3 reasons why your favorite sunscreens may be more expensive — and how to decide if you should pay the premium
You’ve probably noticed that some of the sunscreens you like tend to be pricier.
I’ve tried more than 100+ sunscreens in my life, from $5 ones to $100 ones. I’ve always wondered why the price varies this much, and I sought these answers on my own journey developing sunscreens. I believe I now know why, and how to decide.
I hope this helps you figure it out too!
#1: Sunscreens are hard to formulate well
Good sunscreens require months or even years of formulating in order for it to achieve the intended sensorial feel and spreadability (important for effectiveness).
To get the right sunscreens formulated, it takes utmost care and attention to get the right spread, color, transparency, absorption speed, feel, scent, and more. The R&D effort it takes can be immense. I tend to stick with a few I like — and test them with a UV cam.
#2: Robust testing is important
SPF is notoriously hard; most cite it as the hardest skincare to make and test.
Part of the challenge is making sure that it’s tested rigorously, not just for UVB coverage but also UVA coverage + standard tests for other skincare. This means a battery of tests with multiple labs. (Look for the test results of your fav sunscreens, or ask for it.)
#3: Scale and target markets are different
More a business decision, some sunscreens are priced lower to capture volume.
Most higher-end sunscreens are made to be sold at smaller-scale retailers or direct-to-consumer, which means the economies of scale tend to be lower (+ need to reinvest in R&D). This reflects in the pricing to a degree. With this, it comes down to the below…
Your preferences take precedence
Expensive is not better; you should take into account your own experience with the sunscreens and the price you’re willing to pay (factoring in reapplications!).
I care most about how sunscreens feel on my skin, and prioritize it over all other factors (looks, price, format, etc.). Some expensive ones are terrible, some affordable ones are amazing. The key thing is to sample and find one that suits your tastes.
I’m always happy to trade sunscreen reviews, so let me know if you need help finding or selecting a sunscreen that works for you!
