Best Facial Sunscreen Under $20 for 2020

moocher on 05/02/2020 - 15:04
Last edited 18/01/2022 - 12:29

Whenever a sunscreen or skincare deal is posted, there are usually comments asking for product recommendations, and there was a suggestion to create a thread where this information can be posted in one place. With so many different product categories, I thought we'd just try starting one thread just for sunscreens and see how it goes. If there is enough interest, we can do other product categories in future. The products don't have to be 2020 releases, the title just allows us to do another poll in future as new products are released, if there is enough interest.

Question

What is the best sunscreen suitable for daily use on the face?

Even though summer is coming to an end, Cancer Council still recommends that sunscreen should be incorporated into our daily morning routine on days when the UV Index is forecast to be 3 or above.

Despite the recent news headlines about certain sunscreen filters getting into your bloodstream, the official press release from the FDA is asking for more studies to be done, but still states:

Absorption does NOT equal risk – The FDA advises continued use of sunscreens

Some may prefer to stick with sunscreens with only zinc oxide and titanium oxide filters to be on the safe side.

There are many types of sunscreens out there, some that are for the body, some that are for both face and body, and some are for the face, some are tinted etc. For the purposes of limiting the options to a manageable poll, we will restrict poll options to those that satisfy these requirements:

  • Under $20 (those that are under $20 only when on sale are ok)
  • Suitable to be used on the face (but not necessarily for the face only)
  • SPF 30 or more

Some considerations when choosing a sunscreen:

  • Sun Protection factor
  • Whether it is broad spectrum
  • Types of filters - chemical (organic) vs physical (inorganic)
  • Texture and finish - the less comfortable it is, the less likely you will want to use it every day, or put on the required amount
  • Any white cast?
  • Does it irritate or sting the eyes?
  • Water-resistance for those who want a multi-purpose product.
  • How it performs under make-up (for those who do use make-up)

I have started with a few product suggestions that have been recommended on beauty forums or on OzBargain. Feel free to vote or add your suggestion.

And we have a winner - La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+. Thank you for voting!

First place: La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+
Second place: Cancer Council SPF 50+ Day Wear Face Matte Invisible
Third place: Neutrogena SPF 50+ Ultra Sheer Fluid

Poll Options expired

This is part of What Should I Buy poll for 2020. Check out other recommendations from the OzBargain community.
Health & Beauty Moisturiser Natio Nivea Sun Protection Sunscreen What Should I Buy

Comments

  • Bargainbeth on 23/03/2020 - 21:14
    Suggested Paula's Choice Hydralite Shine Free Mineral Complex SPF 15 (30 in America)

    Most cosmetically elegant sunscreen I've ever used (I've also used the LRP spray bottle one- not the tiny face one that is HG status- this comes closest).

    Has a minor cast, people thought I was wearing foundation, not sunscreen haha (and it's not tinted, so I guess it seems to make my skin nicer). Only downside is my skin is dry and if I've worn this all day, at the end of the day, it feels dehydrated. Ingredients are zinc and titanium dioxide, fi those ingredients work for you. Stopped using as it was a little too pricy for me, and didn't like the drying out of my skin. Also, zinc doesn't offer high UVA protection.

    Apparently it's spf30 in America, but labelled spf15 in Australia for a reason I can't recall..

    It's actually on sale right now at Paulas choice.

    • Duckie2hh on 24/03/2020 - 08:31
      +1

      SPF15 is sufficient if you are in the office all day. Zinc and Titanium based sunscreens are usually a bit more drying. Put on a nice gel or cream serum at night to re-hydrate!

      • Bargainbeth on 25/03/2020 - 03:55

        Ahh okay, my walk to work includes like ten minutes sun. And commute home like 25m of sun. This sounds like a riddle 😂..

        Ahokay, that's interesting.
        I find every other titanium/zinc product I use though seems to be oily as heck though and not drying either (I've used quite a few, in my old "cHemIcals are bAd dAys, lol). It's just this one that is drying. Like I felt it sucking the moisture out, at end of day I just wanted it off my skin.

        I think oily people might be fine.

    • moocher on 24/03/2020 - 10:52

      Poll option added, thanks for the review and remember to add your own vote :)

  • capslock janitor on 24/03/2020 - 14:27
    -1

    well, first let's see if we get a chance to go outside this year 😎

  • sal78 on 30/03/2020 - 03:51
    -2

    Helios care. It’s tablet form but the best ever! not cheap but the best for preventing pigmentation and if you don’t want to tan.

    • Duckie2hh on 06/04/2020 - 09:52
      +1

      I would highly caution against use of tablets for sun protection purposes. There are no data to substantiate the claim.

      • sal78 on 20/10/2020 - 03:07

        It's not approved in Oz but no adverse affects for ppl in Sg and M'sia that have been using it for years.

        Being a tropical country, the tablets work great for avoiding tanning. Asian beauty standards is fair skin.

        When I travel to tropical places, I use the heliocare tablets. I have Vitiligo around my eyes so if I tan then the vitiligo becomes very obvious. This amazing product prevents tanning whilst offering maximum sun protection.

        All the sunscreens from Helioscare are great and well worth it.

  • greenplastix on 09/04/2020 - 18:44
    Suggested Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Clear Face Sunscreen Liquid-Lotion SPF 30

    Add option: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Clear Face Sunscreen Liquid-Lotion SPF 30

    The only SPF that truly is a dry-touch SPF and doesn't clog oily skin.
    Product is affordable, regularly 40% off the $17 RRP for 88mL.

    Has a slight white cast, I'm about NC20 (MAC) and Asian, so I appreciate the whitening cosmetic effect, looks like I powdered my face, reduces appearance of pores without using makeup.

    The con is that it stings my eyes. Really stings.

    The official spiel that Neutrogena advertises is below. Each claim is actually true. Recommended it to others.

    Designed for breakout prone skin
    Non-comedogenic (won't clog pores)
    Oil-Free & PABA free
    Invisible feel, non-greasy sunscreen formula for face
    Water light texture for a weightless, matte finish so skin can breathe

    • moocher on 15/04/2020 - 17:21
      +1

      This was added last week - please remember to add your vote :)

  • MementoMori on 12/04/2020 - 08:59

    The Shisehdo (spelling? the fancy Japanese brand) stuff is AMAZING but easily exceeds the $20.

    It's about $30-40 per bottle (lasts for ages though, melts in instantly and feels like putting on nothing), get it from David Jones, Myer, etc.

  • Ebisu on 15/04/2020 - 17:20

    during my Accutane course the dermatologist told me La Roche-Posay is the best, the company can't put SPF Sun Protection Factor more than 50 otherwise it would be the highest in the factor to block sun.

  • Taita on 15/04/2020 - 19:09

    I find Invisible Zinc and Nutrogena Ultra sheer face to not make my skin break out.

  • margiela on 21/04/2020 - 19:55
    Suggested Sunsense Daily Face SPF 50+ Sunscreen

    Sunsense Daily Face SPF50+ Sunscreen

    Been using this for a few months now and has no cast. Very light on the skin and no reactions with my usually sensitive skin.

    • moocher on 22/04/2020 - 06:47

      Thanks, your suggestion has been added. Please remember to add your own vote.

      • margiela on 22/04/2020 - 10:19

        Cheers mate.

  • Diji1 on 22/04/2020 - 09:38

    There are many types of sunscreens out there, some that are for the body, some that are for both face and body, and some are for the face

    This is horseshit created to remove your money.

    There is no reason to have a facial sunscreen that is different to a body sunscreen.

    • moocher on 22/04/2020 - 09:42
      +1

      As already mentioned in other threads - good on you if you have no skin issues and you can apply body sunscreen on your face. There are other people who have skin sensitivities where body sunscreen can irritate or cause breakouts or allergic reactions. Each to their own. If you have no interest in skincare then just move on - no need to crap on every skincare thread.

    • this is us on 15/09/2020 - 13:33

      You are obviously wrong, but there is always someone ready to blame "the big pharma" for all the problems in the world, even when the topic is not about that.
      Non-comedogenic sunscreens specific for the face make all the difference, but you are free to wear whatever you want.

    • Duckie2hh on 17/09/2020 - 12:21

      So angry

    • gorgrond on 25/11/2020 - 14:50

      You're wrong.

      Face skin is a lot more sensitive, and prone to acne and other issues. I've always had acne issue on my face only, and not other parts of the body.

  • pogichinoy on 21/06/2020 - 20:11
    +1

    I tried the La Roche this year at the Aus Open and it was great.

    Definitely recommend it for something light but effective.

  • Rodo on 29/07/2020 - 15:26
    +1

    The EWG in America has a great resource about many sunscreens which lists details of ingredients, their health concerns and ratings for each sunscreen. It's worth a look for anyone who is concerned about what they are putting on their body. It's an American based website so many of the Australian sunscreens are not listed. See here: https://www.ewg.org/sunscreen/

    I have picked up a few of the better ones whilst holidaying in the US. They are not cheap though.

    I would love it if Australia had a resource like this. Would be good to know how safe the Australian sunscreens actually are.

    • moocher on 29/07/2020 - 16:00

      Australia has pretty strict regulations for sunscreens, and anything claiming above SPF 15 has to be approved by the TGA. I can only find this site which lists the permitted sunscreen filters, but it doesn't rate them by safety. Presumably the TGA considers all those permitted ingredients safe, at least for now.

      Out of curiosity, which products did you buy in the US? :)

      • Rodo on 29/07/2020 - 16:47

        Thanks moocher. I will have to look up that website. Would be good if Australia had a comprehensive safety rating system. This would make companies improve their products as people would be more inclined to buy safer sunscreens.

        Badger, Alba Botanica and Garden Goddess Organics are the brands I have bought. They all work very well although they do leave white casting but I think this is better than sunscreens that are absorbed into the skin.

        • moocher on 29/07/2020 - 17:02
          +1

          You may want to check out duckie2hh's comment thread about regulation/safety of sunscreens sold in Australia - he makes sunscreens for a living :)

      • sal78 on 20/10/2020 - 03:09

        I need PA ++++++ so I buy sunscreens overseas.

  • VITAL Pharmacy on 11/09/2020 - 15:20

    La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Ultra-Light Fluid Facial Sunscreen SPF50+ All the way

  • this is us on 15/09/2020 - 13:39

    I like the Sunsense Daily Face SPF 50+ Sunscreen.
    Neutrogena Ultra Sheer has nice cosmetic, but my eyes hurt after even a short walk.

    I'd give both the Sunsense and the Roche-Posay a go.

  • lowballed on 13/10/2020 - 15:44

    Does anyone know the cheapest zinc based sunscreen, without the nasties, preferably bigger quantities (>100ml)?

    Sorry for the lazy post (moving house so a bit time poor)

    • Duckie2hh on 19/10/2020 - 08:34

      That depends on what you classify as "nasties". There is also a big difference in price in Zinc only sunscreen and those that combines Zinc with chemical UV filters.

      All in all, I would recommend the following product for an all-zinc sunscreen (based on cost).

      https://www.woolworths.com.au/shop/productdetails/318992/?go…

      PS: no I am not affiliated with Woolworths.

  • winterr on 14/10/2020 - 01:45
    +1

    For the Cancer Council SPF 50+ Day Wear Face Matte Invisible:

    Are any differences in texture/feeling between the 75ml and 150ml sizes?

    On the packaging, the 75ml claims that it is matte while the 150ml doesn't. Does this mean the 150ml is not matte?
    I also question if there are any differences because I know the 75ml was initially released for the face.

    I haven't used either one before

    • Duckie2hh on 19/10/2020 - 08:35

      I am 99% sure that they will be identical in feel. Product registration is the same, meaning they are not legally allowed to change the formulation. Small changes in material source, batch to batch variation can cause a slight change in feel; but overall highly unlikely.

      • winterr on 19/10/2020 - 18:00

        Oh right, thanks for taking a look at that. I should have known to check the AUST L number.

  • JetBombat on 19/10/2020 - 22:20
    -1

    No need to slap some dubious staff on your prized facade, just wear a hat.

  • Shiny Mew on 20/10/2020 - 09:00

    How often should you reapply if you work in an office, to maximise protection against UVA/premature aging? Every company seems to have a different answer, or no answer.

    • Duckie2hh on 21/10/2020 - 07:10

      Unless you sweat or wipe your face and arms, I would recommend to reapply once every 4 hours.

  • iamtammi on 29/10/2020 - 13:07

    I don't often go out of the house so mild sunscreen is ok with me. Thanks for sharing.

  • shaybisc on 21/11/2020 - 17:34

    Is there anything besides zinc that doesn't sting your eyes? I suppose the stinging ingredient is the essential sunblock ingredient, otherwise why make them that way.

    • Duckie2hh on 23/11/2020 - 15:17
      +1

      Unfortunately not. The ingredients used to make the 'cream'/emulsion in a sunscreen, are surface acting (i.e., will sting the eye, similar to how shampoo stings the eye).

  • gorgrond on 25/11/2020 - 14:49

    As someone who always had shiny and very acne prone skin, I've found the best one to be this:

    https://www.caretobeauty.com/au/vichy-ideal-soleil-mattifyin…

    I buy from the linked store, comes quickly (from Portugal) and gives my skin a nice soft dry texture, no acne or clogged pores, and also reduces shininess significantly.

  • rickb on 06/12/2020 - 14:27

    Reddit is buzzing with news that the Purito one tested been tested as SPF-19, not 50 as advertised. Just my luck.

  • moocher on 07/12/2020 - 09:40

    Consumer NZ tested 10 different sunscreen products, some failed to meet their labelled protection factor.

  • gorgrond on 09/12/2020 - 11:48

    Just doing proper suggestion this time around.

    Gives my skin a nice soft dry texture, no acne or clogged pores, and also reduces shininess significantly. No dryness noticed afterwards. I normally use SPF 30.

    • moocher on 10/12/2020 - 07:03

      Thanks for the suggestion. It looks like it's not sold by Australian retailers and I can't see it under A$20 anywhere. Under $20 is one of the requirements. Have you been able to purchase this for less than $20?

  • moocher on 12/05/2021 - 10:10

    The owner and executive director of AMA Laboratories in the US has pleaded guilty to falsifying test results. This company is behind many suncreen products internationally including those that have been tested and found to not meet SPF label claims.

    https://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/125090812/owner-…

    Products not meeting SPF label that were originally 'tested' by AMA labs, based on additional tests from other labs:

    • Sukin Suncare Sheer Touch Facial Sunscreen Untinted
    • Ecosol Water Shield Sunscreen SPF50+
    • Natural Instinct Invisible Natural Sunscreen SPF30
    • Purito Centella Unscented Sun
    • Dear Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence

    I'll update this list as I find more.

    TGA's current statement seems to suggest that nothing will be taken off the shelves but there "post-market compliance monitoring" but the responsibility is for the "sponsor" to provide additional evidence on the efficacy of their products.

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