We may earn commission from links on this page, but we only recommend products we believe in. Pricing and availability are subject to change.
Our favorite dermatologist recommended sunscreen is just $9 right now
Did you know that you should be applying about 1.5 ounces of sunscreen every time you wear it? That's about the size of a shot glass, or roughly two tablespoons. When we spoke to dermatologists about the best sunscreens they recommend and use themselves, we learned that most adults aren't wearing sunscreen as often as they should — or enough of it to begin with.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen
$9$13Save $4EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
$43La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen SPF 50
$30$37Save $7Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
$70
Sunscreen is the most important product in your skin care routine to protect against skin cancers, wrinkles, brown spots, textured skin and other types of skin damage that are caused by UV light. It should be applied each and every day throughout the year, even if you don't think you'll be in direct sunlight.
But with thousands of sunscreens on the market, which one you decide to reach for depends on a few different factors. Dermatologists agree that there are five factors to consider when shopping for a sunscreen, including SPF, broad spectrum, type of application, water resistance and chemical or mineral blockers.
Jump to: Factors To Consider When Buying Sunscreen
That's where Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Water Resistant Sunscreen comes in. This sunscreen ranks as our best overall sunscreen in our guide to dermatologist recommended sunscreens because of its ability to provide broad spectrum protection with 70 SPF. It's a lotion applicator that's water resistant, and is formulated with well-known chemical sun blockers to prevent sunburn.
Basically, it ticks all of the boxes outlined by dermatologists — and now it's on sale at Walmart for just $9.
Experts agree that most people don't apply enough sunblock — 1.5 ounces for most adults — so a high SPF option can act "like an insurance policy to give you the best level of protection possible," said to Dr. Joshua Zeichner of Zeichner Dermatology when interviewed about the best sunscreens.
“This sunscreen has been clinically tested and shown to give better sunburn protection compared to sunscreens with lower SPFs,” Zeichner continued. Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is lightweight, fast-absorbing and has a non-greasy, matte finish that can be used all over the body.
While there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to sunscreen, Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen is a great middle-of-the-road lotion sunscreen that provides ample sun protection but doesn't leave that greasy, sticky residue you find with many other sunscreens. What makes it unique is that it leaves skin feeling silky smooth with a dry-touch finish.
Exactly what type of sunscreen you reach for depends on loads of factors like your age and skin type, the activities you'll be doing, active ingredients and even what type of applicator is easiest for you to remember to use daily. But the most important thing when it comes to sunscreen? Actually wearing it!
While this sunscreen has less than 1,000 reviews on Walmart, it has more than 24,000 reviews on Amazon. We've spotted it at Walmart for just $9, making it a full quarter of the price cheaper than it is at Amazon.
"I love this sunscreen," said a five-star Amazon reviewer. "It goes on smooth and dries to a matte, non-greasy finish. It doesn't leave any white cast either. Provides awesome sun protection without being thick or pasty."
"The SPF 70 provides excellent protection against the sun's harmful rays," said another reviewer at Walmart. "The 'Dry-Touch' feature lives up to its name, as it doesn't leave a greasy or sticky residue on the skin, making it ideal for everyday use."
Sunscreen is one product you'll always need more of, so stock up while this deal is around.
Other sunscreens dermatologists recommend:
EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
$43
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Ultra-Light Sunscreen SPF 50
$30$37Save $7
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
$70
Factors To Consider When Buying Sunscreen:
SPF: Dermatologists recommended using SPF 30 or higher for optimal protection, but it doesn't hurt to opt for a sunscreen with higher SPF since most people aren't applying enough to begin with.
Broad spectrum: Broad spectrum means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, giving you a full spectrum of protection in the sun.
Type of applicator: Sunscreens come with all types of applications, from lotions and sprays, but most dermatologists agree that the best type of sunscreen applicator is the one you'll actually use.
Water resistance: Dermatologists recommend looking for sunscreens that are water resistance, as this ensures it remains effective when you're sweating or swimming. Just remember to reapply after toweling off.
Mineral or chemical: Mineral sunscreens are what's called a "physical blocker" of the sun's rays, and work by physically blocking UV light with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays by using ingredients such as avobenzone, octinoxate and octisalate. Dermatologist agree that both forms — physical and chemical blockers — are effective at preventing sunburn.