Best Everday Face Sunscreen Under $20 for 2023

moocher on 08/11/2023 - 14:21
Last edited 02/01/2024 - 11:10

It's been two years since we last had a OzBargain poll for the best face sunscreen under $20 so it's time for another one.

There have been several reformulations and new releases since 2021. The past winner La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF 50+ has been over $20 even when on sale in 2023, which falls outside our poll requirements. It will be interesting to see which product will take the crown this year.

The product requirements for nominations for products remain the same:

  • Under $20 (those that are under $20 when on sale are ok, but should be for single item only)
  • Suitable to be used on the face (but not necessarily for the face only)
  • SPF 30 or higher
  • Available for purchase in Australia

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.
  • Does it interfere with make-up application?
  • Value for money, of course!

As a side note:

One of the things I've learnt about Australian sunscreens since the last poll, was that you can actually see the full list of ingredients when you do an ARTG search on the TGA website and download the PDF. That's how you find that some products could almost be twins and compare cost/100ml. Example: Aldi's Ombra Daily Defence SPF50+ Face Moisturiser (2023 formula)

Feel free to vote for your favourite! Remember: You can change your votes at anytime. Follow the instructions below to suggest a product that's not already listed as an option.

How do I suggest products to What Should I Buy polls?

If you have a product that you would like to suggest for the poll (that is currently not in the Poll Options), you'll need to make a top-level comment (i.e. not replying someone else's comment) and fill up "Suggestions" text box just above your comment.

Do try to make a sensible suggestion (e.g make sure the item hasn't been discontinued) and include a brief argument as to why you would recommend the product.

Suggestion box

And we have the winners, thank you for the suggestions and votes!

First place: Cancer Council SPF 50+ Day Wear Face Matte Invisible (pink label)
Second place: Aldi Ombra Daily Defence SPF50+ Face Moisturiser
Third place: Nivea Sun SPF 50 UV Face Shine Control

Poll Options expired

  • 11
    Aldi Ombra Daily Defence SPF50+ Face Moisturiser (note new 2023 formula - ARTG 408969)
  • 3
    Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++
  • 1
    Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid
  • 20
    Cancer Council SPF 50+ Day Wear Face Matte Invisible (pink label)
  • 4
    Hamilton SPF 50+ Everyday Face Cream (note new 2023 formula - ARTG 408954)
  • 8
    Nivea Sun SPF 50 UV Face Shine Control
  • 2
    Invisible Zinc Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF50
  • 2
    Natio Quick Dry Moisturising Sunscreen SPF 50
  • 0
    Invisible Zinc Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+
  • 0
    Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Fluid Facial Sunscreen
  • 2
    Bondi Sands Daily Moisturising Face SPF 50+ Sunscreen
This is part of What Should I Buy poll for 2023. Check out other recommendations from the OzBargain community.
Health & Beauty Sun Protection Sunscreen What Should I Buy

closed Comments

  • ssfps on 08/11/2023 - 15:28
    +1

    Some considerations when choosing a sunscreen:

    Does it kill coral?

    • moocher on 08/11/2023 - 15:42
      +1

      Face sunscreens are generally designed for the comfort of everyday use, not so much for swimming in the sea.

      • ssfps on 09/11/2023 - 00:34

        Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid

  • bargain huntress on 08/11/2023 - 15:34

    Invisible Zinc Face + Body Mineral Sunscreen SPF50
    Sun Protection factor - 50
    Whether it is broad spectrum - high uva plus uvb
    Types of filters - i dont know what this means
    Texture and finish - im very sensitive and it feels the lightest ive tried so far. I can still feel it though
    Any white cast? - i dont know what this means, its white when you out it on
    Does it irritate or sting the eyes? - a little bit, i can out it on my eyelids and it just makes them run a bit
    Water-resistance for those who want a multi-purpose product - not sure
    Does it interfere with make-up application - i dont know
    Value for money, of course! - 16-25

    Taste- Usual grossness

    • moocher on 08/11/2023 - 15:40

      Poll option added - please add your vote

      • bargain huntress on 08/11/2023 - 15:43

        Thank you
        The other one wasnt a duplicate its another version by the same brand

        • moocher on 08/11/2023 - 15:51
          +1

          Ah bummer, my mistake. I've unfortunately deleted that poll option.

          You can only vote for one product though. If you really want the other option in there, could you comment again with the suggestion box filled in please? Sorry

    • moocher on 08/11/2023 - 15:45
      +1

      Thanks for your suggestion:

      • The filter in your suggested product is Zinc Oxide.
      • White cast means leaving your face looking white after leaving it on. Generally more of a problem with Zinc Oxide and Titanium Oxide.
  • bargain huntress on 08/11/2023 - 15:39

    Invisible Zinc Sport Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+

    Sun Protection factor - 50+
    Whether it is broad spectrum - very high uva + uvb
    Types of filters - do you mean ingredients? I think they are both zinc oxide?
    Texture and finish - i think maybe its a tiny bit worse than face and body but not sure
    Any white cast - ?
    Does it irritate or sting the eyes? - a bit
    Water-resistance for those who want a multi-purpose product. - yes
    Does it interfere with make-up application? - dont know
    Value for money, of course! - 18-30

    Taste - usual grossness

  • bargain huntress on 08/11/2023 - 15:40
    +3

    Great idea moocher! thanks so much for making this!

  • bargain huntress on 08/11/2023 - 15:42
    +1

    I would walk through fire for a sunscreen i can not feel
    Let alone smell or taste

    Wherefor art thou dream sunscreen?

    • moocher on 08/11/2023 - 15:47
      +2

      All the suggested products in the initial list pretty much feel like a normal light moisturiser. The nivea one has a bit of a strong smell. They use chemical filters though, unlike your suggested product (which uses zinc oxide, a physical filter).

      • bargain huntress on 09/11/2023 - 11:04

        I find the zinc ones feel quite a bit more tolerable to me so i only use those now

        I can still feel them a bit though

        • moocher on 09/11/2023 - 11:08
          +1

          Tolerable - in what sense, if you don't mind me asking?

          Does your face get irritated by non-zinc oxide sunscreens, for example?

          • bargain huntress on 09/11/2023 - 11:17

            @moocher: I dont think so

            My senses are hypersensitive so i just really struggle with the sensation of sunscreen or makeup touching my skin, and the smell and taste of it

            It invades my thoughts a lot too - theres something on my face, theres something clogging my face

            Oh and another problem is i have dryness issues - skin, eyes, nose, mouth - and i just really like washing or splashing my face with water as a form of refreshment throughtout the day like after i go to the toilet and wash my hands or have a drink. And then i wash the sunscreen or makeup off and into my eyes and lips.

            • moocher on 09/11/2023 - 11:35
              +3

              @bargain huntress: I see. In that case I think you may be better off with trying one of the five options in the poll that are fragrance-free. Once applied, they absorb nicely and it doesn't feel like you're wearing anything on your face. Especially the Aldi one at $4/60ml, it's not a lot of money even if it doesn't work out. Zinc oxide formulas generally tend to be less comfortable and sometimes can be drying too.

              Splashing your face with water may actually end up doing the opposite of what you want - it dehydrates your skin as the water evaporates. I would suggest using a good moisturiser under your sunscreen to prevent the dryness, and if you must add something to your skin during the course of the day, you can use a spray on hydrating toner (instead of splashing water) - Swisse, Essano, Trilogy, Sukin and other brands have mist toners.

    • truebunny on 02/12/2023 - 10:40

      moogoo baby sunscreen

  • try2bhelpful on 08/11/2023 - 16:47
    +1

    https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/92928/cancer-council…

    Bought this one today. It is the water resistant version of the pink cancer council one. I wanted one I can put in my bag.

  • Sweet3st on 08/11/2023 - 21:32
    +1

    I've always liked Natio, cheap (~ $17 for 200ml), no offensive fragrance, nice texture absorbs well and doesn't leave your skin feeling coated, works well for a long time and doesn't seem to sweat off. Completely invisible.

    • moocher on 09/11/2023 - 09:05

      Added, thanks. Please remember to add your vote

    • moocher on 09/11/2023 - 09:05
      +1

      thank you!

  • shaybisc on 09/11/2023 - 08:34
    +1

    I've been looking for years but I've never found a sunscreen that isn't greasy and won't come off completely even after you've showered and scrubbed your face with soap.

    Actually I do have a foggy childhood memory of ancient times and a sunscreen that was a blue liquid. Not greasy at all. Probably came off as soon as you perspired. I think it was Hamilton's.

    • moocher on 09/11/2023 - 09:09
      +3

      I can vouch for the first six in the poll - they are for everyday face use, not water resistant and easy to wash off.

      There's always a tradeoff - in order to achieve water-resistance, there needs to be a film formed that doesn't easily shift with sweat and water and therefore more difficult to wash off.

      If you choose a face sunscreen designed for everyday use, it will be more weightless and comfortable, but they are generally not water resistant.

      • try2bhelpful on 09/11/2023 - 09:33
        +1

        https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/92928/cancer-council…

        I just got this one but I’ve not tried it in water. I didn’t immediately break out in pimples and I wash my face using a flannel rather than soap. Will report back if I get adverse effects.

        • moocher on 09/11/2023 - 09:35
          +2

          I've tried that one before, it's not bad in terms of texture, but not as nice as the one pink label which just dries matte. I never tried it while swimming though.

  • azero on 09/11/2023 - 11:16
    +1

    Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Face Fluid Facial Sunscreen

    It is not cheap, but the only one I found to be really invisible and non greasy.

    • moocher on 09/11/2023 - 11:40
      +1

      This one, yeah? (2022 formula). Option added

  • bargain huntress on 09/11/2023 - 11:24

    Has anyone tried powdered sunscreen? They seem to be hard to find

    I tried powdering my face with zinc oxide powder a couple of times and it really wasnt too bad in terms of feel, smell, taste, durability

    Or look - at least in person - it did possibly make me look goth in photos though for some reason

    But i dont know what the spf was

  • bargain huntress on 09/11/2023 - 11:25
    -1

    Alternatives https://www.ozbargain.com.au/node/810576

  • Toph Beifong on 10/11/2023 - 00:26
    +1

    Many years ago, I remember the Coles formulation having zinc. I don't think any of the major supermarket brands have zinc anymore

  • lachlantula on 10/11/2023 - 15:41

    love this one so much. leaves an absolutely beautiful glow, waterproof, no white cast, very well priced. fragrance free but does have a bit of a sunscreeny smell to it, certainly not unpleasant. mind you i don't wear makeup so im not sure how well it plays with it but i love it myself :) well priced, too.

    edit: arghhh i cant figure out how to do the suggestion thing but im talking about Bondi Sands Daily Moisturising Face SPF 50+ Sunscreen Lotion

    edit2: wait i think i was doing it right, just didn't see it say 'suggestion etc' in my comment. sorry for spamming the poll now, lol.

    • moocher on 10/11/2023 - 16:00
      +1

      I approved your first one, thanks for the suggestion!

  • sydneybargainer on 10/11/2023 - 22:21
    +1

    Sun zapper zinc stick any good?

  • Oofy Doofy on 13/11/2023 - 10:55
    +1

    Zinc for face, eyes and lips (stick type or liquid). Cheap bulk 1L sunscreen for everything else.

  • moocher on 02/01/2024 - 11:17
    +1

    And we have the winners, thank you for the suggestions and votes!

    First place: Cancer Council SPF 50+ Day Wear Face Matte Invisible (pink label)
    Second place: Aldi Ombra Daily Defence SPF50+ Face Moisturiser
    Third place: Nivea Sun SPF 50 UV Face Shine Control

  • kongkee on 19/01/2024 - 14:10

    What's the difference between these two:

    Cancer Council SPF 50+ Face & Body Moisturiser 150ml (https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/92927/cancer-council…)

    and

    Cancer Council SPF 50+ Day Wear Face Matte Invisible 75ml Tube (https://www.chemistwarehouse.com.au/buy/89014/cancer-council…)

    Of course besides the other one is for face only and size, but in terms of ingridients. I've always bought the pink label, but didn't know there were 2 variations.

    • moocher on 19/01/2024 - 14:16

      See comment here, they should be the same (check AUST L number on label to be 100% sure)

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