Beauty, Product Review, Skin Care

Top 3 affordable and effective Sunscreens available in India

Needless to say Sunscreens are very important for skin care. It helps protect the skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun, which causes pigmentation and sunburn. Sunburn is an immediate reaction but long-term exposure to sun ages the skin and is known to cause skin cancer.

Top Three Sunscreens availaible in India Market

Top Three Sunscreens available in India Market

Top Three Sunscreens available in India Market

Top Three Sunscreens available in India Market

I wasn’t very regular with my sunscreen for a large portion of my life. Part of the reason was that most sunscreens that I tried were greasy and would leave a terrible white cast which would remain and make my face sweat. I have some pigmentation on the side of my face which is caused due to sun exposure and to prevent the situation from worsening I had no choice but to take sunscreen seriously, so I actively started looking for options that were free of the white cast annoyance and could be easily incorporate in my routine.

After a lot of trial and error, these are my top picks from what is currently available in the Indian Market.

1: Lotus Herbal | Safe-Sun: 3 in 1 Matte Look Daily Sun Block | SPF 40

Buy Online: http://amzn.to/2csdIYG

Cost: 196 INR for 50 gm, 290 INR 100 gm

Top Three Sunscreens availaible in India Market Lotus Herbal: Safe Sun | UV Screen Matte Gel

Lotus Herbal: Safe Sun | UV Screen Matte Gel

Top three sunscreens available in India: Lotus Herbal: Safe Sun | UV Screen Matte Gel

Lotus Herbal: Safe Sun | UV Screen Matte Gel

The best part about this sunscreen is its gel formula at the price point it is offered. The gel is very light on the skin and is not greasy at all. Post application it gives a matte finish and is good for folks with oily skin. It’s very pleasant to use on a hot summer day as the gel gives a cooling sensation on the skin. It has no tint, making it perfect to use under makeup as it does not leave a white cast or any residue on the skin

Pros: 

  • Cost effective
  • Light and Cooling
  • No White Cast
  • Non-Greasy

Cons: 

  • The strong scent

2: Neutrogena |  UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock  | SPF 50

Buy Online: http://amzn.to/2cqyRn5

Cost: 549 INR for 88 ml, 199 INR 30 ml

Top three sunscreens available in India: Neutrogena | Ultra Sheer Dry- Touch Sunblock

Neutrogena | Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock

Top three sunscreens available in India: Neutrogena | Ultra Sheer Dry- Touch Sunblock

Neutrogena | Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock

This has an oil free formula, yet it doesn’t feel very dry on the skin. It is water-resistant to some extent so it doesn’t come off with sweat. I am not so sure how it will fare if one goes swimming!  Its creamy in consistency and is initially white in color but once blended the white color disappears into the skin completely. It gives a clean matte finish.

Pros: 

  • No White Cast
  • Non- Greasy
  • Pleasant scent
  • Does not clog pores

Cons: 

  • Might not work for very dry skin without prior moisturizing.
  • Need quite a bit of the product to cover the face & neck completely.

3: L’Oreal Paris | UV Perfect Aqua Essence | SPF 50

Buy Online: http://amzn.to/2csffhw

Cost: 525 INR for 30 ml

Top three sunscreens available in India: L'Oreal Paris | UV Perfect Aqua Essence

L’Oreal Paris | UV Perfect Aqua Essence

Top three sunscreens available in India: L'Oreal Paris | UV Perfect Aqua Essence

L’Oreal Paris | UV Perfect Aqua Essence

They market it as a gel but it actually has a off-white runny – watery kind of consistency. It feels quite light weight on the skin. It doesn’t feel dry and gives a silky finish. Make up glides on easily. Its available only in one size and is quite pricey for just 30 ml of product.

Pros: 

  • Easy to Blend
  • No White Cast
  • Non- Greasy
  • Sleek, Travel friendly packaging

Cons: 

  • Expensive
  • Available only in 30 ml bottle.

I hope this post is helpful. I would love to know your experiences with sunscreens. What are your favorites that I should try out? Let me know in the comments section.


Update 6/6/2017

4: Glenmark | La Shield Sun Screen Gel | SPF 40

I visited my dermatologist regarding the roughness on my cheeks and turns out it is due to sun damage. So she recommended I use La Shield by Glenmark. 

Cost: 600 INR for 60 grams.

La Shield Sunscreen Gel by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals | Texture & Consistancy

La Shield Sunscreen Gel by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals | Texture & Consistancy

La Shield Sunscreen Gel by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals | Packaging

La Shield Sunscreen Gel by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals | Packaging

La Shield Sunscreen Gel by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals | Ingredients

La Shield Sunscreen Gel by Glenmark Pharmaceuticals | Ingredients

The packaging says sunscreen gel but it has a thick silicon-y texture almost like a primer. Initially I thought it was  going to be very difficult to apply but turned out despite the thick texture it goes on smooth and doesn’t make you feel greasy or sweaty.

Pros: 

  • Easy to Blend
  • No White Cast
  • Non- Greasy
  • Effective
  • Fragrance Free

Cons: 

  • Expensive
  • Available only in Medical Stores.

You might also like to read: Sunscreen Facts and FictionA post busting popular myths surrounding use of sunscreens.

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12 thoughts on “Top 3 affordable and effective Sunscreens available in India

  1. I have tried Lotus , and that is the best one for me .
    The issue with sunscreens is that in India we require a minimum of SPF 40+ to have any effect , plus it needs to be PUVA ( UV A) protective to prevent cancer .
    Another issue that is consistent , and which most of the users forget is :
    The effect of the cream lasts for just 3-4 hrs at max .
    So if you are planning to stat outside for longer duration, make sure you reapply it 🙂

    Its a good post 🙂
    Cheers

  2. I never used to use sunscreens before until I had a breakout with really bad acne all of a sudden and my dermatologist recommended me a medicated one by the name of “Suntex”. I’m thinking of buying the neutrogena or L’Oréal one now

  3. Adrina Colaço P Sinha says:

    I’m allergic to the sun and I’ve been prescribed sunban forte 50 spf , with broad spectrum coverage . I think 60 gms cost about 400 / or so …can’t remember exactly. Works fairly well. ..

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  6. This post was helpful! I’m looking for a sunscreen for my face… I ran out of my Proactiv+ sunscreen that I received as a free gift when I was using the Proactiv+ system. I love Neutrogena’s products.. I’m currently using their deep cream cleanser and their face lotion for sensitive skin. I think I will check out their sunscreen. Thank you! 🙂

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