I go through sunscreen fast, and that can get expensive equally fast. Here I recommend three great, affordable sunscreens under $10/10€.
We all know that we need A LOT of sunscreen to be properly protected. I generally go through a 40ml bottle in about six weeks. I’ve had fave sunscreens that were around $30, and man, that racks up fast. For this post, I’ve looked at the sunscreens I’ve been testing this and last year, and will show you the cheapest and the best (at least in my opinion and for my sunscreen needs).
All of these deliver: they have no white cast (at least on me), don’t pill and don’t make my eyes water. All of those, also, aren’t waterproof.
Depending on where you live, these might be more or less challenging to buy: I, living in Europe, have to order two of those in Asia, while one is an easy drugstore buy for me.
Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk SPF50
The most “cosmetically elegant” one for a wide range of skintypes
- Physical & chemical filters
- Available at: Available at: Various sites like Ebay, Amazon, Stylevana and YesStyle. 40ml are generally around $10-12.
- Initial review
I LOVE this one for the incredibly velvety, non-sticky finish it has. Due to the hyaluronic acid included, it still feels moisturizing. As much as any sunscreen can be a joy to use – this is it.
There’re just two buts: first, you have to watch out like a hawk to actually get the version you want, because there’re not only two or three different versions in Japan (where it originates), oh no! There’re also regional differences. That means that although it’ll have the same name, the one you might buy in Indonesia or Thailand very likely will have different formulas. Buying sunscreen shouldn’t be a hassle: find the version you want from Skin Aqua can very well turn into one.
Second but: the filters. They are Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate and Uvinul A Plus, and I think there’s room for choosing better ones. On their website, they stress a regular reapplication, and I’d totally recommend that as well.
Scinic Mild Sun Essence SPF50
For sensitive, dry-leaning skintypes for a glass skin finish
- Chemical filters
- A K-Beauty option that’s mostly available at the usual A-Beauty sites like Stylevana, YesStyle and Olive Young: 50ml are around $8.
Your go-to sunscreen is usually Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream? Try this one instead. It has a VERY similar ingredient list and uses the same UV filters. It also has a very good UVA protection (over 20!) for an A-Beauty sunscreen, and a finish that a lot of people might enjoy.
On my combination skin, and especially during summer, I find it a bit too sticky, but especially sensitive, dry-leaning skintypes will like it – no alcohol denat., no fragrance and no essential oils! It also hits that glass skin need, as the finish is somewhat glowy.
Garnier Super UV Face Fluid SPF50
For skintypes that want a bit of glow and great filters (with high UVA)
- Chemical filters
- I love that I can just pop into my local drugstore and get 40ml of a rather good SPF for around 10€. It’s easily available in drugstores and pharmacies in Europe, and the UK. In the US, try Lookfantastic.
- Initial review
If you like the LRP UVMune, I’d say this is a very good option for less money.
I’d advise against using this if you have sensitive skin: this one has a very high alcohol amount. Still, it doesn’t dry down matte – it still gives you a slightly sticky and glowy finish. For that reason, I didn’t find it ideal for me during Summer, but like it for Spring and Fall (again, Northern Europe here).
The patented L’Oreal filters offer undoubtedly great sun protection and the highest (46) UVA on this list.
Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way. We buy products ourselves, with our own money, and don’t accept exchanging goods or money for reviews. We are completely independent, and our reviews reflect that.
