Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
No matter how carefully you pack for a summer afternoon, there’s always something that gets left behind. Maybe it’s lip balm with SPF, bandages to cover blisters from long walks or an electrolyte boost. Luckily, CVS’ Summer Shop makes it easy to stock up on all the essentials in one quick stop before heading out the door.
From dermatologist-loved sunscreen and family-friendly skincare to hydration packets, snacks and on-the-go personal care products, CVS has pretty much every summer category covered. We rounded up 13 must-haves worthy of a spot in your beach bag, cooler or carry-on this season, including editor-approved staples we’ll be using all summer long.
CVS Summer Essentials for Beach and Pool Days
1. Best Face Forward: Neutrogena’s Clear Face SPF 50 delivers lightweight sun protection and layers beautifully under makeup without leaving skin feeling greasy. The breakout-free formula is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes, making it a great pick for humid beach days and outdoor workouts.
2. All-Day Hydration: Liquid I.V.’s Hydration Multiplier packets are the kind of summer staple you’ll want to keep in your beach bag all season long. The electrolyte drink mix makes it easy to stay hydrated during hot days outside and post-workout recovery.
3. Sunshine Staple: SPF lip balm is one of those products people always forget until it’s too late. Aquaphor’s Lip Repair SPF 30 helps protect lips from sun exposure while keeping them soft and moisturized, and the slim tube is easy to toss into any purse, pocket or beach tote.
4. Afternoon Snack: MadeGood granola bars are perfect for tossing into coolers, beach bags and glove compartments before a long summer day outside. The individually wrapped bars are easy to grab on the go for both kids and adults.
5. On-the-Go Essential: Whether you’re freshening up after the beach or wiping away sunscreen and sweat during a long day outside, these sensitive cleaning wipes are just plain practical. They’re gentle enough for everyday use and come in clutch during travel, festivals and road trips.
6. Best for Babies: Aveeno’s Baby mineral SPF 50 sunscreen is designed with sensitive skin in mind, making it a smart pick for family beach days and afternoons by the pool. The zinc oxide formula provides broad-spectrum protection while remaining gentle enough for little ones.
7. Just In Case: Band-Aid Skin-Flex adhesive bandages are the type of thing you never think to pack until you actually need them. From sandal blisters to scraped knees, having a flexible, durable bandage handy can make summer adventures a lot more comfortable.
8. Bye-Bye bugs: Nothing ruins a relaxing outdoor evening faster than mosquito bites. OFF! Clean Feel insect repellent offers lightweight bug protection without the sticky feel traditional sprays sometimes leave behind, making it especially nice for park days, outdoor dinners and summer concerts.
9. Chilled Out Treat: Pedialyte Electrolyte Freezer Pops pull double duty as both a cooling treat and a hydration boost during extra-hot summer days. Keep them stocked in the freezer for afternoons by the pool, beach weekends and sunny days in the heat.
10. Fresh & Clean: Secret’s Aluminum-Free Waterlily deodorant is a great throw-in-your-bag essential for hot commutes, outdoor events and busy travel days. The fresh scent feels especially fitting for summer.
11. SPF MVP: CVS Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 is the kind of reliable body sunscreen that works for everything from beach vacations to long bike rides and outdoor workouts. The water-resistant formula is designed to hold up through swimming, sweating and active summer days.
12. After-Sun Self-Care: After a full day outside, soothing aloe vera gel can feel like an instant reset for overheated skin. Keeping a cooling after-sun product in the fridge makes it even more refreshing when you come in from the hot sun.
13. Pain Relief Hero: Whether it’s soreness after a long hike, a headache from too much sun or general aches and pains, Advil is one of the smart “just in case” products worth keeping nearby all summer. The compact travel packs are especially convenient for tossing into beach bags and carry-ons alike.
