19 Best Drugstore Sunscreens to Protect Your Face From The Sun, According to Experts
Save your skin and some coins.
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Like many of you besties, I fell head over heels with makeup while wandering through the aisles of my local drugstore. It truly was love at the first swipe of the thickest lip gloss and clumpiest mascara you could ever imagine. Since then, the drugstore has evolved and become a hot spot for trusted products like Alix Earle's fave $6 eyeliner and Selena Gomez's must-have $4 shaving cream. Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in everyone's skincare routine, so it's only right that you can snag the best sun blockers at your local drugstore.
Sunscreen shields your skin from UV rays that could lead to painful burns, redness, and peeling skin. SPF also protects against sun exposure that could lead to premature wrinkles, and in some cases, skin cancer. You can head to drugstores like CVS, Duane Reade, and Walgreen to find the best gels, lotions, sprays, and aftercare products that are safe to use on your face. If you're not in a time crunch, shops like Amazon feature 5-star rated sunscreens that work well for acne-prone skin, while go-to beauty e-tailers like Sephora and Ulta Beauty have tons of lotions and serums that prevent tattoos from fading due to sun exposure.
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"Everyone needs to protect their skin from ultraviolet radiation," board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Dr. Rachel Nazarian, M.D. F.A.A.D tells Seventeen. "Having a slew of options available at your nearby drugstore makes it easy to try various products, with different feels and benefits, and can make it convenient to find your "perfect fit." With sunscreen being an everyday beauty essential, Dr. Nazarian, who is a faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center's Department of Dermatology, stresses the importance of finding one that you like. "Ideally, you should love the way your sunscreen feels, smells, applies, and multitasks with many addressing secondary skin concerns."
What does SPF mean?
With so many SPF options avail at your favorite drugstores, you need to understand the lingo on a sunscreen label. "SPF stands for sun protection factor," Dr. Nazarian explains. The number indicates how long it would take sun exposure to cause sunburn. Then there's broad-spectrum. According to Dr. Naazarian, "Broad-spectrum describes the safety the product offers" and "blocks both UVS and UVB ultraviolet light."
Along with using broad-spectrum sunscreens with a high SPF, she suggests finding options with ingredients that combat your everyday skincare woes. Sunscreens with salicylic acid are ideal for those with acne-prone skin while nourishing ingredients like aloe and hyaluronic acid increase hydration and are a solid choice for folks with dry skin. According to aesthetician and SkinLab founder Joshua Ross, non-comedogenic formulas are best for those with oily skin. For sensitive skin, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, dermatologist and medical advisor for Hims & Hers, recommends mineral, fragrance-free sunscreens to prevent irritation.
What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?
When you're searching for your next drugstore sunscreen, you may find yourself wondering what's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens. According to Dr. Skotnicki, the true difference all boils down to formulation. While many people consider mineral sunscreens natural, Dr. Skotnicki says these SPFs "are still chemicals, but are more naturally occurring and derived." Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide to provide protection and reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, "use ingredients and filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone to absorb UV light like a sponge."
Both mineral and chemical sunscreens work to protect against the sun's rays when applied and reapplied as directed. Dr. Nazarian recommends sunscreens with primary protective mineral blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as a bare minimum. According to Ross, "Any product with a 10-20% zinc oxide will be the gold standard for sun protection to give your skin the best protection you can regardless of what the SPF is."
Sunscreens aren't the only SPF products that combat sun exposure. Everyday beauty products like moisturizers, serums, foundations, and even powders are made with SPF, but for maximum protection, these should be used alongside a traditional sunscreen. "If you incorporate SPF throughout multiple steps of your skincare routines," Ross says, "you have a better chance at adequately protecting your skin." If you ask me, the more protection we get, the better.
Now that experts set the record straight on the importance of wearing sunscreens every. Single.Day. check out the best drugstore sunscreens these pros say are the best at protecting the skin against harmful sun exposure. Just remember to reapply as suggested whether you're spending the day indoors or outdoors.
Cetaphil Sun Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros
- Leaves a smooth finish
- Reef safe
Cons
- Customer reviews note thick texture
Fragrance from sunscreen can irritate sensitive skin. This unscented, non-comedogenic lotion nourishes and dries matte without leaving a cast. Plus it's reef safe.
Type: Liquid
Skin type: Sensitive
Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide
Size: 1.7 ounces
Pros
- Delivers shine
- Doesn't have a sticky texture
Cons
- Customer reviews note bad taste
Just because you're on a quest to protect your lips from sunburn doesn't mean you can serve Y2K-era gloss vibes. Black Girl Sunscreen's Make It Pop Lip Gloss delivers the glossy finish that will you make you feel like you popped out of a 90's music video.
Type: Lip glossKey ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Size: 4 ML
Customer review: "I bought this and first used it for my vacation in Florida and i think it worked well. Overall I do like this gloss, it is not too sticky and makes my lips shine! It's true that the taste is gross, not the best haha, but I do think that is to be expected with anything that has SPF in it! I love knowing my lips are protected with a higher SPF."
Pros
- Hydrating
- Doesn't leave sticky texture
Cons
- Customer reviews note bad taste
Believe it or not, you can totally get sunburn on your lips. If you like your lips moisturized without giving gloss vibes, then Supergoop! Lipscreen is for you. This hydrating balm protects lips from sun damage and layers well with other lipsticks and glosses.
Type: Lip gloss
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
Size: 4 ML
Customer review: "I have tried TONS of lipscreen over the years - this works well and offers an SPF of 40 - you can use it with any of your other lipstick or glosses or on its' own - protects well is not chalky and does not dry out your lips!"
Neutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Sunscreen
Pros
- Hydrating without leaving greasy texture
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Customer reviews note a light scent that eventually fades
"This is great for drier skin types," says Ross. "It’s a one-two punch of zinc SPF 50 and a moisturizer." Plus, it's fragrance-free, which is ideal for sensitive skin.
Type: Serum
Skin type: Combination, Oily, Dry
Key ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (13.5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%)
Size: 1.7ounces
Customer review: "I really like this moisturizer, it’s not oily and absorbs quickly. It also keeps my face from drying out in the sun and the UV coverage is great."
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30
Pros
- Leaves a sheer finish
- No white cast
Cons
- Could leave an orange tint on fair skin
This sunscreen comes highly recommended by Joshua Ross. "Formulated with 10% zinc oxide and it also provides coverage with a light tint," he says, "this makes sunscreen a no-brainer since it’s a physical sunscreen, you know if you can see it on your skin, you’re protected."
Type: Lotion
Skin type: All
Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide
Size: 1.7 ounces
Customer review: "I like its like a two in one the sunscreen and moisturizer, i like the little tint and it leaves my face feeling and looking great. Its not oily at all. The bad thing about this is that the sunscreen odor is too strong and stay for all day. I would think twice to buy again if i cant find a better product."
Murad Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45
Pros
- Doesn't leave oily film
- Goes on invisible
Cons
- Customer reviews note drying
Sunscreens don't have to be heavy to provide adequate UV shielding. This sheer SPF provides a satin-smooth finish while protecting against sun damage and diminishing discoloration and hyperpigmentation.
Type: Serum
Skin type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Sensitive
Key ingredients: Mineral Zinc Oxide, Beet Root Extract, Carotenoid Technology
Size: 1 ounce
Customer review: "Love this stuff so much. my skin looks so so good after using it. it's not too scented either which i love! i love how it protects my skin and that it doesn't give a white cast. i love that it's spf 45 instead of the usual 30!"
Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Pros
- Leaves dewy glow
- Doesn't leave white cast
Cons
- Customer reviews note oily finish
There's something special about products that are made with deeper skin tones in mind. Black Girl Sunscreen goes on crystal clear, doesn't leave behind a white or silver cast, and provides a glowing finish every, single time.
Type: Lotion
Skin type: All
Key ingredients: Carrot Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, Aloe Leaf Juice
Size: 3 ounces
Customer review: "I love the consistency of the lotion. It spreads evenly and doesn't leave the white residue. I went basking in the Florida sun for 4 days straight and my skin did not burn, my nose did not peel, and the lotion did not get watery as it got warmer."
Pros
- Lightweight finish
Cons
- Needs to be reapplied often
Let's give this five-star, lightweight sunscreen spray a round of applause. With over 3,000 ratings on Amazon, this broad-spectrum SPF goes on silky smooth and dries quickly.
Type: Spray
Skin type: All
Key ingredients: Avobenzone (2.0%), Homosalate (5.5%), Octisalate (4.5%), Octocrylene (4.0%)
Size: 6 ounces
Customer review: "I just spray this on before I walk out the door. I was recently on a 2-week vacation trip to Florida, and came back home without any sun damage. (I have a history of melanoma) Love the scent of the tropics, too. I didn't find it to be greasy. I even spray it on my head."
neutrogena Mineral Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Face & Body Stick SPF 50
Pros
- Lightweight formula
- Convenient for travel
Cons
- Customer reviews note white cast on fair complexions
Wearing sunscreen is a must for Boo B*tch star Lana Condor. The actress and Neutrogena ambassador opened up to Seventeen about her mother's insistence that she wear sunscreen from an early age. The actress swears by Neutrogena's Ulta Sheer Face & Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick because it makes protecting your skin when you're on the go so much easier.
Type: Stick
Skin type: Combination, Oily
Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide
Size: 1.5 ounces
Customer review: "I love this stick! High percent of zinc and high spf. It is truly sheer and does not clog pores! Not greasy. So easy for on the go touch ups!"
Pros
- Lightweight
- Smooth finish
Cons
- Customer review note
According to Dr. Nazarian, this mineral sunscreen provides UV protection while promoting hydration. It applies in a sheer thin layer that leaves a smooth, lightweight finish.
Type: Lotion
Skin type: Normal, Dry, Combo, Oily
Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Cucumber Extract, Vegan Marine Collagen, Vitamin C
Size: 1.7 ounces
Customer review: "This is nice and thick but still smooth and not heavy, which I like. It’s pretty light but does have a little bit of a ‘sunscreeny’ feel, probably due to the zinc. It seems to offer good coverage so it’s something I’ll wear when I’m spending a day by the pool (not in the water because it’s not waterproof) or similar. It did sting my skin just a little right when I was putting it on but I have dry skin and this is the norm for me. Overall, I like it and it’s a good value."
Pros
- No strong scent
- Convenient size
- Works on face and body
Cons
- Reviewers say it has a greasy finish
With over 38,000 likes on Sephora.com, it's clear that Shiseido's doing something right with its Clear Sunscreen Stick. The SPF50+ goes on clear but provides protection against the sun.
Type: Stick
Skin type: Combination, Dry
Key ingredients: WetForce and HeatForce Technology, SynchroShield
Size: 0.7 ounces
Customer Review: "This is so convenient to use! Not greasy or sticky, easy to apply, and not heavily scented. I keep it in my bag so it’s always handy when I’m outside. Love it."
Aquaphor Lip Protectant + Sunscreen SPF 30
Pros
- Hydrating
Cons
- Customer reviews note runny consistency and bad taste
"Don't forget about the lips," says aesthetician and SkinLab founder, Joshua Ross. This lip balm has an SPF of 30 to provide extra protection to one of the most sensitive areas of the face. "Aquaphor works to actually heal dry lips, making this another great two-in-one option," Ross tells Seventeen.
Type: Lip Balm
Key ingredients: Shea Butter
Size: 0.3 ounces
Customer review: "Really love using this! I have chapped lips and this product has really help keep my lips smooth and since it has spf it really has helped keep my lips protected from the sun."
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50
Pros
- Doesn't streak
- Lightweight formula
Cons
- Tint may not work for all skin tones
Sometimes you need a little extra umph. La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen gives all the coverage of an SPF 50, and it also provides a sheer tint.
Type: Lotion
Skin type: Sensitive
Key ingredients: Vitamin E, Silica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides
Size: 1.7 ounces
Customer review: "I like this sunscreen but I am freakishly pale so it’s a bit dark for me I feel like it blends in good enough for it not to matter and the tint just evens out my undertones but I’m the future I’ll probably just buy the untainted since it’s so dark for me"
Eucerin Sun Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, Facial Sunscreen with 5 Antioxidants,
Pros
- Unscented
- Hydrating
Cons
- Some customer reviews note oily skin after use
If your skin is feeling a little parched, grab Eucerin Sun Age Defense SPF 50, this lightweight lotion is enriched with hyaluronic acid that nourishes skin.
Type: Lotion
Skin type: Normal, dry, combination
Key ingredients: Vitamin E, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid
Size: 2.5 oz
Customer review: "I definitely love that they sunscreen has 50 SPF and it glides on smoothly… But I feel like this leaves me oily skin throughout the day. I definitely feel like I have full coverage and the smell is good."
Pros
- Goes on clear
Cons
- Customer reviews note stinging if spray gets into the eyes
Touch up your SPF with this invisible, hydrating SPF spray.
Type: Spray
Skin type: Normal, dry, combination
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract
Customer review: "AMAZING! I use it after my sunblock or make up and I instantly have glowing skin. I get many compliments as well!"
Pros
- Blends well
Cons
- Customer reviews note shiny texture after use
You know it's real when the Skin Cancer Foundation gives a sunblocker it's stamp of approval. Alba Botanica Face Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is enriched with niacinamide, squalane, and vitamin E to nourish and prevent inflammation from UV exposure.
Type: Lotion
Skin type: Normal, dry, oily, sensitive
Size: 2 oz
Customer review: "This seems to work well, and hasn't exacerbated sensitive skin issues (I think rosacea.) While it does leave my face a little shiny, as most sunscreens do, it's impressively sheer for a mineral sunscreen."
Pros
- Doesn't leave a greasy film
- Absorbs quickly
Cons
- Customer reviews note stinging if the SPF gets in the eyes
This oil-free, reef-safe sunscreen hydrates skin and blends in easily. It pairs well with makeup and doesn't have a strong scent.
Type: Lotion
Skin type: Normal, oil, combination
Size: 3 oz
Customer review: "I’ve been using this in combination with a few other products, and it’s been working wonders. Not greasy and it absorbs into the skin very well."
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Doesn't leave a cast
Cons
- Some customer reviews note dry skin after use
Type: Lotion
Skin type: Normal, oily
Size: 7oz
Customer review: "I liked the spf factor and it did not feel greasy - absorbs fairly quickly - no white cast. I wish it would be a bit more moisturizing since I have dry skin. Good spf. Will purchase again - good size to carry in pocketbook for re-application."
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Face Sunscreen
Pros
- Leaves skin soft
Cons
- Customer review notes white film on some skin tones
This lightweight, non-greasy sun blocker is water and sweat-resistant up to 80 minutes. It's enriched with prebiotic oat to nourish and hydrate skin.
Type: Lotion
Skin type: Normal, dry, combo
Key ingredients: Prebiotic oat
Size: 2 ounces
Customer review: "I’ve always used the green Aveeno and it leaves my oily dark face less oily and MOST IMPORTANTLY with no white cast. I decided to try these since they’ve got a higher spf, and two weeks later still loving the aveeno spf line. Extremely easy to put on and blend, leaves a glow but not an oily kind of glow."
Jasmine Washington is an Assistant Editor at Seventeen, where she covers celebrity news, beauty, lifestyle, and more. For the past decade, she has worked for media outlets, including BET, MadameNoire, VH1, and many others, where she used her voice to tell stories across various verticals. Follow her on Instagram.
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