Best Sunscreens for Face in Summer 2023: Budget-Friendly Under $35

Sunscreen is essential for avoiding wrinkles, age spots, acne scars, and skin cancer. Some dermatologists even argue that a standard skin care program is pointless unless it is preceded by sun protection. However, selecting the finest sunscreen for your face is easier said than done because there are so many options.

Sunscreens are increasingly being used in beauty products. You need to pick lightweight, non-greasy compositions that provide superior protection. You may want it for casual wear, water-resistant, or sweat-proof protection. Your skin type may also play a role in determining the optimal solution.

Here’s how to choose your next favourite sunscreen to enjoy the sun safely! The best face sunscreens that are budget-friendly for 2023 are the following:

• Best Overall: EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $30
• Best for Everyday: Avène Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+, $34
• Best Antiaging: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50, $37
• Best for Sensitive Skin: Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen, $17
• Best for Oily Skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen, $18
• Best Tinted Sunscreen: Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation, $32

EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50

No matter what you do outside, the EltaMD UV Sport Face and Body Sunscreen Lotion will protect you as effectively as you do. This broad-spectrum sunscreen can withstand water contact for up to 80 minutes and is also sweat-resistant.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Nongreasy

Cons:

• It may leave a slight white cast

Avène Solaire UV Mineral Multi-Defense Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+

Avene Solaire UV Sunscreen has compact packaging, a lightweight consistency, and a hydrating finish. The mineral sunscreen has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 50, making it an excellent choice for the summer months when the UV index is at its highest. In addition, the formula dries down quickly, making it simple to reapply whether you’re tanning or swimming at the beach. Niacinamide, included in the formulation, offers protection against free radicals and helps soothe redness.

Pros:

• Lightweight,
• The liquid formula absorbs quickly

Cons:

• Leaves a bit of a white cast

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen SPF 50+

La Roche-Posay is a great sunscreen brand for hydration and sun protection for all skin types and ages. This sunscreen moisturizes the skin while shielding it from damaging rays and is absorbed practically instantaneously.

Additionally, you can apply makeup to the top for regular use because it is lightweight. You’ll even experience some antiaging advantages thanks to a dose of antioxidants.

Pros:

• Hydrating
• Lightweight
• Easy to layer

Cons:

• May leave a slight white cast

Blue Lizard Sensitive Face Mineral Sunscreen

This lotion is one of the best face sunscreens for sensitive skin because it is chemical and paraben free. Hyaluronic acid is another ingredient in the broad-spectrum recipe that keeps your face hydrated and soothes sensitive skin.

Its packaging has a unique feature that can be useful if you’re unsure about how powerful the sun is: When exposed to the sun, the top or bottle changes color, signaling that lotion should be applied.

Pros:

• Gentle and hydrating
• Colour-changing cap or bottle

Cons:

• May leave a white cast

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen

If you have a combination skin type that is prone to breakouts or an olive skin tone that has made it difficult for you to find a reliable sunscreen, then Hero Cosmetics Sunscreen is for you!

Even if you tend to be oily and acne-prone, it blends in without feeling heavy and doesn’t leave your skin glossy. Say hello to your ideal sunscreen! It has SPF 30 protection with a silky, skin-like finish that won’t clog pores.

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Easy to layer

Cons:

• The pump can get clogged

Tower 28 SunnyDays SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen Foundation

You will fall in love with Tower 28’s tinted sunscreen foundation, primarily because most tinted sunscreens soak right into my skin and offer no natural coverage. If your skin has an “airbrushed” appearance, it is simpler to apply blush and bronzer and lasts all day.

Prickly pear and white sage extracts in this choice help shield skin from blue light and free radicals. So, you’ll get more protection than just UV protection.

Pros:

• Lightweight but still offers coverage
• primes skin for bronzer and blush

Cons:

• Might not be suitable for combination or oily skin

What to Look for When Buying a Sunscreen

1. Begin with SPF 30

UVB rays bring on sunburns, while UVA rays bring on skin cancer and wrinkles. The minimum SPF recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) is 30, which will block 97% of UVB rays from the sun. The AAD recommends SPF 50 for people with fair skin or those who burn easily, but you should not insist on using the maximum amount. The Academy claims that no sunscreen can completely block the sun’s rays. There is no evidence that SPFs more significant than 50 provide any additional protection.

2. Recognize the Ingredients in Your Sunscreen

You can check the ingredient list to make sure you have the necessary quality and coverage. Look for the term “broad spectrum” on the label to ensure UVA and UVB protection. Natural minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are used in mineral (or physical) sunscreen to reflect the sun’s rays away from your skin. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, use substances like bemotrizinol, avobenzone, and biscotizole, all of which offer broad-spectrum protection.

3. Keep in Mind Your Skin Type

Many sunscreens are designed expressly to benefit those with sensitive, dry, or oily skin. Individuals with dry skin should seek out substances like glycerin, lanolin, oils, silicones (like dimethicone), and aloe, and avoid sunscreen sprays and gels containing alcohol. The finest lotions for oily skin are thin or gel-like and contain substances like silica or isododecane. Preservatives and alcohol should also be avoided.

4. Refuse Alcohol if You Are Prone to Acne

People with acne may need to take alcohol, a common ingredient in sunscreen, into consideration, primarily if they also use other skin care products. The Skin Cancer Foundation advises against using sunscreens that contain alcohol if you have rosacea or are prone to allergies. However, patients with acne may find gel formulas, which usually contain alcohol, less likely to aggravate acne.

5. Pick a Sunscreen that You enjoy applying

You will likely apply sunscreen to protect your skin if you choose a product you love wearing. A sunscreen that satisfies all the criteria but is painful to use is not worth it. Some sunscreens can have beautiful extras that would make you want to reapply, including glitter, color, or fruit extracts.

Conclusion

To sum up, choose a sunscreen that starts with SPF 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays from the sun. Use sunscreen based on natural minerals like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Remember your skin type, and opt for lotions with glycerin, lanolin, oils, silicones, and aloe. Avoid alcohol if you are prone to acne, as gel formulas are less likely to aggravate it. Finally, choose a sunscreen you enjoy applying and that is budget-friendly, as painful products are not worth it.