Sunscreens in the Philippines
Summer in the Philippines means harsher sun rays. Since summer is fast approaching, we should double our efforts to protect our skin from ultraviolet rays that make us age faster.
To help you find a sunblock that best suits your lifestyle, we’ve listed down sunscreens you can find online in the Philippines, including lightweight gel formulas and tinted sunscreens that offer light to full coverage.
– Affordable sunscreen options –
1. 3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream – affordable sunscreen with no white cast
Image credit: @guruskinlab
The 3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream is perhaps the most affordable, reliable sunscreen in the market, costing only P223 (~USD4.35) for 70ml. While it’s budget-friendly, it also offers SPF 50 PA+++ that protects your skin from UVA and UVB.
The product has a creamy but non-sticky consistency. This blends well into the skin with no white cast.
It can be used for normal, dry, combination, and mature skin but is not suited for acne-prone skin. Since it’s affordable, though, you can still buy it to use on your arms and legs.
Price: P223 (~USD4.35)
Get the 3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream here.
2. Hello Glow 3-in-1 Lightweight Sun Care Gel – convenient and eco-friendly packaging
Image credit: @bebotsabangan
For sunblock that you can bring anywhere with ease, get the Hello Glow 3-in-1 Lightweight Sun Care Gel. It’s packaged in a pouch so not only is it handy, but it also lets you squeeze out every last drop. This packaging also makes for less trash as it will take less time to decompose compared to plastic bottles.
The Hello Glow 3-in-1 Lightweight Sun Care Gel is an SPF 50 PA+++, broad-spectrum sunblock that contains controls aloe vera that calms the skin, woodapple extract that controls sebum, and bamboo leaf extract that helps you achieve smooth skin.
Ultimately, this sunscreen gel’s ingredients will leave your skin looking fresh and dewy.
Price: P288 (~USD5.62)
Get the Hello Glow 3-in-1 Lightweight Sun Care Gel here.
3. Hyaloo Aqua Plus Water Cream – provides intensive hydration for dry skin
The Hyaloo Aqua Plus Water Cream (right)
Image credit: @jhenajoc
Hyaloo’s Aqua Plus Water Cream is best for dry, sensitive, and combination skin, packed with four kinds of hyaluronic acid for intensive hydration. It also contains ceramides that lock moisture into your skin to keep it from getting dry throughout the day.
As for sun protection, it has SPF 50+ PA+++, which is the standard for good-quality sunscreens.
The product is also lightweight, quick-absorbing, non-greasy, and leaves no white cast, making for hassle-free use.
Price: P345 (~USD6.73)
Get the Hyaloo Aqua Plus Water Cream here.
4. Lana Skin Protect Brightening Sunblock – lightens acne scars and signs of sun damage
Image credit: @s.serene_e
The Lana Skin Protect Brightening Sunblock is an inexpensive option but it offers a higher SPF than most sunscreens in the Philippines, with SPF 80 PA++++.
It contains niacinamide and alpha arbutin that brightens the skin and reduces the appearance of dark spots. This makes it ideal for people with dry skin, acne scars, and blemishes, but it also works on all skin types.
It’s also lightweight, doesn’t leave a white cast, and dries down to a matte finish that allows you to use it as a makeup primer.
However, the product has a mild fragrance which can trigger skin irritation for some, so try another choice from our list if you have sensitive skin.
Price: P349 (~USD6.81)
Get the Lana Skin Protect Brightening Sunblock here.
5. Luxe Organix Aqua Daily Sunscreen – contains actives such as Centella asiatica for sensitive skin
Image credit: @luxeorganixph/@du.sha
With actives such as aloe vera, Centella asiatica, calendula extracts, and glycerin, Luxe Organix’s Aqua Daily Sunscreen is for people with sensitive skin. It’s also alcohol- and paraben-free, which helps lessen acne and irritation.
Besides these, it’s also a lightweight, quick-absorbing, SPF 50 PA+++ sunblock that leaves no white cast.
However, do note that this sunscreen has fragrance, which can cause some people skin irritation.
Price: P349 (~USD6.81)
Get the Luxe Organix Aqua Daily Sunscreen here.
6. Dermaction Plus Advanced Sun Water Drop Cream Gel – helps prevent signs of aging
Image credit: @skinandskincare
Watsons’ Dermaction Plus Advanced Sun Water Drop Cream Gel does more than shield you from UVA and UVB with broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA+++ to slow down signs of aging.
It also has properties that help keep skin elastic, preventing you from getting wrinkles.
However, this wallet-friendly sunscreen is not for acne-prone skin as it has witch hazel extract which tends to be drying and can trigger acne.
Price: P399 (~USD7.78)
Get the Dermaction Plus Advanced Sun Water Drop Cream Gel here.
– Mid-range sunscreens –
7. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence – perfect for the Philippines’ hot climate
Image credit: @project.alastres
The Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is a cooling sunscreen that’s perfect for the Philippines’ hot and humid climate. It also has hyaluronic acid that binds moisture into your skin, keeping your skin plump and healthy-looking throughout the day.
To protect your skin from harmful sun rays, it has SPF50+ PA++++ and advanced UV filters.
This sunscreen is also quick-absorbing, lightweight, and has no white cast, making it an even more ideal sunscreen for us in the Philippines.
Price: P488 (~USD9.53)
Get the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence here.
8. Face Republic Purity Sun Essence – reef-safe, water- and sweat-proof sunscreen for beach lovers
Image credit: @facerepublic/@diannerombaon
Face Republic’s Purity Sun Essence is ideal for those who live an active lifestyle, particularly those who love to swim in the ocean. It’s vegan, cruelty-free, and reef-safe.
It has no fragrance and white cast and doesn’t leave your skin greasy, allowing you to look fresh throughout the day. This SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen is also water- and sweat-proof to keep up with your beach activities.
On top of these, the Face Republic Purity Sun Essence contains niacinamide which helps lighten sun damage, such as sunspots.
Price: P494 (~USD9.64)
Get the Face Republic Purity Sun Essence here.
9. Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV – lightweight sunscreen that makes a good makeup base
Image credit: @boysglowtoo
The Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV is a light, refreshing sunscreen with a dewy finish. This makes it a good makeup base, helping your foundation last longer on your face.
This Japanese sunscreen has SPF 50+ PA++++, hybrid UV formula for the best skin protection. It has no alcohol or fragrance, which helps you avoid skin irritation and breakouts.
You also have the option to get it in Clear if you don’t want any white cast, or in Milky White if you want to tone up.
Price: P710 (~USD13.86)
Get the Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV here.
10. Cetaphil Sun – made for sensitive skin
Image credit: @pinksky_beauty
The brand Cetaphil is known for skincare products that are mild and great for sensitive skin. For sunscreen that won’t break you out, their Cetaphil Sun is paraben-free, fragrance-free, and non-comedogenic, which prevents blocked pores.
This SPF 50+, broad-spectrum sunscreen is also water-resistant, so you can wear it to your errands and even to the beach.
But while it’s lightweight and quick-absorbing, it leaves a white cast so you’ll need to apply it gradually.
Price: P808 (~USD15.76)
Get the Cetaphil Sun here.
11. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk – waterproof sunscreen that can be used under makeup
Image credit: @ginny_mozzarella
The Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk by the Japanese cosmetics company Shiseido is a light, non-greasy, SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen. It has a watery consistency that quickly dries down into a powdery finish, which makes it a good base for makeup.
Not only can this sunblock be used under makeup, but it’s also water-proof. In fact, it can stay on your skin for up to 80 minutes in the pool.
However, this sunscreen contains fragrance and alcohol, which may be a deal-breaker for some. It also has a slight white cast, but this quickly goes away.
Price: P1,071 (~USD20.89)
Get the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk here.
– Tinted sunscreens –
12. Sunglow by Fresh Tinted Sunscreen – tinted sunscreen that can give full coverage
Image credit: @swatch_mama
Sunglow by Fresh Tinted Sunscreen is an SPF 50 PA++++, buildable, light to full coverage tinted sunscreen with a dewy, glowy finish.
With this tinted sunscreen, a little goes a long way. One pump can give you medium coverage for your entire face.
There are three shades available – Fair, Medium, and Deep. However, these may not be for cool-toned individuals as they each have a yellowish tone.
Price: P329 (~USD6.42)
Get the Sunglow by Fresh Tinted Sunscreen here.
13. Issy & Co Active Skin Tint – tinted sunscreen available in 9 different shades
Image credit: @theconsciouskikay
Active individuals who want to look ready for photos anytime should get Issy & Co’s Active Skin Tint. It’s available in nine shades and is suitable for all skin types, but especially oily and combination skin.
It provides natural-looking coverage with added skincare benefits, including SPF 35 UVA and UVB protection.
It also contains niacinamide which helps improve your skin texture and controls sebum which prevents you from having clogged pores, oily skin, and acne.
Price: P499 (~USD9.74)
Get the Issy & Co Active Skin Tint here.
14. blk cosmetics Daydream Tinted Sunscreen – hypoallergenic, lightweight sunscreen with a matte finish
Image credit: @blkcosmeticsph
The Daydream Tinted Sunscreen by blk cosmetics is a lightweight, breathable, tinted sunscreen that helps even out your skin tone. With a matte finish, it can be used by itself or under more high coverage makeup.
This product has two tinted shades – Oat for fairer Filipinas and Butterscotch for morenas.
As for sun protection, it offers SPF 50 PA+++, broad-spectrum protection. This tinted sunscreen is also hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, paraben-free, and non-comedogenic to help prevent skin irritation.
Price: P549 (~USD10.71)
Get the blk cosmetics Daydream Tinted Sunscreen here.
Sunscreens for different lifestyles and skin types
Since it can get extremely sunny in the Philippines, sunscreen is a must-have skincare product for Filipinos. For best results, you should also use sunscreen on cloudy or rainy days and even when you’re just staying indoors.
With the best sunscreen for your skin type, your future self will thank you for maintaining clear, youthful, plump skin.
More beauty reads:
- 11 sustainable Filipino makeup and skincare brands
- 7 Korean hair salons in Metro Manila
- Hair curlers in the Philippines
Cover image adapted from: @s.serene_e, @project.alastres, and @blkcosmeticsph
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