15 Best Drugstore Sunscreens That Offer Luxury Protection
When it comes to sunscreen, many people think that luxury products are the only way to go for the best protection. However, drugstore sunscreens can offer similar, if not the same, level of care for your skin. These products are designed to shield you from harmful UV rays while offering lightweight formulas that feel comfortable throughout the day. With so many great options, it is easy to find a drugstore sunscreen that meets your needs. Whether you prefer a lotion, spray, or stick, there are plenty of choices to suit your lifestyle. In this article, we will highlight some of the top drugstore sunscreens that provide luxury-level protection.
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EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Face Sunscreen is designed to provide broad-spectrum protection while calming sensitive skin. The key ingredients, such as niacinamide, help reduce inflammation and redness, making it ideal for acne-prone and rosacea skin types. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly and leaves no greasy residue, ensuring comfort throughout the day. This sunscreen is a favorite among dermatologists due to its gentle yet effective formula for sensitive skin.
EltaMD UV Clear offers high protection with an SPF of 46, making it suitable for daily use under makeup or alone. The sunscreen is also oil-free, making it a great choice for those with oily or combination skin. Its inclusion of lactic acid also provides mild exfoliation, contributing to a smoother skin texture. This sunscreen balances skin protection and skincare, providing a solid option for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Differin Oil Control Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30

Differin Oil Control Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30 combines hydration with sun protection, making it an excellent choice for oily skin types. Its key ingredient, adapalene, is a retinoid that helps with acne prevention and promotes healthy skin renewal. The SPF 30 provides broad-spectrum protection, guarding against both UVA and UVB rays. The oil-free formula is designed to reduce shine and prevent clogged pores.
This sunscreen or moisturizer hybrid offers daily hydration while ensuring your skin remains matte throughout the day. It also helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture balance without feeling heavy or greasy. By providing sun protection and acne care in one step, Differin makes skincare simpler for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Its formula is both effective and gentle, offering a great option for everyday use.
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30

Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Lotion Sunscreen SPF 30 is known for its tropical fragrance and lightweight feel. The key ingredients, such as coconut oil and shea butter, provide moisturization while offering broad-spectrum sun protection. This sunscreen absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling soft and silky without any sticky residue. It is ideal for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without feeling weighed down by heavy sunscreen.
In addition to its moisturizing benefits, Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch offers reliable sun protection with SPF 30. The lotion is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a solid choice for beach days or outdoor activities. Its tropical scent adds an enjoyable experience to sun protection, giving users a bit of vacation-like luxury. The formula is designed to be gentle on the skin, making it suitable for everyday use.
Aveeno Protect and Hydrate Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 60

Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Sunscreen Face Lotion SPF 60 is designed to provide both sun protection and intense hydration. The key ingredient, oat extract, helps to nourish and hydrate the skin while providing effective protection from harmful UV rays. This sunscreen is oil-free, making it perfect for sensitive skin types, and it absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy residue. The SPF 60 ensures high protection from both UVA and UVB rays, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
The sunscreen is enriched with a unique complex that locks in moisture for up to 24 hours, keeping the skin soft and hydrated. It is non-comedogenic, meaning it will not clog pores, making it suitable for daily use even for those with acne-prone skin. Aveeno’s Protect + Hydrate offers a high level of protection, while its gentle formula ensures your skin remains smooth and nourished. This sunscreen is perfect for those looking for a high SPF and added hydration in their sun care routine.
La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30

La Roche-Posay Toleriane Double Repair Face Moisturizer UV SPF 30 is an excellent choice for sensitive skin that requires both sun protection and moisture. The key ingredients, such as ceramides and niacinamide, help restore the skin’s natural barrier while keeping it hydrated throughout the day. This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, while also strengthening the skin’s defenses. The formula is light and non-greasy, making it suitable for everyday wear under makeup.
This moisturizer provides all-day hydration while calming irritated skin, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea. It is fragrance-free and allergy-tested, ensuring it is gentle on the skin. La Roche-Posay’s commitment to dermatologically tested products ensures that this sunscreen provides both protection and care. It is a great option for those seeking a combination of skincare and sun protection in one product.
MELE No Shade Sunscreen Oil SPF 30

MELE No Shade Sunscreen Oil SPF 30 is a unique sunscreen oil that provides high sun protection while nourishing the skin. The key ingredient, marula oil, is rich in antioxidants and helps to keep the skin soft and hydrated. This sunscreen oil is lightweight, absorbs quickly, and does not leave a greasy residue, offering a smooth finish. With SPF 30, it provides effective protection from the sun while maintaining the skin’s natural moisture.
This sunscreen oil is designed for those who prefer a more luxurious, non-greasy alternative to traditional sunscreens. It is ideal for people with dry skin or those looking to add a bit of hydration while protecting their skin from the sun. MELE’s formula is enriched with vitamin C, which helps to brighten the skin and reduce signs of aging. Its unique oil-based formula makes it perfect for a dewy, glowy finish.
CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50

CeraVe Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 is a dermatologist-recommended sunscreen that uses zinc oxide as its active ingredient to provide physical sun protection. It is ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it helps protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays without irritation. The formula also contains ceramides, which help restore and maintain the skin’s natural protective barrier. This sunscreen is fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it a great choice for acne-prone skin.
CeraVe’s Mineral Sunscreen offers high protection with an SPF of 50, making it suitable for prolonged sun exposure. It is also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, which makes it a good option for outdoor activities like swimming. This sunscreen is known for its lightweight texture, which is absorbed quickly without leaving a white cast. It’s a reliable and gentle choice for daily sun protection, particularly for those with sensitive or dry skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Light Fluid Face Sunscreen SPF 60 is a lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreen that provides high protection for sensitive skin. The key ingredient, Mexoryl SX, is a patented sunscreen filter that helps protect against UVA and UVB rays, offering broad-spectrum protection. Its fluid formula is designed to leave a non-greasy, invisible finish, making it perfect for daily use under makeup. SPF 60 ensures strong protection, even during long hours in the sun.
This sunscreen is known for its dermatological expertise and is suitable for all skin types, including those with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea. It is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, offering long-lasting protection for outdoor activities. La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios sunscreen is fragrance-free and tested for allergy prevention, ensuring that it is both effective and gentle. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for high protection without a heavy or sticky feeling.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 70

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 70 provides a high level of sun protection with a lightweight feel. The key ingredients, including avobenzone, offer broad-spectrum protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Its Dry-Touch technology ensures a non-greasy, matte finish that is ideal for daily wear. SPF 70 offers excellent protection, making this sunscreen suitable for intense sun exposure or outdoor activities.
This sunscreen is designed for those who need high protection without the heavy, greasy feeling of some other sunscreens. It is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it great for swimming and outdoor sports. Neutrogena’s formula is also lightweight, making it comfortable for daily use without clogging pores or leaving a sticky residue. It is an excellent choice for anyone seeking long-lasting sun protection.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion is designed specifically for sensitive skin, providing broad-spectrum protection with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The formula is free from fragrances and parabens, making it a great option for those with skin irritation or allergies. It offers SPF 30 or higher, depending on the version, ensuring solid protection from UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen is known for its gentle formula and effectiveness in preventing sunburns.
Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen Lotion provides a physical barrier against the sun, making it ideal for those looking for mineral-based sun protection. The bottle changes color in the presence of UV rays, providing a visual reminder to apply sunscreen. It is water-resistant for up to 40 minutes, making it suitable for swimming or sweating. This sunscreen offers reliable protection for those with sensitive skin or those looking for a more natural sunscreen option.
Cetaphil Daily Oil Free Facial Moisturizer SPF 35

Cetaphil Daily Oil Free Facial Moisturizer SPF 35 is a lightweight sunscreen moisturizer that provides daily hydration and sun protection. The formula includes niacinamide and glycerin, which help hydrate and calm the skin while protecting it from harmful UV rays. SPF 35 offers reliable protection for everyday activities. The oil-free formula makes it ideal for oily and acne-prone skin, ensuring it won’t clog pores.
This moisturizer is perfect for those looking for a gentle, non-greasy option for sun protection. It is non-comedogenic and suitable for sensitive skin, making it a great choice for those with skin concerns. Cetaphil’s formula offers a good balance of sun protection and hydration, ideal for daily use under makeup or alone. It is a reliable, easy-to-use product for anyone seeking lightweight sun protection and moisture in one.
Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50 offers a combination of hydration and sun protection in a lightweight formula. The key ingredient, hyaluronic acid, helps lock in moisture, keeping the skin feeling soft and hydrated throughout the day. SPF 50 ensures strong protection from UVA and UVB rays, making it suitable for daily use. The water-gel formula absorbs quickly, leaving the skin feeling fresh and non-greasy.
This sunscreen is ideal for those who need sun protection but also want to maintain skin hydration. It is oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it perfect for people with oily or acne-prone skin. Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost sunscreen is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great option for active days outdoors. Its lightweight formula ensures comfort, making it suitable for everyday wear.
e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30

e.l.f. Cosmetics Holy Hydration! Face Cream SPF 30 is a hydrating moisturizer with built-in sun protection. It contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and peptides that help maintain skin moisture and improve its texture. With SPF 30, it provides essential protection from the sun’s harmful rays while also offering nourishment for dry skin. This face cream absorbs quickly and does not leave a greasy residue.
The combination of hydration and SPF makes this product a great choice for those looking for a multi-functional skincare solution. e.l.f. Cosmetics ensures that this formula is lightweight and suitable for all skin types, especially dry skin. The product is also vegan and cruelty-free, making it a great option for conscious consumers. This moisturizer and sunscreen combo offers great value and performance for everyday use.
EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Tinted Face Sunscreen

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 Tinted Face Sunscreen is perfect for those who want sun protection along with a little coverage. The key ingredient, niacinamide, helps soothe and calm sensitive skin while providing broad-spectrum protection. The tinted formula works to even out the skin tone while offering SPF 46 to protect against both UVA and UVB rays. It is a lightweight, non-greasy formula that blends seamlessly into the skin.
This sunscreen is ideal for those with acne-prone or sensitive skin, as it helps prevent breakouts while providing high sun protection. The tinted formula also reduces the need for additional makeup, making it a great option for minimalistic beauty routines. EltaMD’s combination of skincare and sun protection makes this product a must-have for daily use. It offers effective sun protection while improving the overall appearance of your skin.
Sun Bum Face 50

Sun Bum Face 50 is a lightweight sunscreen specifically formulated for the face, offering broad-spectrum protection with SPF 50. The key ingredients, including vitamin E and aloe, help protect and moisturize the skin, ensuring it stays hydrated and soft. This sunscreen is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it ideal for outdoor activities or swimming. The formula is designed for all skin types and is non-comedogenic, so it will not clog pores.
Sun Bum Face 50 offers high-level sun protection with a gentle, nourishing formula. It is ideal for people who spend a lot of time in the sun, as it provides long-lasting protection without leaving a greasy finish. The sunscreen is also fragrance-free, making it suitable for sensitive skin. This sunscreen offers reliable protection and hydration, making it perfect for those who need a simple yet effective face sunscreen.
Effective sun protection is an important part of any skincare routine. The right sunscreen can protect your skin from harmful UV rays while offering added hydration, soothing ingredients, and even coverage. With so many great drugstore options available, you do not have to compromise on quality. Protect your skin, feel confident, and enjoy the outdoors with the right sunscreen for your skin’s needs.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.