The Best Affordable Sunscreens to Try for Daily Use

One of the most effective and simple ways to protect and maintain the health and beauty of your skin at any age is to wear sunscreen. Adding sunscreen to your skincare routine can help you avoid sunburn, skin issues, and early aging. So why SPF? Sun protection factor (SPF) shields against a specific portion of ultraviolet (UV) light called UVB, and UVB rays can be very harmful and potentially cause skin problems or sunburn. A broad-spectrum sunscreen will protect the skin from UVB and UVA rays.

The large variety of sunscreen products on the market might make the decision-making process difficult. The level of SPF is one of the most crucial factors to consider when selecting goods; remember that an SPF of 30 or above guarantees that your skin is adequately protected, especially on cloudy days! This article will provide different products that I love that will support the protection of your skin in different ways, like using moisturizers, powders, tanning lotions, or lip balms, all with SPF!

Try these wonderful products that will help protect the skin from harmful sun rays, prevent signs of aging, and keep the skin looking fresh and healthy!

1. Cetaphil, Daily Moisturizer, SPF 50+

I have very dry skin so using moisturizer is one of the most important steps in my skincare routine. I also like to keep my skincare routine very simple! The Cetaphil Daily Moisturizer with SPF is not only very hydrating but has SPF50 and will last all day. This is a two-in-one product, what more can you ask for? This moisturizer nourishes the skin with edelweiss flower and vitamins E, B3 & B5 without leaving it greasy. This product is also compact and perfect to take on travels! Retain moisture and nourish your skin with this product!

2. Mad Hippie Hydrating Facial

 If you want to take your skincare to the next level this sunscreen is for you! The Mad Hippie Hydrating Facial is moisturizing, water resistant, fragrance-free, vegan, and has 25+ UVA/ UVB protection. It is hard to find a sunscreen that doesn't leave a visible white cast, and this one does not! It's perfect for everyday use. My favorite thing about this brand and product is that it uses amazing ingredients like zinc oxide, a mineral that works as a natural sunscreen, shea butter for soothing, vitamin c for brightening, and hyaluronic acid for soothing moisturizing, and vegan squalene for antioxidants, to name a few.

3. Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 25 Zinc Oxide Sun Protection

Lately, I've been very mindful of using sunscreens that are also good for the environment. Having a sunscreen that is "reef-safe" means that it is free of chemicals and other microscopic particles known to harm coral reefs in the ocean. Beauty By Earth’s Mineral Sunscreen is mineral and reef safe, perfect for all skin types, great for children and people who play sports or spend a lot of time outside and is free of parabens, oxybenzone, nanoparticles, chemical fragrances, phthalates, retinyl palmitate, and all the other stuff your skin doesn't need. This sunscreen is also biodegradable and water-resistant!

4. Alba Botanica Moisturizing  Sunscreen Lip Balm With SPF

Living or traveling in dry and/or hot areas can irritate my lips! I also like to have lip balm around me if I'm being active and going to be outside. If you want protection for your lips to prevent them from getting sunburned or dehydrated, this product is for you! The Alba Botanica Moisturizing Sunscreen Lip Balm is reef safe, vegetarian, cruelty-free, and has an SPF of 25 for optimal protection. This stick is also free of oxybenzone and synthetic fragrances! I appreciate it when products do not have a strong fragrance because it can be overwhelming, and this lip balm has a very subtle scent which I love! This balm also doesn't get sticky, thick, and weird on my lips, which is a plus. Not only is this stick unique for summer, but also for winter! It will keep your lips hydrated and protected for any season and activity under the sun.

5. Heimish, Artless Glow Base

If you are seeking a glowy base that leaves your skin radiant and smooth, you must try the Heimish, Artless Glow Base. This miraculous product has UV protection, brightening, and anti-wrinkle benefits. This is also a fantastic base for makeup that protects the skin because it has SPF 50! I love this Korean sunscreen because I can't find it anywhere else. It also doesn't leave my face sticky or oily, making my skin feel fresh, plump, and moisturized. This base protects the skin against powerful UV rays and has Niacinamide and Nephrite Powder. This perfect blend of primer and make-up instantly promotes a bright and glowy finish.

6. Blue Lizard Sensitive, Mineral Sunscreen, SPF 50+

I have been so curious to try Blue Lizard’s Australian Sunscreen for sensitive skin because it is a mineral preparation and because of the smart bottle technology. The bottle turns blue when it detects harmful UV rays, which I have never seen before. I work near a window at home, and this bottle made me realize I should be wearing more sunscreen indoors. Blue Lizard is fragrance-free, and I love that for my sensitive skin. The consistency is thick, but I have dry skin, which works well with my skin type. I always get a burning sensation around my eyes when I put on sunscreen, and I noticed that I did not experience that with this sunscreen. This sunscreen is water-resistant, and I use it for my daily jogs. Also, Blue Lizard is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, two extremely harmful ingredients to our coral reefs and the planet.

7. Derma E, Sun Protection Mineral Powder, SPF 30

Wow, I recently discovered Derma E’s Sun Protection Mineral Powder, and I want to say that I am obsessed. I recently discovered that sunscreen came in powder form! This is great if you are going to be outside with make-up and you want to reapply sunscreen to protect the skin. It is translucent, so it does not leave a white cast. I used it for a friend's beach wedding, and it kept my make-up looking fresh. I reapplied it a few times, and it’s safe to say that it did not leave my face looking cakey. It's a very lightweight product. I love that one of the ingredients is chamomile, which has soothing properties and I found it unique for a sunscreen to have. It’s easy to throw into a purse, and the brush is surprisingly good for application!

8. Cetaphil, Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick

Living in such a sunny city, I’m constantly protecting myself from the sun, and Cetaphil’s Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick is my go-to. My 70-year-old dad was the one that told me about this product. He works outside a lot, and he loves the functionality of this product. You can keep it in your pocket and reapply as much as you need throughout the day. It leaves a little white cast, so I recommend using it for outdoor activities or sports. Very good product if you are on the go because you can just throw it into your purse or leave it in the middle compartment of your car and you’re good to go.

9. Coppertone, Tanning, Lightweight and Moisturizing, SPF 15

Nothing makes me feel more myself than being under the sun. I love tanning, and something that always concerns me is the lack of SPF in tanning products. I love this 2-in-1 tanning sunscreen, Coppertone’s Tanning in SPF 15. I have back acne, so I must be very careful with the products I put on my skin. Fortunately, the formula in this product has vitamin E, so it applies very lightly and keeps my skin feeling moisturized. Something to keep in mind is that it is SPF15 so make sure to reapply every hour! It's also water resistant, so perfect for any water activities. If you are looking for a light bronze and UV protection, then this is the perfect tanning sunscreen for you.

10. Think, Thinkbaby

No one talks enough about this product. As someone who constantly battles with acne-prone skin, I always turn to baby products because they tend to have cleaner ingredients. I discovered it on my last family vacation when my sister applied it to her four-year-old. I used some myself and immediately fell in love. Think’s Thinkbaby is a mineral-based sunscreen made with zinc oxide, which makes it not only reef-safe but also safe for little & big humans. It does leave a white layer behind, but it is not bad, considering the high percentage of zinc it has. It also has aloe, hyaluronic acid, and jojoba oil, which help with hydration. If you are going to be in the sun all day and have sensitive skin, then I recommend this product. Great for kids, adults with sensitive skin, and the planet.