For the well-being of your skin and budget.
Let’s cut to the chase: sunscreen is a non-negotiable part of your skincare routine. Yep, even if you only go outside for a few minutes a day, and yeah, even through the winter. Some dermatologists even recommend wearing SPF indoors as damaging UV rays can penetrate glass and clouds, so make sure you slather it on in the morning, no matter what you have planned.
“A great sunscreen is a sunscreen that someone wants to apply generously every single day and reapply when needed,” says Claudia Christin, MBBS, Ph.D. in dermatology and medical advisor at Picky. In other words, it’s all about finding one you like. But since you need roughly half a teaspoon’s worth to cover your face and neck, and a full shot glass worth when applying SPF to your whole body, you can expect to go through a tube relatively quickly—which is why affordability is key.
Bearing all of this in mind, we spent hours in our NYC testing lab putting a number of top-rated sunscreens to the test. Each one had to be budget-friendly and offer something for everyone – from the super active to those for dry skin, and that features a hypoallergenic formula. The texture also had to be one you’d enjoy and look forward to applying each morning.
Keen to find out which ones made it to our shortlist? Scroll on for the best affordable sunscreens currently on the market.
Best OverallBlack Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Black Girl Sunscreen’s broad-spectrum moisturizing sunscreen is made specifically for melanated skin with SPF30 protection (though it’s a great option for all skin tones!). The brand worked hard to create this very effective formula that didn’t leave behind the dreaded white cast while also protecting the skin from hyperpigmentation and dark spots.
We scored it highly in our lab for how lightweight it felt on application and how well it spread across the skin. The texture isn’t too oily or creamy – it’s just right with jojoba, cacao, and avocado adding a perfect amount of moisture. We also noted that it didn’t leave a white undertone or make our skin look dull. In fact, it added glow and radiance and left our complexions looking very refreshed. Even better, it’s also vegan and cruelty-free.
Who It’s ForThis sunscreen is formulated specifically for the needs of darker skin tones – especially skin types that need extra moisture.
Best for FaceAveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 50
We’re big fans of Aveeno’s sensitive skincare range so we’re excited to try this Positively Mineral sunscreen. We awarded it our top facial choice as it’s super gentle and has a high SPF of 50+ – ideal for a very exposed area such as the face. Plus, it’s formulated with 100% zinc oxide active, vitamin E, feverfew, and nourishing oat so it’s as gentle as it is protective.
We tested it out in our NYC lab and applied the required amount to our face and neck. It has an opaque texture that takes a bit of rubbing in, but once it’s absorbed it’s undetectable. We also tested its water resistance, and it passed the splash test with flying colors, not budging at all.
Who It’s ForThis sunscreen is suitable for sensitive and reactive skin and those who want a fragrance-free, water-resistant formula.
Best DrugstoreBanana Boat Light As Air Faces
The texture of sunscreen is really important, and it has to be one you look forward to applying – especially when it’s on your face. This facial sunscreen from Banana Boat absorbs oil so it’s a good choice for combination and blemish-prone skin or anyone that gets a little shiny by lunchtime. It also layers well beneath makeup.
During testing, we found that it felt lightweight on the skin and blended in seamlessly as it’s super sheer. It also has a gorgeous banana scent that admittedly may not be to everyone’s taste, but we really liked it.
Who It’s ForThis facial sunscreen is suitable for oil and blemish-prone skin due to its non-comedogenic and oil-absorbing formula.
Best SmellingBare Republic Mineral Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50
Whether you enjoy biking, watersports, wild swimming, or running, if you spend a lot of time outside, you’ll need reliable sunscreen. This mineral sunscreen from Bare Republic has a broad-spectrum formula so is ideal for use all year round. It also boasts water resistance for up to 80 minutes and is free from nasties like parabens and non-synthetic ingredients. We loved its natural coconut fragrance that is sweet but not overly so (It gives that tropical vacation feel wherever you are) and our only complaint is that it does transfer quite a bit especially when the skin is wet.
Who It’s ForThis vegan, broad-spectrum sunscreen is ideal for active people who want a water-resistant sunscreen with fragrance.
Best SprayBare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen Spray SPF 50
If you can’t stand the feel of a lotion on your skin, a spray makes a lightweight alternative. We tested this spray sunscreen from Bare Republic in our lab and loved how lightweight it felt and how quickly it blended into the skin. It also smells great and is water resistant so it’s a great option for a day of adventures – whether that’s a day at the beach or a hike with friends.
We found the bottle a little hard to manipulate when using the spray so this could do with an improvement, but aside from this, we think it’s a great option.
Who It’s ForThis sunscreen is ideal for anyone who hates the feel of lotion on their skin and wants a lightweight alternative.
Best for Sensitive SkinCetaphil Sheer Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 50 for Sensitive Skin
Cetaphil’s sheer mineral liquid sunscreen is specifically designed for the face so it’s extra sensitive to the skin’s microbiome. In simple terms, it helps the skin to stay adequately hydrated and protected. It has quite a watery texture that we found a little thin, but a little goes a long way and it spreads easily into the skin without feeling greasy. During testing, we didn’t experience any residue or transfer either.
What’s more, it’s free from fragrance so it’s suitable for sensitive skin on the face. The cute size of the bottle is also great for throwing in your purse and re-applying throughout the day. To avoid a white cast, the brand recommends priming the skin with a moisturizer first and applying the sunscreen in very thin layers.
Who It’s ForThis sunscreen is for those with sensitive skin who find general sunscreens too irritating on the face.
Best Hypoallergenic Coppertone Pure & Simple SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
Ideal for very reactive skin or anyone who doesn’t like very thick lotions, Coppertone’s Pure and Simple mineral sunscreen is our favorite hypoallergenic pick. Why? First off, it has a very thin texture that comes out of the bottle easily and absorbs well while it takes a bit of spreading around. The formula is also super gentle and contains naturally sourced Zinc Oxide and nourishing added ingredients such as lotus, sea kelp, and tea leaf. What’s more, it’s free from dyes, parabens, synthetic fragrance, PABA, octinoxate and oxybenzone.
Like to swim? It claims to be water resistant for up to 80 minutes, and when we tested this out in our lab, it scored 5 out of 5 (not budging at all in the splash test). The high SPF 50+ and large 6fl oz bottle size make it a good choice for everyday adventures, too.
Who It’s ForAs this formula is not super moisturizing, it’s suitable for a sensitive yet not overly dry skin type.
Best for Dry SkinEucerin Advanced Hydration SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray
A spray sunscreen isn’t the most natural choice for a drier skin type and, if you struggle to retain moisture in your skin, you probably veer towards thicker lotions. But beauty innovation now means there are sprays for even very dry skin such as this one from Eucerin. Formulated with five antioxidants including nourishing vitamin E, protective vitamin C, and the super humectant hyaluronic acid, it locks in hydration while protecting the skin from UV radiation.
We gave it a whirl in our NYC lab and found its texture really interesting – it sprays on thinly at first but then goes thicker before sinking in easily. It also performed well in the splash test and stayed true to its promise of being water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. This is a great option for your next vacation or day at the beach.
Who It’s ForAnyone who wants the convenience and ease of a spray sunscreen without losing the hydrating qualities of a lotion.
Best Water FormulaGlossier Invisible Shield SPF 35
This water-based formula from Glossier claims to convert even the most skeptical of sunscreen avoiders. This is down to its water-gel texture that contains microcapsules that work well with makeup and absorb easily into the skin. Defense-wise, vitamin E, vitamin P, broccoli, and aloe leaf extracts also help neutralize free radicals.
When testing it in a real-life setting, we found that it stayed true to this claim, and it has an almost water-like consistency that blends in seconds. It’s so watery in fact, that you need to apply it in the same way you would a serum, patting it in rather than rubbing. We also really liked its light citrus fragrance and easy-to-use applicator.
Who It’s ForIf you don’t like to feel sunscreen on your face, this is the sunscreen for you due to its very lightweight, invisible texture. It also makes a great base beneath makeup.
Best for Active LifestylesHawaiian Tropic Everyday Active Sport Sunscreen Lotion
Hawaiian Tropic is a classic sunscreen, and we’re always more than happy to have a bottle of it in our sports bag. The brand’s Sport lotion scored highly during our lab testing thanks to its water and sweat-resistant formula, easy-to-blend texture, and signature tropical scent that just transports you straight to a far-flung destination.
Other factors to point out are that it’s free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, is non-comedogenic so it won’t clog your pores, and is cruelty-free. It’s a total no-brainer for a day of swimming, cycling, or hiking.
Who Its ForThis sunscreen is ideal for active people who need a sunscreen that will protect them from water and sweat as well as UV radiation.
Best SerumNeutrogena Invisible Daily Defense Face Serum with Broad Spectrum SPF 60+
The skin on our face is exposed to UV radiation and pollution every day, so it’s vital that you protect it with a high broad-spectrum sunscreen. This facial sunscreen from Neutrogena has a very lightweight and breathable texture that boasts very high SPF 60+ protection (ideal if you spend a lot of time outdoors or have specifically sensitive skin) and long-lasting hydration.
Other things to note? The serum has a really fun color and blends well into the skin. A touch of ginger extract also helps to add radiance and our skin felt noticeably softer after applying it. Once absorbed, it’s completely undetectable which makes it the perfect base for makeup, too.
Who It’s ForAnyone looking for protection from both pollution and UV radiation and wants a very high-factor facial sunscreen. It’s also formulated to protect the face from very cold and very hot temperatures.
Best ScentSun Bum Original Scent SPF 30 Sunscreen Lotion
If, like us, one of your favorite smells is a tropical-scented sunscreen, you’ll love this lotion from Sun Bum. Summer in a bottle, it’s oil-free and formulated with vitamin E for added hydration, boasting effective broad-spectrum protection. It’s also Hawaii 104 Reef Act compliant so it won’t damage the ocean if you’re a keen swimmer or surfer.
We found lots to love about this sunscreen during testing including its coconut fragrance, easy-to-use applicator, and compact size that’s ideal for slipping into your daily tote. We’d like the texture to be a little thicker as it comes out of the bottle quite quickly but that’s our only real complaint.
Who It’s ForAnyone who wants an old-school sunscreen that smells like summer and feels like a regular lotion.
Best StickSun Bum Face Stick
A sunscreen stick is a great essential to have in your beach or day bag and can help you reach those tricky areas (like the back of the neck and ears) much easier. We love this one from Sun Bum as it smells like the tropics and goes on almost invisibly. It also doesn’t take much blending in at all which is ideal when you’re applying it to a hard-to-reach area.
The compact size of the stick makes it a great sunscreen for taking everywhere, so you’re never caught out. Also worth noting: it’s cruelty-free and ocean-friendly. Our only complaint is that the texture is a little greasy, but as this isn’t a product designed to be applied all over the body, we’ll forgive it.
Who It’s ForThis option is perfect for those who are active, on-the-go and need a budget-friendly sunscreen that can easily fit in their everyday bag — making application throughout the day simple.
Where We StandOur overall favorite affordable pick is Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30. From the lightweight texture to the radiant finish (with no white cast), we loved the way it made our complexion look and feel. If you prefer a spray, we highly recommend Bare Republic Clearscreen Sunscreen & Sunblock Spray. It’s super easy to apply, soaks in invisibly, and feels amazing on the skin.
How We TestedEach sunscreen in this roundup faced extensive testing in our Manhattan-based lab and at our tester’s homes. Each tester had a different skin tone and type and used the product for several weeks. After application, each sunscreen was marked out of five based on its overall texture, absorption, feel on the skin, opacity, level of UV protection, water resistance, and level of transfer.
Attributes we evaluated each foundation on:
Feel on the skinTexture straight out of the bottleWater resistance and transferAbsorptionWhat to Look for in an Affordable SunscreenSPF: When buying sunscreen, the most important thing to consider is the SPF (sun protection factor) rating and if the label says broad-spectrum, which indicates the product protects from both UVA and UVB rays, while SPF protects solely from UVB rays.Mineral vs. Chemical Protection: Mineral (or physical) sunblocks are formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which create an immediate physical barrier to protect your skin from the sun’s rays. Zinc tends to be gentle on sensitive skin, plus it offers the most resistance to sweat and water. Then there are chemical sunscreens which work by converting UV light into heat to guard your skin from sun damage. Sometimes called organic sunscreens (because they contain organic chemical compounds), this type of product should be applied about 15 minutes before you go outside since it takes a few minutes to activate. Christin recommends looking for a hybrid formula, something containing both mineral and chemical filters.Formula: If you have a sensitive, oily, or notably dry complexion, you’ll want to find a sunscreen that works for your skin type. For sensitive skin, look for a fragrance-free product with a mineral-based formula, as this will be the gentlest. With oily skin, we suggest an oil-free, mattifying formula that hydrates without leaving a greasy residue. If your skin is dry, look for something blended with naturally derived butters and oils, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin.FAQDoes sunscreen expire?That’s a hard yes. “Sunscreens do, in fact, expire,” says Ramya Garlapati, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of Skin Medicinals. “Most of them will have an expiration date marked on the packaging. But if they are optimally stored in a cool or room temperature environment, they should last up to three years,” she adds. If you don’t see an expiration date on yours, write the date that you bought it on the bottom of the bottle as a reminder. (Although, if you are using it daily, as you should be, you should definitely go through it before it expires.)
How often should you reapply sunscreen?Every two hours is ideal, says Dr. Garlapati. That’s an admittedly lofty goal for many, which is why seeking out products that make reapplication less cumbersome is a good move. Her pick: mineral SPF powders. They’re great because you can keep them with you and easily reapply while you’re on-the-go, and they also absorb excess oil, she points out. Top tip: If you’re going to be at the beach or outdoors in the sun when reapplication is more imperative than ever, set an alarm on your phone as a reminder to reapply every two hours. And if you’re out in the sun without a hat, be sure to apply sunscreen to your scalp as well.