Tweak readers pick the top sunscreens available in India right now

Baskin-Robbins has 31 flavours of ice cream, one for every day of the month (well, alternate months). That’s almost as many as the number of new sunscreens to hit the shelves every year. Don’t quote us on that. We don’t have the stats about product releases, but it sure feels like a new tube is promoted as the best sunscreen to hit the market pretty much every month.

The numbers we do have are of the prevalence of skin cancer in India. One Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) report stated that skin cancer incidence is low in proportion to all other cancers compared to other parts of the world. Other reports state that skin cancer accounts for approximately 1% of cancer cases. Though, an unusual rise in cases has also been noted in northern and northeastern states. 

On a more aesthetic note, we know that no matter how much money we spend on fancy lotions, and bottled potions to wipe away years of mistreatment, hyperpigmentation and acne scars, it’s all a waste of money unless we follow it up with the top sunscreens that will safeguard our skin.

But what makes a sunscreen certifiably worth your money? It’s tough to name a single product, or even three, because, with various skin types, ailments and conditions, it’s unlikely that everyone will love the same product. Even if they love it – the touch, the feel, the scent or lack thereof, their skin might revolt. Just like nude lipsticks, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to shortlisting the top sunscreens. Though, there are some basic guidelines everyone should follow. 

Dermatologist Dr Kiran Sethi of Isya Aesthetics says the top sunscreens are ones that feature broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Whether in the form of a mousse, lotion, gel, serum drops or rich cream, you need to apply yours every day and in the right amount. Sethi recommends we apply 1-2 teaspoons of sunscreen to protect our face, neck and ears effectively. That’s about 2-3 fingers in length, tentatively, based on the surface area you need to cover. “The stronger the barrier, the better the sun protection,” she adds.

You may have heard conflicting reports about how often to reapply sunscreen, but experts say that if you’re continuously outdoors and the UV index is high, you should apply every 2-3 hours. The frequency increases if you’re a face sweater and your sunscreen is not sweat-proof. And don’t forget your body (the parts you tend to ignore until they’re begging for help).

So, of course, when we hit Lollapalooza India 2023 in Mumbai, we had to ask the festival goers what sunscreens they relied on during their daytime revelry. We were happy to report that most attendees had theirs handy or had at least borrowed some from their friends. We spilled the beans to our readers on Instagram, which ended up being the gift that keeps on giving because that elicited an outpouring of nominations for ‘top sunscreens’ in the comment section.

If you have dry skin, stick to more moisturising sunscreens, while people with oily skin can opt for matte-finish products. If stinging and watering eyes is the reason you stay clear of wearing sunscreen regularly, then look into mineral or inorganic sunscreens. However, they are very likely to leave a white cast on anyone who crosses the border of dusky skin. You could try applying mineral sunscreen just around your eyes and chemical or organic sunscreen everywhere else.

So to share the wealth and help you find the top sunscreens for your skin, we’ve compiled a list of recommendations from our Tweak tribe.

The top sunscreens in India, according to Tweak readers

Put Simply Beat the Sun sunscreen, ₹1,049

Put Simply enlisted new-age sunscreen filters to create a light-weight yet moisturising sunscreen that doesn’t give a white cast or make you feel like you’ve applied a layer of Vaseline on your face. An added bonus is the addition of niacinamide, ceramides and cica that work double time to soothe your skin and keep your skin barrier healthy. This will make a great pick if you have dry and sensitised skin.

Blynds Emulgel 40+ & PA+++ Sunscreen Gel, ₹375

Blynds’ formula for sun protection is water-resistant, so facial sweaters should try this one. It’s got suffruticosa fruit extract which could work as an anti-inflammatory too. The fact that it also has arbutin, a dermatologist-approved ingredient that brightens dark acne spots, makes it a crowd favourite.

L’Oreal Paris UV Defender Serum Protector Sunscreen SPF 50+, ₹639

They don’t call this a ‘serum’ for no reason. It is one of the lightest sunscreens you will probably ever try. It also comes in four variations – Moist and Fresh for an extra dose of hydration; Bright and Clear with infused niacinamide; Matte and Fresh for a smooth matte finish; and Correct and Protect, which has a slight tint and vitamin C as an added antioxidant.

Neutrogena Ultrasheer SPF 50+ PA+++, ₹299 – ₹620

The old-school favourite does leave a slight shine to the face, so if that’s not for you, then you can always go over it with some finishing powder or use it at the beginning of your makeup routine. This sunscreen feels super light on the face, though if you’re trying it for the first time, we recommend starting with the smallest size, as some say it stings their eyes.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++, ₹1,270

This Japanese sunscreen works well for oily faces. It really feels like water on the skin but does have a slight alcohol-like scent to it (because it contains no added fragrance), which dies down pretty quickly.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel, ₹1,485

Isntree’s sunscreen went viral for a reason. It’s light and hydrating and leaves you looking more dewy than grass at daybreak. For people on the oilier side of the spectrum, we suggest skipping a moisturiser after applying this sunscreen. With eight types of hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen does the job for you. It works well under makeup too.

Brinton UV Doux Silicone Sunscreen Gel SPF 50, ₹656

Whether on social media or Reddit forums, you are very likely to find UV Doux on lists of the top sunscreens people have tried. Not only is it water resistant, but the silicone-based sunscreen doubles up as a primer under makeup. It can leave a slight white cast for people with duskier skin tones, but it does fade out. It doesn’t interfere with the tone or finish of your base makeup.

Just remember that whichever sunscreen you end up choosing, consistency really is the most important ingredient in the mix.