Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is crucial for preventing sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. With a myriad of sunscreen options available, it can be challenging to choose the right one. Here, we highlight five of the best sunscreens you can buy at drugstores and five top picks available at department stores.
Best Drugstore Sunscreens
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 100+
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- Why It’s Great: This lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and provides excellent broad-spectrum protection. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
- Price: Approximately $10-$15
- Pros: High SPF, easily accessible, affordable
- Cons: May leave a white cast on darker skin tones
CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30
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- Why It’s Great: Ideal for sensitive skin, this mineral sunscreen contains ceramides and niacinamide to help restore the skin’s natural barrier.
- Price: Approximately $12-$15
- Pros: Hydrating, suitable for sensitive skin, non-comedogenic
- Cons: Lower SPF compared to others
Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
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- Why It’s Great: Designed for active lifestyles, this sunscreen is water and sweat-resistant, making it perfect for outdoor sports and activities.
- Price: Approximately $7-$10
- Pros: Long-lasting protection, affordable, water-resistant
- Cons: May feel a bit greasy
Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50
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- Why It’s Great: This sunscreen uses 100% zinc oxide for broad-spectrum protection and is formulated with oat extract to soothe sensitive skin.
- Price: Approximately $9-$12
- Pros: Gentle on sensitive skin, non-greasy
- Cons: Can leave a white residue
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 60
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- Why It’s Great: This dermatologist-recommended sunscreen offers high SPF protection and is enriched with antioxidants to protect against environmental damage.
- Price: Approximately $30
- Pros: High SPF, dermatologist-recommended, antioxidant-rich
- Cons: Slightly pricier for a drugstore option
Best Department Store Sunscreens
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40
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- Why It’s Great: This clear, weightless formula doubles as a makeup primer and provides broad-spectrum protection without leaving any white residue.
- Price: Approximately $34
- Pros: Invisible finish, great under makeup, reef-safe
- Cons: Mid-range price point
Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+
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- Why It’s Great: Featuring WetForce technology, this sunscreen becomes more effective when exposed to water or sweat, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
- Price: Approximately $49
- Pros: Innovative technology, water-resistant, high SPF
- Cons: Higher price point
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
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- Why It’s Great: This lightweight sunscreen is formulated with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, making it perfect for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
- Price: Approximately $39
- Pros: Great for sensitive and acne-prone skin, dermatologist-recommended
- Cons: Moderate price point
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense SPF 30
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- Why It’s Great: This physical sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection with a blend of antioxidants to protect and nourish the skin.
- Price: Approximately $34
- Pros: Antioxidant-rich, non-greasy, physical sunscreen
- Cons: Lower SPF
La Mer The Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid
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- Why It’s Great: Luxuriously formulated with La Mer’s signature Miracle Broth, this sunscreen not only protects but also helps rejuvenate the skin.
- Price: Approximately $95
- Pros: High SPF, luxurious formula, skin-nourishing benefits
- Cons: Expensive
Conclusion
Whether you prefer shopping at drugstores or department stores, there are excellent sunscreen options available to suit various skin types and preferences. Drugstore sunscreens offer affordability and accessibility, while department store brands provide luxurious formulas and innovative technologies. Regardless of your choice, wearing sunscreen daily is essential for maintaining healthy, protected skin.
