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I’ve made more of an effort in recent years to use sunscreen whenever I’m going to be outdoors for more than a few minutes. It’s important not only for preventing skin cancer but also for reducing visible signs of aging. I keep several bottles around so we’re always ready for the pool, beach, kids’ outdoor sports and activities such as mid-day marching band competitions, hiking, gardening, or even going for walks or running in the neighborhood. My family has also made an effort to wear sun hats more often, and I invested in rash guards for the entire family to wear at the pool or beach.
I tend to stick with a lot of generic sunscreen brands such as Aldi Lacura sunscreen lotion, but I also sometimes use Target’s Up & Up or Walmart’s Equate brand sunscreens. In addition, I recently discovered some face and body sunscreen lotion at Trader Joe’s that is pretty good.
Trader Joe’s, which is a cousin to Aldi, actually carries several different types of sunscreen. I’ve been slowly trying some of their various options. Recently, I noticed TJ’s fans online talking about some facial sunscreen Trader Joe’s sells. For my face, I almost exclusively use Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Sunscreen, or its generic Target-brand equivalent. It’s less greasy than regular sunscreen to help avoid or reduce pimples, rubs in more easily, and doesn’t burn as much if it gets in my eyes. But I’ll try anything once, so I bought a tube of the Trader Joe’s Facial Sunscreen to try.
Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen costs $8.99 for a 1.7-fluid-ounce container at the time of publication. That comes out to about $5.29 per ounce.
Facial sunscreens tend to cost more per ounce than regular sunscreen. Regular sunscreen can be used on faces, but if you prefer a special formula for your face, the TJ’s facial sunscreen seems to be competitively priced. One brand that might be cheaper is Neutrogena. For example, Neutrogena Clear Face 30 SPF Sunscreen cost about $2.36 per ounce at Walmart at the time of writing. However, other brands cost more per ounce. CeraVe Hydrating Face Sunscreen with 50 SPF cost about $5.59 per ounce. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Face Sunscreen with SPF 60 cost about $7.50 per ounce.
The Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen tube I purchased in November of 2022 had a best-by date of September of 2024.
Here’s more information about the sunscreen, according to the package:
- Broad spectrum SPF 40
- Oil free
- Invisible gel formula
- Fragrance free
- Water + sweat resistant (40 minutes)
- Not tested on animals
Active and inactive ingredients, along with directions for use. (Click to enlarge.)
Active sunscreen ingredients are:
- Avobenzone — 3%
- Homosalate — 12%
- Octisalate — 5%
- Octocrylene — 6%
These are all common ingredients used in most commercial sunscreens.
To use, apply liberally and generously 15 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply every two hours or after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, or immediately after towel drying. The tube recommends applying a dime-sized amount evenly on your face and neck. This can be applied under makeup and as needed for sun protection throughout the day.
For children younger than six months, ask a doctor. Limit time in the sun especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The package warns that this may stain surfaces and fabrics.
This doesn’t look like any other sunscreen I’ve used before. It’s a clear-ish/white gel-like formula that is invisible on skin. It’s not too greasy and it doesn’t have a creamy consistency like most sunscreen lotions. It rubs in all right.
So far, it doesn’t seem to make my face more oily and hasn’t caused pimples or breakouts. I’ve worn it while walking and even while running in my neighborhood, and it hasn’t run into my eyes or burned when my face gets sweaty.
This works fine, but I’ll probably stick with Neutrogena facial sunscreen simply because it’s cheaper. If I happened to be at Trader Joe’s and needed facial sunscreen and couldn’t pick up my regular brand, though, I’d be fine with buying this.
The Verdict:
Trader Joe’s Daily Facial Sunscreen features an invisible gel formula and is oil- and fragrance-free. It rubs in easily, doesn’t feel greasy, and contains active ingredients common to many commercial sunscreens on the market. I regularly use facial sunscreen (usually Neutrogena or an equivalent generic brand) and I like it better than traditional sunscreens for my face because it helps reduce breakouts. This TJ’s sunscreen works as well as Neutrogena, but it does cost more. For that reason, I’m not sure how often I’ll buy the TJ’s sunscreen. However, if you need facial sunscreen, it does the job.
