SPF Is Expensive Now?! Here’s How To Stretch Every Drop Like Your Rent Depends On It

“Sorry, can we talk about the Elephant in the room, SPF (or Sunscreen)?” — after seeing a post sent by my friend, I hopped on (literally, hopped) to my favorite store and bham! my go-to SPF had gone up by 50%. I walked out of the store without it, understandably offended.

Thankfully, I’m not alone. TikTok, Reddit, and every group chat with skin-conscious besties are sounding the alarm: Sunscreen is officially on its luxury era arc. That tiny 30ml bottle? Suddenly feels like you’re buying liquid gold.

Spoiler alert: you’re not imagining things. A cocktail of inflation, skincare innovation, and yes, some political shenanigans (hello, tariffs), has SPF prices climbing like your blood pressure on a Monday. And while you should be reapplying it like clockwork — two fingers’ worth every few hours — many are treating sunscreen like a splurge rather than the essential it is.

But here’s the kicker: melanoma cases have jumped 31% in the UK over the past decade. Most are tied to UV exposure. So yeah, ditching sunscreen altogether isn’t the smartest rebellion. If your bank account is beefing with your skincare, let’s talk strategy.

So, Why TF Is Sunscreen So Pricey?

Let’s get nerdy for a sec. According to cosmetic chemists, mineral sunscreens (the ones with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are just expensive to make — especially the good ones that don’t make you look like Casper.

Formulating them is basically skincare wizardry: they’re finicky, prone to chalkiness, and need serious finesse to feel smooth on the skin. That finesse? Costs money. Chemical sunscreens (think oxybenzone, octocrylene) are easier to make and generally cheaper. But price doesn’t always equal quality — more on that soon.

Cheap vs Bougie SPF: Does It Matter?

Good news: in the UK, whether your sunscreen is £10 or £100, it legally has to pass SPF testing before it hits the shelves. So, yes, SPF 50 is SPF 50.

“Even luxury brands often use the same ingredient suppliers as budget ones,” says Scott. Translation: You’re paying for packaging, texture, and that soft-focus luxury vibe — not necessarily better protection.

Want to feel fancy? Go for it. Want to save your coins? That’s cool too — just pick something you’ll actually wear every day.

Can’t Use It Daily? Here’s When To Prioritise

Let’s be real: if sunscreen’s become a financial commitment, use it strategically. Check the UV index — if it’s 3 or higher, your skin’s at risk.

Most weather apps show it. No need to memorize the UV forecast like a meteorologist — just know that sunny spring through early autumn is high-risk season. But even winter days with bright sun bouncing off clouds? Still a danger zone for UVA (aka the wrinkle and cancer-causing kind).

Daily use builds good habits, so you’re covered without overthinking it. But if you skip a rainy January morning? Don’t spiral.

Hot Tip: Use Sunscreen As Moisturiser

If something’s gotta go, let your daytime moisturiser be the first to walk. A lot of modern SPFs double as moisturisers anyway. They’re packed with hydrating and skin-loving ingredients like hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, vitamin C — the works.

This is especially helpful for oily or combo skin: “In summer, many don’t need a separate moisturiser at all.”

Fan favourites?

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 (£16.50): Ceramides + SPF = chef’s kiss.
The Ordinary UV Filters SPF 45 Serum (£15.80): Lightweight and hydrating.
Garnier BHA+Niacinamide Daily UV Fluid SPF50 (£12.99): Keeps oil in check while blocking rays.

The Bare Minimum Checklist (If You’re Only Buying One)

If you’re only buying one sunscreen this year, make sure it’s:
✅ SPF 30 or higher
✅ Broad-spectrum (blocks UVA + UVB)
✅ Water-resistant (more versatile)

Don’t skimp on the amount. Use two to three finger lengths for your face and neck. Sunscreens usually last about 12 months once opened, but heat and light break them down, so store them like they’re vintage wine.

Budget MVPs That Don’t Suck

Here’s where it gets fun:

Altruist Face Fluid SPF 30 (£7.85): Created by a dermatologist. No breakouts, no white cast, no excuses.
Boots SPF+ Mineral Face Lotion SPF30 (£7.50): Editor-approved, wallet-friendly.
Garnier Ambre Solaire Super UV SPF 50+ (£13): High protection, no drama.
Bondi Sands Sunny Cream SPF 50+ (£12.99): Aussie beach vibes in a bottle.

Oh, and pro tip: Lookfantastic and Face The Future are slashing prices and removing VAT on select SPF products all summer long. Snag brands like La Roche-Posay, Heliocare, and Medik8 at a discount before your sun damage gets expensive.

Final Thoughts

Sunscreen shouldn’t feel like a luxury. It’s not a serum, a sheet mask, or a skinfluencer trend — it’s the bare minimum. And while brands keep inflating prices and making SPF feel like it belongs in a jewellery box, science says any decent sunscreen used properly is doing the job.

So skip the guilt, watch the UV index, and if you find a formula that feels good and fits your budget? Stick to it like it’s your ex’s Netflix password.