The best drugstore sunscreens have something for everyone—at a price that won’t make you wince. In fact, dermatologists say there are only slight differences between a drugstore buy and an expensive sunscreen. “In some cases, there may be specialized ingredients in the formula besides the UV filter itself,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. “Some of the more costly facial sunscreens contain specialized botanicals, antioxidants, or antiaging ingredients.” But any product labeled SPF 30 will offer that level of sun protection regardless of price tag, as long as it’s applied properly.
Glamour editors test hundreds of SPF products collectively year-round across every price range to determine the very best ones. We also rely on recommendations and insights from dermatologists to finalize our lists. Below are the drugstore ones we tested for ease of application and blending, as well as how well they work with different skin types, including picks for sensitive skin, deeper skin tones, kids, and more.
Our top drugstore sunscreen picks
- Best for Face: e.l.f. Skin Suntouchable Whoa Glow Sunscreen (SPF 30), $15
- Best for Body: Banana Boat Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50), $10
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Sunscreen (SPF 50), $40
- Best for Children: Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50), $16
- Best for Deep Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen (SPF 45), $18
Best for Face: e.l.f. Skin Suntouchable Whoa Glow Sunscreen (SPF 30)
E.L.F. Skin Suntouchable Whoa Glow Sunscreen (SPF 30)
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Keeps makeup in place | Shimmer may not suit everyone |
| Gives skin a glowy, blurring tint | |
| Moisturizes |
Several of the options here play well under makeup, but this e.l.f. formula takes it further—it functions as a makeup primer, gripping foundation so it stays put throughout the day. The glowy tint looks like a liquid highlighter out of the tube and comes in three shades: Sunlight (pink base and silvery shimmer), Sunbeam (neutral champagne shimmer), and Sunburst (bronze with golden undertones)). Moisturizing aloe, hyaluronic acid, and squalene keep skin hydrated and dewy-looking. It creates a smooth base that makes skin look more even before foundation even goes on.
Glamour senior commerce editor Jenifer Calle says:
“This tinted sunscreen has a mousse-like texture that blurs out my pores and leaves me with a glowy finish. I notice that it helps tame my oily, combination skin. I tested the sunburst tint which was just the right shade for my olive tone skin.” —Jenifer Calle, Glamour senior commerce editor
Glamour contributor Hana Hong says:
“I don’t usually expect a sunscreen to do much beyond protect, but this one goes above and beyond its job description. It has that beautifully glowy, slightly blurring finish that gets me constant compliments, and is one of the few SPFs I genuinely look forward to using.” —Hana Hong, Glamour contributor
Fast facts:
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Type: Chemical
Best Spray: Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70
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Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Spray SPF 70
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Convenient, fast drying | Easy to under-apply |
| Great for reapplication |
When you’re at the beach, a spray is just easier. This one is designed for exactly those situations, with a lightweight mist that dries quickly and doesn’t leave a sticky, sand-attracting finish. Dermatologists are very clear about how to use it. Danny Guo, MD, a double-board-certified dermatologist takes a more practical approach: use a SPF body lotion as your base layer, then rely on a spray like this for reapplication—especially when you’re outdoors or don’t want to disrupt your makeup. It’s less about replacing your main SPF and more about making mühlet you actually reapply it.
Glamour’s Hong says:
“I don’t use spray sunscreen as my main SPF, but I always want one on hand for reapplying, especially on the go. This one is harika easy to throw on quickly and dries down fast, which makes it way more appealing than dealing with a lotion when you’re out. You definitely have to be generous with it, but for convenience alone, I find myself reaching for it a lot.” —H.H.
Fast facts:
- Size: 6.5 oz
- Type: Chemical
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Sunscreen (SPF 50)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Sunscreen (SPF 50)
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Oil-free | Not as hydrating |
| Lightweight | |
| High SPF level |
This formula is oil-free, with a dry-touch finish that absorbs excess shine throughout the day. That matte texture is exactly why dermatologists tend to recommend it for oily or breakout-prone skin. “This is an oil-free sunscreen designed for acne- and oily-prone skin,” says Jessica Weiser, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Weiser Skin MD, noting that it’s intentionally not hydrating or dewy. Dr. Guo adds that nothing in the ingredient list suggests a high risk of breakouts, which is key for anyone who’s skipped SPF in the past because it felt too occlusive. It’s not the sunscreen you reach for when your skin is dry or compromised—but if your main concern is keeping oil in check without clogging pores, this is one of the most reliable options at the drugstore.
Glamour commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary says:
“I was a massive fan of this lightweight sunscreen formula the minute I tried it. I always look for lightweight formulas since I wear makeup every day, and with oily skin, many sunscreens tend to pill or make me look like a greaseball by 5 pm. I’m happy to report that this silky formula not only absorbed quickly into my skin after application, but also left it feeling smooth and matte. My makeup glided right on after the fact, and I was harika impressed with how I didn’t have to deal with creasing or shine by later in the day. All around it’s a 10/10 from me!” —Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour commerce writer
Fast facts:
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Type: Chemical
Best for Sensitive Skin: Eucerin Advanced Hydration Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 50)
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Eucerin Advanced Hydration Sunscreen Lotion for Face (SPF 50)
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Lightweight | Smaller bottle |
| Antioxidant-rich | |
| Non-pilling |
For sensitive skin, simplicity and barrier support are priorities—and this fluid formula delivers both without feeling heavy or reactive. Dr. Zeichner recommends this over the other options if you have dry skin because it’s loaded with moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, butylene glycol, and soothing aloe. “The ultralight fluid rubs in without leaving the skin feeling heavy or greasy,” he says. He also points out that the chemical formula’s blend of five antioxidants “has been shown to defend against free radical damage associated with exposure to long-wave UVA and visible light.”
Glamour’s Calle says:
“This is a lightweight SPF that works so well on my combination skin. It never pills under my makeup, absorbs instantly, and leaves behind a glowy finish. It works better than some of my over $50 sunscreens.” —J.C.
Fast facts:
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Type: Chemical
Best for Deep Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen
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Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte SPF 45
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Comes in matte or regular finish | Can feel greasy if your skin is oily |
| No white cast | |
| Moisturizing |
One of the biggest challenges with sunscreen—especially at the drugstore level—is finding formulas that don’t leave behind a visible cast on deeper skin tones. This one was designed with that concern in mind, and the result is a formula that goes on seamlessly without requiring excessive blending. Along with its completely clear finish, the cream is laced with moisturizing jojoba and antioxidant-enriched avocado and cacao oils. If you have oily skin, there’s a matte version that doesn’t feel greasy and keeps shine at bay. If you prefer mineral protection, try Make It Hybrid, which combines chemical and mineral ingredients.
Glamour contributor Nykia Spradley says:
“This feels a lot like a good moisturizer that happens to also have SPF in it. There’s also a newer version that’s vanilla-scented, which I love since I don’t really like the smell of traditional sunscreens.” —Nykia Spradley, Glamour contributor
Fast facts:
- Size: 1.7 oz
- Type: Chemical
Best Stick: CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
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CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Amazon
Ulta
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Travel-friendly | Needs layering |
| Easy to apply | |
| Gentle on sensitive skin |
A zinc oxide and titanium dioxide mineral blend makes this stick gentle enough for sensitive skin and safe to use around the eyes, which makes it ülkü for the areas most people miss. Derms, for exactly this reason, tend to like sticks: they make targeted reapplication feel effortless. Dr. Guo specifically calls out lips as one of the most commonly missed areas when it comes to SPF, and this format makes it almost foolproof. It’s not meant to replace your full-face sunscreen (you’d need a lot of swipes for that), but for touch-ups throughout the day, it’s one of the easiest ways to stay consistent.
Glamour’s Hong says:
“This is the sunscreen I like to keep in my bag at all times because it makes reapplying so much easier. I use it mostly on my scalp line (I learned the hard way that you can burn there), and it never stings or feels irritating. You do have to go over the same area a few times to build it up, but for touch-ups, it’s genuinely one of the most convenient formats.” —H.H.
Fast facts:
- Size: 0.47 oz
- Type: Mineral
Best for Body: Banana Boat Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50)
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Banana Boat SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen
Amazon
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Blends easily | Slight white cast |
| Nourishing ingredients | |
| Fragrance-free |
When it comes to body sunscreen, dermatologists emphasize that the most important factor is applying enough product—and that’s where affordable, generously sized options like this come in. Mineral formulas, particularly those with zinc oxide, offer reliable broad-spectrum protection, and newer formulations like this one have improved significantly in terms of blendability and comfort. While some white cast is still expected with mineral SPFs, this version minimizes it compared to older formulas. Neera Nathan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon in New England, cosigns using face and body sunscreen interchangeably, so feel free to apply this on your face as well. Banana Boat’s mineral option has a high SPF and an updated formula that requires much less rubbing to blend in quickly.
Glamour’s Calle says:
“I wore this sunscreen before running a 5K on a really hot Saturday. It didn’t feel greasy at all and it absorbed right away which was great because I was in a hurry. It does have some white cast but not as much as other body sunscreens that I’ve tried.” —J.C
Fast facts:
- Size: 6 oz
- Type: Mineral
Best for Children: Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
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Baby Bum Mineral Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Amazon
Ulta
| What we love: | What could improve: |
|---|---|
| Gentle | Can leave a white cast |
| Moisturizing | |
| High zinc protection |
Dermatologists consistently steer parents toward mineral formulas for kids, and this one uses 20% zinc oxide for strong, reliable broad-spectrum protection that doesn’t absorb into the skin. It’s also designed to be gentle and hydrating, with ingredients like cocoa butter and shea butter that help offset the dryness mineral sunscreens can sometimes cause. “The Baby Bum lotion is 20% zinc oxide, which is a kaç high percentage for good broad-spectrum protection,” says Dr. Weiser. She notes that, while it’s labeled fragrance-free, coconut-derived ingredients can impart a subtle scent, and the higher zinc content means some white cast is expected. Still, for parents prioritizing safety and simplicity over cosmetic elegance, this is exactly the kind of formula dermatologists tend to recommend.
Glamour’s Hong says:
“This feels like a very classic mineral sunscreen—creamy, easy to spread, and really gentle on the skin. I like that it feels moisturizing without being too heavy, especially for something meant for kids. It does leave a bit of a white cast, but that’s pretty expected with a formula that has this much zinc oxide.” —H.H.
Fast facts:
- Size: 3 oz
- Type: Mineral
Frequently asked questions
Are drugstore sunscreens comparable to luxury sunscreens?
Yes. “There are actually many excellent drugstore sunscreens that can be comparable to ‘luxury’ products,” says Dr. Weiser, noting that most of the products he recommends to patients are drugstore brands, not luxury ones. Joel Spitz, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at Honeydew, agrees that price isn’t the right lens to look through at all. “I don’t actually think in terms of drugstore versus luxury—that’s not the right framework,” he says. “A drugstore sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide is going to outperform an expensive luxury sunscreen loaded with chemical filters every time in my book.” In other words: you’re not compromising protection by shopping the drugstore aisle—you’re just skipping the markup. What matters more is the level of protection and skin barrier-supporting ingredients.
What should you look for in a drugstore sunscreen?
“The most important factor to look for is broad-spectrum coverage,” says Dr. Weiser, meaning protection against both UVA (aging, pigmentation) and UVB (burning) rays. From there, SPF matters too—aim for at least 30, though many derms prefer 50 for daily use. Water resistance (either 40 or 80 minutes) is another key detail, especially if you’re sweating or spending time outdoors, since that determines how often you need to reapply.
Beyond that, it gets more personal. Dr. Guo says he focuses less on brand names and more on whether a sunscreen actually works for someone’s routine. “If they don’t like how it looks, smells, or feels, there is a high likelihood of noncompliance with usage,” he says. In other words, the best sunscreen is the one you’ll consistently wear, whether that’s a lightweight fluid, a glowy primer, or a matte finish that keeps oil in check. Dr. Spitz also points out that tinted formulas can be especially helpful, since iron oxides offer additional protection against visible light, which plays a role in hyperpigmentation.
Are mineral or chemical sunscreens better?
It depends. “The best sunscreen is the one you like enough to use every single day of the year,” says Dr. Weiser. Both mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) and chemical sunscreens offer effective broad-spectrum protection, but they feel very different on the skin. Mineral formulas tend to sit on the skin and are often better suited for sensitive or reactive skin types, while chemical sunscreens are typically lighter and easier to blend, especially on deeper skin tones.
Dr. Guo echoes that both are safe and effective, but notes that format can matter just as much as the filters themselves. “Liquid sunscreen is better than any other form of sunscreen,” he says, since it’s easier to apply evenly, while sprays and sticks are better reserved for reapplication or targeted areas.
Dr. Spitz, on the other hand, strongly prefers minerals. “The active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are physical blockers that don’t penetrate the skin,” he says. “Chemical sunscreen filters have been shown to absorb into the bloodstream at measurable levels… and I’d rather not take that chance when excellent mineral alternatives exist.” Still, even he acknowledges the bigger picture: if a chemical sunscreen is the one you’ll actually use consistently, that’s ultimately what matters most.
How we tested
To find the best drugstore sunscreens, we tested formulas across a range of categories—mineral, chemical, sprays, sticks, and tinted options—paying close attention to how they performed in real-life routines.
We evaluated each product based on its active ingredients and level of protection (SPF and broad-spectrum coverage), as well as its texture and finish, whether that meant matte, dewy, or completely invisible on the skin. We also considered how well each formula layered with skincare and makeup, since pilling, greasiness, or white cast can be dealbreakers for daily use.
Finally, we prioritized ease of application and reapplication—because even the most effective sunscreen won’t do much if you’re not using enough of it, or reapplying it throughout the day.
Meet the experts
- Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital
- Jessica Weiser, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Weiser Skin MD
- Danny Guo, MD, double-board certified dermatologist,
- Joel Spitz, MD, board certified dermatologist and Chief Medical Officer at Honeydew
- Neera Nathan, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and fellowship-trained Mohs micrographic surgeon in New England
