The best drugstore sunscreens have something for everyone—at an affordable price. And 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 anti-aging ingredients.” But an SPF 30 will offer that level of protection regardless of price tag, as long as it’s applied properly, he says.
Glamour editors test hundreds of SPF products collectively year-round across every price range to determine the best mineral, spray sunscreens, and more. Products are tested for ease of application and blending, as well as how well they work with different skin types. We also rely on recommendations and insights from dermatologists to finalize our lists. Our top pick for the best drugstore buy is EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen because it stands out for its chameleon-like ability to work on all skin tones and types.
Looking for something different? Luckily, this shelf at the drug store runs deep, and these expert- and editor-recommended choices will help you nail down your new go-to.
The best drugstore sunscreens, at a glance
- Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen, $44
- Best for Dry Skin: Eucerin Sun Advanced Hydration Face SPF 50, $16
- Best for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion, $12
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Absorbing Moisturizer (SPF 30), $14
- Best Body Sunscreen: Banana Boat Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50, $13
Best Overall: EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen
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EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen (SPF 46)
Amazon
- Active Ingredients: zinc oxide, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
- SPF: 46
- What we love: No white cast; moisturizing; available in tinted
- What can improve: Pricier than other options
Ask any dermatologist what their favorite sunscreen is and chances are Elta MD’s UV Clear tops the list. The mineral SPF blends easily into a clear finish on all skin tones. The formula is also boosted with skincare ingredients like niacinamide to even out blotchy skin and moisturizing hyaluronic acid. Plus, it’s safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin. “I frequently recommend EltaMD UV Clear to my acne-prone or oily-skin patients for excellent sun protection that won’t promote breakouts, and my patients love it,” says Blair Murphy-Rose, MD, a board-certified dermatologist previously told Glamour.
“My skin very . One day I’m oily, the next I have flakes surrounding my eyebrows and nose. I try to look for formulas that will help hydrate the drier areas, but won’t make me look too shiny or greasy. This clear face sunscreen has managed to balance out both, and keeps my skin tame and matte without drying it out. I’ve also noticed that it doesn’t break me out, a huge plus when I’m trying to keep my acne under control,” says Glamour’s commerce writer Alanna Martine Kilkeary.
Best Drugstore Sunscreen for Deeper Skintones: Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
- Courtesy of brand
- Original image by Nykia Spradley testing Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte (SPF 45)
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Black Girl Sunscreen (SPF 30)
Amazon
- Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
- SPF: 30
- What we love: Comes in matte or regular finishes; no white cast; moisturizing
- What can improve: Greasy feel
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 will keep shine down. If you prefer mineral protection, try Make It Hybrid, which combines chemical and mineral ingredients.
“This feels a lot like a good moisturizer that happens to also have SPF in it,” says Glamour contributor Nykia Spradley. She adds that the cream comes out white but turns clear without a lot of rubbing needed. “There’s also a newer version that’s vanilla-scented, which I love since I don’t really like the smell of traditional sunscreens.”
Best Drugstore Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Alanna Martine Kilkeary testing Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion
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Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion (SPF 30)
Amazon
- SPF: 60
- Active Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, prebiotic triple oat complex
- What we love: No white cast, non-greasy finish, not too thick
- What can improve: Too dewy-looking for oily skin types
Sensitive skin needs extra shielding from the sun, but some sunscreen ingredients can cause irritation. Aveeno’s Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Lotion, which comes recommended by Sheila Farhang, MD, a board-certified dermatologist, does the opposite. It protects from UVA and UVB rays, while also sealing moisture into skin and calming irritation with its oat oil, extract, and flour trio.
“This ultra-lightweight formula is a dream if you’re looking for a sunscreen lotion that’ll keep your skin really hydrated. It has a glossy, milky formula that doesn’t feel greasy and sinks right in. I found it to be extra useful on areas where my skin was really dry, and it also helped eliminate some redness around my nose. I wouldn’t go for this if you have a very oily complexion, but it’s great if you just need a boost of creamy hydration with your sun protection,” says Glamour’s Kilkeary.
Best Drugstore Sunscreen for Dry Skin: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Mineral Sunscreen For Face & Body
- Courtesy of brand
- Original photo from Brigitt Earley testing Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Mineral Sunscreen For Face & Body (SPF 30)
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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Mineral Sunscreen For Face & Body (SPF 30)
Amazon
- SPF: 30
- Active Ingredients: Zinc, titanium oxide, vitamin E
- What we love: Fragrance-free; matte finish; absorbed fast
- What can improve: Leaves a white cast
Sunscreen can leave a sticky or greasy film on the skin, but the Dry-Touch tech here protects without feeling heavy or sticky. That’s no easy task, considering it
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