If money is no object you can probably afford the safest, most chemical-free sunscreen. For the rest of us, some compromises are in order.
First figure out how to panic less when it comes to more “toxic” sunscreens (this post also discusses chemicals in sunscreen). After you decide where you stand on chemicals, you can check out the list below for my 2012 decent, less expensive sunscreen picks.
My Less Expensive Sunscreen Criteria:
People are different: Because everyone is willing to put up with varying levels of chemicals, I’ve broken down this list into some basic groups. Sunscreens that are free from oxybenzone, sunscreens that are free from vitamin A, and for folks who don’t mind either, sunscreens with small amounts of both.
Zero compromises on sun protection: This year I’m compromising more on chemicals due to price, but I’m not compromising on sun safety. If a sunscreen rated poorly in regards to UVB protection (SPF) or UVA protection at EWG or elsewhere, it’s not on the list. All of the sunscreens below will, if used correctly, help protect your skin from sun damage. You may as well get sun protection if you’re paying for it.
Must cost less than safer sunscreens: If a sunscreen cost more than a safe sunscreen, in spite of containing chemicals, it’s not on my list. If you’re going to shell out scads of cash for sunscreen, then it should indeed be chemical-free.
Sources: I used information from EWG, Consumer Reports, the manufactuers websites and various other sources to compile this list.
How prices work: The prices below on each sunscreen, per year, are calculated for kids and adults who spend a decent amount of time outside and who are wearing sunscreen correctly.
VERY IMPORTANT: Sunscreen formulas change. Also, I’m not perfect. Although I checked out all of these sunscreens carefully, there’s always a chance I missed something. That said, it’s your job to always read labels of products you buy and to research the product yourself, so you know what you’re getting.
Keep reading to see less expensive sunscreen choices…
Sunscreens with small amounts of oxybenzone but NO vitamin A
Up & Up Sport Continuous Spray, SPF 30 (Target brand) – $0.88 per oz.
- annual cost per kid $264
- annual cost per adult $440
Coppertone Oil Free Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30
- annual cost per kid $372
- annual cost per adult $620
Up & Up Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 (Target brand) – $0.62 per oz.
- annual cost per kid $186
- annual cost per adult $310
Australian Gold SPF 30 Sheer Coverage Lotion
- annual cost per kid $411
- annual cost per adult $685
Bull Frog Quik Gel Sport Spray Sunblock with UV Extender SPF 50
- annual cost per kid $402
- annual cost per adult $670
Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50
- annual cost per kid $246
- annual cost per adult $410
Sunblock – Kid’s SPF 30
- annual cost per kid $462
- annual cost per adult $779
Walgreens Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 - $0.97 per oz.
- annual cost per kid $291
- annual cost per adult $485
Sunscreens with small amounts of vitamin A but NO oxybenzone
Coppertone ultraGuard Sunscreen Lotion, UVA/UVB Protection, SPF 30
- annual cost per kid $264
- annual cost per adult $440
Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Sunblock Lotion SPF 15
- annual cost per kid $213
- annual cost per adult $355
CVS Sensitive Skin Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 60+ $1.99 per oz.
- annual cost per kid $597
- annual cost per adult $995
Banana Boat Ultramist Baby Tear Free Lotion SPF 50
- annual cost per kid $474
- annual cost per adult $790
Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Sunblock Lotion SPF 30
- annual cost per kid $327
- annual cost per adult $545
Earth’s Best TOTS Water Play Sunblock, SPF 45 – $1.16 per oz
- annual cost per kid $348
- annual cost per adult $580
Coppertone UltraGuard Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15 Waterproof
- annual cost per kid $162
- annual cost per adult $270
Coppertone Sport Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30, Ultra Sweat-Proof
- annual cost per kid $381
- annual cost per adult $635
BullFrog Ultimate Sheer Body Protection, SPF 30
- annual cost per kid $510
- annual cost per adult $850
Ocean Potion Suncare Natural Daily SPF 30 - $0.83 per oz.
- annual cost per kid $249
- annual cost per adult $415
Sunscreens with small amounts of BOTH retinyl palmitate (vitamin A) AND oxybenzone
Banana Boat Sport Sunblock Lotion, SPF 50
- annual cost per kid $393
- annual cost per adult $655
Banana Boat Ultra Defense Sunblock Lotion SPF 50
- annual cost per kid $276
- annual cost per adult $460
Hawaiian Tropic Shimmer Effect SPF 40 Lotion
- annual cost per kid $459
- annual cost per adult $765
Hawaiian Tropic Sheer Touch SPF30 Sunblock Lotion
- annual cost per kid $336
- annual cost per adult $560
Coppertone Waterbabies Lotion, SPF 70+
- annual cost per kid $336
- annual cost per adult $560
Ocean Potion Anti-Aging Sunblock Lotion SPF 30
- annual cost per kid $327
- annual cost per adult $545
No AD Kids Sunblock Lotion SPF 50 - $0.47 per oz.
- annual cost per kid $141
- annual cost per adult $235
No-Ad SPF# 50 Sport Sunblock Lotion - $0.53 per oz.
- annual cost per kid $159
- annual cost per adult $265
No AD Sunblock Lotion SPF 45 - $0.83 per oz.
- annual cost per kid $249
- annual cost per adult $415
No AD Sunblock Lotion SPF 30
- annual cost per kid $111
- annual cost per adult $185
Walgreens Kids SPF 70+ Sunscreen Lotion - $0.63
- annual cost per kid $189
- annual cost per adult $315
Ocean Potions Kids Sunblock SPF 50
- annual cost per kid $234
- annual cost per adult $390
Sunscreens with NO vitamin A and NO oxybenzone – but may contain other chemicals of possible concern
CVS Sensitive Skin Sunscreen SPF 30 - $1.19 per oz.
- annual cost per kid $357
- annual cost per adult $595
BONUS: Surprising safe but also usually less expensive sunscreen
By “surprisingly safe” I mean that these sunscreens were little gems I found while searching that don’t contain any major icky chemicals and also they actually don’t cost too much if you find a good deal.
Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion, Sensitive Skin, 50 SPF - $1.22 per oz
- annual cost per kid $366
- annual cost per adult $610
Coppertone Kids Pure & Simple Lotion SPF 50
- annual cost per kid $210
- annual cost per adult $350
Coppertone Waterbabies Sunscreen Lotion Pure & Simple, SPF 50
- annual cost per kid $354
- annual cost per adult $590
Nature’s Gate Mineral Sportblock SPF 20
- annual cost per kid $483
- annual cost per adult $805
To sum up…
It’s possible to get a more affordable sunscreen, if you’re willing to compromise a bit. For example, if you’re unwilling to compromise and you pick a sunscreen from my “Money is no object” sunscreen list, your lowest cost sunscreen choice would be $2.52 per oz (Purple Prairie SunStuff SPF 30). A family of four with two young kids would need to shell out $4,032 annually for this sunscreen or $336 per month.
If you’re willing to buy a sunscreen containing a small amount of oxybenzone, your lowest cost sunscreen would be Up & Up Baby Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 50 (Target brand) at $0.62 per oz, which works out to $992 annually or $82 per month for a family of four.
If you’re willing to buy sunscreen that contains a small amount of vitamin A, your lowest price sunscreen would be Coppertone UltraGuard Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 15 Waterproof
If you’re really willing to compromise, and choose a sunscreen with small amounts of both chemicals, your lowest price choice is No AD Sunblock Lotion SPF 30
Your total savings: In total, going from the safest sunscreen (Purple Prairie Stuff) to a less safe, but still effective sunscreen (No AD) will save you $3,440 a year or if you’re interested in long-term savings, you’d save $17,200 over five years. That’s a fair chunk of change.
Lead image by Flickr User Bruvyman
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