Skincare is my jam. It’s one of my favorite areas of interest, and I’ve been studying it since I was 18. Back then, I used to think that serums and moisturizers were the holy grail of skincare because the media bombarded me with ads promising to make me look like a radiant, ageless goddess. But as it turns out, all those fancy-schmancy products are only part of the equation.
In the past several years, I’ve discovered the true secret to great skin: sunscreens. Yes, you heard me right. Not some expensive serum or miracle cream, but the stuff you slather on to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.
You see, preventing damage is a lot easier than trying to reverse it. I mean, sure, you could spend hundreds of dollars on skincare products that promise to turn back the clock, but why bother when you can just wear sunscreen and avoid the damage in the first place? Plus, it’s way cheaper and easier than buying a bunch of different creams and potions.
So there you have it, folks. The real secret to amazing skin isn’t some fancy serum or moisturizer, but good old-fashioned sunscreen. And if you’re not already slathering it on every day, well, you’re missing out. Trust me, your skin will thank you for it.
But here’s the thing: not all sunscreens are created equal. Some are greasy, some smell weird, and some just don’t work. That’s why I’ve compiled a list of my top 10 favorite drugstore sunscreens – because I care about your skin as much as I care about my own (which is saying a lot, believe me).
So without further ado, here are my favorite sunscreens that won’t break the bank:
1. La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+
I stopped using this particular sunscreen for a while because I found another one that I really love. However, I still think this sunscreen deserves the number one spot on my list because it’s easy to find – the brand La Roche Posay is well-known and available everywhere in the world. Plus, I think their sunscreen formula works well for most skin types.
This sunscreen provides excellent protection against harmful UVA1, UVA2, and UVB rays. It also has a pleasant texture that won’t leave a strong white residue or peel off your skin after you apply it.
The only thing I don’t like about it is that the oil in the bottle can make it feel quite greasy and smell a bit like petroleum if you don’t shake it well before use. But, once you apply it and let it dry down, it leaves a matte finish that doesn’t feel greasy or oily on your skin. This makes it a great option, especially for people with oily skin. Overall, I think this sunscreen is a safe choice for all skin types.
Price : USD $31 / AUD $30
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Dry Touch SPF50+ Sunscreen For Oily Skin
Living in Melbourne, Australia, where the weather can be extremely cold in winter and very hot in summer, along with working in a kitchen, my skin tends to feel more oily rather than combination most of the time.
When it comes to this La Roche-Posay product, online reviews can be quite polarized, with some people expressing extremely positive opinions while others have negative experiences. However, I find it to be a great fit for my needs. I particularly appreciate its all-day dry touch and full coverage, as well as its compatibility with the Melbourne, Australia climate, which may be similar to the weather in the UK. I have used this sunscreen in Thailand as well, a humid country, although I was there during the cold season, so I can’t speak to its performance during the hot season with temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius.
The sunscreen has a matte finish that doesn’t leave the skin feeling dry, but rather dries down to a touchable texture without any greasiness. This is the kind of texture I personally prefer in a mineral sunscreen, which is often more commonly found in chemical sunscreens. As I mentioned earlier, opinions on this product are mixed, so I recommend trying a tester before making a purchase. For me, it’s my personal number one choice, but on this list, I rank it as number two due to the potential incompatibility it may have with many other individuals.
Price : USD $28 / AUD $30
3. EltaMD UV Physical Tinted Facial Sunscreen SPF 41
If you’re in search of a lightweight BB cream, this sunscreen is exactly what you need. It has a tinted formula, so you won’t have to worry about the white cast issue that many untinted physical sunscreens can cause. Personally, I absolutely adore this sunscreen, especially on days when I need to get ready quickly. If it were easily available in Australia, I would definitely rank it as my number one or two, but unfortunately, it’s not.
In addition to its tinted formula, this sunscreen also offers water resistance for up to 40 minutes. It’s alcohol-free, oil-free, paraben-free, and perfume-free, making it suitable for various skin preferences and concerns.
I believe this sunscreen is more readily available in the United States, so if you reside there, I highly recommend it as your top choice. However, if you’re elsewhere, you can try searching for it online, such as on Amazon Australia, where I was able to find it.
Price : USD $36 / AUD $71 (AU Amazon)
4. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50
This Neutrogena sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen that is not only affordable but also readily available. That’s why I would recommend it. Among the Neutrogena sunscreen range in Australia, this particular one stands out as being the lightest in weight.
However, compared to the top-ranked options on the list (numbers 1-3), it is still slightly heavier. Nevertheless, in terms of affordability, this sunscreen is about 1-2 times cheaper than the other brands mentioned above. So, if you’re looking for a sunscreen with a good formula that you can use daily without breaking the bank, this could be the best option for you.
Price : USD $9 / AUD $14
5. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Face Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF50
This sunscreen is a physical sunscreen that comes with some notable advantages. It is inexpensive, widely available, and you can use a generous amount without feeling guilty about cost. These reasons lead me to recommend it as number five on the list.
However, it does have some downsides. The texture of this sunscreen is quite unpleasant, leaving behind a thick white cast and feeling heavy on the skin. But if you’re specifically looking for a sunscreen to use while sunbathing or doing outdoor activities in scorching temperatures (like a 40+ degree day), this option could be your best bet. You can apply a thick layer without worrying about wasting money, and it’s easily found in drugstores while providing full protection.
For any other purposes, I would suggest considering alternatives. Hahaha!
Price : USD $12 / AUD $17
6. Eucerin Sun Fluid Mattifying SPF 50+
This European sunscreen reminds me a little of La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid. When you first apply it, it can feel quite greasy and shiny, but the good news is that these effects disappear after a few minutes. The sunscreen doesn’t peel off and it’s effortless to blend in, without leaving any white cast on the skin. Overall, I believe it’s a decent choice if you’re looking to try something new.
However, in my opinion, if you have access to La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid in your area, I would recommend sticking with it.
Price : USD $30 / AUD $28 (eBay)
7. Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++
I absolutely love this chemical sunscreen! If this list only focused on chemical sunscreens, I would definitely rank this one as number one. Unlike other sunscreens, this one doesn’t leave my skin feeling sticky or tacky, but it still keeps my skin hydrated which is fantastic. Additionally, the purple tinted version brightens my skin tone and gives me a healthy, dewy finish.
One thing I noticed is that when I add makeup on top, it gives my skin a slightly textured primer effect that balances out my skin tone and makes it perfect for makeup application. Even after wearing it for several hours, my skin still feels comfortable, but it is a chemical sunscreen so this isn’t surprising.
Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find this sunscreen in Australia. I usually stock up on a few tubes when I visit Thailand or when my friends visit Thailand. It’s sold in drug stores in Thailand (Watsons), but it can also be found online in Australia, although the price is a bit expensive.
Price : USD $11 / AUD $29 (AU Amazon)
8. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+/PA+++
This Japanese sunscreen from Kao has made significant improvements to its formula since 2019, incorporating a new technology called “Micro Defense.” With four filters, it provides effective protection against both UVA and UVB rays, shielding your skin from burns and the development of pigmentation.
However, I want to give a fair warning to those sensitive to fragrance and alcohol. If you fall into this category, it’s best to skip this sunscreen as it has a noticeable strong scent of both when you open the bottle. On the positive side, the sunscreen has a lightweight texture that absorbs easily into the skin. I personally found it to be particularly effective when used in Asian countries, especially in Thailand.
Although this sunscreen may be challenging to find in American, European, and Australian markets, I believe it can still be purchased online.
Price : USD $20 / AUD $42 (AU Amazon)
9. Kanebo ALLIE Extra UV Facial Gel Sunscreen – SPF50+ PA++++
I discovered that this sunscreen formula is particularly well-suited for humid weather conditions. I initially started using it when I was in Thailand. However, to be honest, I stopped using it after I found Skin Aqua and fell in love with it. Nonetheless, Kanebo has remained one of the sunscreens that I continue to recommend to my friends. It offers water resistance and is suitable for oily skin. The sunscreen quickly absorbs into the skin, leaving a dry and matte finish. Like other chemical sunscreens, it doesn’t feel greasy or heavy on the skin.
I did notice that when I used this sunscreen in Australia during winter, it felt a bit too dry and my skin became flaky. However, during the summer months, it worked quite well and made my skin feel comfortable. It’s worth mentioning that this sunscreen contains zinc, so it’s not purely a chemical sunscreen but rather a mixture of both chemical and physical elements. As a result, it does leave a slight white cast, although it’s very minimal. Another positive aspect is that this sunscreen is fragrance-free.
Price : USD $30 / AUD $36 (AU Amazon)
10. Dear, Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50+
This Korean sunscreen utilizes a mixed formula combining both chemical and mineral sunscreen ingredients. It has a lightweight texture that absorbs easily into the skin. However, it’s important to note that this sunscreen contains citrus oil, which gives it a fragrance. If you are sensitive to fragrance, it’s essential to exercise caution when considering this sunscreen.
To be honest, I’ve listed this sunscreen as number ten on the list not because it’s not good, but because I personally haven’t used it as frequently. I have found other sunscreens mentioned above to be more readily available for purchase and they already fulfill my sunscreen needs. Nevertheless, based on my experience using this sunscreen, I absolutely love its texture. It keeps my skin feeling comfortable throughout the day, and I hardly even notice that I have it on, even when I apply the recommended amount (1/2 teaspoon for both face and neck).
Additionally, this sunscreen appears to have moisturizing properties as it doesn’t dry out my skin during the day.
Price : AUD $38 (AU Amazon) Couldn’t find this one in USA Walmart
Please note that the prices provided on this website may vary slightly. The prices listed for the USA are based on prices found at Walmart, while the prices listed for Australia are based on prices found at Chemist Warehouse, Australian Amazon, and eBay.
Caution: When choosing and purchasing sunscreen based solely on reviews, it’s important to exercise caution and consider the following points:
- Skin Sensitivity: Everyone’s skin is unique, and what works for me may not work for another. Be aware that I may have different skin types than your, so my experience may not necessarily reflect your own.
- Individual Needs: Consider your specific needs when selecting sunscreen. Factors such as skin type, climate, and intended use (e.g., outdoor activities, daily wear) should be taken into account. What works for my environment may not provide the same level of protection or desired results for you.
- Review Reliability: Not all online reviews are trustworthy or unbiased. My review is influenced by personal preferences and individual experiences that may not align with your own.
- Patch Testing: Before committing to a new sunscreen, it’s advisable to conduct a patch test on a small area of your skin to check for any adverse reactions or allergies. This step can help minimize the risk of unexpected skin irritations.
- Seek Professional Advice: If you have specific concerns or doubts about sunscreen selection, consult a dermatologist or skincare professional who can provide personalised recommendations based on your skin type, condition, and any unique considerations.