Sunscreen is an oft-forgotten step in many a skin-care routine, but any dermatologist will tell you that wearing it is vital to your skin's health. Why? Because it keeps your face and neck (and frankly, everywhere) from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays, though it's still important to wear on sunny days, overcast days, rainy days, days spent at home — every day!
That said, a common problem people face with SPF moisturisers [1] — aside from many formulas being too sticky, heavy, or greasy [2] — is their affordability, not to mention that you never really know when you're using a product that's dermatologist-approved [3]. With that in mind, we asked a handful of board-certified dermatologists to share their favourite drugstore SPF moisturisers that not only feature quality formulas, but also won't break the bank.
Here's what they recommend — no matter your budget.
Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturiser SPF 30
"The Cetaphil Oil Control Moisturiser SPF 30 [4] ($14) is a favourite amongst my patients who have more oily and acne-prone skin types. It's a lightweight moisturiser that absorbs quickly, delivers a long-lasting matte finish, and helps to control and minimize shine while protecting skin from harmful UV rays." — dermatologist Tiffany J. Libby, MD [5]
Neutrogena Beach Defence Sunscreen Stick With Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
"I've always been a fan of Neutrogena and EltaMD sunscreens — it's what I use for my family and myself. Within the last six months, Neutrogena released its Beach Defence Water line. I like the stick versions, which look like deodourant sticks so they aren't messy and are good for anyone who likes to avoid sprays. The Neutrogena Beach Defence Sunscreen Stick With Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ [6] ($8) in particular is formulated especially for those who break a sweat or hit the pool. While you still need to reapply, they give better protection and I think they are more for practical outdoor use. Almost everyone breaks a sweat when the sun is pounding and unfortunately, more times than not, that can reduce the amount of sun protection you get. This tries to remedy that." — dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali [7], MD
La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturiser SPF 30
"I love the La Roche Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturiser SPF 30 [8] ($30). It's elegant and hydrating, yet fragrance free so it's good for sensitive skin." — dermatologist Shari Sperling, DO [9]
Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturiser with SPF 30
"Differin Oil Absorbing Moisturiser with SPF 30 [10] ($13) provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB SPF 30 sun protection in an oil-free, lightweight formula. I love that it hydrates the skin without clogging the pores. It is non-comedogenic and can be used in acne-prone skin. It rubs nicely into the skin without leaving a greasy feel." — dermatologist Claire Chang, MD [11]
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Sunscreen SPF 50
"I love Neutrogena's new Hydro Boost Sunscreen SPF 50 [12] ($12) because it's light, not greasy or shiny, but has excellent moisturising properties because of its hyaluronic acid vehicle, and the high-quality broad-spectrum protection we can always rely on from Neutrogena." — dermatologist Jessica Krant [13], MD
Olay Face Lotion + Shine Control SPF 35
"I really like the Olay Face Lotion + Shine Control, SPF 35 [14] ($24). It's ideal for people who hate the greasy look and feel of wearing sunscreen." — dermatologist Susan Bard, MD [15]
"Olay's Face Lotion + Shine Control sunscreen is great for under makeup, has an added bonus of shine control, SPF 35, and antioxidants. It has a nice, lightweight feel, too." — dermatologist Lauren Guren [16], MD
Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturiser
"Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturiser [17] ($14) is a chemical sunscreen that is easy to put on daily. It has a light texture and blends in well to all skin types. It also contains soybean extract, which is an antioxidant and helps even skin tone." — Dr. Chang
CeraVe AM Face Moisturiser with Broad Spectrum Protection, SPF 30
"The CeraVe AM Face Moisturiser with Broad Spectrum Protection, SPF 30 [18] ($15) is great for all skin types, especially sensitive skin and/or acne prone skin. It moisturisers the skin throughout the day and is formulated with SPF 30. I recommend using at least SPF 30 for optimal protection." — Dr. Sperling
Coppertone Pure and Simple Botanicals Faces Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
"I really like Coppertone Pure and Simple Botanicals Faces Sunscreen Lotion- SPF 50 [19] ($5) because it's PABA-, Paraben-, phthalate-, and fragrance-free, contains zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection, and also has botanicals like kelp and tea extract to soothe the skin. It's a great sunblock for the whole family." — Dr. Saini
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50
"La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 [20] ($34) is an excellent fragrance-free, non-comedogenic mineral based sunscreen with antioxidants infused into its formulation to help protect skin from free radical damage and harmful UV rays." — Dr. Libby
Cerave Hydrating Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
"I like the Cerave Hydrating Face Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 [21] ($16). It is a physical blocker, so it reflects against both UVA and UVB spectrum. It has cermaides in it that help maintain a skin barrier, keeping it hydrated. It also has a Vitamin B3 called niacinamide that helps calm the skin. Lastly, it is oil-free, which is great for acne-prone patients. They don't have to worry about clogging their pores and introducing chemicals to their skin, which can exacerbate their flares." — dermatologist Sarika Snell [22], MD
Bare Republic Mineral SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Stick
"As I tell my patients, the best sunscreen is one that you will actually use. I love offering different applicators as options to my patients who may not want a lotion formulation – I particularly like stick formulations for reapplying as well as for babies and kids, as they tend to be less resistant to the stick applicator and find it even fun to do it themselves. Bare Republic Mineral SPF 50 Sport Sunscreen Stick [23] ($13) is 20 percent zinc oxide (the higher the better!) and gives broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB with SPF 50 and is water resistant." — Dr. Libby