The 13 Best Affordable Sunscreens

Warm weather means it's time to break out the sunscreen and hit the beach. But if you're like most people, you don't want to spend a fortune on sunscreens that are often full of harsh chemicals. So, how do you choose the right sunscreen without breaking the bank? Here at Prismpop, we've put together a list of the 13 best affordable sunscreens that will keep you safe from the sun while still fitting into your budget. Keep reading for our top picks!

Trader Joe's | Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Spray SPF 30

jaennaration

6387 Followers2681 Likes

Trader Joe's Zinc Oxide Mineral Sunscreen Spray is an excellent choice for everyday sunscreen and only costs $9.99. It's easy to apply and reapply and doesn't feel greasy or sticky. The main active ingredient is zinc oxide, which makes this a mineral sunscreen. Mineral sunscreens are generally considered to be less irritating to the skin, and they don't absorb into the skin as chemical sunscreens can. This sunscreen is also waterproof, so it's great for swimming or other activities where you'll be sweating. It has an SPF of 30, which is on the lower end for sunscreen, but it's still suitable for everyday sun exposure. Just be sure to apply it 15 minutes before you go outside. The only negative is that it's hard to rub in, so leftover white streaks are common. But overall, this is a great affordable sunscreen for everyday use.

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e.l.f. cosmetics | Camo CC Cream

Adrifandi

5385 Followers12346 Likes

Elf Camo CC Cream is a great everyday makeup item. It leaves a clean and matte finish, which is perfect for those who don't want to look like they're wearing a lot of makeup. The only downside is that you have to be careful with the amount applied to avoid looking cakey. However, a little goes a long way with this product. It's also affordable, which is always a plus. Another great feature is that it contains SPF 30, so it's perfect if you want an extra layer of sun protection without having to wear sunscreen alone. Overall, Elf Camo CC Cream is an excellent product for those looking for an everyday makeup option that won't break the bank.

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$15.00

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Sun Basics | 50 SPF Sunscreen Lotion

lynncizy

1328 Followers3898 Likes

If you're looking for a cheap sunscreen on the go, Sun Basics 50 SPF sunscreen lotion is a great option. Available for just $1 at the dollar store, it comes in a big bottle that will last you for ages. The sunscreen has a light, non-greasy formula which is easy to blend into your skin and provides good coverage. In addition, it doesn't have a strong fragrance, which is great if you're sensitive to smells, and it doesn't leave your skin looking greasy or shiny. In fact, it actually seems to hydrate your skin, which is an added bonus.

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$10.75

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Carmex | Carmex Daily Care Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15 Strawberry

Mrs. Marvellous

1617 Followers11117 Likes

Carmex Daily Care Moisturizing Lip Balm SPF 15 Strawberry is an excellent purchase for anyone looking for an affordable yet effective lip balm. While this will only protect your lips from the sun, the Carmax lip balm should be your new favorite because it keeps your lips moisturized and hydrated. The best part is that it goes on smoothly and lasts a long time without needing to reapply constantly. If you are looking for an all-in-one lip balm that will protect your lips and keep them hydrated, Carmex is the way to go.

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Banana Boat | Sport Ultra Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Lotion

Mrs. Marvellous

1617 Followers11117 Likes

If you have acne-prone skin and need to be careful with what products you put on your face, the Banana Boat Sport sunscreen is the ideal affordable sunscreen for you! The texture is creamy and smooth, it doesn't clog your pores or cause you to breakout, and it has a typical sunscreen fragrance that's not overpowering or irritating whatsoever. It also helps prevent sunburn and can decrease the risk of skin cancer as well as early skin aging caused by the sun. Plus, it's under $2 for 1 fl oz, so you really can't beat that! Overall, this sunscreen is highly recommended for those looking for an affordable yet effective option that won't clog their pores or cause them to break out.

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Banana Boat | Sensitive 100% Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion

lynncizy

1328 Followers3898 Likes

With so many sunscreen options on the market, it can be tricky to know which one is right for you. However, if you're looking for a sunscreen that is gentle enough for sensitive skin but still provides adequate protection from the sun, Banana Boat Sensitive 100% Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion is a great option. This sunscreen is made with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, two minerals that provide broad-spectrum protection from both UVA and UVB rays. It is also hypoallergenic and oil-free, making it ideal for those with oily or acne-prone skin. In addition, the lightweight formula is easy to blend and won't leave your face feeling greasy or oily. And best of all, the Banana Boat Sensitive 100% Mineral Face Sunscreen Lotion is affordably priced, making it a great value for your money.

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Sun Bum | Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion

L_King102

1394 Followers3706 Likes

After a long day in the sun, the last thing you want is a heavy, greasy lotion. Sun Bum's Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion is the perfect solution. It's lightweight and non-greasy, so it absorbs quickly into your skin. The aloe, vitamin E, and cocoa butter work together to hydrate and protect your skin, while the cooling effect helps to soothe sunburn. The lotion has a light coconut scent that is very pleasant, and it's also quite affordable. The only downside is that the consistency is a little too thin. Overall, though, Sun Bum's Cool Down Hydrating After Sun Lotion is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a light, refreshing after-sun lotion.

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Aveeno | Sensitive Skin Lotion Zinc Oxide Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50

sincerelynutrition

1999 Followers2725 Likes

Sunscreen is an important part of any sun-safety routine, and Aveeno's Sensitive Skin Lotion Zinc Oxide Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a good option for those with sensitive skin at only $9.99. The sunscreen is free of parabens, phthalates, and fragrances and is also hypoallergenic and tear-free, making it a good choice for those with sensitive skin or allergies. The sunscreen is also water-resistant, making it a good choice for activities like swimming or sweating. However, the sunscreen does have a white cast when applied, so it may not be the best choice for those who want to avoid that. Overall, the Aveeno Sensitive Skin Lotion Zinc Oxide Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 50 is a good choice for those with sensitive skin who don't want to spend a ton of money on sunscreen.

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CeraVe | AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

jaennaration

6387 Followers2681 Likes

CeraVe's AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 is a great product for those with oily or acne-prone skin. The oil-free formula is lightweight and won't leave your face feeling more oily. The small bottle is perfect for travel and has SPF 30 built-in for daily sun protection. If you have oily skin, this moisturizer will add the perfect amount of moisture to your oily areas without making them feel more oily. However, the formula is quite sticky and doesn't rub on the face smoothly. There is also some friction when applied to the face. Overall, this is a great moisturizer for those with oily or acne-prone skin who don't want to spend less than $13 on a sunscreen product.

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e.l.f. cosmetics | ELF+ GLOW RADIANT MOISTURIZER SPF 15

hay_grooves

2082 Followers6257 Likes

If you're on the lookout for good skincare products that won't break the bank, the e.l.f. Glow Radiant Moisturizer SPF 15 is perfect for you. This product does a great job of moisturizing and protecting your skin without leaving it feeling greasy or dry. It also has a hint of golden shimmer that gives my skin a nice glow. The best part is that it was only $8.00! The downside is that it only has SPF 15, so it doesn't provide constant protection from the sun. But overall, would recommend it to anyone looking for a good face moisturizer on a budget.

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Sun Bum | Original SPF 45 Sunscreen Face Mist

hay_grooves

2082 Followers6257 Likes

Do you need an affordable, effective sunscreen that won't leave your face feeling greasy? Sun Bum's original SPF 45 sunscreen face mist is a great option. The scent of this sunscreen is incredible - it's fruity and tropical without being too overpowering. The mist dispenser makes it easy to apply, ensuring that you won't be left with a white cast on your face. Even though it's light and non-greasy, it still provides good protection against the sun. Overall, at only $15.99, this product makes a list for anyone looking for a good everyday sunscreen.

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Sun Bum | Sunscreen Scalp Spray SPF 30

SisterSistrum

631 Followers1597 Likes

If you're looking for sunscreen that won't leave your scalp feeling greasy, Sun Bum's Sunscreen Scalp Spray SPF 30 is a great option. The mist applies evenly and has a light, signature Sun Bum scent. Although the SPF is on the lower end at 30, the formula is effective at protecting both your scalp and hair. If you color your hair, this sunscreen can also help to preserve your color. At $15 per bottle, it's not the cheapest option on the market, but it's worth it for the peace of mind of knowing your scalp and hair are protected from the sun.

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Coppertone | Sport SPF 50 Lip Balm

Katie

6016 Followers9407 Likes

If you're looking for a product that feels and looks like petroleum jelly but with the added benefit of SPF 50, Coppertone's Sport SPF 50 Lip Balm is perfect for you. This lip balm glides on smoothly and provides long-lasting hydration. It also does a great job of protecting your lips from the sun. The only downside is that it doesn't have much flavor, but that's to be expected with a sunscreen product. Overall, at only $3.97, this lip balm is an excellent value for the price.

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Frequently Asked Questions about "Best Affordable Sunscreens"

Is there a difference between cheap and expensive sunscreen?

Generally, no. All sunscreens work by protecting your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, some sunscreens may be better than others at providing protection, depending on their ingredients and how well they are formulated. Additionally, some sunscreens may be more expensive because they contain higher quality ingredients or offer more features, such as water resistance.

Why sunscreens are so expensive?

Sunscreen is expensive because it contains active ingredients that absorb or reflect the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. These ingredients can be costly, and the manufacturing process of sunscreen is also complex and regulated. However, many affordable sunscreens on the market still provide excellent protection from the sun.