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Wear sunscreen -- and buy your money's worth!
We size up the most popular sunblocks available in the Indian market.
With the sun beating down mercilessly on us this summer, it's a must to arm ourselves as best we can against its harmful effects.
In addition to compromising our health, the heat leads to skin damage and premature aging, which is why we decided to scout around for the best sunblocks on the, well, block!
You may be investing in a product and believe that it's providing you with adequate protection, but is it really? And are you getting your money's worth? Find out right here as we bring you the lowdown on the market's most popular sunscreens.
Lakme Sun Expert Sunblock Cream
Price: Rs 75 for 60 ml and Rs 140 for 120 ml
Pros: Specially formulated for Indian skin, Lakme Sun Expert offers you a TPI (tan protection factor) of 70, guards against the sun's harmful UV rays and is 100 percent free of oil, so it is absolutely non-greasy. The product also contains aloe vera and a range of other skin-beneficial range extracts, not to mention that it is definitely one of the more reasonably priced options.
Cons: Lakme Sun Expert is sadly lacking in adequate SPF (sun protection factor) -- conflicting reports peg it at between 5 and 15, but the fact that they fail to mention the rating on the packaging only confirms our suspicions. Either way, an SPF under 30 is not recommended for our Indian summers, when the sun goes on a regular raging rampage. Also, reviews state that it is not as effective as claimed when it comes to prevention of tanning and it's not water-resistant either.
Garnier Sun Control Moisturiser
Price: Rs 145 for 50 ml
Pros: The Garnier Sun Control Moisturiser advertises an SPF of 15 and adequate protection from UVA and UVB rays. In addition, it contains Vitamin E to nourish your skin, as well as glycerol and coriander to moisturise it. The price is also rather competitive.
Cons: Once again, the SPF is half of what we require. Moreover, the Sun Control Moisturiser is rather greasy and users state that it tends to appear like a whitish layer on the skin when applied. It's also not water resistant, which means you can't count on it if you're going swimming.
Nivea UV Protection Body Lotion
Price: Rs 159 for 250 ml
Pros: With Nivea's popularity as a skincare brand, it's not surprising that their UV Protection Body Lotion is one of the best-sellers. It offers varying SPF options between 20, 30 and 50, UVA and UVB protection and is high in nourishing Vitamin E content. It's also a moisturiser, so you need not apply anything else. Add to that the fact that it's water-resistant and Rs 159 for 250 ml is certainly value for money.
Cons: There seem to be no particular complaints about this product, but we'd suggest you stick to the SPF denominations of 30 and 50.
Himalaya Protective Sunscreen Lotion
Price: Rs 175 for 100 ml
Pros: The Himalaya Protective Sunscreen Lotion contains an SPF of 15 and UVA/UVB protection, plus it's rather affordable.
Cons: There is no mention of the product being water-resistant and it's rather oily, leaving the skin feeling greasy and looking slightly whitened. Again, the SPF is inadequate for our fierce summers.
Lotus Herbals Intensive Sunblock Spray
Price: Rs 195 for 80 ml
Pros: Lotus Herbals' Intensive Sunblock Spray offers SPF 50 protection and guards against UVA-UVB exposure. Non-greasy and easy to use thanks to the spray packaging, it is also water and sweat-proof; nor does it have a whitish appearance on the skin. The price is nothing to complain about either and the best part is that herbal ingredients are substituted for chemical.
Cons: While the spray does claim to be predominantly herbal, there is no list of ingredients on the packaging to verify this claim. Other than that, there are no complaints.
Olay Natural White UV Blocker
Price: Rs 299 for 50 ml
Pros: Olay's Natural White UV Blocker contains an SPF of 30 and moisturiser. It also offers a triple vitamin system to nourish the skin and promises not to leave behind a greasy feel.
Cons: At Rs 299 for 50 ml, this product is rather expensive. Also, it doesn't mention water or sweat resistance, so you can strike those off the list. Users also complain that while the Olay Natural White UV Blocker claims to whiten your skin over time, there is no difference in skin tone.
Banana Boat Sport Performance Sunblock Lotion
Price: Rs 399 for 118 ml
Pros: Banana Boat has a reputation for its sunblocks and sunscreens and with a range of SPFs from 15 to 50, the Sport Performance Sunblock Lotion caters to individual needs. It's long-lasting, so frequent re-application isn't required and it's also very water and sweat-resistant.
Cons: At Rs 399 for 118 ml, it's quite pricey. Moreover, many users complain about the greasy feel the product leaves on the skin and the whitish appearance once applied.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock
Price: Rs 150 for 30 ml and Rs 425 for 88 ml
Pros: A quality name in the field of skin products, Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunblock contains an SPF of 50, UVA and UVB protection, is oil-free, water-resistant and sweat-proof. It promises not to leave behind an oily sheen and its gentle formula is best for sensitive skin.
Cons: Rs 425 for a mere 88 ml is exorbitant, expecially when you have to consider using moisturiser alongside, since it contains none. Moreover, users have complained that the sunblock doesn't leave as much of a matte finish as promised.
Vichy Laboratories Capital Soleil Cream
Price: Rs 690 for 50 ml
Pros: A trusted name in skincare products, Vichy Laboratories' Capital Soleil Cream comes in two versions -- SPF 25 and SPF 50+. Its got an anti UVA-UVB formula and contains antioxidants to benefit your skin. Moreover, it's recommended for those with sensitive skin.
Cons: Rs 690 is just too much when there are several other competitively priced products in the market to rival this cream. Aside from the cost, Capital Soleil is not water-resistant, but it is somewhat oily and leaves a whitish cast on the skin.
Estee Lauder Cyber White EX Extra Intensive UV Protector
Price: Rs 2,230 for 50 ml
Pros: Considered by many as the world's leading skincare brand, Estee Lauder's Cyber White EX Extra Intensive UV Protector offers 50 SPF protection and is also graded PA+++ against UVA and UVB exposure. It contains flavavonoids, a major form of antioxidant that helps protect the body from free radicals, boost the immune system and fight carcinogens. It also contains anti-irritants so it's ideal for sensitive skin.
Cons: It looks like Estee Lauder are charging for every alphabet in the name of their product, but that's what is to be expected when you buy from the best. Despite the fact that it sounds like all you'd ever need to step out in the sun, however, Cyber White has been criticised because it takes too long for the skin to absorb and is somewhat greasy. Not what you'd expect at that price!