Best Budget-Friendly Sunscreens Under $20 for 2025
Hello beauty! In this blog I am going to tell you about the top budget-friendly sunscreens under $20 for 2025. Here you will find the list of best affordable SPF protection for all skin types that is effective and affordable!
Protecting your skin from UV rays should not empty your wallet. Budget- friendly sunscreens offer reliable SPF protection on a budget with best quality. No matter if you need affordable sunscreens for daily use or low cost sun protection for sensitive skin, here I have covered the best of all . In this guide I have shortlisted around eight best budget-friendly sunscreens under $20, and they are also loved and suggested by dermatologists and beauty editors as it is perfect for any skin type.
Whether you need hydrating formulas or matte finishes these cost effective skincare products fit easily 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 protect your skin from UV damage because it can cause wrinkles, dark spots and skin cancer. As Dr. Marisa Garshick a dermatologist says that sunscreen protects the skin from UV damage, skin cancer and signs of aging like fine lines and brown spots. sunscreens deliver low cost sun protection that is just as effective as pricier brands with broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher.
Once I thought expensive sunscreens were better but after trying budget options I was shocked with the result. These sunscreens under $20 work for oily, dry or sensitive skin and make them perfect for budget sunblock for daily use. Check out WebMD for more that 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
Below I listed top eight dermatologist approved and budget-friendly sunscreens that are all under $20 and also available at retailers like Amazon and HerbsPro. Each product that I discussed below offer effective skincare for daily protection.
1. CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30
Price: ~$15 for 3 oz
Type: Mineral
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, ceramides and hyaluronic acid
Why It’s Great: This is a top pick for dry and sensitive skin and gives you a budget sunblock and hydration for daily use. It is fragrance free, non comedogenic and reef friendly and provides a sheer finish for UV protection for sensitive skin.
Pros: Hydrating, gentle and 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 and octocrylene
Why It’s Great: This is the best cheap sunscreen that absorbs quickly and gives a matte finish. And ideal for oily or combination skin. It is water resistant for 80 minutes and blends without a white cast.
Pros: Affordable, no residue and 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 and titanium dioxide
Why It’s Great: A dermatologist favorite among affordable sunscreen brands. it is reef friendly and fragrance free. It comes with a smart cap that changes color in UV light to remind you to reapply and yes offer SPF protection on a budget.
Pros: Low cost per ounce, gentle and eco friendly.
Cons: Slightly thick, darker skin may feel white cast.
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4. Black Girl Sunscreen SPF 30
Price: ~$16 for 3 oz
Type: Chemical
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate and octisalate
Why It’s Great: It is designed for melanin rich skin. This affordable sunscreen blends easily and does not leave white cast at all and works as a moisturizer. It is the top pick for cost effective skincare products.
Pros: No residue, hydrating and 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 and octocrylene
Why It’s Great: It is a lightweight best and cheap sunscreen with a tropical scent which is water resistant for 80 minutes and ideal for daily or outdoor use.
Pros: Budget-friendly, no white cast and 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 and octisalate
Why It’s Great: This low cost sun protection product hydrates and gives a matte finish. It is perfect for normal to sensitive skin also dermatologist recommended and ultra-affordable.
Pros: Cheap, non-irritating and 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 and octocrylene
Why It’s Great: A family friendly budget sunblock for daily use that gives you high SPF 100 protection. It is oxybenzone free, water resistant for 80 minutes and easy to apply with a spray format.
Pros: High SPF, cost-effective and great for active use.
Cons: Spray may be less precise and 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 and octisalate
Why It’s Great: It is a top drugstore sunscreen for face and body that offer broad spectrum protection at a very low price. It is lightweight and water resistant.
Pros: Affordable, no white cast and versatile.
Cons: Fragrance may irritate sensitive skin.
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Image Credit: karolina grabowska
Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
If you are not sure which sunscreen suits you best then below I gave 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 are 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 blends perfectly 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 and 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 of course ! as long as they are 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 so 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 as it is fragrance free and gentle.
Conclusion
Budget-friendly sunscreens under $20 prove that you don’t need to spend a lot for great SPF protection. Whether it is CeraVe a hydrating formula or a Black Girl Sunscreen that give no white cast finish, these inexpensive sunscreen brands offer something for everyone. Include these sunscreens according to your skin type under $20 into your routine for low cost sun protection that keeps your skin safe and your wallet happy.
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