We all know the damage sun can cause to our skin. The problems arising because of direct sunlight might lead to tanning and irritation on your skin. You can also lose your natural complexion due to it. The harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause redness and even rashes.
If you have allergies, then the problems can be worse. A person who is suffering from skin ailments can have itchiness that can be very irritating and painful. To protect oneself from that, the use of sunscreen is strictly recommended.
A good sunscreen can protect your skin from tanning and irritation and give you very smooth and glowing skin. People usually prefer a sunscreen that is light and does not facilitate the growth of sweat. A wrong choice in the selection of a product can cause more woe to you than being useful.
Hence, it is imperative that you choose the right product and select one that suits your skin type. To help you with that, we have made a list of the 10 best sunscreens for women in India, from which you can select a product that is your perfect match!
What is SPF in Sunscreen?
SPF is basically the measure of sunscreen efficiency in preventing damage from the harmful rays of the sun. It essentially prevents the skin from the dangerous UVA and UVB rays, thus protecting us from any skin related ailments.
Top 10 Best Sunscreen For Women
1. L’Oreal Paris UV Perfect Aqua Essence Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+:
L’Oreal is one of the most popular brands when it comes to skincare and beauty. It has produced and formulated 100’s of products that are not only safe but provide the best results. It is also a brand that is trusted by millions of women across the world.
If we draw our attention towards the product, the L’Oreal Paris UV Perfect Aqua Essence Sunscreen Lotion is enriched with SPF 50, making it a fantastic sunscreen. It is lightweight and non-sticky. Once it settles, it doesn’t feel greasy or oily.
You can now say goodbye to your sweating complaints after using sunscreen, as the L’oreal Perfect Aqua does not facilitate the growth of sweat buds. It is made by an advanced formula that gets absorbed in your skin’s pores and does not leave any residual oil from the cream on top of your skin.
It also offers protection from UVA and UVB rays of the sun for a period of almost 12 hours, which is very good. You don’t need to apply this multiple times as it stays on your skin just after one application. So, only use it once, and you are good to go for the day.
Apart from protecting from sunlight, the L’Oreal Perfect Aqua also has antioxidants, which help remove harmful impurities from your skin and helps in slowing down aging without compromising safety.
Key Components – The L’Oreal Paris UV sunscreen contains Vitamin E, Adenosine, Mexoryl XL filters, detoxyl, long UVA filters, among others.
- Claims to provide 12-hours of effective UVA and UVB protection.
- Not seen to cause any side effects and is not harsh on the skin.
- It is rich with antioxidants, which effectively protects against aging signs and free radicals.
- It does not make the skin oily and greasy.
- Gets absorbed quickly in the skin.
- Has a watery essence.
- Some people may find it a bit on the expensive side.
2. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+:
Neutrogena is another brand known for manufacturing high-quality products. It is one of the few trusted brands that produce sunscreens suitable for all types of skins, in the market, at the moment.
The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen contains SPF 50+, which shields your skin from burns and tanning and is entirely safe to use. It renders the skin dry and prevents an upsurge of acne on the skin. This product is a good alternative for all skin types, especially acne-prone; therefore, it is in high demand.
This sunscreen lotion prevents sweating during summers and does not leave any white spots or chalky residue on top of the skin when applied. The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen is dermatologically tested.
Therefore, it is safe to use regularly without worrying about any side effects or damage to the skin. It also provides cover from UVA and UVB rays of the sun. It ensures soft glowing skin and does not feel oily or greasy when applied with its lightweight technology.
Key Components – The active ingredients in the Neutrogena sheer touch sunscreen includes octisalate, avobenzone, octocrylene, and homosalate. Other than that, it also contains fragrance, silica, water/aqua, beeswax, copolymer, among others.
- Ideal for all types of skin, including the oily ones.
- It prevents the breakouts of acne and reduces blemishes.
- Even during the hottest hours of the day, it doesn’t allow room for much sweating.
- It is not chalky after application and blends smoothly in the skin.
- It has moisturizing traits, which keeps the skin soft and hydrated.
- Not very water-resistant
- You will need to apply it every 3-4 hours.
3. Lakme Absolute Perfect Radiance Brightening UV Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+:
Lakme is a household name in India in terms of skincare brands. There is no alternative to Lakme Perfect Radiance Sunscreen Lotion; it is a budget-friendly product that also provides maximum protection against sun damages.
The product contains the right components, which makes the skin glow even in the scorching summer heatwaves. Thanks to its advanced formula, it shields the skin from the sun as well as adds radiance to it, and brightens the skin if applied regularly.
Moreover, there are no consequences on its use and no severe long term effect; it is completely safe to use. It comes with SPF 50 and is also enriched with PA++, which protects the skin from UVA and UVB damages from the sun. It helps in the easy removal of dead cells and effectively combats the tanning effect on the skin.
- Very lightweight, non-greasy, and non-oily formula
- It makes the skin smooth and soft with its ability to absorb easily in the skin.
- Very effective de-tanning technology
- Removes dead skin cells.
- Does not pose any health hazard.
- With UVA and UVB combined, it provides efficient sunlight.
- When you apply the product, it leaves a white cast but eventually blends in the skin with time.
4. Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30+:
If you are searching for a sunscreen lotion made up of natural ingredients, then there can be no better option than Biotique Bio Morning Nectar Sunscreen Ultra Soothing Face Lotion, SPF 30+.
It is easy to use, suitable for all skin types, and can be used by both men and women.
It can be trusted against the damages caused by the sun on the skin as it contains the goodness of SPF 30. Because of its natural ingredients, this product is useful against some common skin problems like wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation, etc. This gives a visible flawless, fairer, and glowing skin.
It is a side-effect free product, and regular use makes the skin soft, supple, and smooth. It moisturizes the skin and helps it to glow under the sun.
Key Components: The Biotique bio nectar sunscreen lotion consists of aloe vera, which visibly reduces aging signs. It also contains natural ingredients like Methi (Trigo foenum graecum), Ghritkumari (Aloe barbadensis), Madhu (Honey), Kusumbhi (Carthamus tinstorious), Ankurit gehun (Triticum Vulgare), among others.
- Lightens the skin substantially
- It prevents the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, which are the early signs of aging.
- It has no side – effects as it is made up of natural and organic ingredients.
- Suitable for people with all types of skin and can be used by both women and men.
- Provides instant hydration and moisturization making the skin glow and feel youthful.
- It gets sticky at times on extra dry skin.
- Not ideal for use in the summers.
5. Mamaearth’s Ultra-Light Natural Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50:
Mamaearth has gained immense popularity for its value for money products. This brand’s high-quality products have gathered thousands of positive reviews, and this sunscreen is another addition to its league of trusted products.
The product is designed, keeping in mind the Indian skin type. Therefore it is ultra-light so that it does not cause any irritation or allergies when applied. This product provides a quick absorption rate and helps get instant protection against sun damages and problems.
It has a non-oily and non-greasy texture and moisturizes the skin to keep it soft and radiant throughout the day. Along with its natural ingredients like carrot seed and turmeric, it also contains SPF 50 and PA+++, which is highly effective against UVA and UVB rays for a maximum time of the day.
Key Components: The Mamaearth ultra-light natural sunscreen lotion consists of Aqua or purified water, which forms the base of the sunscreen. It also contains stearic acid, titanium dioxide, alumina, neopentyl glycol diheptanoate, among others.
- Suitable for all types of skin.
- Paraben, Silicone, Mineral oil-free
- There is no white cast after applying the product.
- Absorbs quickly due to it being lightweight.
- Claims to offer approximately 6 hours of UVA and UVB protection.
- Does not cause skin irritation as it is entirely toxin-free
- Not a sweat-proof lotion.
- It feels sticky at times.
- It makes the face look dull.
6. RE’EQUIL Oxybenzone and OMC Free Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 PA+++:
It can be tough for people with oily, sensitive, and acne-prone skin to find the right sunscreen. Well, to ease the struggle, we present you RE’EQUIL Oxybenzone and OMC Free Sunscreen.
It is a dermatologically tested product and thus can be trusted to offer the best protection without any side effects. Further, it combines the benefits of SPF 50 and PA+++, which counters the harmful UVA and UVB sun rays.
The best quality about this product is that it has to be applied only once in the whole day. As an assurance that the users are investing in the right product, it is made free of all toxic ingredients. Moreover, it is made OMC-free and Oxybenzone-free that guarantees all-natural benefits.
Key Components – The RE’Equil oxybenzone sunscreen lotion consists of Aqua, fragrance, aloe vera extract, silica, wax, sodium hydroxide, olive leaf extract, xanthan gum, glycerin, octisalate, among others.
- Highly suitable for people with acne-prone, sensitive, and oily skin.
- It prevents tanning by protecting against the UVA and UVB rays of the sun.
- Provides a smooth and clean matte-finish
- Does not feel heavy or greasy.
- Non-comedogenic, thus, no clogging of pores.
- Tested by dermatologists and free of sulfates and parabens
- Leaves a white cast behind for people with a darker skin tone.
- A bit on the expensive side.
7. Kaya Youth Protect Sunscreen SPF 50
The Kaya Youth Protect Sunscreen comprises a goodness of natural extracts like Germanium and potent antioxidants that shield the skin from exposure to harmful sun rays. It also works wonders on the skin to boost skin cells’ oxygenation and add a radiant finish to the skin.
The Kaya youth protect sunscreen is a great product for winters as it provides intense moisturization and does not clog the pores.
Key Components – The Kaya youth protect sunscreen contains antioxidants and botanical extracts that prevent aging. Other than that, it also has zinc gluconate, copper gluconate, magnesium aspartate, among others.
- Moisturizing and non-greasy formula
- UVA and UVB protection
- Sweat-resistant
- Non-comedogenic
- Protects against the UVA and UVB rays of the sun.
- The product accumulates at the mouth of the tube and leaves it looking dirty and unhygienic.
8. Himalaya Herbals Protective Sunscreen Lotion SPF 15:
Himalaya Herbals Protective Sunscreen Lotion SPF 15 is a lightweight, portable sunscreen lotion offering maximum protection to its users. It is an herbal product and trusted for its quality, performance, and reliability.
This value for money comes with SPF 15, which combats the dangerous sun rays effectively. The product can be used regularly without worrying about any consequences. It moisturizes the skin and provides fairness and glow without making the skin greasy.
Key Components – the Himalaya protective herbal lotion contains the goodness of natural ingredients like Seva (Pyrus malus) 20 mg, Mahabharivacha (Alpinia galanga), 70mg, Kumari (Aloe Vera) 30mg, among others.
- Utterly natural composition, therefore free of harmful toxins.
- It helps in lightening and preventing tanning with the help of UVA, UVB, and SPF15.
- Is not greasy due to the intense moisturization that the product provides
- The skin feels soft and smooth when the sunscreen is on.
- Requires reapplication every few hours.
- Not ideal for people with oily skin.
- Not suitable for people with combination skin types.
- The product is not paraben-free.
9. St. Botanica Vitamin C Sunblock Face & Body Mist With SPF 50
The ST. Botanica sunblock mist is enriched with minerals that protect the skin from photoaging and hyperpigmentation. It reduces dark spots, and the SPF 50 protects the skin from harmful UV rays. It is suited for people with all types of skin.
This sunscreen hydrates and nourishes the skin apart from protecting it. It comes with a lightweight formula containing anti-aging properties and antioxidant ingredients, which are highly effective in fighting off the harmful elements and keeping the skin healthy and youthful.
Key Components – The St. Botanica SPF 50 sunblock is a bundle of goodness. It contains natural, botanical, and active ingredients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, tomato oil, aloe vera, green tea extract, calendula, and pomegranate extract.
- A matte and dry touch like finish
- Mineral-based, anti-aging, and hypoallergenic formula
- Water-resistant and lightweight
- Brightens and nourishes the skin.
- Antioxidants protect from sun damage and reduce irritation.
- Has a powerful fragrance
- The skin might feel sticky.
- A bit on the expensive side
10. Jovees Argan Sun Guard Lotion SPF 60 PA++++
This sunscreen from Jovees is formulated using wholesome ingredients like argan oil and chamomile. It comprises antioxidants and anti-inflammatories that will not only protect your skin from sun exposure but also maintain the smooth texture of the skin. It is a lightweight product that does not leave any unwanted white spot on the skin of the user.
Key Components – The active ingredients in the Jovees Argan Sun Guard Lotion include argan oil, peach extract, green tea extract, sandal extract, licorice extract, carrot seed oil, oat bran extract, chamomile, among others.
- The product offers PA++++ and SPF 60 protection
- Water-resistant and lightweight
- Does not make the skin oily
- Does not clog the pores
- Absorbs quickly and effectively controls sweat
- Travel-friendly
- The fragrance is very strong.
- It does not prevent the tanning of the skin
Buying Guide For Best Sunscreen For Women
Here’s a list of things you need to consider before getting yourself the one right product strictly.
Sun Protection Factor or SPF
SPF is basically the measure of the efficiency of sunscreen in preventing damage from the harmful rays of the sun. Now, you can’t just see SPF mentioned on any product and get it for yourself. There are a few things to consider – what will suit your skin type, and how long does the protection from sunburn last?
- Sensitive Skin – If you are someone with very sensitive skin, get a lotion with SPF 15, which will increase your sun rays bearing capacity.
- Skin Cancer/Melasma – If you have a history of skin cancer or have very fair skin, sunscreen with SPF 30+ is recommended. It is to be noted that you need to reapply it every two hours for the best results.
- For everyone else – It is always recommended that you wear a sunscreen that has at least an SPF concentration of 30 and above since it provides 97% protection from the harmful rays of the sun. Anything below that only provides about 93% protection from UVB rays.
Skin Type
A product showing the best of results for your friend may not be as good for you. Now, why is that? It is because different people have different types of skin and any product should be bought keeping that in consideration.
- Acne-Prone – If your skin is prone to severe acne breakouts or allergies, you should avoid products that contain fragrance or preservatives. Never use a product that comes in a spray can; instead, go for physical sunscreens.
For those who are allergic, avoid buying products that have alcohol in their composition. However, people with intense acne can go for gel-based products containing alcohol since it subdues acne formation.
People with acne-prone skin have to keep a lot of things in their minds. Another critical factor is to avoid products that are greasy as it clogs the pores and causes further breakouts. Therefore, choose a cream-based product to prevent it.
- Dry Skin – Dry skin needs hydration to get rid of the flakiness and dullness. Therefore, go for products that are labeled to have a moisturizing effect.
- Older People – Even though you have already been subjugated to a lot of heat-related damage, applying sunscreen can help prevent further risk of diseases such as cancer. Apart from that, it also helps in fighting wrinkles, fine lines, spots, and sagging.
Key Ingredients
Depending upon your skin type and needs, always check the label provided at the back of any product and then get yourself the one. It is always better to go for sunscreens, which are natural and organic, as it reduces the chances of side-effects and allergic reactions.
Avoid anything containing Oxybenzone and PABA. Mineral oils are right for your skin, and here are the ingredients you should look for in a sunscreen:
- UVA Absorbers – meradimate, avobenzone, ecamsule (Mexoryl SX)
- UVB Absorbers: octocrylene, para-aminobenzoic acid (PBA), cinoxate, ensulizole, padimate O, homosalate, trolamine salicylate
- UVA and UVB absorbers: sulisobenzone, dioxybenzone, oxybenzone
Consistency
Sunscreens are available in a variety of formulations and consistency. Some are gel-based, others are cream-based, some are water-based, and others are in a spray can.
All these products have different consistencies, and depending upon your need, choose the one that suits you best. Gel-based sunscreen is quickly absorbed; cream-based are sometimes sticky while the ones in spray cans are travel-friendly.
Final Words
Now that you know so much about something you thought was so basic – sunscreen, what are you waiting for? Read our detailed product list, go on your browser, and get shopping, girl!
Our list mentioned above has the ten best products in India for every skin type in every price range. Get that inner goddess glowing and bring on that shine with the best sunscreen lotion in the country.
Happy de-tanning!