Sunscreen should be worn year-round as part of an everyday routine, not just on hot, sunny days or at the beach — and most people don’t use enough. Dermatologists recommend a full ounce for an average adult in a bathing suit, applied every two hours, as well as after swimming or vigorous exercise. Given how much sunscreen is required, stocking up on low-cost lotion can be a big money saver. We scoured user reviews and expert recommendations online to find inexpensive and midrange sunscreens that meet minimum SPF standards (at least 30), are rated water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, and offer “broad spectrum” protection from two types of ultraviolet radiation: UVA, linked to skin aging and cancer, and UVB, which causes sunburn.
Gina Briles contributed to this report.
Prices and availability are subject to change.
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Equate Baby Sunscreen SPF 50
$4 for 8 ounces from Walmart
Sunscreen should be avoided for children under the age of six months (instead, keep them in the shade), but older babies and children can benefit from a moisturizing sunscreen such as this store brand.
Related: Don’t Get Burned: 20 Things You Need to Know About Sunscreen
Banana Boat Sport SPF 50
$8 for 8 ounces from Walmart
This offering provides SPF 50 coverage and promises a non-greasy lotion that won’t run into eyes.
Australian Gold Sunscreen SPF 30
$10 for 6 ounces from Walmart
This SPF 30 sunscreen is relatively inexpensive and includes natural sunflower oils that help condition the skin while protecting from the sun.
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Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30
$9 for 8 ounces from Walmart
Oil-free and with additions such as vitamins C and E, mango fruit, and shea butter, this SPF 30 lotion leaves the skin soft.
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Banana Boat Baby 100% Mineral SPF 50
$8 for 6 ounces from Walmart
This hypoallergenic formula is tear-free, fragrance-free, and PABA-free, with SPF 50 sun protection for little ones. It’s also reef-friendly and water resistant for up to 80 minutes. Adult reviewers say they love to use it alongside their children.
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Neutrogena Beach Defense Sunscreen Body Lotion SPF 50
$11 for 6.7 ounces from Target
This lotion protects from excessive water exposure as well as from the sun.
Related: We Tried 7 Lotions for Dry Skin and This Is the Best
Alba Botanica Very Emollient Sport Sunscreen SPF 45
$9 for 4 ounces from Lucky Vitamin
This mineral sunscreen is reef-safe and contains 100 percent vegetarian ingredients. What it doesn’t include are parabens, phthalates, or synthetic fragrances.
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Babyganics Mineral-Based Sunscreen SPF 50+
$11 for 6 ounces from Target
Designed primarily to protect the sensitive skin of babies and children, this thick lotion eschews chemicals, parabens, PABA, and fragrances, relying on the active ingredients zinc oxide and titanium oxide to ward off damaging rays.
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Coppertone Kids Tear Free SPF 50
$7 for 6 ounces from Walmart
This broad-spectrum sunscreen is dermatologist tested and water resistant up to 80 minutes.
Related: We Asked Dermatologist: What Eye Creams Do You Recommend to Clients
Aveeno Protect & Hydrate SPF 60
$10 for 3 ounces from Target
This sunscreen protects skin from UVA and UVB rays, but it’s also hydrating, featuring prebiotic oat leaves to keep skin soft all day.
Babo Botanicals Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 50
$12 for .6 ounces from Target
The small amount will go further than you think in this convenient stick form. Fragrance free and gentle enough for sensitive skin, this sunscreen is made in the U.S.A. and is reef safe.
Thinkbaby Mineral Baby Sunscreen SPF 50
$13 for 3 ounces from Target
This pediatric dermatologist recommended sunscreen is free of biologically harmful chemicals and feels non-oily, too.
Bare Republic Coco Mango Mineral Spray SPF 30
$13 for 6 ounces from Target
This antioxidant-rich sunscreen has a bounty of natural ingredients including raspberry, grape, and carrot seed oils to help you fight free radicals. The non-aerosol spray also has a coco-mango scent.
