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The 11 Best Travel-size Sunscreens of 2024, Tested and Reviewed

We love nourishing travel-size sunscreens from brands like Shiseido, Coola, and Supergoop.

In This Article

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• Our top picks
• Other Options We Tested

Our Testing Process

• Tips for Buying
• Why Trust T + L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel + Leisure

No matter the destination, traveling with sunscreen is one of the best (and usually most cost-effective) ways to protect your skin from harmful rays. If checking in a suitcase isn’t a part of your flying routine, it’s important to bring a travel-size sunscreen that falls under the general 3.4-ounce size limit.

Almost every popular sunscreen or skin care brand carries a mini version of their full-size products, so we researched the best on the market and tested 20 different TSA-friendly options for your next tropical vacation . With options for stick, spray, reef-safe, and splurge-worthy sunblocks, we included various sunscreens on our list that earned rave reviews from Travel + Leisure editors.

Best Overall

Babo botanicals sheer mineral sunscreen lotion spf 50.

• Transfer 5 /5
• Opacity 5 /5
• Water Resistance 5 /5

The consistency feels like lotion so a little goes a long way.

There is a very slight white cast that disappears after you rub in the sunscreen.

From texture to water resistance, the Babo Botanicals Sheer Mineral Sunscreen won us over when we used it on a four-day trip to Hawaii . While we were expecting the formula to feel thick like typical mineral sunscreens, we were big fans of the liquid-type texture that applies like a nourishing lotion. After putting sunscreen all over the body and face at the beach, we loved that the formula absorbs quickly, only has a faint mineral smell, and doesn’t feel greasy.

Best of all, we discovered that a little goes a long way thanks to the lightweight and slightly runny texture of the sunscreen. When we went into the ocean, the sunscreen remained on the skin and didn’t come off or transfer onto any clothes or towels. We used the sunscreen several times per day for four days, and there was still about one-third of the product left over, so we think the value is exceptional for a hydrating and protective 3-ounce bottle.

The Details: SPF 50 | 3 ounces | 80 minute water resistance | Vegan | Cruelty and fragrance free

Travel + Leisure / Melody Chiu

Best Budget

Banana boat sport sunscreen lotion.

The sunscreen is ideal for being active, and it comes with two travel-size tubes.

The formula is not reef-safe.

Banana Boat is one of the best and most affordable brands on the market, so we recommend their travel-size Sport Performance Sunscreen. For a competitive price, you get two 3-ounce bottles that can easily fit in your carry-on. T+L’s digital editorial director Nina Ruggiero used the sunblock on a trip to Mexico and raved about the no-frills formula that is hydrating, protective from the sun, and doesn’t transfer onto clothes or swimsuits. The texture is fairly thick, so it takes a bit of rubbing in to get a sheer finish, but it doesn’t take too long to absorb. “It protected my skin on a long day out on a boat in the sun, and I got a nice glow but did not burn at all,” she shared. The only downside is that the sunblock isn’t safe for reefs, which is something to consider for snorkeling or swimming in tropical waters.

The Details: SPF 30 | 3 ounces | 80 minute water resistance | Oil and fragrance free

Travel + Leisure / Nina Ruggiero

Best for Hydration

Coola classic body sunscreen.

The texture feels exactly like lotion, and it doesn’t have an overpowering tropical scent.

It’s not designed to be worn on the face.

“I love how it left my skin feeling moisturized and not goopy,” T+L outdoor gear editor Taylor Fox shared after wearing Coola’s Organic Classic Body Sunscreen every day for two weeks. “It didn't feel like I was wearing sunscreen, but rather a high-quality body lotion.” The formula is made with plant-based ingredients and is safe under the Hawaii Reef Compliant Act, meaning it doesn’t have harmful chemicals that can damage coral reefs . Every time she applied the sunblock, it went on the skin evenly and smoothly without leaving a white cast or greasy residue. It didn’t transfer onto clothing or a towel, and the sunscreen didn’t run off after coming into contact with water. With prolonged use, we still had nearly half of the 3.4-ounce bottle left over, so we think the sunscreen could easily last for a one-to-two-week-long trip depending on how many times you use it throughout the day.

The Details: SPF 50 | 3.4 ounces | 80 minute water resistance | Reef safe | Vegan | Cruelty free

Travel + Leisure / Taylor Fox

Best Splurge

Shiseido ultimate sun protector lotion.

A little bit of this lightweight formula goes a long way.

The consistency is a slightly watery and oily.

We love that even a small dollop of the Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion blends effortlessly into the skin for a smooth and moisturizing finish. Although the bottle is only 1.6 ounces, the watery consistency makes it easy to spread the sun lotion, so just a little will get you plenty of coverage. The formula feels a bit oily, but after about five to 10 minutes, the sunscreen absorbs with a completely sheer set. For travelers looking for a fragrance-free sunscreen, we didn’t detect any scent, including that typical sunscreen smell. When we ran a sunscreen-soaked arm under the faucet, the formula remained perfectly absorbed without running off, so we feel confident in the brand’s promise of up to 80 minutes of water resistance before you’ll want to reapply.

The Details: SPF 50+ | 1.6 ounces | 80 minute water resistance | Reef safe

Travel + Leisure / Cai Cramer

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen

It completely absorbs into the skin in under a minute.

There is a slight floral scent.

The best part of Neutrogena’s Ultra Sheer Dry-touch Sunscreen is that you’ll barely feel it on your skin after applying the smooth and lightweight formula. Within one minute of applying the sunscreen, it absorbs seamlessly without leaving a greasy trace. The subtle floral scent masks any hints of typical sunscreen odors, so we didn’t mind the smell. We think the sunscreen consistency is thick enough that it feels hydrating without leaving a pesky white cast. When we wore the sunscreen under running water, it did run off the skin a little bit, but it didn’t cause the stinging in the eyes that can often happen with sunscreen. If you’re looking for sunblock that feels barely there, this one should be on your packing list. 

The Details: SPF 55 | 3 ounces | 80 minute water resistance | PABA-free

Travel + Leisure / Elena Garcia

Best Reef-safe

Mdsolarsciences mineral creme.

The mineral formula is free of ingredients that can cause damage to reefs, and it absorbs much better than similar eco-friendly products.

There is a slight white cast if you don’t rub it in thoroughly.

The MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 50 Sunscreen is free of oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are two ingredients that can cause coral reef bleaching. As expected with a mineral sunscreen, it was a bit thick, but once we rubbed it in thoroughly, the slight white cast went away. However, the best aspect of this silky sunblock is that it can be used all over the body. Besides the eco-conscious formula, we love that the brand also uses ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc that are designed for sensitivities like acne- or rosacea-prone skin. If you’re curious about the formula, the brand lists every ingredient with the option to click on the name for an explainer of the purpose of the component for transparency.

The Details: SPF 50 | 1.7 ounces | 80 minute water resistance | Reef safe | Vegan | Cruelty free

Travel + Leisure / Stella Yu

Shiseido UV Clear Stick Protector SPF 50

The stick applicator makes it super easy to apply without getting sunscreen all over your hands.

It might be time-consuming to apply the sunscreen stick all over the body.

Shiseido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick is ideal for storing in your everyday bag for sun protection on the go. The stick is very small, but it packs a punch with a thick SPF 50+ formula that can easily be applied without having to get sunscreen all over your hands. It felt a bit greasy at first, but once we rubbed in the sunblock, the slight sheen went away quickly. “The stick of this sunscreen is clear, so I was delighted that there's no white overdue cast on my brown skin,” T+L associate director Morgan Ashley Parker said. “After I applied it and rubbed it in, there was no way to tell where it had been applied as it fully absorbed into my skin, leaving no residue.” She also used the sunscreen during a sweaty 45-minute workout and we were pleased to see that it didn’t run or rub off, so this is a great face sunscreen option for outdoor activities like hiking and biking.

The Details: SPF 50+ | 0.7 ounces | Up to 80 minute water resistance

Travel + Leisure / Morgan Ashley Parker

Best Mousse

Supergoop play body sunscreen mousse.

The foamy texture is easy to apply, extremely hydrating, and dries faster than lotion.

It’s hard to tell how much sunscreen is left in the bottle.

Parker also swears by Supergoop sunscreen, especially the Blue Sea Kale Body Mousse. Whether you’re applying sunscreen to your face or body, it’s super easy to use the top-press applicator to release the lightweight foam sunscreen. It has a very slight sunscreen scent that isn’t overpowering, and Parker often uses the sunscreen as a hydrating lotion when traveling to tropical destinations . “My skin is prone to dryness and this product feels moisturizing enough that it can replace a separate body lotion for me as well,” she said. “Even when I'm in a hot climate or sweating, there's no stickiness or evidence that something is on my skin.” We love that the formula doesn’t leave any type of white cast or greasiness after application. Parker always recommends it to her friends with kids, as the whipped texture makes it extra fun to apply.

The Details: SPF 50 | 3 ounces | 80 minute water resistance | Cruelty free | Vegan

Best for Face

Black girl sunscreen broad spectrum spf 30.

• Feel 4.3 /5
• Opacity 4.7 /5
• Water Resistance 4.5 /5
• Removal 5 /5

The sheer formula is designed to be used as a lotion and sunscreen that won’t leave behind a white cast.

It has a glowy finish.

The Black Girl Sunscreen Moisturizing Sunscreen Lotion is designed for melanated skin and made with a variety of ingredients like jojoba and avocado, which protect and moisturize the skin without leaving a white cast finish. We wore the sunscreen over medicated acne creams and loved that it layers smoothly over the other skin care products without transferring or rubbing off when it comes into contact with water. Plus, the formula is fragrance-free, which is better for sensitive skin. If you’re looking for a facial sunscreen with a glowy (not greasy) finish, this sunscreen is a great option.

The Details: SPF 30 | 3 ounces | 80 minute water resistance | Cruelty and fragrance free | Vegan

Coola Organic Classic Sunscreen & Sunblock Spray

The can makes it incredibly easy to apply the sunscreen and it rubs in without leaving a greasy residue.

It has a fairly strong tropical scent.

Using a spray sunscreen like this option from Coola makes it easier to reach more difficult parts of the body like the back. We’re big fans of the lightweight and transparent formula of this SPF 30 spray that didn’t leave any type of pasty color or greasy finish behind. And best of all, we couldn’t get enough of the coconut scent that wasn’t too overpowering and transported us to a sunny tropical island. The spray sunscreen dries quickly after being lightly rubbed into the skin, and we appreciated the gentle and nourishing feel of the vegan and paraben-free formula. After using sunscreen on the face every day for two weeks, there was about half left, so we think the 2-ounce bottle would only last for a weekend trip if you’re using it for all-over coverage. However, for quicker trips, this lightweight spray is a great option.

The Details: SPF 30 | 2 ounces | 80 minute water resistance | Vegan | Cruelty free

Travel + Leisure / Alessandra Amodio

Best Lightweight

Innisfree daily uv defense sunscreen.

It has the same consistency as sheer lotion.

There is a slightly shimmery finish.

Out of all of the travel-size sunscreens we tested, the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen resembles the consistency and feel of a sheer face moisturizer the most. The lightweight formula is infused with natural ingredients like green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil, and it has more of a watery texture than other sunscreens we tried. We think it’s ideal for working out or outdoor activities where you may get sweaty because the sunscreen didn’t run when it came in contact with water, and it absorbs quickly without leaving any clumpy or greasy residue. Instead, it gives a dewy finish that leaves the face looking refreshed and hydrated. It has a very subtle fragrance that isn’t overpowering, and it doesn’t leave any type of white cast after application.

The Details: SPF 36 | 1.69 ounces

Travel + Leisure / Shana Stahl

Other Travel-size Sunscreens We Tested

This was a competitive test, and many of us gave rave reviews. However, the five sunscreens listed below fell slightly short during testing due to a few minor issues like scent and white cast.

• Sun Bum Original SPF 70 Sunscreen Lotion : The consistency is thick and hydrating, so we recommend it for the body. However, some rubbed off into our eyes and caused stinging, so we would be cautious about using it on the face.
• La Roche Posay Anthelios Sunscreen, Melt-in Milk Lotion Face and Body Sunscreen : The sunscreen doesn’t leave a white cast, and it feels very nourishing like a thick lotion, but the chemical smell is overpowering and harsh.
• Vacation Classic Lotion SPF 30 : The chemical formula rubs in completely sheer, which is ideal for wearing it on the face, but we wish the SPF was higher than 30.
• EltaMD UV Sport Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Sport Lotion : The mineral sunscreen stayed on our skin for the duration of a sweaty workout without transferring onto clothing. However, there is a slightly greasy residue and white cast after application that we didn’t love.
• CeraVe Broad-spectrum Mineral Sunscreen Stick : The stick formula is similar to deodorant, so it’s a little thick and tacky, but it rubs in very smoothly and sheer. We love the small size for tossing in a purse or carry-on.

Over two weeks, T+L tested 20 bottles of liquid, stick, and spray sunscreens. All of the bottles were intended to meet general carry-on liquid requirements that limit containers to 3.4 fluid ounces.

Whether we used the sunscreen at the beach, in the pool, or for any outdoor activity, we rated the formulas based on texture, opacity, water resistance, and transfer resistance. We applied the sunscreen at least seven times all over the body to get the most accurate usage impressions and to get an idea of how long the sunscreen could last for a vacation.

After thorough testing, our favorite sunscreens were easy to apply, rubbed on smoothly without a white cast leftover, and didn’t transfer when we put on clothes over the sunscreen. The best sunscreens didn’t come off instantly when the tester came into contact with sweat or water, and the formulas didn’t irritate the skin or leave a greasy residue. We rated the overall value of each sunscreen after testing was complete, uncovering the prices to evaluate the worth of the sunscreen compared to the price.

Tips for Buying Travel-size Sunscreen

Look at spf and uv protection.

The rule of thumb is to look for SPF 30 or higher. It can be easy to forget to reapply sunscreen after going in the water, so you’ll want to make sure you add more sunscreen after two hours or 80 minutes in the water.

Consider stick, liquid, or spray 

Most sunscreens are in liquid form, but there are also sunscreens in sticks and aerosol spray, too. A stick can be easier to travel with — especially as an addition to your camping gear for kids — as you won’t have to worry about any liquid spilling (or, if you're flying, meeting the 3.4-ounce travel size requirement for carry-ons). No matter what kind of sunscreen you get, you’ll always want to keep your eye out for broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and SPF 30 or higher.

Know the difference between chemical and mineral sunscreen

Mineral or physical sunscreen sits on top of the skin and acts as a reflection to ward off harmful sun rays, whereas chemical sunscreen absorbs the rays. Mineral sunscreen has ingredients like zinc or titanium dioxide that can be better suited for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Chemical sunscreen is usually a little bit thinner and goes on sheerer than mineral sunscreen, so you’ll want to factor in the differences depending on the ingredients and application you’re looking for in a sunscreen.

Opt for reef-safe sunscreen if you're heading to the beach

A lot of sunscreens can contain active ingredients that are harmful to reefs and ocean wildlife. If you look at the active ingredients lists of a bottle of sunscreen and see oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, or homosalate, then the formula wouldn't be considered reef-safe. See the full list of harmful ingredients , according to the Coral Reef Alliance.

Although it varies by airline, the typical limit for liquids in a carry-on suitcase is 3.4 ounces. Usually, you can bring up to a 1-quart size bag full of liquids on an airplane, otherwise, you’ll want to check your bag if you have lots of liquids to bring.

Bringing an aerosol can like spray sunscreen in a carry-on is allowed on most airlines. However, the 3.4-ounce limit still applies, so if your spray is over the limit, you’ll need to check it to avoid potentially having to throw it away in the TSA security line .

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Anna Popp is a Commerce Writer at Travel + Leisure , where she writes about and reviews travel products. She has been travel writing since 2018 and product testing since 2021. Anna tested a travel-size sunscreen herself and worked with travel editors to determine the results for the best travel-size sunscreen based on a series of tests completed by T+L editors, writers, and other expert product testers.

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From Aldi to Lidl and Morrisons: Here's the 10 best supermarket sun creams for 2023

Starting at £1.99

With temperatures hitting the high 20s and a heatwave due in July, chances are you'll be needing to re up on the sun cream this summer.

And though the days of greasy, oily SPF are very much a thing of the past, finding the right formula–at the right price–is never an easy feat.

Luckily, the very best supermarket sun creams, from everywhere from Aldi and Lidl to Morrisons and Marks & Spencer, pack a UV and UBA protection punch up there with the fancy brands: you just need to know which ones to choose.

Before we get into the specifics, here's how to read a bottle of bargain suncream, to ensure that it's here for the protection you need.

How to read a suncream UVA star rating

The UVA star rating system is your most useful tool when identifying the best supermarket sun creams.

Ranging from 0 to 5, this scale measures the amount of protection the formula offers against UVA radiation.

UVA accounts for around 95% of the UV light that reaches our skin, has the ability to penetrate glass, and is responsible for causing skin damage. Ideally, you want a sun cream that hits the 5-star rating to ensure you’re as covered as can be.

How to read an SPF rating

So, what about the SPF rating? This measures the amount of UVB protection the formula offers – these rays are the ones that cause sunburn.

The SPF rating ranges from 2 (you may as well slather milk on your body) right up to 100, although SPF 30 and 50 are the most widely recommended (the British Association of Dermatologists says that the former should always be your minimum SPF.). They block around 97% and 98% of UVB rays respectively.

It goes without saying that you need protection from both UVA and UVB in your sun protection, and, thankfully, almost all of today’s sun creams offer this. How do you know? Look for the words ‘broad spectrum’ on the bottle.

So, where can the best supermarket sun creams really be found? Read on for the WH verdict.

The best supermarket sun creams for 2023

1. best sun cream for dry skin: ambre solaire hydra 24h lotion spf50+.

As well as advanced UVA/UVB protection, this hydrating heavy hitter is formulated with soothing shea butter to help nourish skin and counteract the drying effect of the sun.

Ambre Solaire Hydra 24H Lotion SPF50+

2. Best sun cream for kids: Nivea Sun Lotion Kids Protect & Sensitive

No matter how many times they jump in and out of the paddling pool, you can rely on this formula to offer high protection to little ones’ delicate skin.

Nivea Sun Lotion Kids Protect & Sensitive

3. Best sun cream for your face: Aldi Lacura Rejuvelate Day Face Cream SPF 30, £3.49

With SPF30 protection and a 5-star UVA rating, this bargain face cream from Aldi ticks all the boxes. The lightweight formulas feels undetectable on skin, but rest assured it’s keeping your visage safe and protected.

Lacura Rejuvelate Day Cream SPF 30

4. Best sensitive skin sun cream: Nivea Sun Sensitive Allergy Protect Sun Cream Spray SPF50+

Easily irritated and sensitive skin? Look no further than Nivea's new Sun Sensitive formula. The unperfumed sun cream harnesses the power of gentle ingredients like Aloe Vera, Liquorice extract and Antioxidants to protect skin from sun allergies and irritations, while also offering UVA/UVB and High Energy Visible Light (HEVL) protection.

Nivea Sun Sensitive Allergy Protect Sun Cream Spray SPF50+

5. Best vegan suncream: Evolve Climate Veil Tinted SPF20, £28

While chemical-based sunscreens do the job properly - and are often available at a lower cost - they don’t slip so seamlessly into a low-tox lifestyle, if that's what you're after.

This vegan, organic option is ideal - it’s formulated with mineral UV filters instead of chemical nanoparticles and comes with a flattering tint to even out your complexion.

Evolve Climate Veil Tinted SPF20 50ml

6. Best sun cream for watersports: Lidl Cien Sun Sport, £2.49

Off for a spot of surfing? You need a sun cream with serious staying power, and one of the very best comes from none other but Lidl. This thick cream is formulated to withstand moderate water contact, so you'll need to reapply less often.

Lidl doesn't do the online shopping thing, so you'll need to head in-store, for this one.

7. Best suncream for allergy-prone skin: Ultra Sun SPF50+ Extreme Protection, £16.50

Stocked in Waitrose, this brilliant sun cream is suitable for most allergies including those caused by the sun. Formulated with antioxidants, it ensures long-lasting protection after just one application.

Ultrasun SPF50+ Extreme Protection

8. Best ocean-friendly sun cream: Green People Organic SPF 30 Scent Free Sun Lotion, £25

Next time you're browsing Ocado, be sure to add this lotion to your basket if you're headed to the beach. It's formulated without any of the nasty chemicals that have been proven to bleach coral and disrupt the ocean's delicate ecosystem.

green people Green People Organic SPF 30 Scent Free Sun Lotion

9. Best roll on sun cream for kids: Tesco Soleil Kids Sun Roll-On Spf 50

For kids that don't sit still, the roll on applicator of the this sun cream makes it a breeze to cover every inch of their skin, ensuring they're protected from head to toe.

Tesco Soleil Kids Sun Roll-On Spf 50

10. Best spray sun cream for babies: Childs Farm 50+ Spf Sun Lotion Spray Fragrance Free 100Ml

A hit with mums on the WH team, this sustainable skincare spray is not only easy to apply, spritzing evenly over skin and absorbing in seconds, but is also waterproof and suitable for sensitive skin tones.

Childs Farm Childs Farm 50+ Spf Sun Lotion Spray Fragrance Free 100Ml

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Good to know

• Provides UVA/UVB protection
• Reduces risk of sun allergies
• Long-lasting and intensive moisturisation
• Water resistant

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We tried cheap sun cream from Aldi, Tesco, Asda and Morrisons and a £3.20 bottle impressed us

We put supermarket own brand sun cream to the test

• 05:00, 20 JUL 2022

With the recent scorching hot weather and the crazy heatwave in full swing, shoppers are bound to be frantically trying to snap up some sun lotion.

Sun cream is already flying off the shelves, and with the blazing hot sun out in full force, there's even more risk of being burnt to a crisp. Us Brits are known to struggle with the sunshine, and although many of us will be choosing to avoid it completely, some of us may not be able to escape it when going about our day to day lives.

As well as keeping hydrated and trying to stay out as the sun as much as possible, it's so important to ensure that you're protected with a high factor sun lotion. Of course, it all depends on our skin type, but it's important to make sure your chosen SPF suits your skin.

READ MORE: We tried cheap after sun lotion from Aldi, Morrisons and Asda and one scored top marks

With the cost of everything going up, staple items such as sun cream can cost up to a whopping £6 for 200ml depending on the brand, like one by drugstore favourite, Nivea . We decided to test out 'value' supermarket sun creams to see if they're just as good as the branded products.

Tesco's Soleil Fragrance Free Sun Protection Lotion

At £3.20, Tesco's own brand sun cream certainly isn't as cheap as the likes of Aldi but how did it measure up? Well, given the size of the bottle and the sheer amount of options Tesco offers, it definitely had me thinking it would be a winner.

Luckily, I was right. The 200ml was among the last bottles on the shelf thanks to our recent heatwave, but Tesco clearly had a huge range of options on offer if the signs on the shelf are anything to go by.

The product is easy to apply, though you need to be careful about squeezing the bottle to ensure you get the right amount. The first thing I noticed was that the product was light and fast-absorbing.

A little goes a long way and you really don't need to use too much of it to get a good amount of coverage. This product left the skin feeling smooth and moisturised and it lasted well, too.

I'd definitely purchase this product again and would choose it over the more costly branded options.

Price: £3.20

Rating: 5/5

Where to buy: Your local Tesco store or online here .

Aldi Lacura Moisturising Sun Lotion

I wasn't blessed with skin that tans - I burn incredibly easily and sadly, erratically. I've spent many unfortunate summer holidays with random red blobs and blotches all over my arms and legs. With such sensitive skin, I feel pretty clued up on sun lotions and potions and their importance.

The sun's powerful rays can cause damage even on a cloudy day, so wearing SPF products has become part of my daily skincare routine. I've found my favourites over the years but have never tried Aldi's Lacura sun range .

My local Aldi's shelves were pretty bare, which left me having to buy something I've never bought before - SPF 15. I'm strictly a factor 30 or above kind of girl and in recent years, have stuck with factor 50. Though teenage me would have been mortified by the deathly pale shade of my pins, 31-year-old me is embracing it.

I only tried this on my forearms because, quite frankly, I'm not prepared to burn myself for my job, and I was impressed with the delightfully nostalgic scent. It instantly transported me to long, hot summer days as a child, without being too overpowering.

It's a thick consistency, though it's absorbed relatively easily into the skin. It doesn't leave the skin feeling overly tacky like some products and I love that it's rated five stars for UVA protection. A 200ml bottle cost £2.39 which I thought was excellent value.

Aldi's own products are also Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free - the gold standard - which is very important to me. I will definitely try other products in Aldi's Lacura sun lotion range, I just hope I can get my hands on some SPF 50.

Price: £2.39

Rating: 4/5

Where to buy: Your local Aldi store or online

Morrisons Protect and Nourish Moisturising Sun Lotion

As someone with pale skin, I always make sure to stock up on sun cream during the summer and usually opt for a bottle of SPF 50. I'd never tried Morrisons' own version before but was pleasantly surprised. Coming in at £3 for a 200ml bottle of SPF 50, I thought it was reasonably priced, especially when compared to some of the more expensive brands.

One of the things I loved about this sun cream was its appealing smell, which lasts well on the skin. The product is non-greasy and has a nice moisturising feel to it too, meaning it blended in smoothly and didn't leave me feeling sticky.

With the sun cream not having a spray applicator, it does mean you have to be cautious not to apply too much at once, and you don't need to use too much to get a good coverage of product either. The product is vegan friendly and cruelty free too, which is an added bonus.

Overall, I was impressed with this sun cream and would definitely buy it again.

Where to buy: Your local Morrisons store

Asda Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion Medium SPF 15

Admittedly, I'm always very lazy when it comes to sun cream, which I know is very dangerous. I'm keen to wear it on holiday, but quite often forget to pop it on during summer in the UK.

I think it's because I forget the UK sun can be just as strong as when you're abroad, especially recently with the heatwave. After using plenty of tan enhancing oils during trips abroad, I was after something that was safer and cheaper.

A bottle of 200ml Nivea sun cream will set shoppers back a whopping £6 for SPF50 , and although the Asda own brand lotion was lower at SPF15, it was still considerably more affordable at £2.80 for 200ml.

The bottle of the Asda Protect Moisturising sun lotion was fairly simple looking, but didn't look cheap at all. Once I put it onto my skin I was really surprised at the thickness of the lotion.

It was the smell that really impressed me though, it was incredibly refreshing and smelt amazing - a rarity for often clinical smelling sun lotions. It smoothed onto my skin really easily, but it did feel slightly drying too.

I tested the lotion while sat outside on my lunchbreak and, for an affordable lotion in the middle of a crazy heatwave, it worked pretty well. Although, it's important to note that the SPF15 was the only factor they had available in my local Asda at the time, but stronger SPFs are available.

Price: £2.80

Where to buy: Your local Asda store or online here.

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Stay safe in the sun as Tesco slashes the cost of sun cream

20 March 2024

• Tesco is helping people stay safe in the sun by cutting sun care prices by 20 per cent on branded and own brand sun protection for the whole family for the next six weeks.
• The promotion comes on top of Tesco’s existing commitment to absorb the cost of VAT on its own-brand Tesco Soleil sun care range since 2021.

From today, Tesco is cutting the cost of staying safe in the sun with 20 per cent off more than 140 sun protection products on Clubcard Prices for the next six weeks.

With Tesco already covering the 20 per cent VAT on its own brand Soleil sun care range, prices are even more accessible to sunseekers and their families whether they are planning a beach holiday or some outdoor fun over the Easter break. The discount, available on more than 140 products is in stores and online until 30 April.

Even if Easter proves to be a washout or your big holiday isn’t until the summer, stocking up on essential sun protection now can help spread the cost of the holidays with unopened suncream keeping for up to 36 months. There are deals on familiar brands including NIVEA Sun Kids Protect & Care To Go Lotion SPF 50+ (50ml) down from £4.50 to £3.60 on Clubcard Prices and Garnier Ambre Solaire Milk SPF 50 Vitamin C (200ml) reduced from £6.00 to £4.80 (with a Clubcard) and excellent value through Tesco’s own brand Soleil range which has everyone covered including children, babies, and those with sensitive skin. For example, Tesco Soleil Kids Sun Lotion SPF50 (200ml) is down to just £2.55 on Clubcard Prices (from £3.20).

Since Tesco first covered VAT on its Tesco Soleil sun care products in 2021, it has helped customers save more than £1 million, while keeping themselves and their families safe in the sun.

Tom Lye, Tesco’s Category Director for Health, Beauty and Wellness, said: “With Easter holidays and summertime approaching, it’s important that our customers can stay safe in the sun whether at home or abroad. Covering the VAT cost on our Tesco Soleil range since 2021 has helped keep the products affordable, and offering a further 20 per cent off for the next six weeks will allow our customers to stock up on what they need to protect their skin from the sun.”

Over 70 per cent of Brits don’t feel the need to protect from the sun in UK as they don’t feel it is as strong in this country 1 , but it is essential that people still protect themselves from the sun as UV rays can even affect your skin on cloudy days. UV is the third most deadly cause of cancer in the UK 2 and the UV index is a free and widely available prevention tool which indicates the strength of the UV rays and the risk of sunburn. The higher the number, the less time it takes for your skin to become damaged by the sun 3 .

NIVEA Sun will also be in selected stores educating customers on the signs of skin cancer and how best to protect your skin, as well as Peppa Pig visiting some stores with Garnier Ambre Solaire to raise awareness of kids’ sun safety.

Notes to editors 

• Products include: 
• The 20 per cent discount on more than 140 sun care products runs for six weeks from Wednesday 20 March until Tuesday 30 April for Clubcard members.
• The Tesco Soleil range offers the highest available protection (UVA 5-star rating) against UVA rays at an affordable price. When UV level is over 3, it is advised that people should use sun protection, specifically products that have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15, provide broad spectrum protection with a minimum 4-star UVA rating, and have the primary purpose of providing sun protection.
• The Tesco Soleil range includes more than 30 products that will be on offer including Sun Protection Lotion, Sun Protection Spray, Sun Protection Roll-On, Sun Mist and Face Cream.
• The price reduction of 20 per cent applies to all products that provide sun protection and excludes After Sun products and some face creams. 

1 Mintel data, 2019 

2 Cancer Research UK data 

3 The UV index and sunburn risk , Cancer Research UK 

We put Aldi, Lidl, Tesco, Asda and Morrisons sun creams to the test and a £3.20 bottle wowed us

We put supermarket own brand sun cream to the test

Supermarket own brand suncreams

• 10:00, 6 Oct 2023
• Updated 10:56, 6 Oct 2023

The summer sun appears to be all set for a welcomed return this weekend, so you may be considering a good sun cream range to get you through the next couple of days and beyond.

Sun cream is already flying off the shelves, but which is most affordable while also feeling like it 'has you covered'? There's always the risk of being burnt even when the sun's rays don't feel that strong, and since us Brits are known to struggle with the sunshine, we decided to put to the test these top supermarkets ' own ranges and one came out on top.

As well as keeping hydrated and trying to stay out as the sun as much as possible, it's so important to ensure that you're protected with a high factor sun lotion. Of course, it all depends on our skin type, but it's important to make sure your chosen SPF suits your skin.

With the cost of everything going up, staple items such as sun cream can cost up to a whopping £6 for 200ml depending on the brand, like one by drugstore favourite, Nivea . We decided to test out 'value' supermarket sun creams to see if they're just as good as the branded products.

Tesco's Soleil Fragrance Free Sun Protection Lotion

Tesco's Soleil Fragrance Free Sun Protection Lotion (Image: Liverpool Echo)

At £3.20, Tesco 's own brand sun cream certainly isn't as cheap as the likes of Aldi but how did it measure up? Well, given the size of the bottle and the sheer amount of options Tesco offers, it definitely had me thinking it would be a winner.

Luckily, I was right. The 200ml was among the last bottles on the shelf thanks to our recent heatwave, but Tesco clearly had a huge range of options on offer if the signs on the shelf are anything to go by.

The product is easy to apply, though you need to be careful about squeezing the bottle to ensure you get the right amount. The first thing I noticed was that the product was light and fast-absorbing.

A little goes a long way and you really don't need to use too much of it to get a good amount of coverage. This product left the skin feeling smooth and moisturised and it lasted well, too.

I'd definitely purchase this product again and would choose it over the more costly branded options.

Price: £3.20

Rating: 5/5

Where to buy: Your local Tesco store or online here .

Aldi Lacura Moisturising Sun Lotion

I wasn't blessed with skin that tans - I burn incredibly easily and sadly, erratically. I've spent many unfortunate summer holidays with random red blobs and blotches all over my arms and legs. With such sensitive skin, I feel pretty clued up on sun lotions and potions and their importance.

The sun's powerful rays can cause damage even on a cloudy day, so wearing SPF products has become part of my daily skincare routine. I've found my favourites over the years but have never tried Aldi's Lacura sun range .

My local Aldi's shelves were pretty bare, which left me having to buy something I've never bought before - SPF 15. I'm strictly a factor 30 or above kind of girl and in recent years, have stuck with factor 50. Though teenage me would have been mortified by the deathly pale shade of my pins, 31-year-old me is embracing it.

Aldi's Lacura sun lotion (Image: Jess Flaherty)

I only tried this on my forearms because, quite frankly, I'm not prepared to burn myself for my job, and I was impressed with the delightfully nostalgic scent. It instantly transported me to long, hot summer days as a child, without being too overpowering.

It's a thick consistency, though it's absorbed relatively easily into the skin. It doesn't leave the skin feeling overly tacky like some products and I love that it's rated five stars for UVA protection. A 200ml bottle cost £2.39 which I thought was excellent value.

Aldi's own products are also Leaping Bunny certified cruelty free - the gold standard - which is very important to me. I will definitely try other products in Aldi's Lacura sun lotion range, I just hope I can get my hands on some SPF 50.

Price: £2.39

Rating: 4/5

Where to buy: Your local Aldi store or online

Unfortunately, this cream smells like Aldi's but a bit more beachy!

But on the positive side, it is fast absorbing, water-resistant (but still reapply regularly after swimming), and it's ideal for sports. It's cheap and dried super quickly too!

The only negative thing I can say is it not as great value for money as Aldi, but they may have a wider selection of sizes in other Lidl stores. Unclear what star rating it has, but still meets UVA EU standards

Price: £2.19 for 75ml

Where to Buy: Your local Lidl store

Morrisons Protect and Nourish Moisturising Sun Lotion

I was impressed with the Morrisons own brand sun cream (Image: Charlotte Roszko)

As someone with pale skin, I always make sure to stock up on sun cream during the summer and usually opt for a bottle of SPF 50. I'd never tried Morrisons ' own version before but was pleasantly surprised. Coming in at £3 for a 200ml bottle of SPF 50, I thought it was reasonably priced, especially when compared to some of the more expensive brands.

One of the things I loved about this sun cream was its appealing smell, which lasts well on the skin. The product is non-greasy and has a nice moisturising feel to it too, meaning it blended in smoothly and didn't leave me feeling sticky.

With the sun cream not having a spray applicator, it does mean you have to be cautious not to apply too much at once, and you don't need to use too much to get a good coverage of product either. The product is vegan friendly and cruelty free too, which is an added bonus.

Overall, I was impressed with this sun cream and would definitely buy it again.

Where to buy: Your local Morrisons store

Asda Protect Moisturising Sun Lotion Medium SPF 15

Admittedly, I'm always very lazy when it comes to sun cream, which I know is very dangerous. I'm keen to wear it on holiday, but quite often forget to pop it on during summer in the UK.

I think it's because I forget the UK sun can be just as strong as when you're abroad, especially recently with the heatwave. After using plenty of tan enhancing oils during trips abroad, I was after something that was safer and cheaper.

A bottle of 200ml Nivea sun cream will set shoppers back a whopping £6 for SPF50 , and although the Asda own brand lotion was lower at SPF15, it was still considerably more affordable at £2.80 for 200ml.

It smelt amazing (Image: Emily Sleight/ Liverpool ECHO)

The bottle of the Asda Protect Moisturising sun lotion was fairly simple looking, but didn't look cheap at all. Once I put it onto my skin I was really surprised at the thickness of the lotion.

It was the smell that really impressed me though, it was incredibly refreshing and smelt amazing - a rarity for often clinical smelling sun lotions. It smoothed onto my skin really easily, but it did feel slightly drying too.

I tested the lotion while sat outside on my lunchbreak and, for an affordable lotion in the middle of a crazy heatwave, it worked pretty well. Although, it's important to note that the SPF15 was the only factor they had available in my local Asda at the time, but stronger SPFs are available.

Price: £2.80

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