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The 10 Best Drugstore Sunscreens That Won't Break the Bank

Add these expert picks from EltaMD, CeraVe, and more to your daily rotation

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Allow us to remind you that wearing SPF is a non-negotiable to help keep your skin healthy and protected. And while there are a number of luxe, high-end options that are worth the hype, many of the best drugstore sunscreens prove that you don't have to spend a ton of money investing in quality UVA and UVB protection.

In addition to guarding against the harmful effects of UV rays, many of these coveted sunscreens can even protect against damaging blue light from your phone and computer screen. Most importantly, regular application—even on cloudy or rainy days—can help you avoid concerns like pigmentation and even skin cancer. "The best sunscreen is one that you'll use every day and look forward to reapplying full stop," Geeta Yadav, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology, tells Bazaar.

We asked Yadav and other professionals to weigh in on their picks for the best drugstore sunscreens that provide maximum protection at a minimal cost. Along with top selects like Bioré's UV Aqua Rich SPF 30 PA+++ Daily Moisturizer Sunscreen and EltaMD's UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (which also comes in a tinted version), read on for more budget-friendly sunscreens worth adding to your beauty line-up.


Best All-Around

EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

EltaMD's sunscreen range consistently tops experts' lists of favorites, including board-certified dermatologist Anna Chacon. "Look for a product that will not cause your face to break out. This is going to be oil-free products and formulations that will not clog your pores. This one is just that, and it's not greasy, which your face will love and thank you for. It also works great with makeup," she explains.

One satisfied customer writes:"Love this sunscreen! Totally invisible and blends well into skin." —Jane

Best for Hydration

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion With SPF 30

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Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion With SPF 30

While it's not technically a sunscreen, this CeraVe moisturizer has plenty of SPF benefits. Yadav often recommends their Ultra-Light Moisturizing Lotion With SPF 30 to clients, which uses a hyaluronic acid and ceramide blend to keep skin hydrated while supporting its barrier. The formula also has a matte finish that is ideal for oily skin types.

One satisfied customer writes: "This moisturizer is light, non-allergenic and effective. The inclusion of sunscreen makes it super useful in so many situations. I replaced a very expensive product with this, and have been pleased with its performance. The price is just right as well." —Anonymous

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Best Under Makeup

e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35

Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen SPF 35

Beauty enthusiasts in the know are big fans of e.l.f. Cosmetics' SPF 35 Suntouchable Invisible Sunscreen. Not only is its nongreasy, gel formula sheer, but it also happens to be water-resistant and grippy enough to replace your go-to makeup primer. And since the sunscreen also contains soothing aloe and meadowfoam seed, skin irritation is easily kept at a minimum.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is the best sunscreen I've used on my face. Once applied, I can't tell it's there. It absorbs completely. All other chemical sunscreens I've tried leave a greasy/shiny look. So happy I gave this a try. Really love this brand." —Sarah

Best Lightweight Formula

Bioré UV Aqua Rich SPF 50

UV Aqua Rich SPF 50
Credit: My Kao Shop

Yadav also points to this cult-favorite Bioré sunscreen as one of the best you'll find in the drugstore. Previously only available abroad, its SPF 50 formula is "very lightweight, hydrating yet oil-free, and absorbs quickly and disappears into all skin tones."

One satisfied customer writes: "I love this SPF lotion. It’s lightweight. It smells great and works. I’m really impressed. It doesn’t make my face break out either." —Kikinw4

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Best for Face and Body

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70

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Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 70

Regular sunscreen use is much easier with a single product that works from head to toe, like this option from Neutrogena. Made for both face and body, this SPF features a dry-touch or nongreasy formula that absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue behind.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is the only sunscreen I can apply to my face and be sure it won't run into my eyes. Works great all over too. Invisible when applied." —Edwin O.

Best for Sensitive Skin

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen SPF 60

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Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen SPF 60

Aveeno is a reliable go-to for many beauty lovers with sensitive skin as well as common concerns like eczema. The brand's body sunscreen contains prebiotic oats to lock in hydration while protecting against sun damage. The tube also happens to be perfectly portioned at a TSA-friendly three ounces, making it the perfect carry-on companion.

One satisfied customer writes: "This is my absolute favorite SPF and super moisturizing. Doesn’t clog my pours and leaves me looking youthful. I use it in the morning and under makeup every day. I do have minor acne and sensitive skin eczema but this doesn’t trigger my skin at all." —Jenny

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Best for Deeper Skin Tones

Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion Broad Spectrum SPF 30

As the name suggests, Black Girl Sunscreen is made with melanated skin in mind, though it can be used on anyone. Since its chemical formula is sheer, you won't have to worry about looking ghostly after it's applied. The cream also contains moisturizing avocado, antioxidant-rich cacao, and jojoba to calm skin as it protects.

One satisfied customer writes: "I recently started using the Black Girl Sunscreen and the results exceeded my expectations! I am a Georgia girl who loves grilling and entertaining outside so it is imperative that I apply sunscreen to prevent sunburn. This sunscreen is an absolute game-changer, especially for melanin-rich skin like mine." —Tippin2

Best Fragrance-Free

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Gentle Lotion

Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Gentle Lotion

Chacon often recommends La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 to clients as its formula feels extremely lightweight on the skin and happens to be fragrance-free. "This one is super lightweight, hydrating, and soothing. It doesn't leave your skin with a white residue and is non-greasy," she says. "I like that it is fragrance-fre,e and it's a mineral sunscreen. Great for those with sensitive skin."

One satisfied customer writes: "Slather it on and the product does seep into your skin. Love this sunscreen and was actually recommended initially many years ago by my dermatologist. Mineral-based sunscreen. Not harsh chemicals. It’s a win-win." —Monica F.

Best for Acne-Prone Skin

Eucerin Clear Skin SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion for Face

Clear Skin SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion for Face

Combining a high level of UV protection with a formula that's safe for acne-prone skin isn't easy, but this SPF from Eucerin is one of our favorites. The brand's Clear Skin SPF 50 won't clog your pores, since it contains oil-absorbing minerals to help keep skin from looking and feeling overly greasy.

One satisfied customer writes: "This sunscreen is not only NOT greasy and doesn't clog my pores, but it also seems to prevent my own oily skin from becoming greasy when I work outside. It is made for the face, but I wear it everywhere I'm exposed, because I don't like being oily anywhere." —Della

Most Versatile

Coppertone Every Tone SPF 50

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Every Tone SPF 50

Here's proof that you can spend less than $10 on water-resistant sunscreen that suits a wide range of skin tones. Coppertone's Every Tone SPF 50 uses chemical filters (minus ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate) to protect skin against UV damage while nourishing it with moisturizing vitamin E.

One satisfied customer writes: "My kids have very different skin tones. It worked well on all of them. It blended in effortlessly with no white residue or extra scrubbing. Easy to reapply." —Jess

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Meet the experts:

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  • Dr. Geeta Yadav is a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Facet Dermatology in Toronto.
  • Dr. Anna Chacon, M.D., F.A.A.D is a board-certified dermatologist and teledermatology specialist at Anna Chacon, MD.

Are pricier sunscreen formulas better than drugstore versions?

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Chacon points out that you don't need to overspend to get the same UV-blocking benefits of an expensive sunscreen. Formulations and ingredients are similar if not the same, but there are some key things to look out for when choosing. SPF is most important (more on that next), but also consider your skin type. If you have oily ski,n look for a mattifying formula, or if your skin leans more dry, look for moisturizing ingredients or an SPF-laced daily moisturizer.

"Certain sunscreens cost more money because they are backed by science, formulated as clean and/or use specific ingredients that make the splurge worth it, but you can absolutely find a good drugstore sunscreen that will do the job. End of the day, this comes down to personal preference," the dermatologist adds.

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What SPF level should my drugstore sunscreen contain?

best drugstore sunscreens

The American Academy of Dermatology advises using sunscreens with an SPF level of 30 or higher. Anything lower than SPF 30 will not provide adequate protection from sun damage.

Should I use the same sunscreen on my face and body?

best drugstore sunscreens

Yadav explains that the skin on our body is thicker and often less sensitive than our facial skin, and not all SPF formulas should be used for both needs. Body formulas are frequently heavier than face SPF, and using one on your face could clog your pores. However, if given the choice between applying body SPF to your face or using no sunscreen, professionals say to use body SPF on your face.

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Why trust Harper's Bazaar?

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For more than 150 years, Harper’s Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what’s new and what’s next in beauty by working with the world’s leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, hair care, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.

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