Thanks to sun protection, fun in the sun without worrying about burns or skin cancer has become a reality. However, as you slather on more of this miracle product, one might wonder if it’s worth the cost?
Purchasing a tiny bottle of sun protection may feel like a splurge, but there are clear reasons behind the hefty price tag. Let’s explore why sunscreen is priced so high and what strategies to use when purchasing your next one.
Expert in This Article
Dr. Tasneem Poonawalla, a board-certified dermatologist in West Hills, CA.
What Makes Sunscreen Costly.
A good sunscreen has to meet the mark in many different ways. It has to be white cast-free, quick-drying, and water-resistant, among other things. So, there are a lot of factors that affect how sunscreen is formulated.
Ingredients and Formulations:
A sunscreen product must have FDA-approved active ingredients to be labeled a sunscreen, such as avobenzone, oxybenzone, or zinc oxide. Otherwise, the FDA will quickly remove it from the market.
Sun Protecting Ingredients:
An effective sunscreen must be formulated with FDA-approved ingredients with a minimum SPF rating of 15. Dr Tasneem Poonawalla of Expert Dermatology states, “Contrary to popular belief, sun protection doesn’t depend on slathering more sunscreen. The formula’s strength is determined by its protection value. It must shield you from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays.”
Supportive Ingredients:
The price is impacted by non-active ingredients used in the sunscreen, such as the popular Centella extract and so on. These supporting ingredients can serve other purposes, like calming and brightening the skin; therefore, the price rises.
Focus on User Experience:
Sunscreens have come a long way since giving white cast a greasy application that’s hard to stand. Brands have now formulated sunscreens that are innovative in their user experience. Sunscreens that feel like nothing once applied, have no irritating white cast, and are waterproof are loved by many.
Great Packaging:
Brands have upped their marketing game and have sunscreens with pristine packaging that attracts customers. Different bottles like sprays, pumps, and even deodorant-like sticks have lined the drugstore shelves with quality sunscreens like never before. With so much variety, customers easily pay hefty prices for their preferences.
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How To Minimize Your Sunscreen Expenses
Suncare is a lifelong experience, so let’s consider some strategies that can help us minimize this expense.
Buy Generic:
The research paper ‘The economic burden of sunscreen usage’ from the National Library of Medicine suggests expensive and generic sunscreens perform similarly. However, purchasing generic brands saves customers 40%-50% more than they would be buying high-end brands. So, if you can forego the milder packaging, a generic sunscreen can save you some cash.
Bulk Buy:
The more, the merrier. Consider buying bulk from online sources, as it can save you cash in the long run. However, be mindful to plan your purchase for a few future months as sunscreen does expire.
Consider Water Resistant:
Water-resistant sunscreens can help you as they lead to less reapplication hence, prolonging the use per bottle.
Sun Protective Clothing:
It’s your best bet other than regular sunscreen usage. Wearing a hat, solid fabrics, and full sleeves are some precautions that can protect you from the sun. However, sunscreens should still be used in areas exposed to the sun.
Effective Application Can Help
There’s a right and wrong way to apply sunscreen. Dr.Tasneem Poonawalla explains, “An easy way to ensure you use the right amount of sunscreen is to measure a two-finger-length amount for your face.” She also insists that sunscreen reapplication should be done every two hours.
Refinery29 mentions that the right sunscreen isn’t the most expensive; it’s the one you use daily, and we couldn’t agree more.
In A Nutshell
A catchy ad or an insistent beauty influencer can compel you to believe that some strikingly expensive options are the best. However, now that you have some insight into why sunscreen is so expensive. The right choice is, ultimately, the one that fits your budget and lifestyle. That’s the one that you consistently use. Remember, keeping your skin safe doesn’t have to break the bank!
Annie Edith is an experienced journalist and content creator with a strong passion for health and wellness. She takes a unique approach to her writing, exploring the latest trends in Dental, Fitness, and mental well-being, while providing readers with informative, research-based articles.
