In India, the sun can be harsh, so applying sunscreen is a must! The harmful UV rays cause sunburn, dark spots, wrinkles, and even increase the risk of skin cancer; hence, investing in a good sunscreen is indeed a smart decision.
Sunscreens function like a protective barrier against harmful UV rays. They either reflect the rays away from your skin or absorb them to prevent them from penetrating your skin. However, since many products are available in the market, picking the best sunscreen for the face might feel overwhelming.
The key is to know your skin type and how much time you spend outdoors, so you can select a sunscreen that provides the perfect protection. Once you know that, choosing the best sunscreen becomes much simpler.
Today, we will explore the 10 best sunscreens suited for India’s hot and humid climate and, of course, Indian skin types. Let’s explore!
Why Sunscreen is a Skincare Must-Have (and Not Just for Sunny Days!)
Applying sunscreen is essential to shield your skin from the damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. But it is not just the beauty or skincare factor that makes sunscreen essential – there is more to it. Let’s learn how a sunscreen can make a difference overall:
- No more sunburn: Nobody likes painful, red, peeling skin! Sunscreen is a shield against UVB rays to prevent sunburn.
- Reduces risk of skin cancer: Wearing sunscreen daily reduces your chances of getting skin cancer by blocking UV rays.
- Slows down ageing: UVA rays speed up wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots. Sunscreen keeps your skin young and smooth for longer.
- Works on cloudy days: Just because you can’t see the sun doesn’t mean UV rays aren’t there! Sunscreen is a must even on cloudy days.
- Reapply for better results: One coat won’t last all day! Make sure to reapply every two hours — especially after swimming or sweating—to stay protected.
10 Best Sunscreen Brands
By applying sunscreen daily, you can safeguard your skin against long-term damage and have healthy, youthful-looking skin. Keeping this in mind, we present the 10 best sunscreens that offer the best protection for your skin.
1. Aqualogica Glow+ Sunscreen
This sunscreen is packed with SPF 50 and PA++++ protection and acts as a shield against the harmful UVA, UVB and blue lights. It is blessed with the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and is a hydrating, non-sticky, fragrance-free formula that doesn’t clog pores and provides a dewy look to your skin.
2. Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Sunscreen
Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Sunscreen is a Paraben-free, Sulphate-free, oil and fragrance-free gel sunscreen. It provides sun protection and prevents sunburns, redness, dryness, ageing and skin darkening. It has Vitamin E, Sheer Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide with Prebiotics offering a smooth guard to your skin with zero white cast.
3. Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch
Experience powerful sun protection with Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch. Its lightweight, non-greasy formula gives you broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection while keeping your skin moisturised and smooth for up to 8 hours.
4. Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen
Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen is a skin-care plus sun protection. Infused with 1% Ceramide, 2% Vitamin C Complex, 1% Hyaluronic Acid and SPF 50, it lightens your skin and shields it from damaging UV rays.
5. Deconstruct Gel Sunscreen
Deconstruct Gel Sunscreen provides strong hydration with SPF 55+ and PA+++, keeping your skin hydrated and guarded against UVA and UVB rays, without the oiliness. It is a gel-based sunscreen that prevents your skin from tanning, sun-related ageing and hyperpigmentation. It comes with non-oily absorption with no white cast.
6. Lakmé Sun Expert Ultra Matte
Get matte and protected with Lakmé Sun Expert Ultra Matte. With SPF 50+, PA+++ and Niacinamide, this lightweight sunscreen provides a non-oily finish, ideal for daily wear at work. It is a dermatologically tested non-sticky creamy sunscreen for dry to oily skin types.
7. Sadhev Ayurvedic Sunscreen
Sadhev Ayurvedic Sunscreen is the ideal combination of nature and protection in its SPF 30 formula. It protects your skin from unwanted UV rays while giving it organic nourishment through Madhuyashthi or Liquorice, Indian Madder and Carrot. This Paraben-free, Sulphate-free cream-based sunscreen protects you and keeps your skin soft and gentle all day long.
8. Fixderma Shadow SPF 50+
Fixderma Shadow SPF 50+ is a high-performance, broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers protection against UVA and UVB rays. Its non-greasy, lightweight gel formula leaves your skin fresh and protected from sun damage. Ideal for daily use, it keeps your skin smooth and hydrated.
9. Minimalist Sunscreen SPF 50
Minimalist Sunscreen SPF 50 is a fragrance-free, gentle formula that’s suitable for sensitive skin. With PA++++ broad-spectrum protection, it quickly absorbs without leaving a white cast behind. It’s ideal to wear daily, as it moisturises and protects your skin from the sun’s harsh rays.
10. The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen
Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen gives strong sun protection plus moisture. SPF 50 protects your skin from UVA and UVB while Hyaluronic acid and Vitamin E plump up your skin and hydrate it. Great for sensitive and dry skin, it gives a smooth, dewy finish.
Table of Comparison
Here’s a table comparing the best sunscreens from brands like Aqualogica, Cetaphil, and Neutrogena to Lakme, Fixderma, and Minimalist. Here, you will get a quick overview of each sunscreen’s key features, including the skin types they’re best suited for, their SPF ratings, price range, ratings and more.
| Brand | Best for Skin Type | SPF | Price (INR) | Review/Rating | Waterproof |
| Aqualogica Glow+ Sunscreen | Dry/Dehydrated Skin | SPF 50+ | ₹449 | 4.6/5 | Yes |
| Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Sunscreen | Sensitive/All Skin Types | SPF 50 | ₹1182 | 4.4/5 | No |
| Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry-Touch | Oily/Normal Skin | SPF 50+ | ₹780 | 4.7/5 | Yes |
| Dr. Sheth’s Ceramide & Vitamin C Sunscreen | Dull/Combination Skin | SPF 50 | ₹499 | 4.3/5 | No |
| Deconstruct Gel Sunscreen | Dry/Dehydrated Skin | SPF 50 | ₹349 | 4.5/5 | No |
| Lakmé Sun Expert Ultra Matte | Oily/Combination Skin | SPF 50 | ₹369 | 4.3/5 | No |
| Sadhev Ayurvedic Sunscreen | All Skin Types | SPF 30 | ₹1445 | 4.5/5 | No |
| Fixderma Shadow SPF 50+ | Oily/Acne-Prone Skin/Sensitive | SPF 50 | ₹350 | 4.4/5 | Yes |
| Minimalist Sunscreen SPF 50 | All Skin Types | SPF 50 | ₹399 | 4.5/5 | Yes |
| The Derma Co 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen | All Skin Types | SPF 50 | ₹299 | 4.5/5 | Yes |
The Takeaway!
There are many kinds of sunscreen for different skin types, requirements and lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for an affordable option, something gentle for sensitive skin, or a sunscreen that has natural ingredients, there’s an ideal match on this list.
- For a lightweight, non-greasy option, Neutrogena UltraSheer and Lakmé Sun Expert are among the best sunscreen for oily skin types.
- Cetaphil Daily Defence and Sadhev Natural Sunscreen are among the best sunscreens for sensitive skin, providing reliable protection without irritating the skin.
- For a more luxurious, natural sunscreen, Minimalist Natural Sunscreen is a lovely pick.
Remember, sunscreen isn’t only a sunny day must-have. Those harmful UV rays are still around even on cloudy days or when you’re indoors. So, discover the sunscreen that works for your skin, add it to your daily routine, and your future self will thank you for the protection.