Does cheap sunscreen protect just as well?
HLN, 21 June 2026
Dr Griet Voet tests ten budget sunscreens for HLN: why price says little and why applying it properly makes the difference.
For HLN, Dr Griet Voet examined ten own-brand sunscreens. Her finding: price says little about protection. What matters are good filters against both UVA and UVB radiation, and you will find those in many inexpensive products too. She explains the difference between chemical and mineral filters, and between older and more modern filters.
More important than the brand or protection factor is applying it correctly: using enough product and reapplying every two hours. A day cream with SPF is not enough for a whole day in the sun. People with sensitive skin should watch out for alcohol and perfume in the ingredients, and the skin itself also helps determine which texture is suitable.
As a dermatologist, she prefers pharmacy products, but acknowledges that several own-brand products score well.
Key advice
Apply generously and reapply every two hours.
Choose a product that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Sensitive skin? Avoid sprays with a lot of alcohol or perfume.
Choose a texture you like, so you apply it more often.
“But the key message remains: the best sunscreen is the one you use in sufficient amounts and regularly.” — Dr Griet Voet