30 Best Pharmacy Sunscreens in India – Dermatologists Recommended – Ultimate List

Sunscreens are an integral part of skincare. They are essential to protect the skin from harmful UV rays – not only that using sunscreen can prevent skin cancer caused by UV. They are also anti-aging and slow down the signs of aging.

Using tons of skincare actives without using sunscreen is fruitless. You need sunscreen to reap the benefits of other skincare products.

Editor’s Pick: Top Pharmacy Sunscreens

Best Chemical Sunscreen For Oily Skin: IPCA Acne UV Gel Silicone-based oil-free, matte sunscreen that’s excellent for oily, acne-prone skin. No white cast, waterproof and sweatproof. Best Chemical Sunscreen For Dry Skin: Bello Photostable Sunscreen Emulgel Cosmetically elegant sunscreen with safe, new-generation filters. Fragrance-free, Non-Comedogenic, suitable for acne-prone, normal, combination & dry skin types. Best Mineral Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin: Z-Block 25% Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Mineral sunscreen with no white cast. Has a nice lightweight texture with a non-greasy finish. It’s water-resistant and paraben-free.

Sunscreens are of two types – Chemical (Organic) Sunscreen and Physical (Inorganic) Sunscreens.

Chemical Sunscreen Filters:

Chemical Sunscreens are loved for their lightweight, cosmetically elegant texture. There are so many good chemical sunscreens that have zero white casts and a skin-like finish. They are easy on the skin, blending into the skin completely – compared to ghostly-looking physical sunscreens.

Chemical Sunscreens absorb the UV rays, turn them into heat, and release them into the body. These are generally not harmful to the skin, but if you are pregnant or lactating, it is recommended to avoid chemical sunscreens as they get into the bloodstream.

These are the chemical filters used in sunscreens:

Old Generation Chemical Filters:

Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate, Octyl Methoxycinnamate)

Blocks UVB. Not very stable.

Octocrylene

Blocks UVB and some UVA II. Photostable.

Avobenzone (Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane)

Blocks UVA (both UVA I and UVA II). Not photostable.

Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octyl Salicylate, Octisalate)

Blocks UVB

Homosalate

Blocks UVB. Not photostable.

Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone)

Blocks UVB and short UVA, photostable.

Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (Ensulizole)

Blocks UVB. Fairly photostable.

Benzophenone-4 (Sulisobenzone)

Weak filter. Blocks UVA and UVB. Often used to increase shelf life of the product.

New Generation UV Filters:

Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S, Bemotrizinol)

Broad Spectrum, Blocks UVA and UVB, highly photostable.

Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M, Bisoctrizole)

Broad Spectrum, Blocks UVA and UVB, highly photostable.

Tris-Biphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb A2B)

Blocks UVB and UVA II, Highly Photostable.

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus, DHHB)

Blocks UVA, Highly Photostable

Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150, Octyltriazone)

Blocks UVB, Highly Photostable

Best Pharmacy Chemical Sunscreens

Best For Oily Skin

1. IPCA Acne UV Gel SPF 50 PA+++

UV Filters: Chemical: De Ethylaminohydroxylbenzoyl hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Octyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone; Physical: Titanium Dioxide.

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹915 for 50gm

2. Blynds Emulgel SPF 40+ PA+++

UV Filters: Octinoxate, Tinosorb M, Homosalate, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T150, Bemotrizinol,

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹485 for 50gm

3. Photostable Gold Matte Finish Sunscreen Gel SPF 55 PA+++

UV Filters: Octinoxate, Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T150

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹823 for 50 gm

4. UV Doux Silicone Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA+++

UV Filters: Chemical: Octinoxate, Uvinul A Plus, Iscotrizinol, Bemotrizinol; Physical: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Oxide

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹745 for 50gm

5. Episoft AC Moisturizer SPF 30 Boot Star****

UV Filters: Octinoxate, Benzophenone-3, Avobenzone

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: Yes

Price: ₹600 for 75 gm

6. Fixderma Shadow SPF 50 Gel PA+++

UV Filters: Chemical: Octinoxate, Benzophenone-3, Avobenzone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Physical: Zinc Oxide

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: Yes

Price: ₹625 for 75gm

7. Regaliz Solasafe Silicone Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA+++

UV Filters: Chemical: Tinosorb S, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Physical: Zinc Oxide

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹709 for 50gm

8. Truderma Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA+++

UV Filters: Chemical: Octinoxate, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone; Physical: Titanium Dioxide

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹1039 for 50gm

9. Yuivine Sunscreen Aquagel SPF 30 PA+++

UV Filters: Chemical: Octinoxate, Benzophenone-3, Avobenzone; Physical: Titanium Dioxide

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: Yes

Price: ₹375 for 50gm

10. Cipla Rivela Lite Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ (Tinted – 2 shades)

UV Filters: Chemical: Octinoxate, Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Oxybenzone, Octocrylene; Physical: Titanium Dioxide

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹1067 for 60gm

11. UVedge SPF 50 Sunscreen Gel PA+++ by Aurelderma

UV Filters: SunCat DE

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: Yes

Price: ₹440 for 50ml

12. Ekran Soft Silicone Sunscreen Gel

UV Filters: Chemical: Octinoxate, Uvinul A Plus, Iscotrizinol, Bemotrizinol; Physical: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide.

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹570 for 50g

13. Meglow Pro Care Daily Defense Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ by Leeford Pharma

UV Filters: Chemical: Octinoxate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Tinosorb M, Uvinul T 150, Uvinul A Plus; Physical: Titanium Dioxide

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: Yes

Price: ₹350 for 50gm

14. Heliocare 360°Water Gel SPF50 PA++++

UV Filters: Octocrylene, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Avobenzone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb A2B, Tinosorb T 150

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹2100 for 50gm

15. ISDIN Fotoprotector Fusion Water SPF 50+

UV Filters: Chemical: Octinoxate, Avobenzone, Uvinul T 150; Physical: Titanium Dioxide

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹1618 for 50gm

Best For Dry Skin

16. Bello Photostable Sunscreen Emulgel 55

UV Filters: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S), Diethyl amino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus)

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹674 for 50g

17. Solecross Sunblock Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 PA++++

UV Filters: Chemical: Octinoxate, Benzophenone-3, Avobenzone, Tinosorb M; Physical: Titanium Dioxide

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹347 for 50g

18. Sunhalt Gold SPF 50 PA +++

UV Filters: Chemical: Suncat DE – Aqua (and) Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (and) Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (and) Benzophenone-3 (and) Phospholipids (and) 1,3 Butylene Glycol  Physical: PARSOL® TX – Titanium Dioxide, Silica, Dimethicone

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹450 for 60g

19. Photoban 50 Aqua Gel SPF 50 PA+++

UV Filters: Chemical: Suncat DE, Physical: Titanium Dioxide

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹735 for 50g

20. Curatio Photobloc Spf 50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Chemical: Octinoxate, Oxybenzone, Octocrylene, Avobenzone, Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S; Physical: Titanium Dioxide

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹584 for 50g

21. Adcross Anti Pollution Aqua Gel SPF 50

UV Filters: Octinoxate (12%), Zinc Oxide (Nanonized) (6%), Titanium Dioxide (Micronised) (5%), Benzophenone-3 (4%), Tinosorb-M (2%), Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate (0.5%)

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹889 for 60g

22. Sunstop Gold Sunscreen Gel SPF 55 PA+++ By Ajanta

UV Filters: Octinoxate, Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T150

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹750 for 50g

23. Sunbless Silicone Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA+++

UV Filters: Chemical: Octinoxate, Bemotrizinol, Uvinul A Plus, Diethylhexyl butamido triazine; Physical: Titanium Dioxide

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹472 for 30g

24. 360 BlockSunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA+++

UV Filters: Chemical: Octinoxate, Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T150; Physical: Titanium Dioxide

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹899 for 50g

25. UV Med Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ (Tinted)

UV Filters: Chemical: Homosalate (10%), Octyl Salicylate (5%), Octocrylene (3%), Avobenzone (0.3%), Benzophenone-3 (0.6%), Tinosorb M, Physical: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹395 for 50g

26. Curatio Suncote Gel SPF 30

UV Filters:  Octinoxate, Avobenzone, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹560 for 100g

27. Tvaksh Face Guard Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++

UV Filters:  Chemical: Uvinul A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl), Tinosorb S (Bemotrzinol), Octinoxate,  Uvasorb HEB (Diethylhexyl butamido triazone)Physical: Parsol TX ( Titanium Dioxide)

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹625 for 30g

28. Melascreen Sunscreen Lotion SPF 18

UV Filters:  Avobenzone 2%, Octyl Methoxy Cinnamate 3%, Benzophenone 3%, Physical: Zinc Oxide 6%, , Titanium Dioxide 1%

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹120 for 50ml

29. Melagard Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50+

UV Filters: Chemical: Octinoxate, Avobenzone, Oxybenzone, Octocrylene Physical: Zinc Oxide

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹725 for 60 ml

30. Bio Uv Spf 32+ Sunscreen Lotion (Tinted)

UV Filters: Ethyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹569 for 50ml

Mineral Sunscreen Filters:

Traditionally, Physical Sunscreens are believed to bounce off UV rays. However, they also absorb some amount of UV rays. Physical sunscreens are sensitive skin friendly and are recommended by doctors even for babies and kids. The major downside of physical sunscreens is they do leave a prominent white cast – due to the nature of the filter.

There are two inorganic filters:

Zinc Oxide:

Broad Spectrum UV Filters. Blocks both UVA and UVB.

Titanium Oxide:

Blocks UVB and UVA II range and some UVA I

Best Pharmacy Mineral Sunscreens

1. Suncros Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++

UV Filters:  Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹699 for 50g

2. Z-Block 25% Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Gel SPF 58 PA+++

UV Filters:  Zinc Oxide 25%

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹850 for 50ml

3. SunKage 100% Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+

UV Filters:  25% Micronized Zinc Oxide

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹690 for 50 g

4. Alkem Sunheal Pure SPF 50+ PA+++ Matte

UV Filters:  25% Micronized Zinc Oxide

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹729 for 30g

5. ZScreen Zinc Oxide Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA+++

UV Filters:  Zinc Oxide

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹949 for 50g

6. La Shield Fisico Matte Sunscreen Gel SPF 50 PA+++

UV Filters:  25% Micronised Zinc Oxide

Fragrance-Free: Yes

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹650 for 50g

7. Zoray APS SPF 50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹963 for 50g

8. Sunstop Silk SPF 58 by Ajanta

UV Filters: Zinc Oxide 25% Micronised

Fragrance-Free: No

Silicone-Free: No

Price: ₹785 for 60g

Safiya

Safiya is the editor and founder of TheBeautyInsideOut. With 7 years of experience in the beauty industry, she has been contributing content since its inception in 2016. She’s keen on trying out skincare from various verticals – be it Western skincare, Korean beauty, or Indian Ayurveda and sharing their unbiased opinions on them.