The Best Face and Body Drugstore Sunscreens for All Skin Types
Updated: May 18, 2023Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays is nonnegotiable (just ask any dermatologist). Here are eight cost-effective sunscreens that'll do the job well.
Every season is sunscreen season, but once the weather warms up and we spend more time outdoors, daily application is even more important. Making sunscreen a part of your skin-care routine will protect you from UVA and UVB rays, which can cause skin cancer and premature signs of aging. “UV damage causes the breakdown of collagen and dysfunction of skin cells,” says Geeta Yadav, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of FACET Dermatology in Toronto. “When collagen breaks down, it makes skin less resilient and more lax, leading to fine lines and wrinkles.”
There are two types of sunscreens—chemical and mineral. Both work well, just differently. “When UV rays hit skin that has been treated with a chemical SPF, the rays are absorbed by the body and transform into heat before being released by the body without incurring damage,” says Yadav. “Mineral sunscreens work by creating a shield between the sun and skin. They physically block and deflect UV rays.”
Mineral sunscreens can sometimes leave a white cast on darker skin tones, but the technology is evolving and many brands now have formulas that work for everyone—and at a price point that pleases. “The cost doesn’t matter, what matters is the sun protection factor [Health Canada recommends an SPF of 30 or higher], being consistent with your application and applying enough to get adequate protection,” says Yadav.
Here are eight of the best drugstore sunscreens available at Canadian drugstores.
Best Drugstore Face Sunscreen for Dry Skin: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum Sunscreen SPF 50+
This powerful and hydrating sunscreen is light and quick to absorb into the skin. It’s a smart choice for dry skin thanks to added vitamin E, which helps to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier and keeps it hydrated all day. It goes on and dries clear and is water resistant, with SPF 50+ and UVA and UVB protection.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Moisturizing Face Serum Sunscreen SPF 50+ $21, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Best Drugstore Face Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin: Consonant Skincare The Perfect Sunscreen SPF 30
This 100 percent natural sunscreen is mineral-based, but the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are micronized—meaning, they’re transformed into tiny particles so they won’t irritate sensitive skin. Grape seed oil and aloe leaf extract soothe skin to hydrate it without greasiness or chemicals. It’s lightly tinted and doesn’t deliver a white cast after drying.
Consonant Skincare The Perfect Sunscreen SPF 30, $45, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Best Drugstore Face Sunscreen for Oily Skin: La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Fluid Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF50
Avoid feeling greasy even on the hottest days with this sunscreen that dries invisible and matte. It’s hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic—meaning it won’t irritate skin or clog pores—so it’s recommended for both sensitive and acne-prone skin.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Fluid Face Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, $32, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Best Drugstore Face Sunscreen for Darker Tones: Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Face Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50
This popular sunscreen offers both broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and is oil-free, non-comedogenic and moisturizing. Safe for all skin types, it’s particularly beneficial for people with more melanin thanks to its invisible application.
Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Face Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50, $21, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Best Drugstore Body Sunscreen: Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Sheer Lotion Body SPF 50
This award-winning Australian sheer mineral sunscreen is a crowd-favourite due to its combo of high protection against UVA and UVB rays and natural ingredients like papaya, aloe, cucumber and shea butter, which soothe and hydrate skin. It ticks all the boxes: Water resistance, fast-absorbing, reef-friendly and fragrance-free.
Blue Lizard Mineral Sunscreen Sheer Lotion Body SPF 50, $22, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Best Drugstore Body Sunscreen Spray: Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50
This bestselling continuous spray sunscreen goes on so light and smooth that you’ll forget it’s even on. It’s hardworking and water-resistant, offering up to 12 hours of hydration and high sun protection from UVA and UVB rays. What’s more, it’s dermatologist-tested, oil-free and reef-friendly.
Hawaiian Tropic Silk Hydration Weightless Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50, $17, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Best Drugstore Face and Body Sunscreen for Active Days: Garnier Ombrelle Sport Endurance Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60
If sweaty or water activity is on your itinerary, you’re going to want a sunscreen that’s sweat- and water-resistant. This dermatologist-tested lotion is hypoallergenic and non-greasy and has proven to protect wet skin from the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it won’t block pores, because it’s non-comedogenic and oil-free.
Garnier Ombrelle Sport Endurance Sun Protection Lotion SPF 60, $31, well.ca
Best Drugstore Face Sunscreen Stick: Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
This powerful, ocean-friendly sunscreen stick is a great pick for all skin types. It goes on clear, making it ideal for darker tones, and it’s water-resistant, ready to withstand high-activity days.
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+, $40, shoppersdrugmart.ca
Next: 5 of the Best Drugstore Retinol Serums for Every Skin Type
