We Go Through Face SPF Faster Than Any Other Product—15 That Will Save You Money

The brand calls this the "unicorn of sunscreens," and I have to agree. This mineral formula from Bubble offers broad-spectrum SPF 40, it has a sheer, ultra-dreamy texture, it works well with makeup, and it won't clog your pores. The zinc oxide formula protects the skin from harmful UV rays, while other good-for-skin ingredients offer an extra boost. There's raspberry seed extract, which provides antioxidant protection; ginseng extract, which brightens the skin; cocoa seed extract, which provides hydration; and glycerin, which provides hydration and a natural glide to the formula. It even protects against blue light from phone and computer screens.

Pros: Broad-spectrum SPF 40, noncomedogenic, includes extra skin-boosting ingredients

Cons: Reviewers note the formula can have a somewhat unpleasant smell

Customer review: "I love the packaging it makes me want to actually do my skincare. The product is so smooth and creamy and leaves your face smooth and hydrated before you put your makeup on."

Another sheer, lightweight, and exceptionally budget-friendly sunscreen, this drugstore option is more like a serum than a cream. It's rich in hyaluronic acid, so it will hydrate the skin at the same time protects it from harmful UV rays. Thanks to the sheer texture, it won't clog pores, and it's free from oil, parabens, oxybenzone, and octinoxate. Did we mention that it's vegan and PETA-certified cruelty-free?

Pros: Broad-spectrum SPF 30, hydrating formula, water resistant up to 80 minutes, noncomedogenic, and cruelty-free

Cons: Reviewers note the formula can make the skin look too shiny

Customer review: "I bought this sunscreen to use out on days at the pool specifically. I have others that I use when wearing makeup and at work but wanted something lightweight specifically for pool days. This is great. It feels just like a skincare serum and sinks right into the skin. I kept on for about 80 min and then reapplied and I had no signs of sun exposure on my face. This is a winner!"

This mineral sunscreen has a universal tint, so it doesn't leave a white cast or a chalky residue. That might sound gimmicky, but reviewers say it actually, truly works. What's more, it's fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and suitable for sensitive skin. You won't find any parabens, PABA, phthalates, oxybenzone, or octinoxate in the formula either—just broad-spectrum SPF 35 and lots of skin-protecting antioxidants.

Pros: Broad-spectrum SPF 35, safe for sensitive skin, fragrance-free, universal tint

Cons: Reviewers note the formula feels thick

Customer review: "Love this sunscreen. Many tinted sunscreens have an orangey tinge to them. This product does not and blends seamlessly into my skin while protecting it and leaving a dewy finish. I would use it instead of foundation even if it wasn’t a sunscreen."

When it comes to sunscreen, Who What Wear Beauty Director Erin Jahns opts for a drugstore classic: Neutrogena. "I love Neutrogena in general," she says. "Since I'm breakout-prone, I need something oil-free and light to keep me congestion-free."

Pros: Oil-free, oxybenzone-free, noncomedogenic, offers SPF 30 protection, fragrance-free, water resistant for up to 80 minutes 

Cons: Reviewers note the formula has a strong sunblock smell 

Customer review: "This is my go-to sunscreen in the summer. It is non-greasy, soaks in seamlessly, and does not make me break out. It does smell like sunscreen, but it is not overwhelming. It just feels like regular lotion."

This chemical sunscreen-primer hybrid is so worth the money. It's lightweight, offers SPF 30, has a sheer tint to avoid leaving a white cast, and treats the skin to hydrating ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and squalane.

Pros: Lightweight; offers SPF 30 protection; available in three shimmer finishes; doesn't leave a white cast; doubles as a primer; formulated with skin-loving ingredients like aloe, hyaluronic acid, and squalane; fragrance-free

Cons: Reviewers say the formula can be too shimmery, and pills when layered with some skincare products

Customer review: "I have been using this since the beginning of summer. I love the glow when I wear it either as a primer or, more often, as a sunscreen when I'm not wearing makeup. I use Sunbeam, and it's amazing with my skin tone. It doesn't feel greasy or heavy."

Former Who What Wear beauty editor Courtney Higgs recommends this sunscreen, which is lauded for being non-greasy, demi-matte, and water-resistant. The real draw, though, is the beautiful, completely sheer formula.

Pros: Boasts SPF 45 protection, water resistant, fragrance-free, reef-friendly

Cons: The formula could be too hydrating for some skin types, a bit pricier

Customer review: "This is the last sunscreen brand I will ever use. All these years and they have cracked the code. This is the best face sunscreen. Light, matte, gel."

Here's another Neutrogena pick. This mineral formula goes on smoothly, feels lightweight, and doesn't leave a slick, oily residue like some other face sunscreens do. That's impressive, especially considering it is a 100% zinc oxide formula. 

Pros: Made with naturally sourced 100% zinc oxide, formulated with dry-touch technology that helps the SPF dry down with a non-greasy finish, fragrance-free, and offers SPF 50 protection 

Cons: Because of the mineral formula, it can leave a white cast

Customer review: "At first, when I applied it, it felt thick and hard to rub in. But once I got it on my face, I loved how it looked. There is a very subtle tint that makes my skin look really nice without it looking unnatural. I don't even need to wear a foundation after applying this sunscreen. Will definitely be sticking with this one for a long time."

This Versed sunscreen is a staple around the Who What Wear office. Thanks to SPF 35 and an antioxidant-rich formula, it protects against UVA and UVB rays as well as environmental and blue-light damage. Plus, it never leaves a white cast thanks to its peachy tint.

Pros: Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, offers SPF 35 protection, ideal for even acne-prone skin, prevents UVA and UVB rays from penetrating the skin, pregnancy-safe 

Cons: mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide can be sensitizing for reactive skin, and a bit pricier

Customer review: "This is the first sunscreen I've ever tried that doesn't make my eyes sting—and I've tried * a lot* of sunscreens (and many of them were waaaayyy more expensive than this!). It's cruelty-free, sinks into my skin nicely, and it dries to a matte finish so I'm not walking around all day looking weirdly glossy. I'm sensitive to smells but this doesn't have any scent—not even a sunscreen-y one! It can be a tiny bit drying on my nose and around my lower lip, but I'm prone to being dry in those places anyway so I just slather on moisturizer before I apply the sunscreen and I'm good to go. 10/10!"

Here it is—one of my all-time favorite drugstore sunscreens. Sure, it's more expensive than others, but it's still technically a drugstore sunscreen if it's sold at Target, right? Plus, you get a lot of bang for your buck. You can use it on the face and body, and a little goes a long way, so it lasts, even with regular application. It's perfect for everyday use, but I make a point to keep it in my beach bag since it keeps me from getting burned no matter how long I stay out in the sun. 

Pros: Fragrance-free, offers SPF 50 protection, can be used on the face and body, non-greasy, water resistant for up to 80 minutes

Cons: Reviewers say it can take some elbow grease to get the formula blended into the skin and it's a bit pricier

Customer review: "This sunscreen blends into the skin easily and doesn't feel greasy. Doesn't leave white residue and blends in seamlessly without making skin look dry or cakey. It's easy to put makeup on over it or to reapply throughout the day. I like that the SPF is 60, so I feel protected from the sun. Don't hesitate to purchase this one or any of their other products. I would give four stars for the price. I only wish it was more affordable. I would recommend this sunscreen."

Fun fact: This is actually a sunscreen formulated for babies. But with a mineral (fragrance-free!) SPF 50 formula, also protects grown-up skin from the sun. I use this whenever I want a no-makeup glow since it has a dewy finish. (Oily skin types, beware.) 

Pros: Baby friendly, offers SPF 50 protection, dermatologist tested, pediatrician approved, hypoallergenic, free of synthetic fragrances

Cons: Reviewers note this leaves a white cast on some skin tones

Customer review: "I have very dry, acne-prone, sensitive skin. I take medications that put me at risk for skin cancer, so I need to wear SPF 50 daily. I've tried SO MANY, and this is hands down my fav. Lightweight, moisturizing, and easy to reapply. Doesn't cause acne and makes my skin look great. There is a white cast when applying."

Okay, although this is technically a face moisturizer, it's worth noting because it includes SPF 30 and is an Amazon best-seller (so you know it's good). The fragrance-free formula includes hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and ceramides, so it's as moisturizing as it is protective. 

Pros: Fragrance-free, offers SPF 30 protection, formulated with skin-loving ingredients, noncomedogenic, oil-free

Cons: Can leave a white residue, a bit pricier

Customer review: "Perfect for sensitive skin! I’ve tried expensive lotions from Sephora or other brands like Monat, and this is the only one that doesn’t break my skin out. Moisturizing without leaving my face greasy."

If you have only one criterion for your face sunscreen, and it is that it has to be lightweight, then this is the one for you. Its milky texture melts into the skin while vitamin E helps protect against free radicals and moisturizing agents keep dryness at bay. 

Pros: Formulated to help lock moisture in to hydrate and protect the skin’s microbiome, non-comedogenic, offers SPF 50 protection, water resistant for up to 80 minutes, offers a dry matte finish 

Cons: Reviewers say it leaves a white cast

Customer review: "I love this sunscreen. It really moisturizes well and doesn't cause my sensitive skin any harm. It has a white cast, but that's to be expected with a mineral sunscreen. I would definitely recommend this!"

A no-frills face sunscreen. This oil-free, fragrance-free formula is fairly lightweight. I love that it doesn't slide or pill under my foundation, which means I can apply it daily without fear of a makeup meltdown. 

Pros: Fragrance-free, offers SPF 50 protection, oil-free, water resistant, Hawaii Act 104 Reef Compliant

 Cons: Reviewers say this can be too oily from combination skin 

Customer review: "I was primarily looking for sunscreen without a white cast and oily tint to wear with light makeup. I love that this product does not have a white cast. It does leave a shiny residue on the skin, which I am torn about. Sometimes, it looks like a healthy, flushed glow, but sometimes, it's like oily skin, which I dull down with a face powder. Overall, I don't want to pay an arm and a leg for sunscreen I use daily, and it's the best I've found in the price range."

I know what you're thinking: Didn't you already include a La Roche-Posay product? I did, but to my credit, this sunscreen-serum hybrid is too good not to be included. Like the previous one, this is expensive for a drugstore sunscreen, but I justify it because it's a two-in-one product. It's one part sunscreen (SPF 50, to be exact) and one part anti-aging serum. It uses vitamins C and E to help defend against free radicals. 

Pros: A two-in-one anti-aging face serum with sunscreen; great for sensitive skin; offers broad spectrum SPF 50; clinically proven to reduce the visible appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots 

Cons: Reviewers share the formula could be too hydrating for oily skin types, a bit pricier

Customer review: "My skin is problematic [and] prone to congestion with lots of pores, but this cream is the only thing that works for my face, and I look so pretty when my face looks so healthy, and it makes me so happy."

Offering SPF 50, this sunscreen will surely protect the skin from UV rays. But what really makes this special is the combination of five potent antioxidants, including vitamins E and C. There's even hyaluronic acid to keep skin looking plump and smooth. 

Pros: Infused with five antioxidants (glycyrrhetinic acid, licochalcone A, vitamin E, vitamin C, Oxynex ST) and hyaluronic acid to help reduce signs of aging, formulated with SPF 50 formula, noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic

Cons: Reviewers note the formula doesn't always stay put in extremely humid weather 

Customer review: "I love everything about this product. It leaves my skin so beautiful. [It] has seen improvements in my skin texture, and the best is I could use it with my make-up. It makes my skin much smoother and glowy…love it."