UK heatwave: Where to buy the cheapest suncream this summer
Whether you're sunbathing or splashing about, you'll need a good high SPF sunscreen - plus all the other heatwave essentials.
Whether it's B&Q or B&M, here's how to prep your home and garden for high temperatures – without blowing your summer budget – from fans and suncream, to paddling pools and pet cooling mats.
The team at VoucherCodes.co.uk have crunched the numbers and put together this comparison.
Cheapest suncream – don't get burned, literally or financially
If there's one thing you don't want to skimp on in a heatwave, it's SPF. We searched high street favourites for the cheapest full-size, SPF50 sun creams – and this summer, Aldi takes the crown.
Cheapest: Aldi – Lacura SPF50+ – £2.99 (200ml)
Asda – Protect Sensitive SPF50+ – £3.04 (200ml)
Morrisons – Sun Lotion SPF50 – £4.50 (200ml)
Sainsbury's – Sun Protect SPF50+ – £5.50 (200ml)
Boots - Soltan SPF50+ - £5.50 (200ml)
Superdrug - Solait SPF50 Sun Lotion - £5.50 (200ml)
Tesco – Piz Buin SPF50+ – £7.00 (200ml)
Cheapest fans – that won't blow your budget
Whether it's a desk fan for your home office or a pedestal fan to battle the bedroom heat, prices vary wildly. The best value? Sainsbury's with a full-size desk fan under £18.
Cheapest: Sainsbury's – Challenge Desk Fan – £17.50
Tesco – Igenix Pedestal Fan – £19.99
Currys – Status Pedestal Fan – £19.99
B&M – Blaupunkt Pedestal Fan – £20.00
Argos – Bush Tower Fan – £30.00
Aldi – Bladeless fan – £39.99 (limited stock, in-store only)
Cheapest paddling pools – splashing good value
When temperatures soar, a paddling pool in the garden can be a game-changer – especially for children. B&Q leads with a full-size inflatable for just a fiver.
Cheapest: B&Q – Bestway Plain Inflatable Pool – £5.00
Sainsbury's – Funsicle Three Ring Pool – £8.00
B&M – Summer Set Pool – £8.00
Argos – Funsicle Two Ring Pool – £10.00 (or 2 for £15)
Asda – Blue Paddling Pool – £11.99 (online only)
Tesco – Hapello Pool – £12.00
Cheapest parasols – shade on a shoestring
No shade? No problem. Parasols are perfect for gardens, patios, balconies, and beaches alike. Wilko offers the best deal with a full-size model for under £9.
Cheapest: Wilko – Leopard Print Parasol – £8.99
B&M – Vancouver Parasol – £10.00
Tesco – Harbour Housewares Parasol – £11.00 (online only)
The Range – Metal Beach Parasol – £11.99
Dunelm – Blue & White Striped Parasol – £12.00
Argos – Home Parasol – £22.00
Cheapest pet cooling accessories – keeping furry friends safe
Don't forget the dogs! From cooling mats to collars, these pet essentials help keep our four-legged friends safe and comfortable. Home Bargains comes out top with a cooling vest under £2.50.
Cheapest: Home Bargains – MyPet Cooling Vest – £2.49
B&M – Cooling Pet Collar – £2.50
Wilko – Pet Ice Towel – £2.99
The Range – Pet Cooling Mat – £5.99
Aldi – Large Cooling Mat – £5.99 (whilst stocks last)
Pets at Home – Nylabone Freezer Toy – £8.00
A top suncream tip from Martin Lewis
Anyone buying sunscreen this summer needs to know about this 'hidden' three-letter sunscreen code that will save you money, according to Martin Lewis.
The financial expert has advised anyone buying suncream to turn the bottle over and take a look at the three-letter code on the back.
He explains how it works: "As we're racing towards summer, just a quick tip on sunscreen, when you get your sunscreen, turn the bottle around, because on the back, you'll see a PAO number, usually 12 or 24 months.
He added: "PAO stands for period after opening, and it's how long the sunscreen is still going to give you protection for once you've opened it.
"So then, when you do the what they write that onto the sunscreen and you know if you're trying to use it in a year's time, whether it's still valid or not and not just think that it's too old and you should chuck it. Save yourself a little bit of cash."
Why you should always turn your suncream around.Courtesy of The Martin Lewis Podcast (listen anywhere pods are available) pic.twitter.com/eiJmEKtWpQ — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) May 8, 2025
What will happen if you use expired sunscreen?
The skincare experts at Kiehl's warn that the sun protection elements won't be as effective after the product expires.
Recommended reading:
"Active ingredients break down over time and there's potential for chemicals to alter," they say.
"Sunscreen should never be used after its expiration date as it simply won't provide the protection advised and could leave you in danger of sun damage. Expired products will also become full of bacteria and transferring that to your skin might cause redness, a mild rash or an eye infection.
"Because of this, expired products need to be discarded. If you have sensitive skin, then you'll want to be extra vigilant."
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