Cannot believe it is spring already. Time does have a tendency of flying when you’re having fun. Loving the weather right now. The flowers are in bloom and the breeze is balmy. And did I tell you about my latest trip to the beach?

Ah, Goa! I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this place. Just lying on my bed and knowing I’m in Goa makes me feel refreshed and content.

So having spent the last few days at what can only be described as paradise – an old Portuguese cottage, up in the North of Goa, where the coconuts seem to grow like weeds and where the natural white noises (birds, rain, falling of leaves from the tress) put the best of those relaxation CDs to shame, I can only say, life is perfect.

Here’s a crisp video of the place my kids made on the way to the beach from our cottage.

A couple of days before our departure, on a warm evening: Manish and I sit on the veranda with cans of beer, letting the sunset in our eyes, bathing us and the whole world in orange, “I don’t want to go back. I’d rather stay put right here in the middle of nowhere, immersed in nature, savoring sunsets, and spending the rest of my life staring at the emptiness i.e. the ocean”, I whisper into my husband’s ears.

“But my dear you have a blog,” reminds Manish.

Alas (or not alas), as much as I enjoy these relaxing beach escapes, I also enjoy blogging. I love experimenting with different skincare products and writing about them on my blog. And this brings me to reveal to you the bunch of several sunscreen products I packed in my beach bag for testing.

Without further ado, here is my list of the top 10 broad-spectrum sunscreens in India to protect your skin from the beach sun:

1. The Derma Co. 1% Hyaluronic Sunscreen Aqua Gel SPF 50

What it is: A broad spectrum hyaluronic acid sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA ++++.

Feel: 5/5       Transfer: 5/5       Opacity: 4.5/5       Water Resistance: 0/5       Price: INR 499 for 50g

Why we love it: Contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin E to help fight and repair sun damage. The consistency feels like lotion and it spreads and absorbs like a dream. A little goes a long way.

What to consider: It is not water resistant.

R2B Rating: 4.5/5

2. La Shield Sunscreen Gel SPF 40

What it is: Gel-based oil-free sunscreen with SPF 40 and PA +++

Feel: 5/5       Transfer: 4/5       Opacity: 5/5       Water Resistance: 5/5       Price: INR 799 for 50g

Why we love it: It is fragrance and additives-free, anti-acne, non-greasy sunscreen, and is ideal for humid weather conditions and tropical locations.

What to consider: Nothing. Simply grab it this summer without second thoughts.

R2B Rating: 4.9/5

3. Kaya Youth Protect Sunscreen SPF 50

What it is: Broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA ++++

Feel: 3/5       Transfer: 4/5       Opacity: 3/5       Water Resistance: 5/5       Price: INR 650 for 50 ml

What we liked: Offers the highest protection against UVA rays. Contains Geranium, an antioxidant, that improves skin elasticity and prevents photo-aging.

What to consider: Has thicker consistency that takes a while to spread and absorb. Also leaves a faint white cast, if not properly rubbed in.

R2B Rating: 4/5

4. Minimalist SPF 50 Multivitamin Sunscreen

What it is: A multivitamin moisturizer with SPF 50 and PA +++

Feel: 4/5       Transfer: 5/5       Opacity: 2/5       Water Resistance: 0/5       Price: INR 399 for 50g

What we liked: Lightweight lotion-like texture that spreads and absorbs easily. Provides sun protection along with moisturizing the skin.

What to consider: It is not sweat-resistant and waterproof. Also, not an ideal sunscreen for spending long hours outdoors, in sports activities, and in tropical locations.

R2B Rating: 3.5/5

5. La Shield Pollution Protect Mineral Sunscreen Gel SPF 50

What it is: Mineral-based sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA +++

Feel: 4/5       Transfer: 4/5       Opacity: 5/5       Water Resistance: 4/5       Price: INR 299 for 50 g

What we liked: Contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that protect the skin against sun and pollution.

What to consider: Contains a strong fragrance and leaves a faint white cast.

R2B Rating: 3.9/5

6. Nivea Sun Protect & Moisturizing Lotion SPF 50

What it is: A moisturizing lotion with SPF 50 and PA +++

Feel: 4/5       Transfer: 5/5       Opacity: 4/5       Water Resistance: 5/5      Price: INR 495 for 125 ml

What we liked: Provides instant sun protection. Fast-absorbing formula with advanced collagen protection. Ideal to use all over the body for sunbathing on the beach.

What to consider: May feel sticky if you have oily skin. Also, it is not designed to be used on the face.

R2B Rating: 3.9/5

7. VLCC De Tan Sunscreen Gel Crème SPF 50

What it is: A sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA +++ that also helps to fade the tan.

Feel: 4/5       Transfer: 5/5       Opacity: 2/5       Water Resistance: 3/5       Price: INR 525 for 100 ml

What we liked: Contains skin soothing and nourishing ingredients. Blends and absorbs easily. Gives a nice glow after application.

What to consider: Contains chemical UV filters.

R2B Rating:4/5

8. Photon 360 Tint Sunscreen Gel SPF 50

What it is: Broad spectrum tinted mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA +++

Feel: 4.7/5       Transfer: 4/5       Opacity: 5/5       Water Resistance: 5/5      Price: INR 990 for 50g    

Why we love it: Best tinted sunscreen for oily and acne-prone skin. Has a mousse-like texture that spreads and absorbs easily. Gives a nice non-shiny, satiny finish to the skin. Universal tint that matches all skin tones. Can also be used as a BB cream with a high sun protection factor.

What to consider: May not be suitable for very dry skin during winter.

R2B Rating: 4.8/5

9. MyGlamm PoPxo Selfie Ready Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50

What it is: Broad spectrum tinted sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA +++

Feel: 4/5       Transfer: 4/5       Opacity: 3/5       Water Resistance: 3/5       Price: INR 499 for 30g

What we liked: Affordably priced tinted sunscreen that acts like a high-end sunscreen. A mousse-like texture that spreads evenly. Will suit most Indian skin tones. Gives a good matte finish.

What to consider: May not be suitable for very pale and dry-skinned beauties.

R2B Rating: 4/5

10. Re’equil Sheer Zinc Tinted Sunscreen Spf 50 Pa+++ 100% Mineral Sunscreen

What it is: Tinted mineral sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA +++

Feel: 4/5       Transfer: 4/5       Opacity: 5/5       Water Resistance: 5/5       Price: INR 895 for 50g

What we liked: 100% mineral sunscreen that provides a good barrier between harmful UV rays and the topmost layer of the skin. Zinc being the only sunscreen filter, it will suit even the most sensitive skin types.

What to consider: It is a warm red-toned product that might appear dark on fair skin tones.

R2B Rating: 3.5/5 (Because of the dark tint!)

So, these are the top 10 broad-spectrum sunscreens in India that I carried in my bag for the trip. As much as I love chilling on the beach, I love my skin. And even though Manish made fun of me for carrying a truckload of skincare, I think I jumped on the right wave by packing all this stuff. I didn’t have to worry a bit about my skin and could let myself loose on the beach.

Hope you enjoyed going through the list and found the information useful for choosing the right sunscreen for you.  Wrapping up all I want to say is holidays are fun and a nice break from routine but while you’re chilling and relaxing never ever forget your skincare (read Sunscreen).

Because eventually, you do have to get back to the business of life and if you’re like me, who likes to bounce back with your glory intact, wear an effective sunscreen that offers the best protection against UVA rays on all days, every day, throughout the year.

Finally, do let me know in the comments below about your thoughts on sun protection. What is your best sunscreen product and have you tried any of the products I’ve listed above? I would love to hear your thoughts and views. Sharing is caring!