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Sunscreen Review, Best Sunblock

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In this review:
  1. Cheap Sunscreen, Best Cheap Sunblock Lotion
  2. Sunscreen Review, Best Sunblock
  3. Discount Sunscreen Features Comparison Table
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Sunscreen Performance

Sunscreen Effectiveness.

How well a given sunscreen protects against the sun's nasty rays depends on the formula, SPF level, and application (apply carefully and often; don't be stingy). But as with many personal care products, complete agreement about the effectiveness of any given budget sunscreen is nonexistent among consumers posting sunscreen reviews.
You may have to experiment with several products to find the one that works best for you.

That said, there is a general consensus among reviewers about the value of the cheap sunscreens on our list. Banana Boat Ultra Defense SPF 50, for example, protects pale skin even when the sun is shining brightly, writes one user in a sunscreen review on Makeupalley.com, while another says the only sign of having sat at the beach all day were the two spots she missed when applying this cheap sunscreen. Fans of No-Ad Sunblock SPF 30 applaud its effectiveness in sunscreen reviews on Viewpoints, writing that it adequately protects kids and fair skin (even in the Bahamas, reports one parent) and works as well as the pricey name brands. According to Consumer Reports, No-Ad SPF 45 emerged as a best buy in an evaluation that included testing by an outside lab to see how effectively sunscreens block UV radiation. No-Ad bested a beauty brand nearly 30 times the price (per ounce). Another Consumer Reports best buy, Target's Up & Up Sport SPF 30, falls well within our price range, but users posting reviews at Target report that it's smelly and sticky and has stained their clothing.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch scores with the experts at Cosmeticscop.com for its protective abilities as well as its gentle touch on the skin. Some consumers posting sunscreen reviews on Amazon and Drugstore.com, however, complain about minor irritation and rashes after applying Neutrogena Ultra Sheer, but most are well satisfied with the no-sunburn results and like its effect on their skin. Users' experience with Burt's Bees is curiously divided. Sunscreen reviews on Amazon roundly pan the product for little to no protection against sunburn, but a number of sunscreen reviews on Viewpoints report the opposite.

Review continues below

Sunscreen Ease of Application.

SPF aside, the only way you get any protection from low-cost sunscreen is by applying it -- again, and again, and again. Most cheap sunscreens come in lotion or cream form, so ease of application largely depends on the thickness of the lotion and its feel; SPF level is irrelevant. Most users posting sunscreens reviews on Viewpoints about No-Ad Sunblock SPF 30 like its lightweight, non-oily feel. They say it rubs in easily but may leave a bit of chalky residue until it dries. Although several consumers note it seems a bit watery compared with other products, they cheer at the very low price. Banana Boat Ultra Defense glides on without being greasy or oily, writes a mom in a sunscreen review on Viewpoints. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer is also easy to apply and sits well under makeup, according to sunscreen reviews on Makeupalley.com, although some users report on Amazon that it feels a little greasy and leaves a thin white residue that may ball up into little drops when you sweat.

One common complaint about water-resistant sunscreens is that they feel sticky or greasy. To some extent, that's to be expected given the stuff sunscreen is made of. But some water-resistant sunscreens are far less sticky than others, according to sunscreens reviews. One good example is Coppertone Sunblock Lotion Ultra Sweatproof/Waterproof SPF 30 (starting at $9 for 8 ounces, Amazon). Sunscreen reviews on Buzzillions praise this Coppertone sunblock for absorbing quickly and leaving behind no sticky film or greasy feeling.

The lightweight, oil-free coverage provided by Jergens Natural Glow likewise appeals to users, according to sunscreen reviews on Viewpoints, where consumers note that this cheap sunscreen is absorbed quickly, applies smoothly, and leaves them with an enhanced but natural-looking color.

Sunscreen Smell.

For some users, the smell of a cheap sunscreen is a decisive factor in the buying decision. Banana Boat Ultra Defense and Neutrogena Ultra Sheer win over some users with their light, mild scent. Consumers posting sunscreen review on Drugstore.com about a variety Banana Boat sunblock products appreciate the absence of annoying fragrances often associated with sunscreen. The scent of Neutrogena Ultra Sheer dissipates quickly, according to sunscreen reviews on the blog Addicted to Blush, although one consumer posting on Amazon asserts that there's no detectable smell in the first place. Note, however, that some users of both brands gripe in sunscreen reviews that the smell of each is off-putting. Consumers aren't wild about the scent in No-Ad Sunblock, either; several users note in sunscreen reviews on Drugstore.com that a reformulation of the SPF 15 version incorporated a scent that is particularly disagreeable. Burt's Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen seems to have a big smell problem, according to consumers. Sunscreen reviews on Makeupalley.com variously describe this inexpensive sunscreen as smelling medicinal or like a cleaning product.

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Best Inexpensive Sunscreens

Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 (8 oz)
Gold Medal

Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 (8 oz)

Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sunblock comes in a range of SPF levels (from 15 to 100) that provide broad-spectrum protection from UVA and UVB rays and include moisturizers. Users report this cheap sunscreen goes on easily and doesn't feel greasy. Banana Boat is widely available and suitable for a variety of skin types under a variety of conditions.

Read more »
Sunscreen Deals
No-Ad Sunblock SPF 45 (16 oz)
Gold Medal

No-Ad Sunblock SPF 45 (16 oz)

 No-Ad Sunblock may be a bit hard to find -- the company doesn't advertise -- but positive word-of-mouth and consumer reviews help to raise awareness. Users like the ease of application, non-sticky and non-greasy feel, effective protection, and cheap price. No-Ad offers broad-spectrum protection and comes in of SPF levels from 8 to 85. Read more »
Sunscreen Deals

Good Budget Sunscreen

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 (3 oz)
Gold Medal

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 (3 oz)

 Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock comes in a relatively high SPF levels (30 to 110) and is sometimes recommended by dermatologists. It's a lightweight, non-greasy, non-shiny product that users say doesn't clog pores or aggravate pre-existing skin conditions, but it costs more per ounce than others on our list. Read more »
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Don't Bother Cheap Sunscreen

Burt's Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen SPF 30 (3.5 oz)

Burt's Bees Chemical Free Sunscreen SPF 30 might be an eco-friendly product, but it's not one that wins over many consumers. The broad-spectrum protection fails to prevent sunburns, according to users, and may cause skin to peel. They also say it's difficult to get out of the tube and rub in, leaves behind a flaky white film that's hard to wash off, and stains clothing. Read more »

Thrifty Resources

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