Cheap sunscreen that works: what to look for on the label

Price tells you very little about how well a sunscreen works. The label tells you a lot.

This is general information, not medical advice. If you have sensitive skin, a skin condition or a history of skin cancer, ask a doctor which sunscreen suits you.

The label checklist

1. Broad spectrum. This means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
2. SPF 30 or higher. Commonly recommended by health bodies for daily use. The FDA explains what the SPF number and broad spectrum labels mean.
3. Water resistant. The label should say for how long, usually 40 or 80 minutes. Nothing is waterproof.
4. An expiry date or a period-after-opening symbol. Old sunscreen loses strength.
5. A clear active ingredient list. You will see either chemical filters or mineral ones, or both.

Chemical or mineral?

Chemical sunscreens absorb UV. They tend to feel light and spread easily.

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and sit on the skin. They can leave a white cast but are often chosen for sensitive skin or for kids.

Either type works if it is applied properly. Pick the one you will not skip.

How much and how often

Most people use too little. A common guide is about a teaspoon for the face and neck, and enough to cover each area of the body. Reapply about every two hours, and after swimming or sweating. A bottle that lasts forever is a bottle you are not using enough of.

Face or body?

Face sunscreens are often lighter and made not to clog pores. Body sunscreens come in larger, cheaper bottles. If you are on a tight budget, a good body sunscreen can double on the face if it does not cause breakouts.

At this price you get / do not get

You get: - Broad spectrum and SPF 30 or more - Water resistance - Decent feel on skin in many drugstore options

You do not get: - Fancy textures - Tinted or skincare-boosted formulas at the lowest end - A guarantee it suits your skin

Walk away if

• There is no SPF number.
• It claims "all-day protection" with no reapply advice.
• It claims to be waterproof or sweatproof.
• The bottle has no expiry date and looks old.
• The seller is not the maker or a store you know.

What not to rely on

Makeup with SPF, or a moisturizer with SPF, rarely goes on thick enough to give the number on the bottle. Treat them as a bonus.

For the full three-step setup, read a basic skincare routine under $50. To weigh this against your other buys, see cost per use.