We get it: sunscreen can really be a drag. It's often sticky, smelly, and heavy. The thing is, wearing it is absolutely vital to your health and also the appearance of your skin. Board-certified dermatologist Dr. Debra Jaliman [1] explains that wearing the product can prevent a multitude of issues. "Sunscreen should be worn to prevent fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, and other pigment irregularities but most importantly to help prevent skin cancer," she said.
Fortunately, there are a lot of great sunscreens [2] that are comfortable on the skin, nice-smelling, and ultralightweight. You just need to know which to buy, and they don't have to be expensive, either. There are plenty of affordable choices at the drugstore in both mineral and physical varieties.
Not sure which to go for? Dr. Jaliman advises that those with sensitive or acne-prone skin [3] stick to mineral varieties (also known as physical) because they're much less irritating than their chemical counterparts. "A physical sunscreen contains mineral ingredients, such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, and it sits on top of the skin to deflect and distribute damageing UV rays away from the skin," she explained.
Chemical sunscreens [4], on the other hand, work by absorbing the UV rays and changing them into heat, then releasing it from the skin. It's important to make sure your chemical sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays. If you prefer the feeling of a chemical sunscreen, the dermatologist also has some advice. "Look for the ingredients octinoxate or Mexoryl SX, because they block both UVA and UVB rays," she said.
Regardless of whether you want a mineral or chemical formula or are looking for a lotion or spray, there's sure to be a product you'll love in the aisles of your favourite store. Ahead, you'll see our top picks for SPF at the drugstore.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen SPF 30
You can't beat the price of the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen SPF 30 [5] ($12). The no-frills bottle is filled with a lotion that will hydrate your complexion for eight straight hours without feeling greasy on your skin.
Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
The Coppertone Pure & Simple Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 [6] ($9) is fragrance-free and won't clog pores. It's also paraben-, phthalates-, and oxybenzone-free.
Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Active Sunscreen SPF 30+
Outdoorsy types will adore the sweat- and water-resistant Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Active Sunscreen SPF 30+ [7] ($16). It's made without oxybenzone, fragrances, and parabens.
Australian Gold Botanical SPF 30 Lotion
Those with sensitive skin will adore the mineral Australian Gold Botanical SPF 30 Lotion [8] ($17). It gently protects your skin against UVA and UVB rays without sulfates, dyes, or oils.
Alba Botanica Hawaiian Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 45
This pick is formulated without parabens, synthetic fragrance, or animal byproducts. The Alba Botanica Hawaiian Green Tea Sunscreen SPF 45 [9] ($8) is made with antioxidant-packed green tea and soothing aloe vera, making it the perfect choice for those who prefer natural products.
Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Have hypersensitive skin? Try the Aveeno Baby Continuous Protection Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 [10] ($11). It's hypoallergenic, formulated with zinc oxide and oat to soothe your skin, and sweat- and water-resistant for 80 minutes.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55
You can't go wrong with a classic. The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 55 [11] ($8) leaves a matte finish, making it the perfect daily pick to wear underneath makeup.
Hint Pineapple Sunscreen Spray SPF 30
You will seriously not find a sunscreen that smells better than the Hint Pineapple Sunscreen Spray SPF 30 [12] ($8). It smells like you just cut into a piece of fruit and is never greasy or sticky on the skin.
Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturiser SPF 25
When your skin feels parched, all you want is to slather it with a luxurious (but not heavy) cream. It used to be hard to find one that was truly hydrating and also had SPF, but the Olay Regenerist Whip Face Moisturiser SPF 25 [13] ($29) fixed this problem. The whipped formula feels like you're taking a tall glass of water straight to your skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50 Tinted Mineral Ultra Fluid Sunscreen
It might run you a little more, but trust us, it's worth it. The La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 [14] ($34) has an unparalleled lightweight formula that dries matte within minutes.
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 30
The Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF 30 [15] ($8) doesn't just protect and moisturise; it also makes you smell like a tropical island. It's also OK to wear in the ocean because it's reef-safe, meaning it's made without oxybenzone and octinoxate.
Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defence Daytime Moisturiser SPF 50
If you're looking for a daily moisturiser with substantial (SPF 50) protection against both types of damageing sun rays, Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defence Daytime Moisturiser SPF 50 [16] ($17) is the one. It goes on smooth and light without a white cast.
Bare Republic Mineral Spray Vanilla Coconut SPF 50
Fans of the Bare Republic Mineral Spray Vanilla Coconut SPF 50 [17] ($15) love it for its nongreasy, sheer finish and sweet scent.
Badger Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 35
The impressive Badger Sport Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 35 [18] ($14) is made with just five ingredients to keep you protected from the sun. It's also cruelty-free, reef-safe, and certified organic.
Sun Bum Original Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion
The hypoallergenic Sun Bum Original Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion [19] ($9) won't just keep you protected from both UVA and UVB rays, but it will also keep your skin hydrated with vitamin E. Animal-lovers will appreciate that this brand is cruelty-free and reef-friendly.