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The best drugstore sunscreens have come a long way in proving that effective sun protection doesn’t have to come with a luxury price tag. Simply put: “If a sunscreen is properly tested, broad-spectrum and used correctly, it doesn’t need to be expensive to be effective,” says Kseniya Kobets, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York. In fact, these Allure-approved SPF formulas also offer elegant textures, invisible finishes, and ingredient lists packed with skin-care heavy hitters on top of strong broad-spectrum protection from UV rays.
That’s good news for your wallet, especially considering how much sunscreen you’re supposed to use. “A shot-glass amount is enough to cover the whole body, and about a nickel- or quarter-size dollop is needed for the face and neck,” says Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. Translation: If you’re applying SPF correctly, you’ll go through your bottle faster than you’d think, which makes finding a drugstore option all the more appealing.
Our Top Drugstore Sunscreens
- Best Overall for Face: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50, $40
- Best Overall for Body: Sun Bum Daily 50 Body Lotion, $24
- Best for Oily Skin: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Gel Face Sunscreen SPF 40, $11
- Best for Dry Skin: Eucerin Ultra Light-Fluid Advanced Hydration Sunscreen SPF 50, $16
- Best Moisturizer with SPF: Olay Super Cream With Sunscreen SPF 30, $35
Frequently Asked QuestionsLargeChevron
- What should you look for in a drugstore sunscreen?
- Are mineral or chemical sunscreens better?
- What’s the benefit of a drugstore sunscreen?
- Meet the experts
- How we test and review products
- Our staff and testers
Considering there are plenty of SPF options out there—especially when you factor in face sunscreens, body sunscreens, chemical and mineral sunscreens, sticks, sprays, and more—you can start here if you don’t know where to begin. These are the best drugstore sunscreens that are Allure editor- and dermatologist-approved and won’t break the bank.
Best Overall for Face: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50
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La Roche-Posay
Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50
La Roche-Posay
Allure commerce editor Sarah Han applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50 in Light
Sarah Han
Why we love it: La Roche-Posay is, undoubtedly, one of our favorite French pharmacy brands, especially when it comes to (but not limited to) SPFs—and the Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50 is a prime example. Countless dermatologists and editors have touted this extra gentle, soothing-thermal-water-infused formula over the years, cementing its “tried-and-true” status. Made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, this mineral tinted sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays as well as visible light (which can cause hyperpigmentation and contribute to skin aging), it has a milky texture that melts into skin, doesn’t leave any greasy residue behind, and offers ample antioxidant protection. “It provides broad-spectrum protection in a lightweight fluid texture that layers well under makeup,” Dr. Kobets affirms. “The tint helps blend more naturally into the skin while providing additional protection against visible light.” Speaking of the tint, it’s also available in four shades to be more flexible across several skin tones.
Han before applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50 in Light
Sarah Han
Han after applying the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Ultra-Light Fluid SPF 50 in Light
Sarah Han
Tester feedback from commerce editor Sarah Han
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“My biggest hesitations about mineral sunscreens are white cast (and mind you, I'm pretty light-toned, so it's not even a huge barrier compared to others) and pilling. I only have a handful of mineral SPFs that pass the test and this La Roche-Posay sunscreen is one of them. It took me a while to finally try it out, but after hearing so many peers and derms rave about it, I finally did—and I've been super impressed. It leaves my skin feeling soft and looking natural, but not too matte or flat. The coverage is super even and the light shade makes my skin look slightly tanned, which is a nice bonus. Most importantly, no pilling, regardless of whether or not I wear it alone or under makeup. Two thumbs up!” —Sarah Han, commerce editor
Tester feedback from Allure contributor Catharine Malzahn
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“I’ve gone through so many bottles of this tinted mineral SPF that I’ve lost count—it’s been one of my go-to sunscreens for years, both for daily use and on vacation. It has an incredibly lightweight feel, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave any greasy residue. It also layers well under makeup—I’ve never experienced any pilling or patchiness, and the tinted formula means I never have to worry about it leaving a white cast. When I first started using it years ago, there was only one shade available that would look a little orange on my pale skin; I’m excited that there are several shades available now that work across skin tones.” —Catharine Malzahn, contributor
More to know
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- Type: mineral
- Key ingredients: titanium dioxide (17%), zinc oxide (8%; not included in the lightest tinted shade), Cell-Ox B3 Shield Technology, iron oxides, vitamin E
- Water-resistant: no
Best Overall for Body: Sun Bum Daily Body Lotion SPF 50
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Sun Bum
Daily Body Lotion SPF 50
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: When your body sunscreen is chock-full of good-for-you ingredients, it becomes an extension of your skin-care routine rather than a separate step you need to remember. Sun Bum’s Daily Body Lotion SPF 50 was formulated with that exact sentiment in mind. Packed with vitamin C to boost radiance, vitamin E to moisturize, and antioxidants to combat environmental stress, the Best of Beauty winner offers major hydration so you can do more than just protect your skin from damaging UV rays. The broad-spectrum formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great choice if you’ll be swimming or sweating (just don’t forget to reapply!). "I love how it's in a regular lotion pump bottle and rubs in nicely," our tester said. "Plus, it smells like banana candy. So good!"
More to know
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- Type: chemical
- Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (8%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (9%), vitamin E, antioxidants
- Water-resistant: yes (80 minutes)
Best for Dry Skin: Eucerin Ultra Light-Fluid Advanced Hydration Sunscreen SPF 50
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Eucerin
Ultra Light-Fluid Advanced Hydration Sunscreen SPF 50
Amazon
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Eucerin Ultra Light-Fluid Advanced Hydration Sunscreen SPF 50
Sarah Kinonen
Why we love it: Dry skin benefits from a sunscreen that does more than just protect; it should actively boost hydration throughout the day. That’s where Eucerin’s Ultra Light-Fluid Advanced Hydration Sunscreen SPF 50 steps in. Thirsty skin will appreciate that this lightweight formula contains hyaluronic acid and humectants to hydrate from within, as well as draw in additional moisture. What’s more, it also helps to protect skin against long-term sun damage with the inclusion of the brand’s 5 AOX Shield Technology, which is made up of five different antioxidants (vitamin E, vitamin C, and glycyrrhetinic acid, to name a few). Despite coming with all these skin-care benefits, it manages to remain feeling weightless on the skin, absorbing quickly and blending in seamlessly, so it can be worn on its own or under makeup.
Kinonen before applying the Eucerin Ultra Light-Fluid Advanced Hydration Sunscreen SPF 50
Sarah Kinonen
Kinonen after applying the Eucerin Ultra Light-Fluid Advanced Hydration Sunscreen SPF 50
Sarah Kinonen
Tester feedback from Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen
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More to know
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- Type: chemical
- Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (9%), octisalate (4.5%), octocrylene (9%), hyaluronic acid
- Water-resistant: no
Best for Sensitive Skin: Babo Botanicals Hydrating Milk Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30
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Babo Botanicals
Hydrating Milk Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Amazon
Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin applying the Babo Botanicals Hydrating Milk Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Shanna Shipin
Why we love it: Sensitive skin can be picky when it comes to sunscreen—breakouts, irritation, and redness are all possibilities—so if your skin is reactive, opt for a gentle, fragrance-free mineral formula like Babo Botanicals Hydrating Milk Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30. (Dermatologists recommend mineral-based sunscreens for sensitive skin in general, as mineral UV filters can be gentler since they sit on top of the skin rather than penetrating it.) Powered by zinc oxide, it provides water-resistant, broad-spectrum protection and has a lightweight, milky texture that applies smoothly and easily. In fact, it feels more like a nourishing moisturizer than a traditional mineral sunscreen (read: no chalkiness here), leaving behind a natural, dewy finish. In addition to the zinc oxide, it’s infused with plant-based emollients, skin soothers like chamomile and calendula, and zero fragrance, so it won’t set off your skin.
Shipin before applying the Babo Botanicals Hydrating Milk Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Shanna Shipin
Shipin after applying the Babo Botanicals Hydrating Milk Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30
Shanna Shipin
Tester feedback from Allure senior commerce director Shanna Shipin
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“I love a brand that I can use for myself and my kids, and Babo Botanicals makes great sensitive-skin-friendly products that are affordable enough to use on the whole family. This sunscreen leaves no white cast and wears so comfortably on the skin—I was surprised at how elegant it felt when I first applied it, despite being something I could buy at the grocery store. When I spoke with Babo Botanicals' team, they told me they created the formula with all seasons in mind. Sure, I live in Los Angeles and it can feel like there's essentially one season here, but the point is that the all-seasonality makes it comfortable to wear when it’s hot, cold, dry, or humid—you get the picture. My skin usually starts to feel suffocated when I layer too many formulas over it, and I'm happy to say that this sits nicely on top of my moisturizer and under my makeup. (And when I wear it without makeup, it leaves a pretty glow.) The only issue I found is that I stuffed one tube in my diaper bag, and it got absolutely smushed, causing one end to burst open and splatter—thankfully, it's not a super oily mineral product, so it washed out just fine.“ —Shanna Shipin, senior commerce director
More to know
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- Type: mineral
- Key ingredients: zinc oxide (17%), chamomile, calendula, passion fruit piceatannol ferment
- Water-resistant: yes (40 minutes)
Best for Moisturizer with SPF: Olay Super Cream With Sunscreen SPF 30
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Olay
Super Cream With Sunscreen SPF 30
Amazon
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Olay Super Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30
Sarah Kinonen
Why we love it: Moisturizers with SPF combine two essential skin-care steps into one, protecting against UV damage while delivering lasting hydration, moisture, and firming- and radiance-boosting benefits. Good news: Drugstore classic, the Olay Super Cream Sunscreen SPF 30, delivers on all fronts. The multitasking Best of Beauty Award winner combines chemical UV filters with ingredients commonly found in potent serums (like this cream’s beloved cousin, Super Serum), including vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and collagen peptides. Together, they help hydrate, plump, firm, and visibly smooth. Best of all, it absorbs without a white cast or greasy residue, and leaves skin looking bright, radiant, and supple throughout the day.
Kinonen before applying the Olay Super Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30
Sarah Kinonen
Kinonen after applying the Olay Super Cream with Sunscreen SPF 30
Sarah Kinonen
Tester feedback from Kinonen
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“I'm not usually a multiuse skin care kinda girl. I like my products to do one and one thing only. But lately, because it's so hot outside and I'm usually running late (oops), two-in-ones don't sound so bad. Hence why I've been using the Olay Super Cream SPF 30 on days when I simply just Can Not. It's rich but easily blendable, doesn't leave behind a cast, and has a decent SPF level my dermatologist would approve of. What's not to like?” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
More to know
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- Type: chemical
- Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (9%), octisalate (4.5%), octocrylene (6%), hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, collagen peptides, vitamin C, vitamin E
- Water-resistant: no
Best for Oily Skin: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Gel Face Sunscreen SPF 40
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Neutrogena
Ultra Sheer Invisible Gel Face Sunscreen SPF 40
Amazon
Ulta Beauty
Why we love it: Gel sunscreens and oily skin are a match made in heaven. Rather than cream formulations that rely on heavier emollients, gel-based sunscreens are water-based, more lightweight, and absorb quickly with no residue. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Invisible Gel Face Sunscreen SPF 40 caters to that exactly: The water-resistant gel SPF defends against the sun and won’t leave behind a greasy film or compete with your makeup—the matte finish actually works well under foundation, even acting as a makeup primer to smooth skin. But just because it mattifies doesn’t mean it’s drying—the velvety-touch sunscreen still moisturizes and protects skin with antioxidant vitamin E and hydrogenated castor oil.
More to know
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- Type: chemical
- Key ingredients: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (15%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (10%), Helioplex Technology, vitamin E
- Water-resistant: yes (80 minutes)
Best Spray Sunscreen: Banana Boat 360 Coverage Sport Sunscreen Mist SPF 50+
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Banana Boat
360 Coverage Sport Sunscreen Mist SPF 50+
Amazon
Why we love it: Spray sunscreens are hard to beat when it comes to convenience: They make application and re-application infinitely faster and easier than their lotion counterparts. Allure Best of Beauty winner Banana Boat 360 Coverage Sport Sunscreen Mist SPF 50+ takes that convenience a step further with a smart nozzle that lets you switch between a continuous spray for larger areas and shorter bursts for smaller, harder-to-reach spots (it’s also aerosol-free). Plus, the broad-spectrum chemical formula goes on lightweight and virtually invisible on all skin tones, with none of the sticky, greasy feeling that can make wearing body sunscreen feel like a chore. Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, it’s perfect for beach days and any outdoor activities that involve swimming or sweating.
More to know
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- Type: chemical
- Key ingredients: avobenzone (2.7%), homosalate (9%), octisalate (4.5%), octocrylene (7%)
- Water resistant: yes (80 minutes)
Frequently asked questions
What should you look for in a drugstore sunscreen?
I look for broad-spectrum protection, meaning there’s coverage against both UVB rays, which cause sunburn, and UVA rays, which contribute to pigmentation, melasma, and premature aging,” says Dr. Kobets. The label on the sunscreen will clearly state if it’s broad-spectrum. In addition to a broad-spectrum sunscreen, dermatologists and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also recommend wearing a formula that’s SPF 30 or higher.
If you’ll be sweating or exposed to water, make sure to choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Like with broad-spectrum, the label on the bottle will clearly state if it’s water-resistant (usually, sunscreens are water-resistant for 40 or 80 minutes). If the label doesn’t mention anything about water resistance, that means it’s not.
Beyond the SPF number and other features on the label, cosmetic elegance matters more than you may realize. “If a sunscreen feels greasy, pills under makeup, or leaves a cast that someone dislikes, they’re less likely to apply enough or reapply consistently,” says Dr. Kobets. So, it’s a good idea to try several formulas until you find the one you really enjoy.
For those dealing with hyperpigmentation, consider tinted sunscreens that contain iron oxides, which help protect against visible light in addition to UV rays. It’s “an important consideration for people suffering from melasma or conditions like lupus or sun-induced rashes,” says Serena Mraz, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at Solano Dermatology and Associates in Vallejo, CA.
Another factor worth considering is skin type. Fortunately, “many drugstore brands now offer excellent formulations tailored to a variety of skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone, oily, and mature skin,” notes Dr. Kobets, making it easier than ever to find an SPF that fits your individual needs. Overall, sensitive skin types may want to gravitate toward mineral formulas containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which both Dr. Kobets and Dr. Mraz say are typically well-tolerated. Those with melasma or hyperpigmentation should consider tinted sunscreens with iron oxides for added protection against visible light. Meanwhile, oily or acne-prone skin types may prefer lightweight fluids and gels that are noncomedogenic and won’t feel heavy throughout the day. For mature or dry skin, look for hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide.
Are mineral or chemical sunscreens better?
One isn’t better than the other, necessarily (the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear). While Dr. Mraz strongly advocates for mineral sunscreens and notes that “patients with sensitive skin tend to do much better with mineral-based sunscreens, which include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide,” other doctors take a more flexible approach.
“I generally gravitate toward mineral sunscreens, especially for patients with sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, acne-prone skin, melasma, or those recovering from cosmetic procedures,” says Dr. Kobets. However, mineral sunscreens aren’t for everyone. “Some people dislike the texture or white cast associated with mineral formulas and may do better with a chemical sunscreen,” adds Dr. Kobets. “In those cases, a chemical sunscreen is absolutely appropriate if it encourages consistent use.”
Dr. Hale agrees with the flexible take and wouldn’t say that one is better than the other. “At this point, I would say that both physical and chemical sunscreens are safe and they are effective,” she says. In fact, she notes that hybrid formulas containing both chemical and mineral SPF actives can sometimes offer the best of both worlds, since combining the two can help avoid white cast and offer broad-spectrum protection.
What’s the benefit of a drugstore sunscreen?
As with any sunscreen, the best drugstore sunscreens protect skin against harmful UV rays, of course. Simply put, “wearing daily sunscreen is the best way to slow down development of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin,” says Dr. Hale. But drugstore sunscreens offer so much more than just protection. One of the biggest advantages of drugstore sunscreen is accessibility. “Drugstore sunscreens are widely available, affordable, and easy to replace, which encourages consistent daily use and reapplication,” says Dr. Kobets. Dr. Mraz agrees, noting that “more affordable cost is the predominant overarching advantage over a more expensive department store sunscreen.”
Dr. Hale also points out another benefit that could be overlooked: volume. Because of the importance of applying and re-applying enough sunscreen, buying a more affordable option often makes practical sense. “There may be some merit in getting a less expensive sunscreen, where you’re getting more quantity of it for the same price,” she says. If a lower price point makes you more likely to apply the recommended amount and reapply throughout the day, that’s ultimately what matters most.
Meet the experts
- Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, is a clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, senior vice president of the Skin Cancer Foundation, and board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York.
- Serena Mraz, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at Solano Dermatology and Associates in Vallejo, California.
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but, for example, hair-care products and tools are another story. While some hair products can be used across different textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, and colors (natural and unnatural), they are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are formulated to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls, right?
And for our reviews of the best drugstore sunscreens, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists with a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what's involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.