A Guide to the 10 Best Sunscreens Available in India - Updated 2023

Be it summer, rainy or winter, if there is one skincare product that you should not leave your home without, then it is a broad-spectrum sunscreen. A sunscreen not only protects your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet radiation, but it also reduces the appearance of premature ageing, suntan and health risks such as skin cancer and other skin disorders.

Nowadays, if you go to any beauty store or search online, you will be bombarded with a variety of sunscreens from different brands and with varying SPF ratings. Each claims to be the best with its own unique formula and ingredient list. With price also being a major consideration for many customers, selecting a sunscreen that is both effective and affordable is a difficult task.

To help you with this, I have compiled a list of 10 best sunscreens currently available in India. Pick the one that suits your skin the most. Meanwhile, avoid making these 8 mistakes while applying sunscreen, as this can reduce its effectiveness and expose your skin to sun damage.

1. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel, SPF 50

Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel, SPF 50 is one of the gentlest, effective and widely bought sunscreens in India. It is a gel-based, creamy lotion that is ideal for normal to oil skin types and can be applied to the face and exposed parts of the body (such as the neck, arms and legs).

As shown in the picture, this sunscreen comes in an attractive, bright, orange-colored plastic tube packaging that is sturdy and travel-friendly. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel contains herbal extracts, with its key ingredients being Horse Chestnut, Comfrey and Vanilla extracts. This sunscreen has a non-greasy formula and offers a high SPF of 50 (covering both UVA and UVB protection).

There are several positive reviews online regarding how well this sunscreen easily blends and absorbs into the skin. Many users have also appreciated the fact that this product does not leave a white cast on the skin, causes skin dryness or feels sticky when applied. Lotus Herbals Safe Sun UV Screen Matte Gel also gives a light, soothing feel and a tinted matte effect on application. These benefits make this budget-friendly sunscreen a worthwhile buy.

However, the presence of paraben and it not being water resistant, are two notable drawbacks of this product.

2. Sunprotek SPF-50+ Sunscreen Gel

Sunprotek SPF-50+ Sunscreen Gel is one of the most underrated sunscreens in India. This broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection sunscreen is super light and non-greasy, and it comes highly recommended by both real users and dermatologists. Although it is suitable for all skin types, this phospholipid water-based gel sunscreen is especially beneficial for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Some other important highlights of Sunprotek SPF-50+ Sunscreen Gel are that it is non-comedogenic (safe for your skin), doesn't clog your pores, leaves absolutely no whitish cast post application, and has a mild smell. The presence of aloe vera, allantoin, and Vitamin E in the sunscreen further helps moisturize your face. This travel-friendly sunscreen tube has honestly no cons (except for a few customers who claim it makes their skin look oily).

3. Biotique Sun Shield Sandalwood 50+ SPF Sunscreen Ultra Protective Lotion

Biotique Sun Shield Sandalwood Sunscreen Ultra Protective Lotion, is another very popular and affordable sunscreens available in the country. Suited for both men and women, one of its best features is that it protects the skin with its broad-spectrum SPF 50+ UVA/UVB sun protection and is very water-resistant (means it retains SPF after 80 minutes into the water).

This lotion is a nutrient-rich blend of natural ingredients like pure sandalwood, saffron, wheatgerm, honey and bark of Arjun tree. This gives your skin a soft, protected, soothing and moisturized feel. Suitable for all skin types, Biotique Sun Shield Sandalwood Sunscreen Ultra Protective Lotionis a Ayurvedic recipe and contains 100% botanical extracts.

Along with a host of positives of this Ayurvedic based sunscreen, the absence of paraben and it being cruelty free are other important highlights of this product. People who have bought this sunscreen have also raved about it not leaving a whitish cast or dryness of any sort on your face post application. The only concern that has been brought forth by users is regarding its peculiar herbal fragrance (some feel its ok while others consider it too strong).

4. Glenmark La Shield Sunscreen Gel SPF-40

If you are looking for a sunscreen that is oil-free, non-irritant, water-resistant and one of the highly endorsed sunscreens by dermatologists, then Glenmark La Shield Sunscreen Gel is the one for you.

Glenmark La Shield Sunscreen Gel is a gel-based cream that is white in color, light on the skin, mild in fragrance and comes in a sturdy off-white/brownish-golden tube packaging. The consistency of the cream is also ideal, as it is neither runny or thick. Besides being an SPF 40, PA+++ broad spectrum sunscreen that offers both UVA/UVB protection, the cream also improves skin hydration by moisturizing it. It also offers an amazing matte finish post application, which is immensely liked by users.

A great product to protect your skin from the sun and its damages, Glenmark La Shield Sunscreen Gel SPF - 40 (50 gm) is however, on the higher side of pricing (over Rs. 750/-, though you can get it for less than Rs. 600/- at Amazon).

5. Aqualogica Glow+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50 PA +++

A sunscreen that has been receiving rave reviews from customers for having a light water-based texture, not making the skin sticky or leaving white cast while offering good protection to the skin from harmful UV rays and blue light, is Aqualogica Glow+ Dewy Sunscreen SPF 50, PA+++.

This sunscreen is crafted with a unique water lock technology and enriched with a powerful blend of Vitamin C, Papaya and Hyaluronic acid to prevent tanning and give deep, intense hydration and a radiant glow to the skin. Aqualogica Glow+ Dewy Sunscreen also contains one of the safest ingredients for sun protection - zinc oxide, which filters UV rays, prevents skin dryness and pauses the signs of ageing. Titanium oxide is another ingredient used in this sunscreen. It blocks the absorption of UV rays and protects the skin from sunburn and sun damage. Aqualogica sunscreen is PETA certified cruelty-free and vegan, fragrance-free and suitable for all skin types.

6. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock, SPF 50+

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock is another very good sunscreen available in the country today. A dermatologically tested sunscreen, the actual product is a light textured white coloured cream that comes in a sturdy, travel-friendly packaging. The product is claimed to be PABA free, non-comedogenic, water-proof and sweat-proof, which I think is really helpful in a humid and generally hot country like India.

A lot of users have commended about the product getting easily absorbed in the skin and not giving out a greasy feel on/after application. The sunscreen having SPF 50+ and PA+++ protection is another big feature of this product. Besides this, the product can be liberally used on your face as well as your body. So you need not buy another sunscreen solely for your body.

Easily available online as well as offline beauty stores, the only complaint that Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock seems to have is from people who have super oily skin (can get greasy for them) or who do not love the matte effect it adds on their skin.

7. Avene Very High Protection SPF 50+ Cream

Avene Very High Protection SPF 50+ Cream is a dermatologist recommended sunscreen. It is highly sought-out by people with sensitive skin, dry skin and very dry skin. What people admire most about this water-resistant sunscreen is that it is paraben-free, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic and how even a small amount of this cream is enough for your entire face and neck area.

Avene Very High Protection SPF 50+ Cream has also been immensely liked by users for its light and non-greasy texture and for its ability to not clog the pores of skin. It is great at protecting the skin against both UVA and UVB rays of the sun and also soothes the skin due to its unique antioxidant complex and thermal spring water content. However, the high cost of this product (50 ml costs more than Rs. 1700/-) and it leaving a whitish cast on the skin (complaints from a few users) are two cons about this sunscreen.

8. Lakme Sun Expert SPF 50 PA+++ Ultra Matte Lotion

Coming from one of the biggest and loved cosmetic brands in India, Lakme Sun Expert SPF 50 PA+++ Ultra Matte Lotion is for those who are looking for a daily sunscreen that is light-weight, non-sticky and has subtle fragrance. This sunscreen comes in a bright yellow colored plastic tube packaging and is infused with ingredients like cucumber (offers cooling effect on the skin), lemongrass (known for skin conditioning) and Vitamin B3 and Vitamin C (gives skin brightening effects).

Lakme Sun Expert Ultra Matte Lotion is easily available, blends effortlessly into the skin and moisturizes it quite well. A non-comedogenic sunblock, this product can be used as part of your daily skincare routine and also as a base for makeup to give your skin an ultra-matte finish. A go-to product for many sunscreen lovers in India, Lakme Sun Expert SPF 50 PA+++ Ultra Matte Lotion is dermatologically tested, reasonably priced and claims to block up to 97% UVB rays.

Suited for all types of skin, the only complaints from users of this sunscreen are the presence of too many chemicals (as seen in their ingredient list) and their fairness claims being untrue.

9. Aroma Magic Cucumber Sunscreen Lotion

If you are looking for a quick-absorbing, mineral-based sunscreen which is free from parabens, harsh chemicals and alcohol then Aroma Magic Cucumber Sunscreen Lotion is for you. This product offers the goodness of aloe vera, cucumber and essential oils, to provide smart sun protection from broad spectrum UVA/UVB rays, while also soothing and cooling your skin from sunburns and possible scars.

Aroma Magic Cucumber Sunscreen Lotion is a skin-friendly SPF 30 lotion that is suitable for all skin types. Be it your face, neck, hands or legs, this sunscreen works wonderfully to protect your skin from head to toe. What also works in favor of this sunscreen, is that it perfectly complements your makeup routine.

Aroma Magic Cucumber Sunscreen Lotion is loved by many, particularly by people with sensitive, dry and normal skin type. This sunscreen also works good for oily and combination skin people and that too without causing break outs.

However, during summers this sunscreen can tend to be greasy for people with oily skin. That is the only big complaint noted about this product.

10. Mamaearth Ultra Light Indian Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++

A sunscreen that is just tailor-made for Indian skin is Mamaearth's Ultra Light Indian Sunscreen Lotion. This wonderful lotion is ultra light in texture, non-sticky and gets quickly absorbed in the skin. A perfect solution for hot summers and humid weathers, Mamaearth's Ultra Light Indian Sunscreen Lotion is free of parabens, sulfates, mineral oil and SLS and boasts of natural ingredients like turmeric, carrot seed oil, orange oil and cananga oil to keep your skin glowing, protected and tan-free.

Mamaearth Ultra Light Indian Sunscreen is suitable for both men and women and suited for all skin types. It is a SPF 50 PA+++ sunscreen and claims to be effectual in protecting against harmful UVA and UVB rays for as long as 6 hours. Its mild but very lovely fragrance and its ability to get completely absorbed in the skin and provide both protection and nourishment effectually, makes it my list of one of the top daily use sunscreens in India.

Seriously, I could not think of any cons of this really good sunscreen. But, if I have to add one, then I would say that an 80 ml tube of this sunblock lotion costing you more than Rs. 400/- is slightly on the higher side. However, if you keep the price aside, then the product is definitely worth the money.

Now that I have come to the bottom of the list, I request my lovely friends out there to use the comment section and write about their favorite sunscreen. It may have made to this list or not. But, do express your reviews about the sunscreen you are using or love immensely. Your views are much appreciated and welcome here.😊