Some sunscreens cost less than $10, while others retail for more than $100. But does price correlate with effective sun protection?can be a surprisingly daunting task in the year 2023. Between Instagram ads and influencers extolling the virtues of a sprawling list of brands and the seemingly endless array of options at the drugstore, this daily-use product can evoke some serious decision paralysis.
“What is also important to consider are all of the extra additives — fragrance, preservatives, etc. — which can lead to skin sensitivity and are unnecessary in sunscreen formulations,” Hibler said. “Sometimes, developing a formulation that is devoid of these extra additives can be more costly and lead to a more expensive product.”“Marketing and branding are also other factors that can drive up the price of sunscreen, which means expensive doesn’t always mean better,” said Dr.
“I think it is helpful to raise awareness of different brands, because there are many great products and formulations out there, but often it takes trying a few to find that one that works best for your individual skin type and routine,” Hibler said. “Sometimes it is the local drugstore brand. For others, they might enjoy a more expensive formulation.
“Pricier sunscreens aren’t necessarily more effective than their cheaper counterparts,” Palm said. “In fact, there are plenty of budget-friendly sunscreens that are more effective than pricier options.”“It is not necessary to purchase a more expensive sunscreen unless you have a particular preference for how a product feels or agrees with your skin,” Camp said.
“The best sunscreen is the one that you actually like enough to wear every day,” she said. “Whether that is a cheap or expensive one does not matter to me, so long as it meets the criteria for an effective sunscreen.”That said, some people prefer a pricier sunscreen because of factors they deem superior, like texture and added ingredients. If you’re more likely to use a pricier product consistently because you love how it feels on your skin, then the splurge is worth it.