What is the best sunscreen for face and body Philippines?

The Philippines is one of the countries that has two seasons, sunny or rainy, which means that the rays from the sun are a risk for the Filipinos. These rays, known as the UV rays are responsible for the aging and burning of the skin even though a person is inside the house because UV rays can pass through glass windows which causes damage to the skin. To protect us from the risk of UV rays such as premature aging, wrinkles, actinic keratosis and solar elastosis, dermatologists suggest including sunscreen for the face as one of the practices in preparing the face for the day. Although sunscreen is one of the necessities for skin protection, it is still hard to find products that will be applicable for the different types of skin on the face.

Let’s be honest, the majority of us, Filipino’s barely take care of our skin thinking that a simple bath is enough to protect us from the harsh weather conditions of our country. Not knowing that there are consequences to face. Worry no more! We’re here to guide you about the importance of wearing sunscreen, what to look for, the skin type there best suitable for and the ones that are easy on the pocket!

Sunscreens are used to protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun, such as the ultraviolet (UV) rays that reach the earth’s surface. It has two basic types, the UVB and UVA. UVB rays are responsible for producing sunburn and it also plays the greatest role in causing skin cancer such as malignant melanoma, a deadly black mole form ok skin cancer. While UVA penetrates deeper into the skin causing premature skin aging and wrinkle formation. Daily usage of sunscreen with a broad spectrum of SPF 15 or higher can protect you from overall UV exposures and would reduce your risk of skin cancer and skin damage based on a study conducted by Web MD.

According to the skin cancer foundation, application of sunscreen should be daily and should be applied at least twice a day when going out and re-application every 2 hours.

Let’s be honest most sunscreens come with a hefty price and with so many sunscreens out in the market, how do you pick a sunscreen that is suitable for you and at the right price? That said here are our finds for the best sunscreens for face in the Philippines which will help protect the face from the harmful UV rays. which you can add to your daily routine!

Here’s a look at the different kinds of UV filters used in sunscreen and the effect they have on your body.

UVA Filters

These filters absorb UVA radiation, which penetrates deep into the dermis layer of your skin. They’re found in both physical and chemical forms. Physical filters are usually organic compounds like avobenzone and oxybenzone. Chemical filters are synthetic molecules like benzophenone and drometrizole trisiloxane. Both types of filters can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.

UVB Filters

This type of filter blocks only UVB rays. They’re typically formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Zinc oxide is a naturally occurring mineral that absorbs UVB rays. Titanium dioxide is a manmade compound that’s been around since the 1800s. It’s commonly added to cosmetics and paints.

Both types of filters are safe when applied properly. However, they can irritate the eyes and mucous membranes. People with allergies to nickel or latex should avoid wearing products containing these ingredients.

Vitamin D Filters

Some sunscreens contain natural extracts of Vitamin D. While these supplements are effective, they aren’t regulated by the FDA. As a result, consumers shouldn’t rely solely on these products for protection.

Other Types of Filters

Many sunscreens contain additional chemicals meant to prevent the formation of melanin, which darkens your skin. Melanin is produced by cells under the influence of sunlight.

While these chemicals may provide extra protection, they can also interfere with the absorption of vitamins and minerals. For instance, retinyl palmitate, a common form of vitamin A, is known to reduce the effectiveness of certain sunscreens.

Top 21 Best Sunscreens in the Philippines

Belo SunExpert Tinted Sunscreen SPF50

Part of the Belo company is the sunscreen that also serves as a base for make–up. The Belo Sun Expert Tinted Sunscreen has SPF 50 and PA ++++ which protects the face against UV rays. The tinted sunscreen evens out skin tone, conceals fine lines and imperfections.

• Can serve as a primer substitute
• Easy to apply on the face

• Only medium coverage and can’t conceal heavy dark spots

Snailwhite CC Sunscreen SPF50

Claimed to be the best face sunscreen, snail white CC Sunscreen is ultra-weight and non-greasy for natural coverage and sun protection. It contains SPF 50+ that keeps the face safe from UVB rays and PA+++ to protect from UVA rays. It is a multifunctional product that can be used for sun protection, color – corrector and make-up base

• Can serve as a primer substitute
• Multifunctional

• Does not have full coverage
• Cost is more than the other tinted sunscreens

Face Republic Super Screen Sun Gel

A high-level SPF that is light and grease-free. The Face Republic Super Screen Sun Gel with SPF 50+ is good for people with combination skin. It has vitamins and SPF 50+ that protect skin from burning, minimizes pores, fine lines and dark spots. Aside from shielding the skin from the damaging rays of the sun, it also won’t promote acne breakout because of its anti-bacterial ingredients such as eucalyptus leaf extract that would also give a cooling effect to your skin. It also promotes hydration to your face.

• Non-sticky and non-greasy
• Good for sensitive skins
• Free of harmful alcohols
• Gel-type formula

• The fragrance have synthetic components

Ponds White Beauty Skin Perfecting Sunscreen SPF50

A sunscreen that has glutathione in it which helps in skin brightening and fading of dark spots. It has SPF 50 that protects the skin against suntan, dark spots, dullness and uneven skin tone and PA+++ that helps in protecting collagen to prevent premature aging. The lightweight and feather texture makes it easy to apply and makes the skin rosy bright.

• Affordable
• Free of harmful alcohols
• Includes glutathione

• Available for normal and oily skin only

NIVEA Sun Protect & Moisture Face Cream SPF 50

This sunscreen from Nivea has SPF 50 with PA++ and has a moisturizing formula perfect for those with dry skin. This moisture face cream moisturizes the face and protects it from sunburn, skin darkening, skin aging and skin thickening. It has advanced collagen protection and vitamin E protection that gives skin a radiant look. Vitamin E serves as an antioxidant that fights against free radicals that prevent skin cell damage. It has a non-sticky and long-lasting formula that will surely protect you from those UVB and UVA rays that have damaging causes to your skin. It will also lighten your skin complexion with its active skin whitening complex, collagen, and vitamin-e ingredients. Most importantly, it is easily absorbed by our skin and has a non-sticky feeling.

• Moisturizer
• Water-resistant
• Has collagen
• Affordable

• Product must be absorbed well by the face first before going to the sun

Luxe Organix Ultimate Defense Tinted Sunscreen SPF50

Tinted sunscreens are used as a makeup base and may serve as a foundation. The Luxe Organix Ultimate Defense not only serves as a makeup base but also has SPF 50 and PA +++ that serve as a barrier to skin burning and aging. It does not have a white cast and is alcohol-free. The tinted sunscreen of Luxe Organix also contains Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate as an antioxidant and vitamin C to hydrate the skin and keep it radiant.

• Multifunctional
• Can serve as a primer or foundation substitute
• Medium coverage
• Smooth finish
• Alcohol Free
• Paraben Free

• May cause allergic reaction

Biore UV Aqua Series Watery Essence For Face Sunscreen

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence with SPF 50+ has aqua microcapsules with UV blocking ingredients that provide superior protection from the sun while keeping your skin cool and refreshed, it also has moisture properties and hyaluronic acid to hydrate and smoothen skin. The water-based texture of the product provides fast absorption which leaves no residue on the face and can be applied over makeup. Due to its non-comedogenic properties, people with oily skins won’t suffer from any acne breakouts while keeping their skin light and hydrated throughout the day.

• Water-resistant
• Spreads easily on the skin
• Can serve as a primer base

• One bottle is good for 1 - 2 months

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF50

The Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Sunscreen features their naturally sourced zinc. It has a gentle and hydrating formula that gives its users broad-spectrum protection against UVB and UVA rays. The product doesn’t have any phthalates, dyes, and any irritating chemicals which makes it good for people who have dry and sensitive skin. It is also paraben and fragrance-free, has a smooth and dry finish. The National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance awarded this product as suitable for people with dry and sensitive skin. Said to be an all-purpose sunscreen that provides strong sun protection for skin – aging and sun damage. Uses dry–touch technology that makes skin oil-free and fewer pore clogs. Like other sunscreens, it has SPF 50 that protects skin from aging but it maintains over 85% of UVA protection after 5 hours.

• Stays effective under strong UV rays
• For normal and sensitive skin types

• Water-resistant for 2 hours
• Must be applied to the 15 - 20 minutes before sun exposure
• Frequently reapplying is needed to maintain protection

Other Worthy Mentions

For Oily, Sensitive, and Acne-Prone Skins

Here are some non-comedogenic sunscreens that won’t clog up your pores, cause any acne breakout, oil-free, lightweight, fragrance-free and all have SPF 30 or higher that is within your budget. Here are our choices for best sunscreens in the Philippines for Filipino’s that have oily skin.

Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Liquid Sunscreen with SPF 55+

The Neutrogena Clear Face Oil-Free Liquid Sunscreen with SPF 55 and higher has a water-light texture that is weightless on the skin, non-comedogenic (won’t clog up pores), fragrance-free, oxybenzone and oil-free with broad protection from UVB and UVA rays, and have a matte finish on the skin that can be both used in the body and the face. It is also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes

Luxe Organix Aqua Daily Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++

Another water-based sunscreen, the Luxe Organix Aqua Daily Sunscreen with SPF 50+ PA+++ is the most budget-friendly in our list of sunscreens suitable for oily and acne-prone skins, but it provides broad protection from UVB and UVA rays. It is easy to absorb by the skin due to its formula which has aloe vera and it doesn’t contain any alcohol or paraben. It is also cruelty-free and can last for up to 5 hours.

For Dry Skin

In general, people with dry skin should go for sunscreens that are double-duty. Some of the sunscreens in the market doubles as a moisturizer having ceramides as one of their active ingredients. Which would make your skin feel hydrated and moisturize. Here are our choices for best sunscreens in the Philippines for Filipino’s that have dry skin.

CosRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream

This product provides so much moisture that you won’t believe that it’s sunscreen. CosRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream has a lightweight texture and has a moisturizing effect due to its Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract suitable for dry skin. It has an SPF 50+ PA+++ broad- spectrum protection against UVB and UVA rays.

CÉLETEQUE DERMOSCIENCE + Sun Care Matte Moisturizer SPF 30

This product has a double purpose formula, it primarily acts as a moisturizer and doubles as sunscreen. It has a light and non-greasy formula which is easy to spread and easily absorbed by the skin. A hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic product.

For Combination Skin Type

Most Filipinos have this skin type, your skin can be dry or normal in some areas and oily in others, such as the T-zone (nose, forehead, and chin). Purchasing products for combination skin is tricky because it can either be suitable for you or can cause you potential breakouts. That is why we’re here to help you decide what’s best for you and for your skin.

Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Gel

It is a lightweight, 100% mineral active sunscreen designed for daily use on the face and body. It is hypoallergenic, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic. The broad spectrum of SPF 50 reflects both UVA and UVB rays to help prevent sunburn and decrease the risk of skin cancer and early signs of aging due to sun exposure. It also has an anti-oxidant of vitamin e that helps protect the skin from free radicals and it doesn’t leave any white cast when applying to the skin. This product is good for dry and sensitive skin because it hydrates and won’t cause any irritation.

For Normal Skin Types

For those people who have a normal skin type, you often take it for granted half-knowing that it won’t cause you any troubles if you apply or skip the application of sunscreen. However, that’s not the case, it is more prevalent to take care of your skin to avoid any damages such as skin cancer. In the study of the Skin Cancer Foundation, most patients with normal skin types often develop skin cancer because of the lack of care they give to their skin. So, even if your skin seems normal and perfect don’t skip the application of sunscreen because it would protect you along the way and would reduce any sign of aging. Here are some sunscreens suitable for the normal skin type that is right in the budget.

Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

This sunscreen prevents skin damage and aging, The Innisfree’s Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen goes above and beyond sun protection, infused with skin-loving ingredients such as green tea and sunflower oil that make your skin moisturize and soft. The sunscreen features a three-in-one lightweight, water-resistant, long-lasting, and non-comedogenic formula that is ideal for everyday use.

QuickFX Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++

A Lightweight sunscreen with powerful protection. The QuickFX Sunscreen with SPF 50 PA +++ is a fast-absorbing sunblock that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB defense. It wears well under makeup, non-greasy, and long-lasting making it the perfect sunscreen for everyday use. With its additional hydrating and soothing properties, it has significant after-sun benefits for days with longer exposure. Having a budget-friendly price of Php. 249.00 per 30g surely you won’t have any more reasons not to take care of your skin.

Bioderma Photoderm MAX Aquafluide SPF 50+

The Photoderm MAX Aquafluide with SPF 50+ by Bioderma is suitable for all skin types. It has a pleasant and easy application due to its liquid-like texture making it lightweight to the skin. It also provides a no-shine and dry touch finish. It’s a paraben-free, fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, and hypoallergenic formula.

The Verdict

While sunscreen is an essential product to protect the skin from burning and aging it is also important to know what kind of sunscreen a person should use based on the person’s skin type. The different ingredients of every sunscreen add to the benefits that the face skin can get but also could provide possible risks if it does not apply to the person’s face. As many sunscreens can now function as a make-up base, whitening, or even a moisturizer, having sufficient knowledge on what the sunscreen provides can help a person to associate it with what the face needs.

Sunscreens are for everyday use not just for summer. Love your skin by protecting it from the sun’s radiation. Remember, our skin is the largest organ of our body, love it and take care of it! Find the best sunscreen in Philippines that suits your skin type!

What is the best sunscreen recommended by dermatologists in the Philippines?

Which sunscreen is best for both face and body?

What are the top 5 sunscreens?

What is the best sunscreen for swimming Philippines?