We’ll let you in on a little secret: The best drugstore sunscreens aren’t the chalky, greasy mess you might remember from years’ past. In fact, dermatologists say that newer formulas contain similar (if not the same) UV filters as their luxury counterparts—there are only slight differences between a drugstore buy and an expensive sunscreen. But, if not, any sunscreen labeled SPF 30 will offer that same level of sun protection, regardless of the price tag, as long as it’s applied properly (that’s two full finger-length squeezes, in case you were curious, and reapplication every two hours or immediately after activity).
But opting for a drugstore option doesn’t mean you're stuck with an inferior product. Formulators have been working overtime to create SPF that’s both affordable and that feels more like a moisturizer than a greasy sunscreen. To help you determine the best buys for times you just can’t justify splurging, we put our money where our mouth is and tested out some of the very best formulas around.
Dermatologist-recommended brands like La Roche-Posay, CeraVe and Eucerin included. . , An edit of the best drugstore picks that do the job for various skin types—whether you have sensitive skin, a deeper skin tone, are looking for something tinted, or more. Skin Suntouchable Whoa Glow SPF 30 Sunscreen, $14 $8 Best for Under Makeup: Vacation Crystal Face SPF 50 Invisible Face Gel, $26 Best for Acne-Prone Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50, $40 Best Tinted: CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 in Sheer Tint, $14 Best for Sensitive Skin: Eucerin Advanced Hydration SPF 50 Lightweight Sunscreen Lotion, $16 15 Best Overall: e.l.f. Skin Suntouchable Whoa Glow Sunscreen (SPF 30) What we love: What could improve: Pulls double-duty as a primer Shimmer may not suit everyone Gives skin a glowy, blurred tint Moisturizes This is by far one of the best drugstore sunscreens we’ve tried as of late—simply because it acts as a three-in-one product: an SPF, dewy highlighter, and makeup base.
The glowy sun protector looks like a highlighter out of the tube and comes in three shades: Sunlight (pink base and silvery shimmer), Sunbeam (neutral champagne shimmer), and Sunburst (bronze with golden undertones). Moisturizing aloe, hyaluronic acid, and squalane keep skin hydrated and radiant. We love that it creates a smooth base that makes skin look more even before foundation goes on or can be used alone to help blur texture and fine lines for a silky, shimmery complexion.
Best for Under Makeup: Vacation Crystal Face l SPF 50 Invisible Face Gel What we love: What could improve: Clear gel formula ensures no white cast The clear formula makes it a little hard to see where you’ve already applied it Acts as a great makeup primer Doesn't pill We could go on for hours about the best sunscreens to wear under makeup, but we’ll always have a special place in our hearts for this flexible sunscreen gel. It features pore-blurring technology to make skin look smooth and even-toned, plus hydrating squalane, hyaluronic acid, and ceramides to keep skin moisturized well past its application. We like that it features aloe and centella asiatica as well—both ingredients that work together to soothe redness and inflammation for an even-toned base, perfect for layering tinted moisturizer or foundation on top.
The product itself is a clear gel, meaning no white cast nor residue. It sinks right into your skin so you won’t even realize it’s there. Best for Acne-Prone Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVDefense Sunscreen SPF 50 What we love: What could improve: Lightweight The formula is a bit runny Non-greasy Non-comedogenic, so safe for acne-prone skin Did you know that in the U.S., there hasn’t been a new SPF approved since 1999?
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