19 Best Drugstore Sunscreens to Protect Your Face From The Sun, According to Experts

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Like many of you besties, I fell head over heels with makeup while wandering through the aisles of my local drugstore. It truly was love at the first swipe of the thickest lip gloss and clumpiest mascara you could ever imagine. Since then, the drugstore has evolved and become a hot spot for trusted products like Alix Earle's fave $6 eyeliner and Selena Gomez's must-have $4 shaving cream. Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in everyone's skincare routine, so it's only right that you can snag the best sun blockers at your local drugstore.

Sunscreen shields your skin from UV rays that could lead to painful burns, redness, and peeling skin. SPF also protects against sun exposure that could lead to premature wrinkles, and in some cases, skin cancer. You can head to drugstores like CVS, Duane Reade, and Walgreen to find the best gels, lotions, sprays, and aftercare products that are safe to use on your face. If you're not in a time crunch, shops like Amazon feature 5-star rated sunscreens that work well for acne-prone skin, while go-to beauty e-tailers like Sephora and Ulta Beauty have tons of lotions and serums that prevent tattoos from fading due to sun exposure.

"Everyone needs to protect their skin from ultraviolet radiation," board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology Dr. Rachel Nazarian, M.D. F.A.A.D tells Seventeen. "Having a slew of options available at your nearby drugstore makes it easy to try various products, with different feels and benefits, and can make it convenient to find your "perfect fit." With sunscreen being an everyday beauty essential, Dr. Nazarian, who is a faculty member at Mount Sinai Medical Center's Department of Dermatology, stresses the importance of finding one that you like. "Ideally, you should love the way your sunscreen feels, smells, applies, and multitasks with many addressing secondary skin concerns."

What does SPF mean?

With so many SPF options avail at your favorite drugstores, you need to understand the lingo on a sunscreen label. "SPF stands for sun protection factor," Dr. Nazarian explains. The number indicates how long it would take sun exposure to cause sunburn. Then there's broad-spectrum. According to Dr. Naazarian, "Broad-spectrum describes the safety the product offers" and "blocks both UVS and UVB ultraviolet light."

Along with using broad-spectrum sunscreens with a high SPF, she suggests finding options with ingredients that combat your everyday skincare woes. Sunscreens with salicylic acid are ideal for those with acne-prone skin while nourishing ingredients like aloe and hyaluronic acid increase hydration and are a solid choice for folks with dry skin. According to aesthetician and SkinLab founder Joshua Ross, non-comedogenic formulas are best for those with oily skin. For sensitive skin, Dr. Sandy Skotnicki, dermatologist and medical advisor for Hims & Hers, recommends mineral, fragrance-free sunscreens to prevent irritation.

What's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?

When you're searching for your next drugstore sunscreen, you may find yourself wondering what's the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens. According to Dr. Skotnicki, the true difference all boils down to formulation. While many people consider mineral sunscreens natural, Dr. Skotnicki says these SPFs "are still chemicals, but are more naturally occurring and derived." Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium oxide to provide protection and reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, "use ingredients and filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone to absorb UV light like a sponge."

Both mineral and chemical sunscreens work to protect against the sun's rays when applied and reapplied as directed. Dr. Nazarian recommends sunscreens with primary protective mineral blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide as a bare minimum. According to Ross, "Any product with a 10-20% zinc oxide will be the gold standard for sun protection to give your skin the best protection you can regardless of what the SPF is."

Sunscreens aren't the only SPF products that combat sun exposure. Everyday beauty products like moisturizers, serums, foundations, and even powders are made with SPF, but for maximum protection, these should be used alongside a traditional sunscreen. "If you incorporate SPF throughout multiple steps of your skincare routines," Ross says, "you have a better chance at adequately protecting your skin." If you ask me, the more protection we get, the better.

Now that experts set the record straight on the importance of wearing sunscreens every. Single.Day. check out the best drugstore sunscreens these pros say are the best at protecting the skin against harmful sun exposure. Just remember to reapply as suggested whether you're spending the day indoors or outdoors.

Sun Sheer Mineral Face Liquid Sunscreen SPF 50

Fragrance from sunscreen can irritate sensitive skin. This unscented, non-comedogenic lotion nourishes and dries matte without leaving a cast. Plus it's reef safe.

Type: Liquid

Skin type: Sensitive

Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide

Size: 1.7 ounces

Make It Pop Lip Gloss

Just because you're on a quest to protect your lips from sunburn doesn't mean you can serve Y2K-era gloss vibes. Black Girl Sunscreen's Make It Pop Lip Gloss delivers the glossy finish that will you make you feel like you popped out of a 90's music video.

Type: Lip gloss

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid

Size: 4 ML

Customer review: "I bought this and first used it for my vacation in Florida and i think it worked well. Overall I do like this gloss, it is not too sticky and makes my lips shine! It's true that the taste is gross, not the best haha, but I do think that is to be expected with anything that has SPF in it! I love knowing my lips are protected with a higher SPF."

Lipscreen Shine SPF 40

Believe it or not, you can totally get sunburn on your lips. If you like your lips moisturized without giving gloss vibes, then Supergoop! Lipscreen is for you. This hydrating balm protects lips from sun damage and layers well with other lipsticks and glosses.

Type: Lip gloss

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid

Size: 4 ML

Customer review: "I have tried TONS of lipscreen over the years - this works well and offers an SPF of 40 - you can use it with any of your other lipstick or glosses or on its' own - protects well is not chalky and does not dry out your lips!"

Invisible Daily Defense Face Sunscreen

"This is great for drier skin types," says Ross. "It’s a one-two punch of zinc SPF 50 and a moisturizer." Plus, it's fragrance-free, which is ideal for sensitive skin.

Type: Serum

Skin type: Combination, Oily, Dry

Key ingredients: Avobenzone (3%), Homosalate (13.5%), Octisalate (5%), Octocrylene (10%)

Size: 1.7ounces

Customer review: "I really like this moisturizer, it’s not oily and absorbs quickly. It also keeps my face from drying out in the sun and the UV coverage is great."

Hydrating Sunscreen Face Sheer Tint SPF 30

This sunscreen comes highly recommended by Joshua Ross. "Formulated with 10% zinc oxide and it also provides coverage with a light tint," he says, "this makes sunscreen a no-brainer since it’s a physical sunscreen, you know if you can see it on your skin, you’re protected."

Type: Lotion

Skin type: All

Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide

Size: 1.7 ounces

Customer review: "I like its like a two in one the sunscreen and moisturizer, i like the little tint and it leaves my face feeling and looking great. Its not oily at all. The bad thing about this is that the sunscreen odor is too strong and stay for all day. I would think twice to buy again if i cant find a better product."

Correct & Protect Serum Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Sunscreens don't have to be heavy to provide adequate UV shielding. This sheer SPF provides a satin-smooth finish while protecting against sun damage and diminishing discoloration and hyperpigmentation.

Type: Serum

Skin type: Oily, Combination, Dry, Sensitive

Key ingredients: Mineral Zinc Oxide, Beet Root Extract, Carotenoid Technology

Size: 1 ounce

Customer review: "Love this stuff so much. my skin looks so so good after using it. it's not too scented either which i love! i love how it protects my skin and that it doesn't give a white cast. i love that it's spf 45 instead of the usual 30!"

Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

There's something special about products that are made with deeper skin tones in mind. Black Girl Sunscreen goes on crystal clear, doesn't leave behind a white or silver cast, and provides a glowing finish every, single time.

Type: Lotion

Skin type: All

Key ingredients: Carrot Seed Oil, Avocado Oil, Jojoba Seed Oil, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cocoa Seed Butter, Aloe Leaf Juice

Size: 3 ounces

Customer review: "I love the consistency of the lotion. It spreads evenly and doesn't leave the white residue. I went basking in the Florida sun for 4 days straight and my skin did not burn, my nose did not peel, and the lotion did not get watery as it got warmer."

Silk Hydration Clear Spray Sunscreen SPF 30

Let's give this five-star, lightweight sunscreen spray a round of applause. With over 3,000 ratings on Amazon, this broad-spectrum SPF goes on silky smooth and dries quickly.

Type: Spray

Skin type: All

Key ingredients: Avobenzone (2.0%), Homosalate (5.5%), Octisalate (4.5%), Octocrylene (4.0%)

Size: 6 ounces

Customer review: "I just spray this on before I walk out the door. I was recently on a 2-week vacation trip to Florida, and came back home without any sun damage. (I have a history of melanoma) Love the scent of the tropics, too. I didn't find it to be greasy. I even spray it on my head."

Mineral Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Face & Body Stick SPF 50

Wearing sunscreen is a must for Boo B*tch star Lana Condor. The actress and Neutrogena ambassador opened up to Seventeen about her mother's insistence that she wear sunscreen from an early age. The actress swears by Neutrogena's Ulta Sheer Face & Body Mineral Sunscreen Stick because it makes protecting your skin when you're on the go so much easier.

Type: Stick

Skin type: Combination, Oily

Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide

Size: 1.5 ounces

Customer review: "I love this stick! High percent of zinc and high spf. It is truly sheer and does not clog pores! Not greasy. So easy for on the go touch ups!"

Mineral Face Sunscreen SPF 30

According to Dr. Nazarian, this mineral sunscreen provides UV protection while promoting hydration. It applies in a sheer thin layer that leaves a smooth, lightweight finish.

Type: Lotion

Skin type: Normal, Dry, Combo, Oily

Key ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice, Cucumber Extract, Vegan Marine Collagen, Vitamin C

Size: 1.7 ounces

Customer review: "This is nice and thick but still smooth and not heavy, which I like. It’s pretty light but does have a little bit of a ‘sunscreeny’ feel, probably due to the zinc. It seems to offer good coverage so it’s something I’ll wear when I’m spending a day by the pool (not in the water because it’s not waterproof) or similar. It did sting my skin just a little right when I was putting it on but I have dry skin and this is the norm for me. Overall, I like it and it’s a good value."

Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+

With over 38,000 likes on Sephora.com, it's clear that Shiseido's doing something right with its Clear Sunscreen Stick. The SPF50+ goes on clear but provides protection against the sun.

Type: Stick

Skin type: Combination, Dry

Key ingredients: WetForce and HeatForce Technology, SynchroShield

Size: 0.7 ounces

Customer Review: "This is so convenient to use! Not greasy or sticky, easy to apply, and not heavily scented. I keep it in my bag so it’s always handy when I’m outside. Love it."

Lip Protectant + Sunscreen SPF 30

"Don't forget about the lips," says aesthetician and SkinLab founder, Joshua Ross. This lip balm has an SPF of 30 to provide extra protection to one of the most sensitive areas of the face. "Aquaphor works to actually heal dry lips, making this another great two-in-one option," Ross tells Seventeen.

Type: Lip Balm

Key ingredients: Shea Butter

Size: 0.3 ounces

Customer review: "Really love using this! I have chapped lips and this product has really help keep my lips smooth and since it has spf it really has helped keep my lips protected from the sun."

Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50

Sometimes you need a little extra umph. La Roche-Posay's Anthelios Mineral Tinted Sunscreen gives all the coverage of an SPF 50, and it also provides a sheer tint.

Type: Lotion

Skin type: Sensitive

Key ingredients: Vitamin E, Silica, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxides

Size: 1.7 ounces

Customer review: "I like this sunscreen but I am freakishly pale so it’s a bit dark for me I feel like it blends in good enough for it not to matter and the tint just evens out my undertones but I’m the future I’ll probably just buy the untainted since it’s so dark for me"

Sun Age Defense SPF 50 Face Sunscreen Lotion with Hyaluronic Acid, Facial Sunscreen with 5 Antioxidants,

If your skin is feeling a little parched, grab Eucerin Sun Age Defense SPF 50, this lightweight lotion is enriched with hyaluronic acid that nourishes skin.

Type: Lotion

Skin type: Normal, dry, combination

Key ingredients: Vitamin E, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid

Size: 2.5 oz

Customer review: "I definitely love that they sunscreen has 50 SPF and it glides on smoothly… But I feel like this leaves me oily skin throughout the day. I definitely feel like I have full coverage and the smell is good."

Hydrating Glow Mist SPF 50+

Touch up your SPF with this invisible, hydrating SPF spray.

Type: Spray

Skin type: Normal, dry, combination

Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, watermelon extract

Customer review: "AMAZING! I use it after my sunblock or make up and I instantly have glowing skin. I get many compliments as well!"

Sunscreen for Face

You know it's real when the Skin Cancer Foundation gives a sunblocker it's stamp of approval. Alba Botanica Face Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is enriched with niacinamide, squalane, and vitamin E to nourish and prevent inflammation from UV exposure.

Type: Lotion

Skin type: Normal, dry, oily, sensitive

Size: 2 oz

Customer review: "This seems to work well, and hasn't exacerbated sensitive skin issues (I think rosacea.) While it does leave my face a little shiny, as most sunscreens do, it's impressively sheer for a mineral sunscreen."

Daily Face Sunscreen

Type: Lotion

Skin type: Normal, oily

Size: 7oz

Customer review: "I liked the spf factor and it did not feel greasy - absorbs fairly quickly - no white cast. I wish it would be a bit more moisturizing since I have dry skin. Good spf. Will purchase again - good size to carry in pocketbook for re-application."

Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Lotion | Vegan and Hawaii 104 Reef Act Compliant (Octinoxate & Oxybenzone Free) Broad Spectrum Fragrance-Free Moisturizing UVA/UVB Sunscreen with Vitamin E|3oz

Protect + Hydrate Moisturizing Face Sunscreen

This lightweight, non-greasy sun blocker is water and sweat-resistant up to 80 minutes. It's enriched with prebiotic oat to nourish and hydrate skin.

Type: Lotion

Skin type: Normal, dry, combo

Key ingredients: Prebiotic oat

Size: 2 ounces

Customer review: "I’ve always used the green Aveeno and it leaves my oily dark face less oily and MOST IMPORTANTLY with no white cast. I decided to try these since they’ve got a higher spf, and two weeks later still loving the aveeno spf line. Extremely easy to put on and blend, leaves a glow but not an oily kind of glow."

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