Battle of sunscreens: Finding the perfect protection for your skin type and lifestyle

Different finishes, applicators, and benefits covered

Sun protection is essential in our daily lives, and with the overwhelming number of sunscreens in the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one. One thing to consider when buying sunscreen is whether your skin would prefer a physical/mineral sunscreen or a chemical sunscreen. Physical sunscreen forms a “physical” barrier on the skin, deflecting UV rays, while chemical sunscreens use active ingredients to absorb and disperse the sun’s rays.

Another thing to consider is the finish of the product, whether it’s matte, has a little sheen, or is glowy. Some products come with vitamins and oils to benefit the skin.

This listicle reviews a range of sunscreens available in the market to help you choose the best one for your skin type and lifestyle. From the choice of finishes and applicators to the different benefits these sunscreens offer, check out our top picks below.

Triple UV Elixir SPF+ PA++++, Y.O.U. Beauty, P299 for 30ml

Starting off strong with Y.O.U. Beauty’s chemical and physical sunscreen. What we love about this sunscreen is its matte finish, cooling effect, lack of white cast, and affordability for everyday use. This sunscreen also contains four skin-beneficial ingredients: centellla asiatica to strengthen the skin barrier, allantoin to soothe and moisturize the skin, niacinamide to brighten, and vitamin E to moisturize.

Radian-C Sun Cream, Laneige, P1,500 for 50ml

If you’re looking to address pigmentation, discoloration, and sun damage, this whitening sun cream from Laneige is your best bet. It’s light, non-oily, contains ceramides to strengthen the skin, and vitamin C, which acts as sun care and antioxidant at the same time. This is perfect if you want to feel refreshed under the sun because it’s airy and has a citrus scent to freshen up your senses.

Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ PA++++, Anessa, P1,990/60ml

If you struggle with oily skin, this skincare milk might save you from hating sunscreen. It has a powdery finish that’s perfect for everyday use whether you’re at home or in the office. Anessa’s gold line also boasts Auto Booster Technology, which gets stronger when exposed to the elements like heat, moisture, or even water.

Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Spray SPF 50+ PA++++, Anessa, P1,490/60g

Perfect for no-fuss reapplication, this spray bottle from Anessa also boasts the technology veil that gets stronger with sweat and water. This can also work as protection for hair and a fixing spray when setting your makeup. This is perfect for the beach when you need reapplication throughout the day. The only downside we see here is that when traveling by plane, airport security might hold it off because of its aerosol spray.

Umbra Tinte Physical Daily Defense, Drunk Elephant, P2,300/60ml

If you need to cover some imperfections and need coverage from the sun, this tinted physical sunscreen from Drunk Elephant is a two-in-one. It gives sheer coverage, glowing finish, and is packed with potent antioxidants like astaxanthin, grape juice, and sunflower shoot extract to minimize the appearance of photoaging for a more youthful-looking complexion. Umbra Tinte also delivers a universally flattering tint for all skin tones and is suitable for all skin types, even the most sensitive.

If you want all the benefits of this sunscreen but without the tint, the Umbra sunscreen also comes in a sheer formula, which boasts all the antioxidants and sun protection without the subtle glow. It is lightweight and non-sticky, making it perfect whether in the city or lounging by the beach.

Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+, Shiseido, P2,100

The Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick comes with WetForce and HeatForce technology. This sunscreen stick is easy to carry and apply, yet it works hard to protect the skin with water resistance for up to 80 minutes and reacts more when exposed to the sun. The sunscreen is invisible, lightweight, and leaves no residue, giving only glowy and protected skin. Additionally, it has an ocean-friendly formula compliant with Hawaii regulations, and it can be used for both face and body, both under and over makeup.

Photos: Jerico Villamonte