With the warm season coming up, everyone will be heading outdoors soon to enjoy the sun. To protect the skin from sun exposure and prevent sun damage from harmful UV rays, it is essential to wear sunscreen daily.
The best sunscreen should provide broad-spectrum coverage protecting skin against both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays directly damage the outer layers of skin, which can lead to sunburn, brown spots and skin cancer. UVA rays are less intense but penetrate more deeply into skin. UVA rays cause tanning and premature aging of the skin, and also increase the risk of skin cancer. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with effective sun protection is easily identified by its SPF rating to indicate UVB protection, and PA rating to indicate UVA protection. All sunscreen products listed below have at least SPF 50 and PA+++ ratings.
To find effective sunscreens that offer the best value for money, I’ve calculated the price (before tax) of each product in US$ per ml or g. All sunscreens listed are bestsellers that have earned high ratings and positive reviews from YesStyle customers.
Scroll down for ten budget-friendly sunscreen options for different skin types. Pick a sunscreen that suits you most!
For Dry Skin
Look out for sunscreens that contain hyaluronic acid, a hydrating ingredient that draws moisture to the skin’s surface. Although those with dry skin type may tend to use sun creams, sun gels infused with hyaluronic acid are great options as they provide a cooling effect and moisturizing texture without being overly greasy.
Rohto Mentholatum’s Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ is a chemical sunscreen that comes in a large 110ml bottle while costing only US$14.90. The sun gel is infused with sodium hyaluronate, a derivative of hyaluronic acid with a low molecular weight to enable deeper hydration with greater penetration into the skin. Water-resistant and non-greasy, the gel texture won’t leave any white cast even on darker skin tones.
A’PIEU’s Pure Block Natural Daily Sun Cream EX contains aloe vera and watermelon extracts to keep skin moisturized. It provides SPF 50+ PA++++ sun protection using both physical and chemical UV filters. Boasting a creamy texture, the lightweight formula melts into the skin seamlessly, allowing you to stay protected while avoiding a white cast.
For Oily Skin
Instead of a thick sunscreen lotion, oily skin types should try out sun sticks to avoid feeling greasy. A sun stick may be conveniently reapplied in just a few swipes, making it ideal for those with an active lifestyle.
At an ultra-affordable US$9.2 for 15g, SCINIC’s Enjoy Super Active Airy Sun Stick is a great budget-friendly face sunscreen for oily skin types. Featuring SPF 50+ PA++++ broad-spectrum protection, the lightweight formula contains elastic powder to absorb sebum. Unlike most sunscreen lotions, it leaves a matte finish with no white cast. The airy sun stick is perfect for day-long non-greasy sun protection at the beach or over makeup.
SKIN 1004’s Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick is another alternative to sunscreen lotion that offers broad spectrum protection of SPF 50+ PA++++. It contains plant-based extracts including centella asiatica for antioxidant and soothing effects. The lightweight and non-sticky sunscreen glides onto skin smoothly without clogging pores. Also applicable over makeup, the non-greasy formula creates an oil-free look.
For Mature Skin
Those with mature skin would benefit from sunscreens with key ingredients that increase skin’s resilience and elasticity. Look for a sun cream with hydrating and healing ingredients.
Jigott’s UV Sun Block offers SPF 50+ PA+++ protection in a soft cream texture. For the mature skin type, pick the Snail version that contains snail mucin, a skin care ingredient known for its antioxidant and moisturizing properties, as well as its ability to reduce fine lines and leave a nice glow.
Farm Stay’s Hyaluronic UV Shield Sun Block Cream offers broad-spectrum protection from UV rays with its SPF 50+ PA+++ rating. The hybrid sunscreen uses non-comedogenic mineral sunscreen ingredients titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, as well as organic UV filters. This face sunscreen also contains snail mucin to combat fine lines, Vitamin Complex containing Vitamin E for antioxidant properties, and Vitamin B (niacinamide) for brightening and wrinkle care.
For Sensitive and Acne-Prone Skin
Those with sensitive skin type should watch out for fragrances and alcohol ingredients that can be drying and irritating. Sunscreens with heavy formulas may also clog pores and irritate acne-prone skin.
SCINIC’s Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence is an alcohol-free, fragrance-free, oil-free and paraben-free sunscreen that will gently protect skin from sun damage. The formula is enriched with niacinamide, a brightening ingredient that also helps to combat blemishes on acne-prone skin. Vegan and reef-safe, this sunscreen allows you to enjoy a worry-free day at the beach.
Pyunkang Yul’s ATO Mild Sun Cream toes the budget at US$15.60 for 75ml, but for those with sensitive skin (me included), using alcohol-free and fragrance-free sunscreen is a must. Formulated with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – two non-comedogenic mineral sunscreen ingredients that offer broad spectrum protection to protect skin against both UVA and UVB rays – the sun cream is gentle and doesn’t clog pores, making it ideal for those with acne-prone skin.
Tinted Sunscreens
Tinted sunscreens double as color correctors or makeup bases so they are an easy way to incorporate sun protection into your daily makeup routine. Make sure you’re protected while in full glam!
Rohto Mentholatum’s Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ is only US$13.50 for 80g, but offers the dual function of sun protection from UV rays and color correction for uneven skin tone. This lightweight face sunscreen comes in four different tints for various functions, including a Mint green shade to correct redness. Alternatively, try the Lavender or Happiness Aura (pink) shades to achieve a tone-up effect. The Latte Beige version serves as a foundation for everyday makeup.
MACQUEEN’s UV Daily Sun Cream (Natural Make-Up Base) comes in a beige formula that can be used as a makeup base, making it a great pick for those who want to blend face sunscreen with everyday makeup. A SPF 50+ PA+++ hybrid sunscreen that combines the best of mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens, it contains a high ratio of mineral filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to keep skin matte and fresh. Key ingredients such as centella, green tea and chamomile extracts soothe skin and minimize wrinkles.
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