When it comes to skincare, the use of sunscreen is non-negotiable. Now there’s tons of sunscreens that’ve flooded the market, and everyone and their neighbour are talking about the benefits of Indian pharma brand sunscreens.
Being formulated in India, these tend to work well for our skin types and climate. Additionally, coming from large pharmaceutical companies, all of these are dermatologically tested and certified safe, not to mention, a lot more affordable as compared to say, French pharma sunscreens. But which one is right for you? We decided to go right to the source and ask leading dermatologists what they think are some of the best Indian pharma sunscreens – ones that they usually prescribe to their patients and clients. Here’s what they have to say:
Photon 360 Hydra Sunscreen Fluid Cream by Aclaris Therapeutics Inc.
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Dermat’s take: Dr Kiran Sethi, Dermatologist and Medical Director of Isya Aesthetics says, “I love the Photon 360 sunblock as it is free from the USFDA watchlist of chemicals in sunscreens that get absorbed into the skin, and it’s so easy to apply!”
What is it? This is a hydrating sunscreen that is light-weight and offers broad-spectrum coverage with SPF 50+ and PA+++. It is non-comedogenic, oil-free, and water-resistant, and is also enriched with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid. The Photon 360 sunscreen is also available in a tinted and non-tinted matte gel formulation.
La Shield Sunscreen Gel SPF 40 by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals
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Dermat’s take: Dr Chytra Anand, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist and Founder & CEO of Kosmoderma Clinics says, “La Shield has a non-greasy texture compared to most of brands out there and suits the majority of Indian skin types.”
What is it? Possibly one of the most well-known sunscreens in India, La Shield sunscreens have been formulated keeping in mind the unique needs of Indian consumers and their skin conditions. This oil-free mineral sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection against ultraviolet UVA and ultraviolet UVB and gives the skin a smooth matte finish. It is suitable for all skin types, including acne-prone skin.
Suncros Matte Finish Soft SPF 50+ Gel by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries
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Dermat’s take: Dr Batul Patel, Dermatologist and Founder & Medical Director of The Bombay Skin Clinic says, “Suncros is a physical sunscreen containing zinc oxide. The matte gel appearance prevents a white cast. It is also suitable for sensitive skin.”
What is it? Another very popular Indian pharma sunscreen, Suncros has UVA and UVB filters with SPF 50+ and PA+++ to provide broad spectrum protection. It provides protection for up to 8 hours and is also a water-resistant formula. It is also said to be safe for children as young as 6 months+.
UV Doux Silicone Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA+++ by Brinton Healthcare
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Dermat’s take: Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder and Medical Director of Yavana Skin Aesthetics, recommends UV Doux saying, “It has high SPF and PA factor, offers good broad spectrum sun protection and is also water resistant. Like a lot of Indian pharma sunscreens, this is also economically priced.”
What is it? This much-loved sunscreen in the Indian market contains physical UV blockers (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) and chemical UV blockers (bemotrizinol) and provides a broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB, thus protects the skin against damage and cancer. It provides a matte finish and inhibits formation of radicals and helps in sebum control in acne prone patients.
Sunheal Ultra Matte Gel Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ by Alkem Laboratories
Dermat’s take: Dr Madhuri Agarwal also recommends this one, saying, “In humid weather, especially like Mumbai’s, Sunheal doesn’t wear off with sweat and doesn’t leave a white cast after application either.”
What is it? Sunheal provides complete sun protection, aids in healing sun damage, and prevents tanning. Being a peptide sunscreen, it also works as an anti-ageing product. Its ultra-matte gel formula is enriched with antioxidants and vitamin E, suitable for all skin types and everyday use.
Tvaksh Face Guard Silicon Sunscreen Gel SPF 30+ PA+++ by Abbott Healthcare
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Dermat’s take: Dr Renita Rajan, Chief Cosmetic Dermatologist at RENDER Skin & Hair, says, “Considering most of my practice revolves around laser and procedural dermatology, sunscreens are a sine qua non! For chemical sunscreens, my choice among Indian brands is Abbott’s Tvaksh Faceguard, which is very comfortable to use even for sensitive skin.”
What is it? This a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects the skin against UVA and UVB rays by providing physical and chemical barrier to sunlight. This sunscreen gel effectively prevents sunburn, dark spots, premature ageing and skin darkening. It is oil-free and non-comedogenic which makes it suitable for acne-prone skin.
Z SCREEN Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Gel UVB SPF 50+ PA+++ by Ethicare Remedies
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Dermat’s take: Another sunscreen that Dr Kiran Sethi also recommends is the ZScreen Gel. She says, “It is a 100% mineral gel sunblock that absorbs well with minimal white cast.”
What is it? With a high concentration of zinc oxide 25%, Z Screen Sunscreen Gel provides full spectrum coverage across the entire UVB & UVA range. It contains Zinclear, said to be the most transparent and effective zinc oxide in the world, ensuring protection without white patches. Z Screen has a matte, non-sticky and velvety finish on the skin and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes.
