29 Best Sunscreens In India

If you don’t care about wearing sunscreen, you probably should start right away. You may ask – why, what’s the deal with it? The thing is, even if you don’t burn easily, you need to put it on because sunburn is only an immediate reaction, but sun damage, my friend, occurs over a lifetime. Also, skin cancer does not discriminate when it comes to the color of your skin, it can affect those with darker skin just as much as people with lighter skin. Scary, right? We’ve chalked out a list of the 29 best sunscreens in India for every skin type. Find one that suits you, wear it on the reg, and not just over that summer beach holiday. Your future self will thank you![table “519” not found /]

Top 29 Best Sunscreens In India For Every Skin Type

Let’s begin with the reviews. Read on to find out more.

Sunscreens For Normal Skin

1. Biotique Bio Sandalwood 50+ SPF UVA/UVB Sunscreen

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹149

Review

For those of you who are into cosmetics that are loaded with the goodness of only natural ingredients, this Biotique sunscreen is meant for you. This nutrient-rich formula is packed with pure sandalwood, saffron, honey, wheat germ and the bark of the Arjun tree, to keep your skin soft, fresh, and moisturized. The best part? It’s water-resistant. So, it’s perfect to wear when you’re going swimming or to the beach. It’s quite moisturizing, so you don’t need to go in with a separate moisturizer, and it won’t leave you with that dreaded whitish cast either.

2. Best Quick-Absorbing:Dot & Key Vitamin C+E Super Bright Sunscreen

4.1

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹378

Review

The Dot & Key Vitamin C+E Super Bright Sunscreen is a multitasker that not only imparts a luminous glow to your skin but also offers robust protection against harmful sun rays with clinically certified SPF 50+++. It has a water-light texture, is quick-absorbing, and leaves no white cast. The sunscreen is made with triple vitamin C & E, Sicilian blood oranges, and UV filters that shield your skin from UVA, UVB, and blue light rays, reverse dullness, fade dark spots, and lighten pigmented patches. This non-comedogenic sunscreen activates the vitamin D receptors present in your skin, prevents free radical damage, and provides anti-aging benefits.

3. StBotanica Vitamin C SPF 30 Pa+++ Sunscreen

4.1

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹400

Review

This mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 30 provides excellent protection from UVA and UVB rays. Zinc and titanium dioxide offer complete protection from the sun, while vitamin C neutralizes the free radicals and repairs your skin for a bright complexion. In addition, the vitamin E infused in the cream prevents signs of aging, and vitamin B3 decreases redness. This sunscreen also contains botanical extracts like saffron and lemon that help nourish the skin.

4. Best For Radiant Skin:Aqualogica Radiance+ Dewy Sunscreen

4.1

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹350

Review

Most of us shield ourselves from the sun, but we often forget the silent harm that our screens are doing to our skin. The Aqualogica Radiance+ Dewy Sunscreen with SPF 50 & PA+++ offers protection from harmful sun rays and blue light. The non-sticky, lightweight formula is enriched with radiance-boosting niacinamide that reduces the appearance of dark spots and blemishes and even tones your skin. Hyaluronic acid and watermelon extracts moisturize and hydrate the skin, making it soft and youthful. Titanium dioxide prevents the absorption of harmful sun rays.

5. Kaya Youth Protect Sunscreen SPF 50

3.8

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹325

Review

The Kaya Youth Protect Sunscreen is filled with the goodness of botanical extracts like Geranium and potent antioxidants. It not only protects your skin from exposure to harmful sun rays, but also helps improve your skin’s elasticity while preventing photoaging. It also works wonders in boosting oxygenation of skin cells and regenerating them. It leaves your skin with a beautiful, radiant finish and is also great for winters.

6. Lakme Sun Expert Fairness + UV Lotion SPF 50 PA+++

4

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹211

Review

This sunscreen from India’s most beloved brand, Lakme, is one of the best formulas out there for anyone looking for a reasonably-priced, quality product. It provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays and will look after your skin even on the harshest summer afternoon. How you ask? Besides the SPF 50 protection, it’s enriched with the goodness of zinc oxide, lemongrass, and cucumber extracts that will prevent premature aging, dark spots, and skin darkening. It’s easy to apply, has a pleasant fragrance, and leaves your skin with a nice, subtle glow.

7. Plum Green Tea Day-Light Sunscreen SPF 35 PA+++

4.1

Image: Plam

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹30

Review

The Plum Green Tea Day-Light Sunscreen has SPF 35 that gives both UVA and UVB protection to the skin. This sunscreen provides balanced hydration to the skin. The ultra-light gel formula gets absorbed quickly into the skin and does not leave behind a white cast. This sunscreen is enriched with acne-fighting green tea and blemish-fighting natural extracts of licorice and goji berry. It is vegan, made with non-comedogenic ingredients, and has never been tested on animals.

8. Astaberry Indulge Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA+++

3.8

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹16

Review

The Astaberry Indulge Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA+++ is formulated with Suncat De, a broad-spectrum SPF agent that shields the skin against harsh sun rays and damaging free radicals. It diminishes aging signs, revealing a youthful glow. The non-greasy formula is packed with hyaluronic acid and aquaxyl that strengthen the moisture barrier of your skin and make it look plump. It keeps your skin conditioned, soft, and radiant for 24 hours, protects it against blue rays, and prevents tanning. This sunscreen is lightweight, suitable for all skin types, water-resistant, and leaves no white cast.

9. Lacto Calamine Daily Sunshield Matte Look Sunscreen

3.7

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹169

Review

Sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA+++ by Lacto Calamine is specially formulated for oily skin. It provides complete protection against UVA and UVB rays. The sunscreen is enriched with lemon extract and Kaolin that helps prevent tanning, clears dark spots, and reduces hyperpigmentation to give you a shine-free look. The quick-absorbing formula spreads evenly on the skin.

Sunscreens For Combination Skin

10. O3+ Mattifying Gel Cream SPF 50

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹413

Review

The O3+ Mattifying Gel Cream controls excess shine and helps brighten your skin. The broad-spectrum SPF 50 protects your skin from harmful UV rays. The lightweight formula does not leave your skin oily and greasy. It provides a matte finish and makes the skin appear smooth and fresh.

11. VLCC Anti Tan Sunscreen Lotion SPF 25

4

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹13.95

Review

The VLCC Anti Tan Sunscreen Lotion is a sweat-free formula that provides proper protection against UVA and UVB rays. Its non-greasy formula gives your skin a nice, satin finish. It helps keep your skin supple as it’s enriched with natural ingredients like lemon, jojoba oil, aloe vera and sandalwood extract, zinc oxide, and wheatgerm oil. For combination skin, this one works wonders. However, this is better for those “not-so-sunny” or rather cloudy days as it only provides you an SPF of 25.

12. Patanjali Sunscreen SPF 30 With Natural Moisturizers

3.5

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹6.9

Review

Baba Ramdev’s Patanjali products have gained immense popularity in India, and this sunscreen is a pretty big hit owing to its Ayurvedic composition. The formula is white in color, and it has a runny consistency similar to that of a body lotion. It’s easy to apply and spread, and it also absorbs quickly. If you only like sticking to natural, Ayurvedic products, this one’s for you, but the rest of you may not like it as much.

13. Jovees Argan Sun Guard Lotion SPF 60 PA++++

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹304

Review

This sunscreen from Jovees is a water-resistant, herbal formula that’s been scientifically developed using wholesome ingredients like argan oil, green tea, calendula, and chamomile. It’s enriched with antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that will not only protect your skin from sun exposure but also help in maintaining its health and appearance. It feels incredibly lightweight and gentle on the skin and does not leave a white cast on the face. Also, its packaging is convenient as it comes in a leak-proof bottle with a pump dispenser.

14. Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel SPF 20

4

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹10

Review

This gel-based aloe vera sunscreen is a lightweight, nutrient-rich formula that provides full protection against UVA and UVB rays. It holds moisture in and forms an invisible barrier on your skin. It’s great for days you won’t be outdoors for too long because of its low SPF. If you’re on the hunt for a soothing formula that cools your skin on hot summer days and is non-greasy, this one by Aroma Magic is worth trying.

Sunscreens For Sensitive And Acne-Prone Skin

15. Suncros 50 Aqualotion SPF 50

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹34.92

Review

This one’s another sunscreen that’s recommended by dermatologists for its beneficial medicinal properties. Its consistency is slightly runny and it’s easy to apply and blend into the skin. However, it does take a while to soak into the skin. If you’re someone who stays a lot outdoors, this one will definitely keep your skin insured. It’s enriched with antioxidants and vitamin E, and also happens to be sweat-resistant.

16. RE’ EQUIL Oxybenzone and OMC Free Sunscreen

4.1

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹360

Review

Reequil Oxybenzone and OMC-free sunscreen is a blessing for oily and acne skin. It provides 6 hours of protection from sun rays on a single application. The non-greasy formula is packed with aloe vera and olea europaea leaf extract for soothing and nourishing your skin. Additionally, the advanced sunscreen filters are proven safe as they do not penetrate deep into your skin.

17. La Roche-Posay Ultra Light Sunscreen SPF 50

4.3

Image: Laroche-posay

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹34.99

Buy on Walmart

Review

If you want a sunscreen that delivers a non-greasy, invisible finish and has no smell to it, this one from La Roche-Posay is one of the best ones out there. It has a light, watery consistency, which makes it easy to spread and blend into the skin. It does not leave a whitish cast or any sort of residue on the skin. A little goes a long way, and this tube will last you for a long time. The best part? It does everything that it claims very efficiently.

Why We Think It's Worth Buying

This product has garnered over 663 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.

18. Clinique Super City Block Ultra Protection SPF 40

4.5

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹6500

Review

Clinique is known for its luxurious range of products and this sunscreen is no less. It comes in a sleek plastic tube with a silver screw-cap, making it easy to carry around in your handbag. It’s an oil-free formula and is lightly tinted, so it instantly brightens up your face and makes it look very radiant. The formula is fragrance-free and won’t irritate your skin or aggravate acne.

19. Kama Ayurveda Natural Sun Protection SPF 21

3.8

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹31.31

Review

The Kama Ayurveda Natural Sun Protection formula contains natural-origin, UV protection minerals like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, which reflect the sun rays back from exposed skin. The olive oil and glycerin in its formula help nourish and condition the skin while shea butter soothes irritation, and repairs sun damage. It does not clog pores and is wonderful for sensitive skin in all aspects!

Sunscreens For Dry Skin

20. Avene Very High Protection Cream SPF 50

4.2

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹1799

Review

If your dry skin is sensitive and prone to sunburn, this sunscreen from Avene will be your best friend. It covers every spectrum of UV protection, using a combination of exclusive active ingredients. Its light texture spreads easily onto the skin and absorbs almost immediately. It’s free of parabens, alcohol, silicon, and other harsh chemicals that are known to dry out your skin, and instead provides the right amount of moisture, leaving you with a gorgeous dewy finish.

21. Kaya Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30

4.2

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹445

Review

The Kaya Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen is another great option for dry skin. Its broad spectrum formula protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. It also helps to maintain essential hydration and nourishment all day long. This goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly, and it’s also a non-greasy formula that’s PABA-free. Niacinamide is one of its active ingredients, which helps to visibly improve the appearance of fine lines, enlarged pores, dullness, and an uneven skin tone.

22. Biotique Bio Carrot SPF 40 Sunscreen

4.1

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹270

Review

This one’s a nutrient-rich sunscreen lotion from Biotique, and it’s blended with extracts of nyctanthes leaf, carrot root, lodhra bark, and sprouted wheat germ to ensure your skin says soft, fair, and moisturized in the sun. It spreads effortlessly, and does not make your skin feel sticky, or greasy – instead, it leaves it supple and hydrated. This makes a great base for your makeup too.

23. Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry Touch Sunscreen

4.1

BUY ON AMAZON

Review

This sunscreen from Nutregona is specially formulated for sensitive skin. This mineral-based sunscreen has naturally sourced zinc oxide that offers optimum sun protection without any irritation. In addition, it comes with a water and sweat resistance of 80 minutes, thereby offering you an extended time of fun in the water!

24. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen SPF 50

4.3

BUY ON AMAZON

Review

This sunscreen lotion from Aveeno is a blessing for dry, parched skin. Its formula is oil-free, non-comedogenic, and sweat and water-resistant for 80 minutes. This makes it a great sun protection product to use when you’re going swimming. It also works well for dry, acne-prone skin as it won’t clog your pores or aggravate acne.

Sunscreens For Oily Skin

25. Lotus Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel SPF 50

4

BUY ON AMAZON

Review

This is undoubtedly one of the best sunscreens for oily skin. It’s a translucent gel-based formula that is so easy to use – it spreads easily, has an incredible fragrance, and leaves your skin feeling refreshed and cool. It contains ingredients like vanilla extract and horse chestnut that are great for the overall health and appearance of your skin, besides the high SPF of 50 PA+++. I highly recommend this to anyone with an oily to combination skin type.

26. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50

4.2

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹655

Buy on Walmart

Review

This formula by Neutrogena is a breakthrough in sun protection as it provides superior balanced broad-spectrum protection against UVA and burning UVB rays and skin-aging. It has a light, fresh scent and works well for sensitive skin as well. You can wear this on a hot summer day and not have to worry about this sunblock making your skin sweaty or sticky.

27. VLCC Matte Look SPF 30 Sunscreen Gel Creme

3.9

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹13.7

Review

If you’re tired of sunscreens making your oily skin look and feel more oilier, the VLCC Matte Look Sunscreen is an oil-free formulation that won’t fail you. This non-sticky formula is enriched with pineapple extract, which absorbs quickly and leaves you with a semi-matte finish.

It also contains white sandalwood extract, turmeric extract, aloe vera extract, and zinc oxide to nourish and repair your skin from within. However, don’t be mistaken with the word “gel” in its name as its formula is more on the creamy side.

28. Aroma Magic Cucumber Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30

4

BUY ON AMAZON | ₹11.99

Review

Aloe vera is great for every skin type, and this sunscreen from Aroma Magic combines sun protection with the power of cucumber and aloe. Sounds great, right? However, I recommend using this during the winters as this is quite hydrating and will work best for oily skin during the colder months. It won’t break you out, even if you have oily skin that is prone to breakouts, owing to its wholesome ingredients. For its price, this is a total value for money.

29. L’Oreal Paris UV Perfect Super Aqua Essence SPF 50

BUY ON AMAZON

Review

This sunscreen from L’Oreal blends easily, absorbs quickly, and leaves your skin feeling refreshed. It’s a miracle product for hot summer days when you don’t feel like applying too many products on your skin. Its watery texture won’t clog your pores or cause any breakouts. If you have oily, acne-prone skin, I highly recommend you to try this formula!

Now that you know which are the best sunscreens to go for, here are a few things that you need to consider before buying any sunscreen. 

Things To Consider When Buying A Sunscreen

• Key Ingredients

Check the label to look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers both UVA and UVB protection. Go for mineral sunscreens that contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Avoid anything that contains PABA and Oxybenzone.

• SPF

Pick a sunscreen that has at least SPF 30. This is important to prevent sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer. A sunscreen with SPF 30 can protect you from 97% of sun damage.

• Consistency

Sunscreens are available in cream-based, gel-based, and spray forms. They all have different consistencies and levels of spread ability. Depending on your comfort and like ability, opt for the one that you feel is easy to apply. Cream-based sunscreens are a bit sticky, gel-based products get absorbed quickly, and sprays are best for traveling.

• Quantity

The quantity of sunscreen should match the price. Some high-end sunscreens may be expensive in terms of the quantity of the product. Any mid-range sunscreen with SPF 30 will also protect your skin in the same way. Ensure that you do not regret spending too much on a palm-sized package that may not even last for a few weeks. However, if the sunscreen meets all your criteria, there is no harm in compromising on the quantity.

Ladies, sun protection does not have to be expensive or a complicated step to incorporate into your daily routine – it needs to be consistent. Make it a habit not just for the scorching summer but all through the year, and you’ll thank yourself later for taking good care of your skin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any specific considerations for choosing sunscreen for different skin types?

If you have oily or acne-prone skin, opt for oil-free or non-comedogenic sunscreens that won’t clog pores and trigger acne breakouts. Those with dry skin can opt for sunscreens with moisturizing ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid. For sensitive skin, choose sunscreens free from potential irritants like added fragrance and oxybenzone.

How long does sunscreen typically last once applied in India’s weather conditions?

India’s weather is usually hot and humid, so it is advisable to reapply sunscreen every two hours for continuous protection.

Are there any potential side effects of using sunscreen in India?

Potential side effects of sunscreen use may include skin and eye irritation, allergic reactions, acne breakouts, pus-filled blisters, and an increased risk of breast cancer.

Can sunscreen be used on oily or acne-prone skin in India?

Yes, there are sunscreens specifically formulated for oily or acne-prone skin in India. You should opt for sunscreens that are oil-free, water-based, or non-comedogenic to avoid clogging pores and aggravating acne.

Are there any alternative sun protection methods apart from sunscreen?

An alternative sun protection method, apart from sunscreens, is using protective gear like wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, umbrellas, and sunglasses to protect your skin and eyes from harmful UV rays. Avoid going out in the sun often and using skin care and makeup products that increase skin sensitivity.

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Esha SaxenaBeauty & Lifestyle Writer

 

Esha Saxena is a writer and journalist with over 3 years of experience. She holds a master’s degree in media and mass communication from St. Francis College for Women, Hyderabad, and firmly believes that makeup is nothing less than art.

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Shiboli ChakrabortiCommerce Editor

Shiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor, she guides her team members on the best practices to create crisp and authentic content.

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Krati Darak

Krati is an associate commerce editor, a certified skin care coach, and a beauty enthusiast. She has a master’s degree in advertising and publishing relations from DAVV University and three years of experience in writing and editing for different niches.

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