Why is one sunscreen so much more expensive than another?
HLN, 27 April 2026
Dr Griet Voet in HLN on the price difference between sunscreens: what you pay for with expensive brands and what you should really look out for.
Prompted by a cheap sunscreen at a discount chain, Dr Griet Voet explains in HLN where the price difference comes from. The protection itself lies in the UV filters; more expensive brands mainly pay for research into texture, packaging, marketing and extra ingredients. A product with both UVA and UVB filters protects just as well, when used correctly.
More important than the brand is application discipline: applying enough, reapplying every two hours, also after swimming or sweating. For sensitive, acne-prone or very dry skin, or for sun allergy, a pharmacy brand can add value, as it can for the face, where texture matters more. For the body, a simple product is enough. Sprays are best not applied directly to the face.
Key advice
Choose a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection.
Apply generously and reapply every two hours, also after swimming.
For acne-prone skin: choose a non-comedogenic sunscreen.
Spray sunscreen onto your hands first, not directly onto your face.
“Applying correctly and sufficiently is far more important than the brand on the bottle.” — Dr Griet Voet