CVS Best Sunscreens Top Drugstore Picks of 2024

When it comes to picking the best sunscreen, Dr. Leah Spring, board certified dermatologist and Mohs micrographic surgeon based in South Carolina, assures us that the best sunscreen is really the one you’ll actually use. And not just for your spring break trip to Aruba, but for use every day, every season, whether the sun is shining or not. In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into why UV rays can be so damaging, plus the great variety of best-in-class sunscreens available at your neighborhood drugstore, CVS, that doesn’t blow your budget.

First,

When it comes to daily sunscreen use, you’re really protecting yourself from the big three:

Sunscreen acts as a temporary barrier to the damaging effects brought on by UV rays from the sun. There are three types of UV rays: UVA, UVB and UVC.

Both UVA and UVB rays contribute to skin cancer. This means of course, that even if you never actually get out of your car, the sun streaming UVA rays through your windows all day, can damage your skin.

SPF or the sun protection factor measures the body’s ability to burn. But, it only applies to UVB rays. That’s why when you select a sunscreen it is crucial that you look for the phrase “broad spectrum,” which is your only indicator that the lotion will protect against both UVA and UVB.

And skip spray sunscreen for faces, she notes, so you don’t run the risk of breathing in the aerosolized sunscreen. Spring, who is in the business of treating skin cancer, also shares the parts of the body most often forgotten when it comes to application: Ears. “Everyone forgets their ears,” Spring says. “I [see] do a lot of skin cancer on the ears, especially on my male patients.”

Our Picks:

Best Sunscreens

Guided by Spring, our tests, and the required daily minimum SPF of 30, here are our favorite sunscreens you can shop at CVS. P.S. Don’t forget to use your ExtraCare membership to score savings on some of the products below and more.

Best Sunscreens:

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By Liz Zack / an award-winning content leader based in new jersey

the Science

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Skin Cancer

Development of age spots (those brown “freckles” that start to appear all over your body)

Changes to skin collagen that contributes to aging – i.e. wrinkles

What is SPF,

"Also, if you're using one of the spray sunscreens, note that it's not a perfume, it's not a misting thing,” says Spring.

“You need to spray it until there's a wet sheen on your skin and then rub it in.”

Application Matters

Once you’ve purchased the right kind of sunscreen, it’s up to you to apply it correctly. Otherwise, you won’t actually achieve the SPF level noted on the bottle. “It's really important to put more than you think you should,” says Spring. “Oftentimes, we'll say the shot glass worth of sunscreen is enough to cover a whole body. And that's, in many ways, much more than people are used to putting on.

exactly?

“You have to put sunscreen on your face, your neck, and your decolletage area,” she says. "Think of that as one unit."

It’s also important to point out that makeup with sunscreen is not a substitute for sunscreen itself. “I have patients who say, well, I don't use sunscreen, but my makeup has it in it,” says Spring. “That's a great cherry on top, but you are not putting on enough foundation to get the required SPF with your makeup. You need a good, solid finger’s length of sunscreen on your face and no one wants to wear that much foundation.” CVS also suggests referring to package instructions based on the product.

best daily body

Sun Bum Daily SPF Body Lotion, SPF 50

The best part of this sunscreen may be the big pump, which is a visual reminder that you should not be dainty about the amount of sunscreen you apply. Make sure to use a full shot glass on your body every day or the recommended amount from the product label. We love this sunscreen for warm climates (or vacations) where you will have sun exposure to your full body every day.

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SPF rating: 50 Type of protection: chemical

Best for kids

Sun Bum Kids Clear Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50

Lotions can be a hard sell when you have squirmy kids, so sprays can often be more practical. Make sure you are using enough and rubbing it in. We love that this sunscreen touts its no paraben, no fragrance status, which helps avoid irritation.

SPF rating: 50 Type of protection: chemical

Ultimate luxe pick

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Face Sunscreen Ultra-Light SPF 50

Although it’s one of the more expensive sunscreens on our list, Spring loves the formulation of this brand. In addition to its active ingredients (what Spring calls a “chemically elegant formula”), it applies smooth, like a cosmetic product.

SPF rating: 50 Type of protection: mineral Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide

Best tinted

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 30, Mineral Sunscreen

We love a 2-in-1 product pick, and this CeraVe sunscreen helps get us out the door faster with sunscreen and a tinted formula in one. CeraVe also uses lovely-on-the-skin beauty formulations to make the application smooth and help the lotion absorb quickly.

SPF rating: 30 Type of protection: mineral Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide

best for acne-prone skin

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid-Lotion Sunblock Break-Out Free

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, don’t let that be an excuse to skimp on the sunscreen. We love and trust Neutrogena’s Clear Face from a brand already revered for is non-comedogenic, clear skin focus, translated into a high SPF sunscreen.

SPF rating: 50 Type of protection: chemical

best waterproof

Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral Beach Defense Sunscreen, SPF 30, 3 oz

Many sunscreens promise water resistance, and this one delivers a full 80 minutes. Spring reminds her patients to consider reflection when they’re spending the day in the water and applying sunscreen. Reflection will always magnify the total amount of sun you’re getting, she says.

SPF rating: 30 Type of protection: mineral Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide

best for fake tans

Coppertone Glow Travel Size SPF 50 Sunscreen, 2 oz

For many of us, it’s not a trip to the beach if you don’t come home with a glow. Of course, sitting in the sun isn’t always the most skin-smart option.Coppertone’s Glow Sunscreen provides a hefty SPF protection, while still helping you get that summer glow in a completely safe way.

SPF rating: 50 Type of protection: chemical

beloved budget spray

Coppertone Complete Sunscreen Spray, 5.5 oz

Sunscreen purchases can add up quickly, especially when you apply it in the correct amounts. This spray offers great protection for a very reasonable price. Just make sure you use enough of it.

SPF rating: 30 Type of protection: chemical

great for sensitive skin

Banana Boat Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion, 6 oz

Whenever Spring’s patients tell her that they’re having a reaction to sunscreen, she always advises them to switch to a mineral formulation. This one by Banana Boat is formulated without oils or fragrances to make sure it’s tolerated by even the most sensitive complexions.

SPF rating: 50 Type of protection: mineral Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide

best for touch-ups

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50, 0.5 oz

We love Cetaphil formulations and this mineral sunscreen with SPF of 50 is a great one to tuck into both your beach bag and the kids’ soccer backpacks. Something about a sunscreen stick makes application less onerous for kids, and of course, the best sunscreen is the one they’ll actually use.

SPF rating: 50 Type of protection: mineral Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide

best moisturizing sunscreen

Eucerin Daily Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Body Lotion

This moisturizer ensures you will have a foundation of 15 SPF when you put your lotion on every morning. Note that this is not enough SPF on its own for exposed skin. You’ll want to add something with at least SPF 30 overtop to get your full protection, but it’s a great place to start.

SPF rating: 15 Type of protection: chemical

Top Drugstore Picks of 2024

Drugstore Picks of 2024

sun safety unveiled

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best moisturizing sunscreen

Eucerin Daily Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Body Lotion

Great for everyday use, combining a sunscreen base with great moisturizing Price: $16.99

shop now

best for touchups

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Perfect for tucking into a bag or backpack for touch-ups during the day Price: $9.99

shop now

great for sensitive skin

Banana Boat Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Formulated without oils or fragrances, this is a great pick for sensitive skin. Price: $12.49

shop now

beloved budget spray

Coppertone Complete Sunscreen Spray

Easier on the wallet than many sunscreens, this spray still meets all the appropriate SPF requirements. Price: $12.99

shop now

best for fake tans

Coppertone Glow Travel Size SPF 50 Sunscreen (2oz)

Great for multi-tasking - SPF protection AND a gorgeous summer glow. Price: $7.49

shop now

best waterproof

Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral Beach Defense Sunscreen, SPF 30

A great mineral choice for people who spend time in the water. Price: $19.99

shop now

best for acne-prone skin

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid-Lotion Sunblock Break-Out Free

No worries of breakouts with this clear skin champion. Price: $14.99

shop now

best tinted

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 30, Mineral Sunscreen

Skip your foundation (never your SPF) with this great tinted sunscreen. Price: $19.79

shop now

best daily body

Sun Bum Daily SPF Body Lotion, SPF 50

We love the big pump on this bottle, which should remind you that you need a shot glass-worth in every application. Price: $23.99

shop now

best for kids

Sun Bum Kids Clear Sunscreen Spray, SFP 50

Kids (and their parents!) will appreciate the no tears, no irritants, quick application of this spray. Price: $19.49

shop now

ultimate luxe pick

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Face Sunscreen Ultra-Light SPF 50

The smooth, light beauty formulations added to this sunscreen make it a delight to apply every morning. Price: $37.99

shop now

In partnership with

RetailMeNot’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

For many of us, it’s not a trip to the beach if you don’t come home with a glow. Of course, sitting in the sun isn’t always the most skin-smart option. Coppertone’s Glow Sunscreen provides a hefty SPF protection, while still helping you get that summer glow in a completely safe way.

In partnership with

RetailMeNot’s content is for informational and educational purposes only. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

best moisturizing sunscreen

Eucerin Daily Hydration Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Body Lotion

Great for everyday use, combining a sunscreen base with great moisturizing. Price: $16.99

Shop Now

best for touch-ups

Cetaphil Sheer Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50

Perfect for tucking into a bag or backpack for touch-ups during the day. Price: $9.99

Shop Now

best sensitive skin

Banana Boat Sensitive Mineral SPF 50 Sunscreen Lotion

Formulated without oils or fragrances, this is a great pick for people with sensitive skin. Price: $12.49

Shop Now

beloved budget spray

Coppertone Complete Sunscreen Spray

Easier on the wallet than many sunscreens, this spray still meets all the appropriate SPF requirements. Price: $12.99

Shop Now

best for fake tans

Coppertone Glow Travel Size SPF 50 Sunscreen, 2 oz

Great for multi-tasking – SPF protection AND a gorgeous summer glow. Price: $7.49

Shop Now

best waterproof

Neutrogena Purescreen+ Mineral Beach Defense Sunscreen SPF 30

A great mineral choice for people who spend time in the water. Price: $19.99

Shop Now

best for acne-prone skin

Neutrogena Clear Face Liquid-Lotion Sunblock Break-Out Free

No worries of breakouts with this clear skin champion. Price: $14.99

Shop Now

best tinted

CeraVe Tinted Sunscreen for Face SPF 30, Mineral Sunscreen

Skip your foundation (never your SPF) with this great tinted sunscreen. Price: $19.79

Shop Now

best daily body

Sun Bum Daily SPF Body Lotion, SPF 50

We love the big pump on this bottle, which should remind you that you need a shot glass-worth in every application or the recommended amount on the label. Price: $23.99

Shop Now

best for kids

Sun Bum Kids Clear Sunscreen Spray, SPF 50

Kids (and their parents!) will appreciate the no tears, no irritants, quick application of this spray. Price: $19.49

Shop Now

Ultimate Luxe Pick

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Face Sunscreen Ultra-Light SPF 50

The smooth, light beauty formulations added to this sunscreen make it a delight to apply every morning. Price: $37.99

Shop Now