I would never call myself a hoarder, but I’ll take that title shamelessly regarding sunscreens. With at least 7 sunscreens currently on my vanity and one in each bag, some would say I have a problem, Marie Kondo certainly would. My obsession with sunscreens is justified considering we’re dealing with the sun’s wrath. Temperatures are soaring and everyone needs all the sun protection they can get. Luckily, there’s no dearth of sunscreens when it comes to the beauty industry. Gone are the days when we had to rely on thick sunscreens that left a white cast on our faces upon application. Now, with invisible and easily absorbable formulas in different textures, there are so many options.
As a self-proclaimed sunscreen tester, I’ve tried way too many sunscreens than the average human has. However, from all the sunscreens I’ve tried, I have developed a sweet spot for pharmacy sunscreens over the years. To some flashy packaging and expensive prices may be appealing (I’ve fallen prey to it too) but it’s always good to choose efficacy over aesthetics. Pharmacy sunscreens aren’t just formulated by experts but they’re also easy on the pocket, we could all use a little of that.
Here are our picks of the best pharmacy sunscreens in the market right now.
Sunheal Ultra Matte Gel Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
A personal favourite that I always repurchase every time it’s over, Sunheal’s Ultra Matte Gel Sunscreen Gel SPF 40 PA++++ works like a miracle for acne-prone skin. Its matte formula is specially created for humid weather and makes sure that you don’t sweat your sunscreen off at all. Enriched with Vitamin E and antioxidants, this is a peptide sunscreen which doesn’t just heal sun damage but also prevents premature ageing and tanning.
Fixderma Shadow SPF 50+ Cream
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Renowned for its sun protection products, Fixderma’s Shadow SPF 50+ Cream is probably the best one out of the lot. It has an extremely moisturising formula that is lightweight and offers broad-spectrum protection against the sun. It’s also photostable, making it a must-have. With protective ingredients such as octinoxate, titanium dioxide, and avobenzone—you don’t want to miss out on this.
Episoft AC Moisturiser
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A tried-and-tested favourite of skincare enthusiasts all over the world, Episoft’s AC Moisturiser is a sunscreen that will be found on almost everyone’s shelves. Specially formulated for acne-prone skin, this one doubles up as a moisturiser because of its formula too. Soothing ingredients such as glycerin and d-panthenol calm down inflamed and irritated skin.
La Shield Sunscreen Gel SPF 40 PA++++
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There hasn’t been a La Shield sunscreen my skin hasn’t loved. The Sunscreen Gel 40 PA++++ works well for all skin types despite having a lightweight formula. It promises your skin protection against sun damage and also treats minor pigmentation because of the ingredients present in it. Its non-comedogenic formula doesn’t clog your pores at all.
Suncros Matte Finish Soft Lotion SPF 50 PA++++
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If your skin is as oily as mine is, then Suncros’ Matte Finish Soft Lotion SPF 50 PA++++ will be your saviour. It’s a broad-spectrum sunscreen which offers protection against UVA and UVB rays together. Its non-greasy and lightweight texture is also water-resistant. With zinc oxide and titanium oxide, this sunscreen also helps manage an uneven skin tone.
Sun Protection Tips You Need To Keep In Mind
- Always apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you step outdoors for its formula to be completely absorbed and effective.
- Choose a sunscreen that’s SPF 30 or higher, however, remember that a higher SPF doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better or protects more.
- Reapplication of sunscreens when you’re outdoors is a must, do so every 30 to 45 minutes.
- Test your sunscreens before you commit to them, every ingredient may not suit your skin.
