buuk.top / Alli Waataja
Lets cut to the chase: sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine. Yep, even if you only go outside for a few minutes a day, and yeah, even through the winter. Some dermatologists even recommend wearing SPF indoors as damaging UV rays can penetrate glass and clouds, so make sure you slather it on in the morning, no matter what you have planned.
"A great sunscreen is a sunscreen that someone wants to apply generously every single day and reapply when needed," says Claudia Christin, MBBS, Ph.D. in dermatology and medical advisor at Picky. In other words, its all about finding one you like. But since you need roughly half a teaspoons worth to cover your face and neck, and a full shot glass worth when applying SPF to your whole body, you can expect to go through a tube relatively quickly—which is why affordability is key.
Bearing all of this in mind, we spent hours in our NYC testing lab putting a number of top-rated sunscreens to the test. Each one had to be budget-friendly and offer something for everyone – from the super active to those for dry skin, and that features a hypoallergenic formula.The texture also had to be one you’d enjoy and look forward to applying each morning.
Keen to find out which ones made it to our shortlist? Scroll on for the best affordable sunscreens currently on the market.
Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum at Amazon
Aveeno Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon
Banana Boat Face Sunscreen at Amazon
Bare Republic Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50 at Amazon
Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen Spray at Amazon
Cetaphil Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 at Amazon
Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 Sunscreen at Amazon
Eucerin Advanced Hydration SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray at Amazon
Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35 at Amazon
Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active Sunscreen Lotion at Amazon
In This Article
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Best Overall
Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Ulta
View On Target
View On Blackgirlsunscreen.com
Leaves the skin looking radiant
Feels lightweight on the skin
Formulated with hydrating jojoba, cacao and avocado
The mouth part of the tube could be tighter as it makes the sunscreen come out very easily
Black Girl Sunscreen’s broad-spectrum moisturizing sunscreen is made specifically for melanated skin with SPF30 protection (though its a great option for all skin tones!). The brand worked hard to create this very effective formula that didn’t leave behind the dreaded white cast while also protecting the skin from hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
We scored it highly in our lab for how lightweight it felt on application and how well it spread across the skin. The texture isn’t too oily or creamy – it’s just right with jojoba, cacao, and avocado adding a perfect amount of moisture.We also noted that it didn’t leave a white undertone or make our skin look dull. In fact, it added glow and radiance and left our complexions looking very refreshed. Even better, it’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
Who Its For
This sunscreen is formulated specifically for the needs of darker skin tones– especially skin types that need extra moisture.
Price at time of publish: $16
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients:Jojoba, cacao and avocado |SPF: 30 | Size: 3fl oz | Free of: Parabens, Fragrance, Oxybenzone, & Octinoxate | Water-Resistant:Yes| Cruelty-Free: Yes
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
Best for Face
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50
Amazon
View On Walmart
View On CVS
Available in very high SPF 50
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Suitable for sensitive and dry skin
Takes quite a bit of rubbing in
We’re big fans of Aveeno’s sensitive skincare range so were excited to try this Positively Mineral sunscreen. We awarded it our top facial choice as it’s super gentle and has a high SPF of 50+ – ideal for a very exposed area such as the face. Plus, it’s formulated with 100% zinc oxide active, vitamin E, feverfew, and nourishing oat so it’s as gentle as it is protective.
We tested it out in our NYC lab and applied the required amount to our face and neck.It has an opaque texture that takes a bit of rubbing in, but once it’s absorbed it’s undetectable. We also tested its water resistance, andit passed the splash test with flying colors, not budging at all.
Who Its For
This sunscreen issuitable for sensitive and reactive skin and those who want afragrance-free, water-resistant formula.
Price at time of publish: $15
Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients:Zinc oxide, vitamin E and feverfew |SPF: SPF 50+ | Size: 2fl oz | Free of: Fragrance | Water-Resistant: Yes| Cruelty-Free:
No
buuk.top/Jessica Juliao
Best Drugstore
Banana Boat Light As Air Faces
Amazon
View On Walmart
View On Walgreens
Absorbs oil
Feels very lightweight on the skin
Pleasant scent
Applicator isn’t that easy to use
The texture of sunscreen is really important, and it has to be one you look forward to applying – especially when it’s on your face. This facial sunscreen from Banana Boat absorbs oil so it’s a good choice for combination and blemish-prone skin or anyone that gets a little shiny by lunchtime. It also layers well beneath makeup.
During testing, we found that it felt lightweight on the skin and blended in seamlessly as it’ssuper sheer. It also has a gorgeous banana scent that admittedly may not be to everyone’s taste, but we really liked it.
Who Its For
This facial sunscreen issuitable for oil and blemish-prone skindue to its non-comedogenic and oil-absorbing formula.
Price at time of publish: $12.50
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients: Avobenzene 3%, Homosalate 9%, Octisalate 4%, Octocrylene 5% |SPF: 50 | Size: 3fl oz | Free of: Oxybenzone or octinoxate | Water-Resistant: Yes |Cruelty-Free: No
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
Best Smelling
Bare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50
Amazon
View On Target
View On Walmart
Absorbs easily into the skin
Great vanilla and coconut scent
Free from chemical actives
Transfers quite a lot when skin is wet
Whether you enjoy biking, watersports, wild swimming, or running, if you spend a lot of time outside, you’ll need reliable sunscreen. This mineral sunscreen from Bare Republic has a broad-spectrum formula so is ideal for use all year round. It also boasts water resistance for up to 80 minutes and is free from nasties like parabens and non-synthetic ingredients.We loved its natural coconut fragrance that is sweet but not overly so (It gives that tropical vacation feel wherever you are) and our only complaint is that it does transfer quite a bit especially when the skin is wet.
Who Its For
This vegan, broad-spectrum sunscreen is ideal for active people who want a water-resistant sunscreen with fragrance.
Price at time of publish: $19
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients:Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide | SPF: 50+ | Size: 5fl oz | Free of: Synthetic fragrances, and parabens |Water-Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
Best Spray
Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
Amazon
Very comfortable and lightweight
Sheer and blends into the skin invisibly
Smells great
The bottle is hard to manipulate
If you can’t stand the feel of a lotion on your skin, a spray makes a lightweight alternative. We tested this spray sunscreen from Bare Republic in our lab and loved how lightweight it felt and how quickly it blended into the skin. It also smells great and is water resistant so it’s a great option for a day of adventures – whether that’s a day at the beach or a hike with friends.
We found the bottle a little hard to manipulate when using the spray so this could do with an improvement, but aside from this, we think its a great option.
Who Its For
This sunscreen is ideal for anyone who hates the feel of lotion on their skin and wants a lightweight alternative.
Price at time of publish: $15
Type: Spray | Active Ingredients: Vitamin E and antioxidant-rich Raspberry and Goji Berry extracts, | SPF: 50+ | Size:6fl oz |Free of: Parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances | Water-Resistant: Yes| Cruelty-Free: Yes
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
Best for Sensitive Skin
Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 for Sensitive Skin
Walgreens
View On Target
View On Walmart
Very gentle formula suitable for sensitive skin on the face
Travel-friendly size
Protects the skin’s microbiome
Texture is very watery
Cetaphil’s sheer mineral liquid sunscreen isspecifically designed for the faceso it’s extra sensitive to the skin’s microbiome. In simple terms, it helps the skin to stay adequately hydrated and protected. It has quite a watery texture that we found a little thin, but a little goes a long way and it spreads easily into the skin without feeling greasy. During testing, we didn’t experience any residue or transfer either.
What’s more, it’s free from fragrance so it’s suitable for sensitive skinon the face. The cute size of the bottle is also great for throwing in your purse and re-applying throughout the day. To avoid a white cast, the brand recommends priming the skin with a moisturizer first and applying the sunscreen in very thin layers.
Who Its For
This sunscreen is for those with sensitive skin who find general sunscreens too irritating on the face.
Price at time of publish: $16
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients:Zinc oxide 1% | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.7fl oz | Free of: Parabens, fragrance, and mineral oil | Water-Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
Best Hypoallergenic
Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
Amazon
View On Target
View On Walmart
Very water resistant
Doesn’t transfer at all
Thin texture is suitable for sensitive skin
Doesn’t feel super moisturizing
Ideal for very reactive skin or anyone who doesn’t like very thick lotions, Coppertone’s Pure and Simple mineral sunscreen is our favorite hypoallergenic pick. Why? First off,it has a very thin texture that comes out of the bottle easily and absorbs well while it takes a bit of spreading around. The formula is also super gentle andcontains naturally sourced Zinc Oxideand nourishing added ingredients such as lotus, sea kelp, and tea leaf. What’s more, it’s free from dyes, parabens, synthetic fragrance, PABA, octinoxate and oxybenzone.
Like to swim? It claims to be water resistant for up to 80 minutes, andwhen we tested this out in our lab, it scored 5 out of 5 (not budging at all in the splash test).The high SPF 50+ and large 6fl oz bottle size make it a good choice for everyday adventures, too.
Who Its For
As this formula is not super moisturizing, it’s suitable for a sensitive yet not overly dry skin type.
Price at time of publish: $10
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients:Naturally derived Zinc, lotus, sea kelp and tea leaf | SPF: 50 | Size: 6fl oz | Free of: Dyes, parabens, synthetic fragrance, PABA, octinoxate and oxybenzone | Water-Resistant: Yes| Cruelty-Free: No
buuk.top/jessica juliao
Best for Dry Skin
Eucerin Advanced Hydration SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
Amazon
Didn’t budge at all in our water-resistant test
We’d like it to have more of a glowing effect on the skin
Blends in nicely once rubbed in
Contains lots of beneficial skincare ingredients
A spray sunscreen isn’t the most natural choice for a drier skin type and, if you struggle to retain moisture in your skin, you probably veer towards thicker lotions. But beauty innovation now means there are sprays for even very dry skin such as this one from Eucerin. Formulated with five antioxidants including nourishing vitamin E, protective vitamin C, and the super humectant hyaluronic acid, it locks in hydration while protecting the skin from UV radiation.
We gave it a whirl in our NYC lab and found its texture really interesting– it sprays on thinly at first but then goes thicker before sinking in easily. It also performed well in the splash test and stayed true to its promise of being water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. This is a great option for your next vacation or day at the beach.
Who Its For
Anyone who wants the convenience and ease of a spray sunscreen without losing the hydrating qualities of a lotion.
Price at time of publish: $14
Type: Spray | Active Ingredients: Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Oxynex ST and Hyaluronic Acid | SPF: 50 | Size: 6fl oz | Free of:Fragrance, dyes, parabens, PABA, phthalates, oxybenzone and octinoxate |Water-Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free:No
buuk.top/jhett thompson
buuk.top/jessica juliao
Best Water Formula
Glossier Invisible Shield SPF 35
Sephora
View On Sephora
View On Glossier.com
Great applicator
Absorbs easily and works well with makeup
Fresh citrus fragrance
Texture is a bit too watery
This water-based formula from Glossier claims to convert even the most skeptical of sunscreen avoiders. This is down to itswater-gel texture that contains microcapsules that work well with makeup and absorb easily into the skin. Defense-wise, vitamin E, vitamin P, broccoli, and aloe leaf extracts also help neutralize free radicals.
When testing it in a real-life setting, we found that it stayed true to this claim, and it has an almost water-like consistency that blends in seconds. It’s so watery in fact, that you need to apply it in the same way you would a serum, patting it in rather than rubbing. We also really liked its light citrus fragrance and easy-to-use applicator.
Who Its For
If you don’t like to feel sunscreen on your face, this is the sunscreen for you due to its very lightweight, invisible texture.It also makes a great base beneath makeup.
Price at time of publish: $25
Type: Water-gel | Active Ingredients:Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 6%, and Octisalate 5% | SPF: 35 | Size: 1fl oz | Free of: Parabens | Water-Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Joy Kim
Byrdie / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
Best for Active Lifestyles
Hawaiian Tropic Everyday Active Sport Sunscreen Lotion
Amazon
View On IHerb
Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate
Gorgeous tropical scent
Blends in easily
There’s nothing that we don’t like
Hawaiian Tropic is a classic sunscreen, and we’re always more than happy to have a bottle of it in our sports bag. The brand’s Sport lotionscored highly during our lab testing thanks to its water and sweat-resistant formula, easy-to-blend texture, and signature tropical scentthat just transports you straight to a far-flung destination.
Other factors to point out are that it’s free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores, and is cruelty-free. It’s a total no-brainer for a day of swimming, cycling, or hiking.
Who Its For
This sunscreen is ideal for active people who need a sunscreen that will protect them from water and sweat as well as UV radiation.
Price at time of publish: $17
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate | SPF: 350 | Size: 8fl oz | Free of: Oxybenzone and octinoxate | Water-Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: Yes
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
Best Serum
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum with Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
Amazon
View On Ulta
View On Target
Extremely lightweight and breathable
Moisturizing texture
Very high SPF 60+
We wouldn’t change a thing
The skin on our face is exposed to UV radiation and pollution every day, so it’s vital that you protect it with a high broad-spectrum sunscreen. This facial sunscreen from Neutrogena has a very lightweight and breathable texture that boasts very high SPF 60+ protection (ideal if you spend a lot of time outdoors or have specifically sensitive skin) and long-lasting hydration.
Other things to note? The serum has a really fun color and blends well into the skin. A touch of ginger extract also helps to add radiance and our skin felt noticeably softer after applying it.Once absorbed, it’s completely undetectable which makes it the perfect base for makeup, too.
Who Its For
Anyone looking for protection from both pollution and UV radiation and wants a very high-factor facial sunscreen. It’s also formulated to protect the face from very cold and very hot temperatures.
Price at time of publish: $12
Type: Serum | Active Ingredients:Avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate |SPF: 60+ | Size: 1.7fl oz | Free of: Oxybenzone, parabens and mineral oil | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
Best Scent
Sun Bum Original Scent SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
Amazon
View On Target
View On Walmart
Coconut scent that smells like summer
Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Doesn’t transfer
Texture could be thicker
If, like us, one of your favorite smells is a tropical-scented sunscreen, you’ll love this lotion from Sun Bum. Summer in a bottle, it’soil-free and formulated with vitamin E for added hydration, boasting effective broad-spectrum protection. It’s also Hawaii 104 Reef Act compliant so it won’t damage the ocean if you’re a keen swimmer or surfer.
We found lots to love about this sunscreen during testing including its coconut fragrance, easy-to-use applicator, and compact size that’s ideal for slipping into your daily tote. We’d like the texture to be a little thicker as it comes out of the bottle quite quickly but that’s our only real complaint.
Who Its For
Anyone who wants an old-school sunscreen that smells like summer and feels like a regular lotion.
Price at time of publish: $15
Type: Lotion | Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene | SPF:30 |Size: 8fl oz | Free of: Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten and parabens | Water-Resistant: Yes| Cruelty-Free: Yes
buuk.top / Jhett Thompson
buuk.top / Jessica Juliao
Best Stick
Sun Bum Face Stick
Amazon
View On Ulta
View On Target
Ideal for reaching tricky areas
Travel size
Cruelty-free and ocean-friendly
Texture is quite greasy
A sunscreen stick is a great essential to have in your beach or day bag and can help you reach those tricky areas (like the back of the neck and ears) much easier. We love this one from Sun Bum as it smells like the tropics and goes on almost invisibly. It also doesn’t take much blending in at all which is ideal when you’re applying it to a hard-to-reach area.
The compact size of the stick makes it a great sunscreen for taking everywhere, so you’re never caught out. Also worth noting: it’s cruelty-free and ocean-friendly. Our only complaint is that the texture is a little greasy, but as this isn’t a product designed to be applied all over the body, we’ll forgive it.
Who Its For
This option is perfect for those who are active, on-the-go and need a budget-friendly sunscreen that can easily fit in their everyday bag — making application throughout the day simple.
Price at time of publish: $12
Type: Stick | Active Ingredients:Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene |SPF: 30 | Size: 0.53fl oz | Free of:Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Gluten and parabens |Water-Resistant: Yes, up to 80 mins| Cruelty-Free: Yes
buuk.top/jhett thompson
buuk.top/jhett thompson
Byrdie/
Where We Stand
Our overall favorite affordable pick is Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30. From the lightweight texture to the radiant finish (with no white cast), we loved the way it made our complexion look and feel. If you prefer a spray, we highly recommend Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen & Sunblock Spray. It’s super easy to apply, soaks in invisibly, and feels amazing on the skin.
How We Tested
Each sunscreen in this roundup faced extensive testing in our Manhattan-based lab and at our tester’s homes. Each tester had a different skin tone and type and used the product for several weeks. After application, each sunscreen was marked out of five based on its overall texture, absorption, feel on the skin, opacity, level of UV protection, water resistance, and level of transfer.
Attributes we evaluated each foundation on:
Feel on the skinTexture straight out of the bottleWater resistance and transferAbsorption
What to Look for in an Affordable Sunscreen
SPF:When buying sunscreen, the most important thing to consider is the SPF (sun protection factor) rating and if the label says broad-spectrum, which indicates the product protects from both UVA and UVB rays, while SPF protects solely from UVB rays.Mineral vs. Chemical Protection: Mineral (or physical) sunblocks are formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which create an immediate physical barrier to protect your skin from the suns rays. Zinc tends to be gentle on sensitive skin, plus it offers the most resistance to sweat and water. Then there are chemical sunscreens which work by converting UV light into heat to guard your skin from sun damage. Sometimes called organic sunscreens (because they contain organic chemical compounds), this type of product should be applied about 15 minutes before you go outside since it takes a few minutes to activate. Christin recommends looking for a hybrid formula, something containing both mineral and chemical filters.Formula:
If you have a sensitive, oily, or notably dry complexion, youll want to find a sunscreen that works for your skin type. For sensitive skin, look for a fragrance-free product with a mineral-based formula, as this will be the gentlest. With oily skin, we suggest an oil-free, mattifying formula that hydrates without leaving a greasy residue. If your skin is dry, look for something blended with naturally derived butters and oils, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin.
That’s a hard yes. “Sunscreens do, in fact, expire,” says Ramya Garlapati, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Skin Medicinals. “Most of them will have an expiration date marked on the packaging. But if they are optimally stored in a cool or room temperature environment, they should last up to three years,” she adds. If you don’t see an expiration date on yours, write the date that you bought it on the bottom of the bottle as a reminder. (Although, if you are using it daily, as you should be, you should definitely go through it before it expires.)
Every two hours is ideal, says Dr. Garlapati. That’s an admittedly lofty goal for many, which is why seeking out products that make reapplication less cumbersome is a good move. Her pick: mineral SPF powders. They’re great because you can keep them with you and easily reapply while you’re on-the-go, and they also absorb excess oil, she points out. Top tip: If you’re going to be at the beach or outdoors in the sun when reapplication is more imperative than ever, set an alarm on your phone as a reminder to reapply every two hours. And if youre out in the sun without a hat, be sure to apply sunscreen to your scalp as well.
Why Trust buuk.top?
Catherine Hufton is a London-based lifestyle journalist and has been a contributing writer and editor for buuk.top since 2022. Her freelance career has given her the opportunity to work for some of the world’s biggest beauty brands and women’s titles and test hundreds of makeup and skincare products in the process. She digs deep into all things fashion and beauty to find the very best shopping must-haves using her own knowledge, expert advice, and detailed insights from buuk.top’s NYC testing lab.
In order to gain further insights on affordable sunscreens, we tapped an expert to give us additional details:
Claudia Christin, MBBS, Ph.D. in dermatology and medical advisor at Picky.
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