8 Drugstore Sunscreens Cosmo Editors and Our Most Trusted Experts Swear By for Summer
You don’t need to drop $$$ on sunscreen when these affordable options exist.
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In case no one has told you today, you should be wearing sunscreen right now. Sunscreen is hands-down the most important step in your skincare routine, no matter your skin type or tone. Not only does wearing daily sunscreen help keep your skin nice and glowy by protecting against premature dark spots, fine lines, and wrinkles, but it's also a must for helping to prevent skin cancer, too.
Here’s the thing—you don’t need to drop major $$$ on sunscreen. The best drugstore sunscreen formulas function just the same as high-end brands, and honestly, many of them are more enjoyable to slather on. Just ask anyone on Cosmo’s beauty team.
Our top picks for the best drugstore sunscreens:
We are constantly testing the best sunscreens, and we narrowed down our drugstore faves to this well-rounded list of eight picks with the help of dermatologists Corey L. Hartman, MD, and Rachel Maiman, MD. Do yourself a favor and stock up on these expert-approved formulas ASAP, because remember: You need to be wearing sunscreen every damn day, so why not make it an excellent (and affordable!) one?
Pros
- Has a fast-absorbing serum texture
- Many say it feels lightweight on skin
Cons
- Contains denatured alcohol, which can be very drying
This light-as-air sunscreen made us fall in love with SPF all over again. With a serum-like texture, the fragrance-free formula uses four types of chemical sunscreen filters (avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene) to help protect your skin against sun damage, along with hydrating glycerin and skin-smoothing silicones to keep it from slipping and sliding around on your face in the heat.
Cosmo editor review: “I’ll be honest: I used to hate wearing sunscreens, since they always felt thick and heavy on my skin. But that changed after I discovered this lightweight drugstore sunscreen from Neutrogena, which has the same texture as a face serum and is basically as lightweight as SPF gets.” — LAUREN BALSAMO, BEAUTY DIRECTOR
Features at a Glance
| Type | Chemical |
| SPF Level | 60+ |
Pros
- Melts into skin on contact
- Includes a variety of skin-loving ingredients for hydration
Cons
- The bottle is teeny tiny, so you might go through it quickly
Drugstore sunscreens have really upped their game recently, and this new launch from La Roche-Posay proves it. Say goodbye to thick, goopy formulas. This one has a silky serum-like texture that melts into skin instantly. Not only does it create the perfect base for makeup, but it keeps your complexion comfortable all day too.
Cosmo editor review: “This lightweight mineral SPF serum glides onto skin and absorbs on contact, meaning I barely even feel like I had anything on. There's no residue, so it didn't make my face feel any stickier—I even tested it in hot Miami weather.” — BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
Features at a Glance
| Type | Mineral |
| SPF level | 50 |
Pros
- Slim stick is easy to travel with
- Gives skin a glowy (never greasy) finish
Cons
- We wish it came in more than one shade
Sunscreen isn’t a one-and-done application sort of thing. To fully protect your skin from the sun, you’ll need to reapply every few hours. This itty-bitty stick makes it easy. It’s slim enough to fit in the smallest purses, and just a quick swipe boosts your defense against the sun. Plus, the gorgeous sheen it leaves behind will have you feeling like a glowing goddess.
Cosmo editor review: “When people ask me how I’m so glowy, they’re shocked to learn it’s this convenient SPF stick. It leaves behind the sheen of an oil without the greasy texture. I love that I can use it all over (not just on my face) and how it fits perfectly in my purse for reapplications on the go.” — MARY HONKUS, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY EDITOR
| Type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 50 |
Pros
- Great for sensitive skin
- Extremely lightweight for a mineral sunscreen
Cons
- Can leave a bit of a white cast
I get it—slathering a thick-ass layer of sunscreen on sensitive skin is basically the worst. But you don't have to worry about any greasy or heavy ultra spiked with hydrators like glycerin, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid. Instead of leaving you shiny, this bb will keep you moisturized and help you achieve a soft, matte finish.
Cosmo editor review: “I don’t experience skin flares often, but when I do I pare back my routine and only use CeraVe—from the moisturizer to this SPF. The bare bones yet effective formula feels comfortable on my skin and wraps it in a protective hug until it feels normal again.” — MH
Features at a Glance
| Type | Mineral |
| SPF level | 30 |
Pros
- Leaves no white cast
- Ingredients help to keep skin moisturized
Cons
- Can feel a bit heavy on skin
There’s a fine line between appearing glowy and greasy, especially if you have oily skin. Luckily, this mattifying sunscreen keeps skin looking fresh and soft. Made with melanated skin in mind, this lotion is formulated to provide a matte finish with zero white residue—plus, it's infused with natural ingredients like aloe, shea butter, and coconut oil to help soothe and heal dry skin.
Cosmo editor review: “I think it's safe to say that no one wants a sunscreen that leaves 'em looking greasy and shiny under makeup. And if you often have that problem, this moisturizing gel formula helps address it. Plus, it keeps skin feeling soft and healthy all summer and beyond.” —LB
Features at a Glance
| Type | Chemical |
| SPF Level | 45 |
Pros
- Great for reapplying over makeup
- Goes on clear
Cons
- Better for reapplying than using as base layer of SPF coverage
- Contains artificial fragrance
One of the most frustrating parts of wearing sunscreen is that you need to reapply it every two hours. That's why this translucent, oil-absorbing powder sunscreen with zinc oxide and moisturizing ceramides is so convenient—you can use it under makeup as a primer, or quickly brush it on over your makeup throughout the day to make sure you're getting continuous protection. Just throw this one in your bag and never look back.
Cosmo editor review: “My beauty editor blunder? Forgetting to reapply sunscreen. (Oops!) Once I discovered this convenient powder, I had literally zero excuse not to re-up my sunscreen, even when I’m wearing makeup. I think this may have been the key to completely preventing burns—I haven’t experienced any redness since I started stashing this in my purse. Coincidence? I think not.” — MH
Features at a Glance
| SPF level | 30 |
| Type | Mineral |
Pros
- Goes on completely clear
- Smells like a tropical vacay
Cons
- Can feel a little greasy if you use too much
There's a reason this drugstore sunscreen has remained a best-seller for so many years. The spray-on formula makes it oh-so easy to apply (especially when you're at the beach), and since it's sweat- and water-resistant, you don't need to worry about it sliding off your skin when you jump in the water. It also goes on totally sheer and smells like a tropical dream.
Cosmo editor review: “When I go to the beach, I usually hide under an umbrella, but you better believe I’m soaked in this SPF spray. I’ve been using it for years, and I haven’t gotten a sunburn even when the UV is high—and I’m a redhead, so that’s saying something.” — MH
Features at a Glance
| Type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 30 |
Pros
- Comes in 18 shades
- Super lightweight
Cons
- Not the best for those with oily skin
Knock out two steps in one and simplify your routine with this SPF-infused skin tint. With buildable coverage, you can use it as much or as little as you need to even out your skin tone and get an angelic glow. The high SPF protection has got your back (or I guess, your face) covered on the hottest days.
Cosmo editor review: “I’m a face base hater. Truly, you’d never catch me wearing foundation until I tried this on a whim. Disclaimer: It’s much lighter than foundation. The buildable formula beautifully evens out my skin tone and leaves me with a post-facial glow. It’s simply a bonus there’s SPF in the formula, too!” — MH
Features at a Glance
| Type | Mineral |
| SPF level | 50 |
Is drugstore sunscreen safe?
Full disclosure, you don't have to pay an arm and a leg to get an effective SPF because yes, drugstore sunscreen is safe and effective. Chemical sunscreens tend to be less expensive and more readily available than mineral sunscreens, but chemical formulas aren't any less safe—and as mineral sunscreens continue to grow in popularity, you'll find plenty of affordable mineral sunscreens out there from drugstore brands like Neutrogena and La Roche-Posay. What's the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen, you ask? Let's get into it:
Chemical sunscreens use chemical-based sun blockers (such as avobenzone and octisalate) that sink into your skin to absorb UV rays. They tend to be easier to apply, since it doesn't take a lot of effort to rub them in, and no clinical studies prove that there are any issues with the use of chemical sunscreen. However, folks with sensitive skin may experience redness or irritation from chemical-based sun blockers.
Also known as physical blockers, mineral sunscreens rely on mineral-based sun blockers (like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) to sit on top of your skin and physically block the sun’s rays. You'll typically find that mineral formulas are less water-resistant and more likely to leave a white cast on your skin, but they're also usually more moisturizing and sensitive-skin friendly.
Both chemical and mineral sunscreens offer protection against sunburn, signs of aging, and skin cancer, so the type you choose really just depends on your personal preference.
How to choose the best drugstore sunscreen
Opt for a formula with SPF 30 or more
Whatever type of drugstore sunscreen you choose, it should have a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more, says Dr. Maiman. Sunscreen with SPF 30 blocks 97 percent of the sun's rays, and those SPF 50+ block slightly more.
"People rarely apply the same amount of sunscreen that's used in studies that generate SPF ratings, so there can be an advantage to selecting a sunscreen with an SPF of 50+ over one with an SPF of 30," says Dr. Maiman. "The former will probably result in a true SPF of closer to 30, whereas the latter may be producing an SPF closer to 15."
Know that water-resistant doesn't equal waterproof
No sunscreen is fully waterproof or sweat-proof, and manufacturers are not allowed to claim that they are, says Dr. Hartman. "If a product’s front label makes claims of being water-resistant, it must specify whether it lasts for 40 minutes or 80 minutes while swimming or sweating." After the 40- or 80-minute mark, you'll have to reapply.
Look for "broad-spectrum" on the label
Choosing a sunscreen with “broad spectrum” on the label is key for getting adequate sun protection, says Dr. Maiman. Sunscreens with this label protect against both UVA (they're primarily responsible for skin aging) *and* UVB rays (the rays that give your skin a sunburn).
Meet the experts
- Corey L. Hartman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and founder and medical director of Skin Wellness Dermatology in Birmingham, Alabama. He is currently on the board of directors of the Skin of Color Society.
- Rachel Maiman, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Marmur Medical in New York, New York, and a clinical instructor at Mount Sinai Hospital.
Why trust 'Cosmopolitan'?
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan with over a decade of experience researching, writing, and editing skincare stories that range from the laser skin tightening to the best sunscreens for sensitive skin. She’s an authority in all skincare categories, but is an expert when it comes to face and body sunscreens for all skin types and conditions—including hyperpigmentation and acne—thanks to years of dealing with her own stubborn melasma and breakouts. She regularly tests and analyzes sunscreens for efficacy, while working with the industry’s top dermatologists and aestheticians to assess new formulas and brands.
Mary Honkus is a contributing editor for Cosmopolitan with over eight years of experience researching, writing, and editing beauty stories. For this story, she tested a variety of drugstore sunscreens to find the most comfortable formulas that you’ll actually enjoy applying.
Lauren Balsamo is the beauty director at Cosmopolitan where she writes, edits, and produces all types of beauty content—from product reviews to personal essays and trend reports. She has covered beauty for more than a decade at Cosmopolitan. Follow her on Instagram.
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