13 Effective Sunscreens That Will Leave You With Money to Burn

Happy smile boy with sunscreen cream on the nose, close up portrait. Summer holidays and vacation concept

Lazy_Bear/istockphoto

Cheapism is editorially independent. We may earn a commission if you buy through links on our site.
Happy smile boy with sunscreen cream on the nose, close up portrait. Summer holidays and vacation concept
Lazy_Bear/istockphoto

Sun Safety

Sunscreen should be worn year-round as part of an everyday routine, not just on hot, sunny days or at the beach — and most people don't use enough. Dermatologists recommend a full ounce for an average adult in a bathing suit, applied every two hours, as well as after swimming or vigorous exercise. Given how much sunscreen is required, stocking up on low-cost lotion can be a big money saver. We scoured user reviews and expert recommendations online to find inexpensive and midrange sunscreens that meet minimum SPF standards (at least 30), are rated water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and offer "broad spectrum" protection from two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA, linked to skin aging and cancer, and UVB, which causes sunburn.


Gina Briles contributed to this report.


Prices and availability are subject to change.


Related: 50 of the Most Beautiful Beaches in America

Equate Baby Sunscreen SPF 50
Walmart
Banana Boat Sport SPF 50
Walmart

Banana Boat Sport SPF 50

$8 for 8 ounces from Walmart

Shop Now 


This offering provides SPF 50 coverage and promises a non-greasy lotion that won't run into eyes.

Australian Gold Sunscreen SPF 30
Walmart
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
Walmart
Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral SPF 50
Walmart

Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral SPF 50

$8 for 6 ounces from Walmart

Shop Now 


This hypoallergenic formula is tear-free, fragrance-free, and PABA-free, with SPF 50 sun protection for little ones. It's also reef-friendly and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Adult reviewers say they love to use it alongside their children.


Related: We Tried 4 Organic Sunscreens and This Is the Best

Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50
Target
Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sport Sunscreen SPF 45
Lucky Vitamin

Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sport Sunscreen SPF 45

$9 for 4 ounces from Lucky Vitamin

Shop Now 


This mineral sunscreen is reef-safe and contains 100 percent vegetarian ingredients. What it doesn't include are parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances.


Related: 30 Vegetable Recipes for People Who Hate Vegetables

Babyganics Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 50+
Target

Babyganics Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 50+

$11 for 6 ounces from Target

Shop Now 


Designed primarily to protect the sensitive skin of babies and children, this thick lotion eschews chemicals, parabens, PABA, and fragrances, relying on the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium oxide to ward off damaging rays.


Related: 30 Holiday Gifts for New Parents

Coppertone Clearly Sheer SPF 50
Walmart
Aveeno Protect & Hydrate SPF 60
Target

Aveeno Protect & Hydrate SPF 60

$10 for 3 ounces from Target

Shop Now 


This sunscreen protects skin from UVA and UVB rays, but it's also hydrating, featuring prebiotic oat leaves to keep skin soft all day.

Babo Botanicals Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
Target

Babo Botanicals Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

$12 for .6 ounces from Target

Shop Now 


The small amount will go further than you think in this convenient stick form. Fragrance free and gentle enough for sensitive skin, this sunscreen is made in the U.S.A. and is reef safe.

Thinkbaby Mineral Baby Sunscreen SPF 50
Target

Thinkbaby Mineral Baby Sunscreen SPF 50

$13 for 3 ounces from Target

Shop Now


This pediatric dermatologist recommended sunscreen is free of biologically harmful chemicals and feels non-oily, too.

Bare Republic Coco Mango Mineral Spray SPF 30
Target

Bare Republic Coco Mango Mineral Spray SPF 30

$13 for 6 ounces from Target

Shop Now


This antioxidant-rich sunscreen has a bounty of natural ingredients including raspberry, grape, and carrot seed oils to help you fight free radicals. The non-aerosol spray also has a coco-mango scent.