Goodbye, Sun Damage! 20 Best Sunscreens In India For You!

Ladies, we will never stop nagging you about applying sunscreen like your life depends on it - for we are your self-proclaimed beauty godmothers, after all! We shouldn’t have to tell you twice about the importance of protecting your skin from the sun, but let’s just say when you’re 50 and your skin looks 10 years younger, you’ll have us to thank! But don’t just go ahead getting sun. Sunscreen Lotions For Normal Skin For Dry Skin For Oily Skin For Combination Skin For Sensitive Skin Importance Of Sunscreen

Best Sunscreen Lotions To Protect Your Gorgeous Skin From Sun

Here are some of our fave sunscreen in India to ensure your skin stays protected all summer long.

Sunscreen Lotions For Normal Skin

Normal skin types are usually characterised by being clean and smooth. In addition to this, they are naturally radiant because they are neither too dry nor too oily in texture. Because of this, normal skin type is usually free of breakouts and maintains an even texture throughout the day. 1. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun 3 In 1 Matte Daily Sunblock This Lotus sunscreen is especially great if you have oily skin and are looking for one with a matte effect. It not only provides sun protection but also prevents tanning, perfect for those of you who spend a lot of time out in the sun. A strong contender of best sunscreen lotion on our list, this is super effective. Pros: -UVB and UVA protection -Gives a matte, radiant finish Cons: -Slightly tinted so might not be preferable for those looking for tint-free products Price: Rs. 275. Buy it here 2. Lacto Calamine Sun Shield Infused with aloe vera extract, you can be sure that this sunscreen will soothe your skin in the extreme heat and prevent breakouts. Meant for normal to dry skin, it moisturizes and leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth while providing sun protection. Pros: -SPF 30 PA++ -UVA and UVB protection Cons: -Strong fragrance may not be suitable for everyone Price: Rs. 127. Buy it here 3. Lakme Sun Expert SPF 50 PA +++ Ultra-Matte Lotion This non-sticky, light sunscreen comes with a super-high SPF as well as plenty of skincare bonuses. It doesn’t clog pores and protects against dark spots, skin darkening and premature ageing, along with long-lasting protection. We love it as it brings a glow to the skin without the white cast that many sunscreens have. Pros: -Paraben-free -Smells good Cons: -Leaves a whitish cast Price: Rs. 270. Buy it here 4. Nivea Moisturizing Immediate Sun Protection Sunscreen SPF 30 What’s great about this sunscreen is that it gets easily absorbed by the skin for immediate protection. It’s non-greasy, water-resistant and moisturizes your skin at the same time. Also, it claims to protect skin collagen, which prevents wrinkles. Pros: -Water-resistant -Non-sticky formula Cons: -Packaging makes it unsuitable for travel Price: Rs. 210. Buy it here

Sunscreen Lotions For Dry Skin

Dry skin types are characterised by feeling rough, dry, and flaky. Because of this, dry skin type is more prone to signs of ageing such as fine and wrinkles. Dry skin is extremely similar to sensitive skin type, except for the fact that it’s free of redness. However, owing to its nature, dry skin may feel parched after a couple of hours, which requires re-application of products. 1. Nykaa SKINgenius BB Cream SPF30 Give your skin a healthy beauty breakfast with Nykaa SKINgenius BB cream. It’s a multi-tasker cream which corrects, hydrates, repairs and protects your skin from UV damage, leaving it healthy and radiant. One of the best sunscreen in India for dry skin, this one is a must-have! Pros: -Fights ageing -Corrects skin tone Cons: -Takes time to blend Price: Rs. 349. Buy it here 2. Garnier Sun Control Daily Moisturizer UVA SPF 15 Although it doesn’t have an extremely high SPF, it’s great for those of you who spend limited periods of time in the sun. It provides loads of moisture, making it a great pick for girls with dry skin. A pea sized quantity is enough for each use, so it’ll last you for a long time. Pros: -Vitamin E enhances skin -Rich in moisture Cons: -Requires re-application after every few hours Price: Rs. 175. Buy it here 3. Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ This one by Neutrogena is perfect for dry skin as it protects against the skin against UVA and UVB while also giving it the moisturizer it needs. The best part about this baby is that it instantly gets absorbed into your skin, thus leaving it smooth and soft. It also helps a great away in preventing the skin from breaking out by not blocking pores. Pros: -Doesn’t block pores -Light consistency -Sweat-proof Cons: -Can react to extremely sensitive skin Price: Rs. 199. Buy it here 4. Lotus Professional Phyto-Rx Rejuvina Herbcomplex Protective Lotion This everyday moisturizing lotion comes with SPF 15 that provides an efficient defense system to the skin by protecting it from the harmful effects of the sun, UV radiation, and pollutants. One of the best sunscreens in India, we love this because not only does it keeps the skin hydrated, but it also treats minor burns and rashes. Pros: -Gives dewy complexion -Treats acne -Removes dark spots Cons: -May give some white cast in the beginning Price: Rs. 445. Buy it here

Sunscreen Lotions For Oily Skin

Oily skin types tend to shine, particularly when it nears midday. In addition to this, they are also prone to blackheads, whiteheads, clogged pores, and acne which tend to appear all over the face. Not only is it greasy, moist, and course, all the time, but it means it is also prone to more than usual cases of acne and breakouts. So it is best to invest in a sunscreen lotion for oily skin that is super light on the skin. 1. L'Oreal Paris UV Perfect Aqua Essence - Mexoryl Filters SPF 50+++++ Of course you can’t go wrong with one of the world’s most favourite brands. You can be sure your skin will be protected from the sun’s harmful rays with this broad-spectrum sunblock that is gentle and hydrating enough for sensitive skin too. One of the best sunscreens in India, it will leave you with a light, non-shiny finish. Pros: -Non-greasy -Does not irritate skin -SPF 50 PA+++ Cons: -Needs re-application every few hours Price: Rs. 495. Buy it here 2. Sunmate Gel Cream SPF 30 This dermatologically recommended sunscreen is a perfect match for girls with oily skin. Its powdery, matte finish will leave your skin feeling fresh and light without being greasy. One of the best sunscreens in India, this one is an absolute must-have! Pros: -Sweat-proof formula -Offers UVA and UVB protection -Water-resistant Cons: -Provides limited quantity of product Price: Rs. 435. Buy it here 3. VLCC Matte Look Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 Made with carrot and saxifraga extracts, this non-sticky cream is a strong contender for the best sunscreen in India for oily skin. It is easy to blend and gets absorbed into the skin immediately, leaving your skin non-greasy, smooth, and moisturized. Pros: -Travel-friendly -Lightweight Cons: -Does not provide matte finish Price: Rs. 195. Buy it here 4. Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturiser SPF 15 This oil-free moisturizer with SPF by Neutrogena is perfect for those who want to protect their skin from the UV rays without weighing their skin down. Its oil free formula ensures that you go about your day without the extra shine while also protecting the skin against dryness. Pros: -Does not clog pores -Prevents skin from breaking out Cons: -May cause pigmentation in sensitive skin Price: Rs. 432. Buy it here

Sunscreen Lotions For Combination Skin

Combination skin tends to be a mixture between dry and oily skin, which can be a little confusing for those who have to pick out a skin care product. While some areas on the face (like forehead and nose) tend towards being oily, the other areas are clean. It is also characterised by localised dry patches in certain areas. 1. Oriflame Sweden Sun Zone Lotion Sun Zone Lotion for face and body protects the skin against sun damage and is a non-sticky, water resistant sun lotion. One of the best sunscreens in India, it fights premature aging and appearance of sun induced pigment spots to keep you protected all summer! Pros: -Water-resistant -Non-sticky formula Cons: -Provides only medium protection Price: Rs. 349. Buy it here 2. Biotique Bio Carrot Ultra Soothing Face Lotion SPF 40+ This Biotique sunscreen with SPF 40 is made with carrot and herbal extracts, thus keeping the skin moisturized and super soft. Since carrot is rich in carotene, this SPF lotion has been proved to treat skin of dark spots and blemishes. Pros: -Clears skin of blemishes and scars -Gives mattifying effect Cons: -May feel heavy but settles down after some time Price: Rs. 115. Buy it here 3. Himalaya Herbals Youth Eternity Day Cream SPF 15 This sunscreen solution from Himalaya is non-greasy, light, and quick absorbing, which makes it ideal for use in the day. The Edelweiss plant extracts make it rich in antioxidants, thus making it good for those with combination skin! Pros: -Maintains even tone -Smells good -Doesn’t grease Cons: -May cause sensitive skin to breakout Price: Rs. 99. Buy it here 4. Kaya Daily Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30 - Sun Defense The moisturizing formula of this sunscreen lotion by Kaya provides your skin with a broad spectrum protection from UVB and UVA rays, thus making it the best sunscreen for winter in India. In addition to this, it also helps you to maintain essential nourishment and hydration throughout the day. Pros: -Non-greasy -Easy absorption -Prevents skin from breaking out Cons: -Heavy texture may make it unsuitable for some Price: Rs. 870. Buy it here

Sunscreen Lotions For Sensitive Skin

1. Aroma Magic Aloe Vera Sunscreen Gel SPF 20 If you’re tired of dealing with problematic skin, then this is the sunscreen for you. Its aloe vera extracts help prevent breakouts and make it perfectly suitable for sensitive skin. One of the best sunscreens in India, we love its super-light texture that blends so easily! Pros: -Free of parabens and harsh chemicals -Essential oils help reduce acne Cons: -May need re-application after couple of hours Price: Rs. 160. Buy it here 2. Patanjali Sunscreen Cream SPF 30 Patanjali is known for its herbal products, and this sunscreen is no exception. In addition to preventing your skin from tanning, it also keeps it super smooth and soft. Its composition of entirely natural ingredients prevents skin from breaking out, thus making it the best sunscreen lotion for sensitive skin. Pros: -Composed of natural ingredients -Provides protection against long duration of exposure -Smells good Cons: -Has very basic packaging Price: Rs. 100. Buy it here 3. The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture-Protect Emulsion SPF 30 The best sunscreen recommended by dermatologist in India, this SPF lotion by Body Shop comes in a milky, lightweight formula that locks in moisture to give the skin a smooth and soft texture. In addition to this, its antioxidant-rich properties helps protect the skin against signs of ageing. Regular use will result in a genuinely good shine. Pros: -Extremely lightweight formula makes it suitable for sensitive skin -Negates the need of a whitening lotion Cons: -Not as effective on sensitive skin types that are dry in nature. Price: Rs. 1,345. Buy it here 4. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun Block Cream SPF 30 PA++ This Lotus sunscreen proves effective on sensitive skin since it reduces the chances of ageing and tanning. The titanium oxide present in this sunscreen lotion helps protect the skin from the effects of atmospheric pollution and is a blessing to those suffering with sensitive skin. Its non-sticky texture makes sure that the skin feels fresh and hydrated all day long! Pros: -Sweat-proof and water-proof properties -Non-greasy -Provides protection against wrinkles Cons: -Skin may look shimmery for some time after application Price: Rs. 345. Buy it here

Why Do You Need Sunscreen

Now that we’ve suggested to you some of our best picks for every skin type, we come back to the question of essentially why do we need sunscreen lotions? Aside from the simple fact they they help protect the skin from harmful effects of UV radiation, there are more reasons as to why you should include a sunscreen lotion in your skin care kit if you haven’t already:

1. Prevents You From Premature Ageing

Yes, you read it right! Contrary to popular opinion, the signs of ageing can start appearing as early as 25. So it only makes sense that you start taking care of skin well before the signs of ageing start to hit you. On top of that, the harmful UV rays also tend to accelerate the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. SO the earlier you incorporate sunscreen in your daily skincare routine, the better!

2. Lowers Risk Of Skin Cancer

Sunscreen is used for more than just fighting off tan, it has health benefits too! The UVA and UVB rays from the sun also carry the risk of skin cancer, particularly melanoma, which can be especially life threatening for women in their 20s. So make sure you slather your skin with sunscreen before stepping out of the house!

3. Prevents Skin From Developing Rashes

Ever found yourself in a situation in which your skin developed angry red blotches as a result of staying out for too long in the sun? Yes, we’ve all been there! Applying sunscreen extensively on the face prevents your skin from erupting red veins, which are known to be triggered by long exposure in the sun.

4. A Good Replacement For Day Cream

Health benefits aside, a sunscreen is an excellent replacement for your daily day cream. Not only do they save you from the extra cost of yet another day cream, they give you sun protection as well. At the end of the day, you get the benefit of two by investing in one! MUST-READ: 12 Cult Beauty Products That MUST Be In Your Stash MUST-READ: Sunburn, Boils and Rashes? Your Cheat Sheet For Surviving Summer This story was updated in March 2019.