Sunscreens Skin Experts Always Buy at the Drugstore

What to snag on your next shopping trip.

By Brittany Burhop Fallon, Beauty Director · Jul 14, 2022

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Whether you’re stopping by on your way to the beach or perusing the aisles during your weekly errands, the drugstore is one of the best places to buy sunscreen because the inventory is always stocked with wallet- and family-friendly finds. “The absolute number-one product in my life is always a great sunscreen,” says celebrity aesthetician Natalie Aguilar. “I can always find a great sunscreen for myself and my daughter at the drugstore—they’re easily accessible!” But with so many options to choose from, it’s easy to find yourself stuck in the SPF aisle a little longer than you’d hoped. To save time during your next shopping trip, we’ve had top skin experts name their favorite sunscreens you can find at the drugstore.

1 / 10

Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen ($20)

“This mineral sunscreen contains zinc oxide to provide broad-spectrum coverage by blocking UV rays from getting to the skin. It is free of chemical active ingredients and is both paraben-free and fragrance-free, making it a great option for sensitive skin. I think it is a great option for summer days, as it is also water-resistant. Also, just in case you’re not sure if you need sunscreen, the bottle changes color in UV light so you always know when to reapply.” —New York dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD

2 / 10

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk Sunscreen SPF 60 ($37)

“I love how hydrating yet non-greasy this feels. It’s also water-resistant and formulated with antioxidants to protect against free-radical damage from UV rays. It doesn’t sting my eyes either!” —La Jolla, CA dermatologist Azadeh Shirazi, MD

3 / 10

Alba Botanica Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Tropical Fruit Kids Sunscreen ($11)

“There are so many components of this sunscreen that I love. First off, the texture is so amazing! It feels like many of my luxury moisturizers and goes on wonderfully sheer. Additionally, the formula is plant-based, biodegradable, tear-free and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes—a huge plus! It’s recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and doesn’t have any harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, sulfates, PABA, oxybenzone, octinoxate, or synthetic fragrances. This one is a must try drugstore buy!” —Natalie Aguilar

4 / 10

Vanicream Sunscreen Broad-Spectrum SPF 50+ ($18)

“This broad-spectrum SPF 50 is a great option for those with sensitive skin, as not only is it a mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide, but it is also free of fragrance, parabens, formaldehyde and other preservatives. It is non-comedogenic, too, so it won’t clog pores.” —Dr. Garshick

5 / 10

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 Face Lotion ($14)

“This sunscreen is 100-percent mineral-based and does not contain any ingredient that relies on chemical protection against the sun. The formula also contains ceramides to protect the skin barrier from loss of moisture. However, because this product is 100-percent mineral-based, it can have a whitish appearance on application.” —Mila Davis, aesthetician at Skin to Smile

6 / 10

La Roche-Posay Mineral Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 50 ($35)

“I like that this sunscreen gives me broad-spectrum protection with the brand’s Cell-Ox Shield technology. It also rubs in easily and it’s fast-absorbing.” —Dr. Shirazi

7 / 10

Sun Bum Original Sunscreen Lotion SPF50 ($15)

“This classic always brings back a nostalgic summer scent for me. This clean formula is uniquely moisturizing and protects the skin from harm UVA/UVB rays. It also contains vitamin E, which helps to neutralize harmful free radicals known to cause premature aging.” —Natalie Aguilar

8 / 10

Neutrogena Clear Face SPF 50 Liquid Sunscreen Lotion ($11)

“This oil-free formulation is lightweight and absorbs easily, leaving behind a matte finish on the skin, reducing the appearance of oiliness. It offers broad-spectrum coverage and is water-resistant, making it especially great for those who are active outdoors.” —Dr. Garshick

9 / 10

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen ($11.50)

“This SPF 50 is a 100-percent mineral-based formula with the additional ingredients of vitamin E and probiotics, which helps balance the skin’s microbiome. Mineral sunscreens are physical in nature because they sit on the surface of the skin and physically deflect UVA and UVB rays, so due to this mechanism of action, they appear white on application.” —Mila Davis

10 / 10

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF 60 ($31)

“This lightweight sunscreen is easy to apply and fast-absorbing, making it a great option for daily use. It also contains Cell-Ox Shield Technology and antioxidants, making it especially good for anti-aging. It is broad-spectrum and can be used by all skin types.” —Dr. Garshick