Frequently asked questions
What should you look for in a drugstore sunscreen?
I look for broad-spectrum protection, meaning there’s coverage against both UVB rays, which cause sunburn, and UVA rays, which contribute to pigmentation, melasma, and premature aging,” says Dr. Kobets. The label on the sunscreen will clearly state if it’s broad-spectrum. In addition to a broad-spectrum sunscreen, dermatologists and the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) also recommend wearing a formula that’s SPF 30 or higher.
If you’ll be sweating or exposed to water, make sure to choose a water-resistant sunscreen. Like with broad-spectrum, the label on the bottle will clearly state if it’s water-resistant (usually, sunscreens are water-resistant for 40 or 80 minutes). If the label doesn’t mention anything about water resistance, that means it’s not.
Beyond the SPF number and other features on the label, cosmetic elegance matters more than you may realize. “If a sunscreen feels greasy, pills under makeup, or leaves a cast that someone dislikes, they’re less likely to apply enough or reapply consistently,” says Dr. Kobets. So, it’s a good idea to try several formulas until you find the one you really enjoy.
For those dealing with hyperpigmentation, consider tinted sunscreens that contain iron oxides, which help protect against visible light in addition to UV rays. It’s “an important consideration for people suffering from melasma or conditions like lupus or sun-induced rashes,” says Serena Mraz, MD, a double board-certified dermatologist at Solano Dermatology and Associates in Vallejo, CA.
Another factor worth considering is skin type. Fortunately, “many drugstore brands now offer excellent formulations tailored to a variety of skin types, including sensitive, acne-prone, oily, and mature skin,” notes Dr. Kobets, making it easier than ever to find an SPF that fits your individual needs. Overall, sensitive skin types may want to gravitate toward mineral formulas containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which both Dr. Kobets and Dr. Mraz say are typically well-tolerated. Those with melasma or hyperpigmentation should consider tinted sunscreens with iron oxides for added protection against visible light. Meanwhile, oily or acne-prone skin types may prefer lightweight fluids and gels that are noncomedogenic and won’t feel heavy throughout the day. For mature or dry skin, look for hydrating and moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and niacinamide.
Are mineral or chemical sunscreens better?
One isn’t better than the other, necessarily (the best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear). While Dr. Mraz strongly advocates for mineral sunscreens and notes that “patients with sensitive skin tend to do much better with mineral-based sunscreens, which include zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, and iron oxide,” other doctors take a more flexible approach.
“I generally gravitate toward mineral sunscreens, especially for patients with sensitive skin, rosacea, eczema, acne-prone skin, melasma, or those recovering from cosmetic procedures,” says Dr. Kobets. However, mineral sunscreens aren’t for everyone. “Some people dislike the texture or white cast associated with mineral formulas and may do better with a chemical sunscreen,” adds Dr. Kobets. “In those cases, a chemical sunscreen is absolutely appropriate if it encourages consistent use.”
Dr. Hale agrees with the flexible take and wouldn’t say that one is better than the other. “At this point, I would say that both physical and chemical sunscreens are safe and they are effective,” she says. In fact, she notes that hybrid formulas containing both chemical and mineral SPF actives can sometimes offer the best of both worlds, since combining the two can help avoid white cast and offer broad-spectrum protection.
What’s the benefit of a drugstore sunscreen?
As with any sunscreen, the best drugstore sunscreens protect skin against harmful UV rays, of course. Simply put, “wearing daily sunscreen is the best way to slow down development of skin cancer and premature aging of the skin,” says Dr. Hale. But drugstore sunscreens offer so much more than just protection. One of the biggest advantages of drugstore sunscreen is accessibility. “Drugstore sunscreens are widely available, affordable, and easy to replace, which encourages consistent daily use and reapplication,” says Dr. Kobets. Dr. Mraz agrees, noting that “more affordable cost is the predominant overarching advantage over a more expensive department store sunscreen.”
Dr. Hale also points out another benefit that could be overlooked: volume. Because of the importance of applying and re-applying enough sunscreen, buying a more affordable option often makes practical sense. “There may be some merit in getting a less expensive sunscreen, where you’re getting more quantity of it for the same price,” she says. If a lower price point makes you more likely to apply the recommended amount and reapply throughout the day, that’s ultimately what matters most.
Meet the experts
- Elizabeth K. Hale, MD, is a clinical associate professor of dermatology at NYU Langone Health, senior vice president of the Skin Cancer Foundation, and board-certified dermatologist in New York City.
- Kseniya Kobets, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist and Director of Cosmetic Dermatology at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care in New York.
- Serena Mraz, MD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at Solano Dermatology and Associates in Vallejo, California.
How we test and review products
We always enlist a range of testers for our makeup vertical, but, for example, hair-care products and tools are another story. While some hair products can be used across different textures, lengths, curl patterns, thicknesses, and colors (natural and unnatural), they are often created with specific consumers in mind. Many are formulated to address a concern (dandruff, breakage, brittleness) or to work most effectively for a specific hair type (4C curls, wavy hair, gray hair). You wouldn’t want to pick up a purple shampoo that’s only been reviewed by someone with, say, auburn hair, or a diffuser that’s never been tested by anyone with curls, right?
And for our reviews of the best drugstore sunscreens, we enlisted the help of multiple editors, writers, contributors, cosmetic chemists, and makeup artists with a range of experience studying and using these products. Testers considered performance across four primary categories: efficacy, texture, experience, and formula. For more on what’s involved in our reporting, check out our complete reviews process and methodology page.
Our staff and testers
A beauty product is a personal purchase. You might be searching for a face cream to address persistent dryness or a new nail product to add to your Sunday self-care routine; you may simply be browsing around for the latest launches to hit the hair market. No matter what you seek or your individual needs and concerns, Allure wants to ensure that you love anything we recommend in our stories. We believe that having a diverse team of writers and editors—in addition to the wide range of outside testers and industry experts we regularly call upon—is essential to reaching that goal.
After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the “best” for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from are folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.
