thick but easily absorbed put on once then they were out the door. The fragrance was lovely as well.
I would absolutely buy this again. Kids have enjoyed being able to play without me calling them back every time they've gotten wet to reapply.
Thank you

LyndaLaHughes · 25/08/2017 12:32

Who did you try the sun cream on? Where did you go on holiday?

I tried the cream on my three young children aged 6,4 and 2. It was used in Spain and in the U.K.

How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child?

I was confident the product would work given its high UVA rating and UVB factor. I also trust the brand name.

What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product?

A product with a high UVA and UVB rating but also one that does not irritate my children's sensitive skin. I also prefer products which are good value, do not smell unpleasant and do not stain clothes.

What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion?

The product is easy to apply but I found the colour stained clothing and towels and my children complained of it irritating their skin when putting it on saying that it stung a bit.

Would you buy this sun protection again? Why?

Only for a day when I am not able to reapply (e.g for a school trip etc) Whilst the product is effective the colour and smell are off putting. It also stained clothing and towels. I am also not confident that it was suitable for my children's skin for longer periods of use. I will be sticking with my usual brand which is fabulous value for money, doesn't stain or smell and is very easy to apply. It also is great for my children's sensitive skin. It's a shame as I had high hopes for this product. The idea of something that could be applied to last for a longer time frame is very appealing- especially as my children are very fair.
Thank you for letting us try though- I think the product is a great idea and am disappointed it wasn't for us!

Cupcakeicecream · 25/08/2017 12:47

Who did you try the sun cream on? I slathered my DC in this cream very pale sensitive skin it worked a treat. Lovely smell not overpowering but pleasant.Easily applied absorbs straight into the skin not thick or greasy.
Where did you go on holiday? We didnt go on Holiday weve has a staycation this year with plenty of days out to the beach outdoor museums and playground and plenty of days in the garden with the paddling pool and water pistols.
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child? Ive tried many sun creams over the years as DC has my sensitive pale easy to burn skin. This is by far one I will use over and over. I have the confidence that my child is covered when playing in water it provides the protection needed to avoid the dreaded sun burn and doesnt wash away like other brands does need to be reapplied every few hours but as many others do but it has the advantage of being water resistant.
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product? I look for something robust tried and tested. I need a child friendly and high factor. That protects from the sun this lotion has the advantage of water resistance I know that dc will be protected in water and that has its perks.
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion? The application process was very simple most lotions come out in a thick dollop that doesnt rub in or dry very easily and you just end up looking like a ghost. This product was by far superior not thick or greasy smooth application very quick to dry suitable for my sensitive dc the fragrance is very pleasant unlike most that smell chemical.

Would you buy this sun protection again? Why? I would by this again my dc loves the water needs a high factor and child friendly it suits the bill. protection from the sun no allergic reaction easy application a happy not greasy or ghostly child. water resistant so hours of fun in water and the hot sun.

FuckingHateRats · 25/08/2017 12:48

Tester here.
Who did you try the sun cream on? Where did you go on holiday? We went to Luxembourg. Tried it on all members of the family - adults and three children.
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child? Very confident, as I have used the brand before.
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product? Well absorbed, protects the skin from damage, easy to apply.
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion? It smelled lovely! It was quite thick, and slightly tacky/sticky for a minute or so after application but that was very brief and then it left the skin soft and protected. My daughter is fair and a redhead, and it worked brilliantly on her sensitive skin.
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why? Yes I would as I struggle to find products which my daughter does not react to, which actually work.

CrumblyMumbly · 25/08/2017 13:29

Who did you try the sun cream on? Kids 6 & 8, Dh & me - all fair skinned and easily burned.
Where did you go on holiday? We went to a family wedding in Tuscany during a mega heatwave - phew!
How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child? I was very confident as it is Factor 50 and provided 6 hours protection or 3 hours in the water.
What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product? High factor, non-allergenic, water resistant and ease of application.
What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion? Even though the cream thicker than usual creams, I found it easy to apply and absorbed well. The great thing was it didn't aggravate my skin as lots of other creams do. The fragrance was nice and not overpowering. I also found the cream to be quite moisturising - multi-tasking!
Would you buy this sun protection again? Why? I have already bought more - I love it! Amazing to just apply it once and relax and enjoy the holiday without wrangling kids (and husband) to reapply especially when they are in and out of the water every 5 minutes! I wish I had this when I was young as I remember the misery of being slathered in cream all the time when you want to go and play. Thanks so much for letting me try it - it's been amazing. We've all got a healthy glow for once without getting burned!

georgedawes · 25/08/2017 13:41

Who did you try the sun cream on? Where did you go on holiday?

My DD, in the UK.

How confident were you that this product provided the best sun protection for your child?

It seemed really good, although it obviously wasn't used under fierce Mediterranean sun!

What is important to you when choosing a sun protection product?
UVA and UVB protection, how easy it is to apply and cost (although I wouldn't scrimp on the first two for this!)

What did you think of the ease of application and the fragrance of the lotion?
Really easy to apply and smelled nice too

Would you buy this sun protection again? Why?

Yes I think I would, really like the idea of just applying once and not having to worry after that. Also good for in and out of the pool which is something I worry about.

Thanks!