The top 10 sunscreen brands in India 2026 are the first to be sold under the country’s new SPF testing standard. The Bureau of Indian Standards introduced IS 17494, which is aligned with international ISO methods and requires SPF claims to be backed by in-vivo testing on human skin. Reports say it applies from 10 January 2026, and sunscreens without that proof can no longer make SPF claims.

The rule followed a public controversy. In October 2025, influencer Nitin Joshi said he’d paid for lab tests on ten popular Indian sunscreens and that six fell well short of their labelled SPF. His claims were widely shared, and widely questioned. Here’s how the leading sunscreen brands compare, and how to read a label now.

Sunscreen in India: 2026 Snapshot

How to Read a Sunscreen Label

• SPF: protection against UVB rays, which cause burning. SPF 30–50 is enough for most people.
• PA rating: protection against UVA rays, which drive tanning and pigmentation. PA+++ or PA++++ is best in India.
• Broad spectrum: means it protects against both UVA and UVB.
• Tested on skin: look for in-vivo testing claims, now required under BIS rules.

1. Minimalist (Hindustan Unilever)

Minimalist’s SPF 60 sunscreen was among the four Joshi said had passed his tests. The brand also markets it as suitable during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Price seen: SPF 60 PA++++ Sunscreen MRP ₹599 (seen at ₹569)
• Best for: no-fuss, high-protection daily wear

2. Lakmé (Hindustan Unilever)

Lakmé’s Sun Expert range is sold almost everywhere, and Lakmé was also among the brands that passed Joshi’s tests. In November 2025, Lakmé ran an awareness campaign with journalist Faye D’Souza explaining the new BIS in-vivo rule.

• Prices seen: Sun Expert Ultra Matte Gel SPF 50 MRP ₹625 (seen at ₹438); Matte Sunscreen SPF 50 with niacinamide MRP ₹669; Tinted Sunscreen SPF 50 MRP ₹699
• Best for: matte, widely available sunscreens

3. Lotus Herbals

Lotus Herbals’ SafeSun Matte Gel is a long-standing favourite for oily skin and is heavily discounted online.

• Price seen: SafeSun UV Screen Matte Gel SPF 50 MRP ₹615 (seen at ₹412)
• Best for: budget matte protection

Best for Dry and Normal Skin

4. Aqualogica (Honasa Consumer)

Aqualogica’s dewy gel sunscreen is one of the most-reviewed on Nykaa, with more than 2 lakh ratings.

• Price seen: Glow+ Dewy Sunscreen Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ MRP ₹499 (seen at ₹429)
• Best for: a hydrating, glowy finish

5. Dot & Key (Nykaa)

Dot & Key’s Vitamin C + E sunscreen is one of India’s most popular, with more than 1.7 lakh ratings. It was also among the brands Joshi said fell short in his tests, so buyers may want to check for newer packs showing BIS-compliant, in-vivo SPF claims.

• Prices seen: Vitamin C + E Super Bright Sunscreen SPF 50+ MRP ₹445 (seen at ₹387); Cica Mattifying Sunscreen MRP ₹445
• Best for: a lightweight, pleasant-feeling daily sunscreen

6. NIVEA

NIVEA’s face sunscreen with vitamin E is water-resistant and sold widely in supermarkets and online.

• Price seen: SPF 50+ PA+++ Vit E Face Sunscreen MRP ₹699 (seen at ₹524)
• Best for: outdoor days and a trusted mass brand

Tinted Sunscreens

7. The Derma Co (Honasa Consumer)

The Derma Co’s tinted sunscreen adds a light tint that can replace a base on no-makeup days. The brand was among those that passed Joshi’s tests.

• Price seen: 1% Hyaluronic Tinted Sunscreen SPF 60 MRP ₹699 (seen at ₹496)
• Best for: light coverage with sun protection

Budget and Herbal

8. Biotique

Biotique’s Bio Sun Shield Sandalwood lotion is an Ayurveda-inspired sunscreen that’s often discounted heavily.

• Price seen: Bio Sun Shield Sandalwood Ultra Protective Face Lotion MRP ₹410 (seen at ₹205)
• Best for: the lowest price per bottle

Dermatologist Picks

9. La Roche-Posay (L’Oréal)

La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios range is widely recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin. A current Indian price for its sunscreens couldn’t be verified.

• Price: not verified
• Best for: sensitive and reactive skin

10. Neutrogena (Kenvue)

Neutrogena is known for lightweight sunscreens and remains a popular pick for daily wear. A current Indian sunscreen price couldn’t be verified.

• Price: not verified
• Best for: light, non-greasy protection

Sunscreen Prices at a Glance

Prices come from Nykaa listings in 2026 and change often.

How to Apply Sunscreen Properly

• Use enough: most people apply too little. Cover your face and neck generously.
• Apply it last in your skincare routine, 15 minutes before going out.
• Reapply every two to three hours outdoors, and after sweating or swimming.
• Wear it indoors too, if you sit near windows.
• Don’t rely on makeup SPF: it usually isn’t applied thickly enough to protect you.

Sunscreen Questions, Answered

Q1. Which is the best sunscreen brand in India?

Minimalist, Lakmé, Aqualogica and The Derma Co are popular choices, and all passed a widely shared 2025 SPF test. Always look for SPF 30–50 and PA+++ or higher.

Q2. What is the new BIS rule for sunscreen?

BIS standard IS 17494 requires SPF claims to be backed by on-skin (in-vivo) testing, aligned with ISO methods. It’s reported to apply from 10 January 2026.

Q3. Is SPF 50 much better than SPF 30?

Not by much. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks about 98%. Applying enough and reapplying matters far more than the number.

Q4. Which sunscreens failed the 2025 SPF test?

In influencer Nitin Joshi’s commissioned lab tests, RENEE and WishCare reportedly tested around SPF 13, and Dot & Key was named among those that fell short. The tests were disputed and used lab-based methods.

Q5. What does PA+++ mean?

PA measures protection from UVA rays, which cause tanning and pigmentation. More plus signs mean more protection, and PA+++ or PA++++ is ideal for Indian sun.