No-Ad Sunscreen Lotion

Bottom line

Experts say No-Ad Sunscreen Lotion provides reliable broad-spectrum protection from the sun's harmful rays. It's far less expensive than other top-rated sunscreens, and has a light, nongreasy formula that consumers love. It does contain fragrance, however, which some people might not care for.

Performance

Tops for overall value. It's not reviewed as often as some of the top-rated sunscreens, but users say No-Ad Sunscreen Lotion is a good choice for families who go through vats of sunscreen each summer. The company has been around since 1960; the name No-Ad refers to the manufacturer's no-advertising policy, and this brand can be hard to find in stores. Ounce per ounce, No-Ad is less expensive than other sunscreens, yet it still provides dependable broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It relies on avobenzone and other chemical sunscreens to do so.

We found a couple of reviewers at Drugstore.com who say they have been using No-Ad sunscreen for several years, including a farmer who spends many hours in the sun each day. One professional review source lowered the sunscreen's rating from last year because it didn't perform as well in tests. Unfortunately no other details are given but reviewers suggest that using one of the higher rated SPF formulas may help. No-Ad is available in SPF 15, 30,45 and 60 formulas, all of which are water resistant for 80 minutes.

Feel and smell

Lightweight. Users say No-Ad sunscreen has a lightweight, non-greasy feel and absorbs easily. One reviewer at Amazon.com says it "does not feel like you have lotion on you (it feels dry)." We didn't see any comments about the scent.