Best Budget-Friendly Sunscreens Under $20 for 2025
Discover budget-friendly sunscreens under $20 for 2025. Find affordable SPF protection for all skin types that’s effective and cheap!
Protecting your skin from UV rays shouldn’t empty your wallet. Budget-friendly sunscreens offer reliable SPF protection on a budget without skimping on quality. Whether you need affordable sunscreens for daily use or low-cost sun protection for sensitive skin, drugstore shelves have you covered. In this guide, we’ve rounded up eight of the best cheap sunscreens under $20, loved by dermatologists and beauty editors, perfect for any skin type.
From hydrating formulas to matte finishes, these cost-effective skincare products fit seamlessly into your routine. Let’s dive into the top picks for 2025 that keep your skin safe and your budget happy!
Image Credit: karolina grabowska
Why Choose Budget-Friendly Sunscreens?
Sunscreen is a must to shield your skin from UV damage, which can cause wrinkles, dark spots, and skin cancer. As Dr. Marisa Garshick, a dermatologist, says, “Sunscreen protects the skin from UV damage, leading to skin cancer and signs of aging like fine lines and brown spots.” Drugstore sunscreens deliver low-cost sun protection that’s just as effective as pricier brands, often with broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
I once thought expensive sunscreens were better, but after trying budget options, I was amazed at their performance. These sunscreens under $20 work for oily, dry, or sensitive skin, making them perfect for budget sunblock for daily use. Check out WebMD for more on why sunscreen matters.
Key Features to Look For
- Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays
- SPF 30 or higher for at least 97% UVB blocking
- Skin type compatibility, like UV protection for sensitive skin
- No white cast, especially for darker skin tones
- Non-greasy finish for daily wear or under makeup
- Reef-friendly formulas to avoid harming coral reefs
Image Credit: Retha Ferguson via Pexels
Top 8 Budget-Friendly Sunscreens Under $20
Here are eight dermatologist-approved budget-friendly sunscreens, all under $20, available at retailers like Amazon and HerbsPro. Each offers cost-effective skincare products for daily protection.
1. CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30
Price: ~$15 for 3 oz
Type: Mineral
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, ceramides, hyaluronic acid
Why It’s Great: A top pick for dry and sensitive skin, this budget sunblock for daily use hydrates with ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It’s fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and reef-friendly, with a sheer finish for UV protection for sensitive skin.
Pros: Hydrating, gentle, National Eczema Association-approved.
Cons: May need extra blending on darker skin tones.
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2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 45
Price: ~$14.44 for 3 oz
Type: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene
Why It’s Great: This best cheap sunscreen absorbs quickly with a matte finish, ideal for oily or combination skin. It’s water-resistant for 80 minutes and blends without a white cast, using Helioplex technology for broad-spectrum protection.
Pros: Affordable, no residue, great for active use.
Cons: Fragrance may irritate sensitive skin, as noted in some reviews.
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3. Blue Lizard Sensitive Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Price: ~$12 for 5 oz
Type: Mineral
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
Why It’s Great: A dermatologist favorite among inexpensive sunscreen brands, it’s reef-friendly and fragrance-free. Its smart cap changes color in UV light to remind you to reapply, offering SPF protection on a budget.
Pros: Low cost per ounce, gentle, eco-friendly.
Cons: Slightly thick; faint cast on darker skin.
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4. Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
Price: ~$16 for 3 oz
Type: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate
Why It’s Great: Designed for melanin-rich skin, this affordable sunscreen blends without a white cast and doubles as a moisturizer. It’s a top pick for cost-effective skincare products.
Pros: No residue, hydrating, great for darker tones.
Cons: Dewy finish may be too shiny for oily skin.
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5. Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Price: ~$9 for 6 oz
Type: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene
Why It’s Great: A lightweight best cheap sunscreen with a tropical scent, it’s water-resistant for 80 minutes and ideal for daily or outdoor use.
Pros: Budget-friendly, no white cast, easy to apply.
Cons: Scent may not suit everyone.
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6. Eucerin Daily Protection Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Price: ~$5.90 for 6 oz
Type: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate
Why It’s Great: This low-cost sun protection option hydrates with a matte finish, perfect for normal to sensitive skin. It’s dermatologist-recommended and ultra-affordable.
Pros: Cheap, non-irritating, quick-drying.
Cons: Lower SPF; less ideal for high UV exposure.
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7. Banana Boat Ultra Sport Clear Sunscreen Spray SPF 100
Price: ~$10 for 6 oz
Type: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene
Why It’s Great: A family-friendly budget sunblock for daily use with high SPF 100 protection. It’s oxybenzone-free, water-resistant for 80 minutes, and easy to apply with a spray format.
Pros: High SPF, cost-effective, great for active use.
Cons: Spray may be less precise; can feel sticky if over-applied.
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8. Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Price: ~$7.69 for 6.7 oz
Type: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate
Why It’s Great: A top drugstore sunscreen for face and body, offering broad-spectrum protection at a low price. It’s lightweight and water-resistant.
Pros: Affordable, no white cast, versatile.
Cons: Fragrance may irritate sensitive skin.
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Image Credit: karolina grabowska
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
Not sure which sunscreen suits you? Here’s a quick guide to match these affordable sunscreens to your skin type:
- Sensitive Skin: Pick mineral-based sunscreens under $20 like Blue Lizard or CeraVe for UV protection for sensitive skin. They’re gentle and fragrance-free.
- Oily/Acne-Prone Skin: Go for non-comedogenic, oil-free options like Neutrogena Ultra Sheer or Eucerin for a matte finish.
- Dry Skin: Choose hydrating formulas with ceramides or hyaluronic acid, like CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen.
- Darker Skin Tones: Black Girl Sunscreen or Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch blend without a white cast for a natural look.
Check out our budget skincare tips for more ways to save on your routine.
Image Credit: Olha Ruskykh via Pexels
Tips for Using Budget-Friendly Sunscreens
Maximize your SPF protection on a budget with these tips:
- Apply Enough: Use about 1 oz (a shot glass) for body and a nickel-sized amount for face.
- Reapply Every 2 Hours: Especially after swimming or sweating, as no sunscreen is fully waterproof.
- Layer Correctly: Apply sunscreen after moisturizer but before makeup for best results.
- Avoid Pore-Cloggers: Skip ingredients like ethylhexyl palmitate for acne-prone skin.
- Store Properly: Keep sunscreen in a cool, dry place to maintain its effectiveness.
For more sun safety advice, visit the CDC’s guide.
FAQs About Affordable Sunscreens
Q1: Are budget-friendly sunscreens as effective as expensive ones?
Yes, as long as they’re broad-spectrum and SPF 30 or higher. Drugstore sunscreens like Neutrogena and CeraVe meet FDA standards and are dermatologist-approved for effective protection.
Q2: Can I use body sunscreen on my face?
Body sunscreens work but may be heavy for facial skin. Choose facial formulas like Eucerin or Black Girl Sunscreen for cost-effective skincare products that won’t clog pores.
Q3: What’s the best sunscreen for sensitive skin under $20?
Blue Lizard Sensitive SPF 50 and CeraVe Hydrating SPF 30 are top choices for UV protection for sensitive skin, being fragrance-free and gentle.
Conclusion
Budget-friendly sunscreens under $20 prove you don’t need to spend a lot for great SPF protection. From CeraVe’s hydrating formula to Black Girl Sunscreen’s no-cast finish, these inexpensive sunscreen brands offer something for everyone. Incorporate these sunscreens under $20 into your routine for low-cost sun protection that keeps your skin safe and your wallet happy.
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