When it comes to sunscreen, there are two universal truths: The first is that it's intrinsic to any skincare routine. (Please, please, please, practice safe sun, people!) The second is that you don't have to pay an exorbitant amount of money to get a quality formula. After all, effective doesn't mean expensive.
That goes for face sunscreen, too. Just because it comes from the drugstore doesn't mean it will clog your pores, leave a white cast on your complexion, or do any of the other things we often associate with bad sunscreen. In fact, for some drugstore sunscreens, quite the opposite is true. There are sheer formulas, noncomedogenic formulas, two-in-one moisturizing formulas, and more. You just have to know which ones rise above the rest, and that's what we're here for. Keep scrolling to see the 14 best drugstore face sunscreens, according to editors and reviews.
The Best Drugstore Face Sunscreens, at a Glance
- Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Face and Body Sunscreen Melt-In Milk Lotion SPF 60
- Best Mineral: Bubble Skincare Solar Mate Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
- Best Tinted: Eucerin Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 35
- Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
- Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
The Best Drugstore Face Sunscreens of 2025
Best Overall: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Face and Body Sunscreen Melt-In Milk Lotion SPF 60
Pros: Fragrance-free, can be used on the face and body, nongreasy, 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
Size: 5 ounces
Type: Chemical
SPF: 60
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.
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."
Best Mineral: Bubble Skincare Solar Mate Mineral Sunscreen SPF 40
Pros: Noncomedogenic, includes extra skin-boosting ingredients
Cons: Reviewers note the formula can have a somewhat unpleasant smell
Size: 1.7 ounces
Type: Mineral
SPF: 40
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.
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."
Best Lightweight: Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Face Serum SPF 30
Pros: Hydrating formula, water-resistant up to 80 minutes, noncomedogenic, and cruelty-free
Cons: Reviewers note the formula can make the skin look too shiny
Size: 1.4 ounces
Type: Chemical
SPF: 30
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?
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!"
Best Tinted: Eucerin Tinted Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 35
Pros: Safe for sensitive skin, fragrance-free, universal tint
Cons: Reviewers note the formula feels thick
Size: 1.7 ounces
Type: Mineral
SPF: 35
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.
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."
Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Pros: Oil-free, oxybenzone-free, noncomedogenic, fragrance-free, water-resistant for up to 80 minutes
Cons: Reviewers note the formula has a strong sunblock smell
Size: 3 ounces
Type: Chemical
SPF: 30
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."
Customer review: "This is my go-to sunscreen in the summer. It is nongreasy, 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."
Best Underneath Makeup: e.l.f. Cosmetics Suntouchable! Whoa Glow Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen
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
Size: 1.7 ounces
Type: Chemical
SPF: 30
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.
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."
Best Sheer: Black Girl Sunscreen Make It Matte Sunscreen SPF 45
Pros: Water-resistant, fragrance-free, reef-friendly
Cons: The formula could be too hydrating for some skin types, a bit pricier
Size: 1.7 ounces
Type: Chemical
SPF: 45
Former Who What Wear beauty editor Courtney Higgs recommends this sunscreen, which is lauded for being nongreasy, demi-matte, and water-resistant. The real draw, though, is the beautiful, completely sheer formula.
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."
Best for Oily Skin: Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Oxide Dry-Touch Face Sunscreen With Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Pros: Made with naturally sourced 100% zinc oxide, formulated with dry-touch technology that helps the SPF dry down with a nongreasy finish, fragrance-free, and offers SPF 50 protection
Cons: Because of the mineral formula, it can leave a white cast
Size: 2 ounces
Type: Mineral
SPF: 50
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.
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."
Best Matte: Versed Guards Up Daily Mineral Sunscreen SPF 35
Pros: Formulated with non-nano zinc oxide, 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
Size: 2.5 ounces
Type: Mineral
SPF: 35
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.
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!"
Best for Sensitive Skin: Pipette Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Pros: Baby friendly, dermatologist tested, pediatrician approved, hypoallergenic, free of synthetic fragrances
Cons: Reviewers note this leaves a white cast on some skin tones
Size: 4 ounces
Type: Mineral
SPF: 50
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.)
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."
Best for Dry Skin: CeraVe Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Pros: Fragrance-free, formulated with skin-loving ingredients, noncomedogenic, oil-free
Cons: Can leave a white residue, a bit pricier
Size: 3 ounces
Type: Chemical
SPF: 30
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.
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."
Best Glowy: Sun Bum Face Lotion SPF 50
Pros: Fragrance-free, oil-free, water-resistant, Hawaii Act 104 Reef Compliant
Cons: Reviewers say this can be too oily for combination skin
Size: 3 ounces
Type: Chemical
SPF: 50
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.
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."
Best for Mature Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Face Serum With Sunscreen SPF 50
Pros: A two-in-one anti-aging face serum with sunscreen, great for sensitive skin, 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
Size: 1 ounce
Type: Chemical
SPF: 50
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.
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."
Best for Combination Skin: Eucerin Age Defense Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50
Pros: Infused with five antioxidants (glycyrrhetinic acid, licochalcone A, vitamin E, vitamin C, Oxynex ST) and hyaluronic acid to help reduce signs of aging, noncomedogenic, hypoallergenic
Cons: Reviewers note the formula doesn't always stay put in extremely humid weather
Size: 2.5 ounces
Type: Chemical
SPF: 50
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.
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."
What to Look For
- SPF 30+: According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), consumers focused on sun protection should prioritize a formula with a sun protection factor (aka SPF) of 30 or higher. For some context, a sunscreen's SPF number tells you how much UVB light (the rays that will burn you!) a sunscreen can effectively filter out. A SPF of 30 can filter out 97% of the sun's UVB rays.
- Broad Spectrum: When you see "broad spectrum" on a sunscreen label, this tells you that the formula protects you against both UVB and UVA rays. This is imperative!
- Budget-Friendly Price: Any dermatologist will tell you that the most effective sunscreen is the sunscreen that you'll actually wear. Therefore, the cost of sunscreen and how it fits into your budget is an important factor to consider. Because, in all honesty, sunscreen should be the one product you go through the fastest.
- Consider Your Skin Type: Certain sunscreen formulas are heavier than others. If you're oily or prone to breakouts, look for a formula that's oil-free or noncomedogenic. If you run dry or have mature skin, a sunscreen with a richer consistency or a formula that advertises lots of hydration or glow might be your best bet.
- Your Ideal Packaging: Ease of application and reapplication is another key to success when it comes to protecting your face from the sun's damaging rays. Whether you prefer a lotion, spray, stick, oil, etc., make sure you're choosing the most strategic vehicle choice for your sunscreen and one that will make the application feel as enjoyable and effortless as possible.
Are pricier sunscreens better than drugstore?
Not necessarily! "Better" is subjective. No matter the price tag, every sunscreen meets the same FDA-regulated safety and efficacy standards in order to create their SPF labels. That said, luxury sunscreen brands might include other active ingredients to make formulas more sophisticated (antioxidants or peptides, for example), which can jack up the price. Sensorial elements—such as an elevated scent, spreadable texture, or luxe packaging—can also play a role in pricing.
Overall, though, the quality of SPF doesn't waver with the price. Rest assured, you can find loads of effective formulas for a budget-friendly price, as demonstrated by this curated list.
What drugstore sunscreens do dermatologists recommend?
Allow board-certified dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD, to reiterate: "The best sunscreen for any given patient is one that they'll actually use." As she previously told Who What Wear about SPF, "The formula should be broad-spectrum and offer a minimum of SPF 30, but other than that, it really comes down to the product experience and what you enjoy."
That said, plenty of drugstore formulas have earned dermatologist stamps of approval. For example, Ife Rodney, MD, FAAD, of Eternal Dermatology and Aesthetics has glowing things to say about La Roche-Posay's Anthelios formula (which won Best Overall in our list above!). "This great drugstore sunscreen has the ability to hydrate your skin while providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection," she once shared with WWW. "It's also filled with antioxidants to heal your skin, and it's noncomedogenic, meaning it won't clog your pores."
Is SPF 70 better than 50 for face?
A good rule of thumb to follow for using sunscreen on your face is that SPF 50 or higher should be used on the face as part of your daily skincare routine (plus reapplied when you venture outside for prolonged periods of time). According to medical studies, your face receives the most sun exposure throughout the day and needs some extra TLC with the help of sunscreen. While the idea of a "better" SPF is quite subjective, know that the higher SPF you invest in, the more protection you'll have. However, no sunscreen provides 100% protection from the sun's harmful UV rays, which is why staying on top of sunscreen reapplication is imperative.
This article was originally published at an earlier date and has been updated.
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