UV rays and heat are some of the many significant factors that cause your skin to have blemishes, especially as you grow older. That is why protecting your skin from the harmful rays of the sun is key in preventing your skincare routine’s effects from going down the drain.
Now, it’s not always fun to think about hiding from the sun whenever you’re outside, is it? This is why sunscreens are a great option to solve problems without hiding too much in the shade. You’re in for a good ride as we have listed the best sunscreens in Singapore to help you boost your skincare game to another level!
How to Choose a Sunscreen - Your Helpful Buying Guide
Sunscreen is one of the essential protections from the heat bully. To help you out in finding the right sunscreen for you, we have created a buying guide. Let’s start!
1. Sun Protection Basics: SPF and Broad Spectrum Protection
The effectiveness of sunscreen can be measured through its SPF rating, also known as the Sun Protection Factor. It shows how effectively a sunscreen can safeguard your skin from ultraviolet radiation, specifically UVB rays. Dermatologists recommend sunscreens with an SPF 30 rating or higher for everyone.
Although it’s true that SPF 50 offers slightly more protection, it doesn’t mean it is significantly more beneficial. What you need to check instead is if it offers broad-spectrum protection (usually measured by a +++ sign). Sunscreens with this factor not only block UVB rays but also UVA rays, which are more harmful to the skin.
2. Physical or Chemical sunscreen? Which ingredients should you look out for?
The difference between these two types of sunscreen lies in the way how each protects your skin. Physical sunscreen sits on the surface of your skin and acts like a shield. It basically reflects UV rays and is usually formulated with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Since it doesn’t penetrate and irritate the skin, it is suitable for those with sensitive skin, but it usually leaves white-cast.
On the other hand, chemical sunscreen protects your skin by absorbing the UV rays into your skin and then releasing the heat from your body. Most sunscreen under this type is formulated with avobenzone, octinoxate, and oxybenzone which are quite harmful for the skin.
12 Best Sunscreens in Singapore 2024: Buying Guide
Table of Contents
Why it’s our top pick
Japanese sunscreens have always been famous for their promising qualities. The BIORE UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence tops the list of sunscreens for the face because of its weightless but high-grade sun protection sold at an affordable price.
Key Ingredients
The BIORE UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence has hyaluronic acid and royal jelly extract to moisturize your skin throughout the day. This is another way to combat the negative effects of the sun and prevent your skin from drying, which can lead to skin breakage. It also has multiple ingredients for SPF and PA, which ensures that your skin is protected in the best possible way.
Effectiveness
This sunscreen has an SPF 50+ rating which already hits the recommended rating for staying protected from the sun. Its PA++++ rating also shows that it is a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which shields you from both UVA and UVB rays. Moreover, its matte finish makes it seem that you’re not wearing sunscreen at all, or for some people, it makes a great primer or makeup base.
Overview
Numbers don’t lie, and they say that the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ is the best-tinted sunscreen out there. During sunny days in Singapore, this shields you from the harmful rays of the sun which was specifically designed for normal, combination, and sensitive skin types.
Key Ingredients
This product has Mexoryl XL 400 as its sun filter known to hydrate and defend your skin from ultra-long UVA rays. It also has Ethylhexyl Salicylate to protect you from UVB rays and prevent deep cell damage, which makes it a broad-spectrum sunscreen. As if this was not enough, it has antioxidant ingredients to keep your skin fresh and young.
Effectiveness
The La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ can protect your skin from up to 400nm of rays from the sun. It is even water, sand, and sweat-resistant, making it an ideal sunscreen to use when you’re off for a beach trip. Its ingredients ensure that you get the best invisible sun defense to protect your skin from the risks of skin damage.
Overview
Worry less about getting sun protection and having shiny-looking skin with Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++. This oil-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen has a soft-gel consistency that works great in soothing and controlling oily skin concerns.
Key Ingredients
This sunscreen is packed with natural ingredients. It contains red algae to moisturize and protect from blue light rays. The meadowfoam oil boosts this by providing extra hydration to improve skin texture. To control that oily shine, it is infused with diatomaceous earth. Topping it is the ingredient frankincense to soothe your skin.
Effectiveness
This product offers SPF 40 PA+++ which is suitable enough to shield your skin from harmful sun rays. It doubles as a skincare and makeup product since it has multiple skincare benefits and a primer for your makeup routine. You also have three variants to choose from---whether you prefer an invisible-type, matte, or dewy-finish sunscreen, Supergoop! offers all three types for your daily use.
Overview
K-beauty has been an undying trend, so it makes sense to want sunscreen to help you achieve that K-look. Beauty of Joseon has grown famous over the years for its skincare features to help you glow and glam up your skincare routine.
Key Ingredients:
This chemical and cream-type sunscreen fuses 30% rice extract to calm and brighten your skin complexion and probiotics to keep your skin’s natural barrier healthy. It is also infused with niacinamide which helps with anti-aging effects, oil production, and many other skin concerns.
Effectiveness:
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that doubles as a skincare product, the beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics is the one for you. Its SPF50+ PA+++ builds up a protective layer of sun defense to minimize skin damage while providing hydrating and smoothing benefits to keep your skin healthy.
Overview
Mineral sunscreens protect your skin by forming a physical barrier to cover it from the harmful rays of the sun. SOMEBYMI Truecica Mineral Calming Tone Up Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ is one of the best sunblocks as it offers triple functional cosmetics for UV protection, which is more than usual than other sunscreens.
Key Ingredients:
This product contains zinc oxide which acts perfectly as a sun filtering agent and a skin calming and tone-up ingredient for your makeup needs. It has Truecica and Aloe vera extract to soothe and calm your skin from possible irritation due to UV rays (and even wearing a mask). It is also infused with resveratrol and pear flower extract to act as an antioxidant and keep your skin fresh and clean.
Effectiveness:
SOMEBYMI Truecica mineral sunscreen’s SPF 50 and PA++++ rating guarantees superior protection from the harmful effects of the sun. What makes it perfect is it protects you from UV rays, calms your skin, and even glams up your appearance with its tone-up effects. Perfect for those with sensitive skin types, it is formulated with a non-nano mineral consistency to lower the possibility of it being absorbed in the skin!
Overview
When sunscreen creams aren’t your forte, there are always sunscreen sticks. This type makes it easier to apply sunscreen as you only need to glide it accordingly on your face without worrying about missing a spot. Experience sun protection with Shiseido Global Suncare Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ as it offers you convenience and a UV shield in one small stick.
Key Ingredients:
This sunscreen is packed with multiple agents that can guarantee you the ultimate sun protection you can get. It contains Avobenzone, which is known to be one of the most acceptable and effective sunscreen agents to shield you from UVA rays, and a combination of homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene to block UVB rays. Shiseido also claims it is formulated with skincare ingredients to keep your skin from early signs of skin aging.
Effectiveness:
The Shiseido Global Suncare Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ has four protective functions: UVA and UVB rays, urban pollution, and skin dryness. It is waterproof and sweat-resistant, ensuring that your sunscreen stays on no matter where you are. It has SynchroShield technology where its UV shield activates according to your environment, such as through heat, water, or perspiration.
Overview
Selecting skincare products for people with sensitive skin can be difficult. Still, this brand can make it easier for you, especially since it is known to be the number one dermatological brand in Singapore. Cetaphil is reputable for its gentle but effective formulation, including its CETAPHIL Sun SPF 50+ Light Gel Sunscreen, specially designed for sensitive skin. It is arguably one of the best sunscreens out there because of its benefits.
Key Ingredients:
This product utilizes a mineral sunscreen, which essentially functions as a sunblock for the harmful UV rays at the surface of your skin rather than absorbing them. It uses a patented formula system, giving you 8 different sun filters to provide optimum broad-spectrum sunscreen. Since sensitive skin requires extra care, the sunscreen is packed with hydrating and moisturizing agents, such as Glycerin, Vitamin B3, and Pro-Vitamin B5.
Effectiveness:
The CETAPHIL Sun SPF 50+ Light Gel Sunscreen is suitable for daily use because of its lightweight and non-greasy formula. Its SPF 50+ rating assures you the highest UV protection, safeguarding you from sunburns and premature skin aging whenever you go out. Its added moisturizing and hydrating factors ensure your skin stays healthy and radiant under the sun.
Overview
If you prefer an airy finish to your sunscreen, a sunscreen spray may be your best bet. This sunscreen offers on-the-go sunscreen with a 0.1 nm fine spray, perfect whenever you need to reapply it as you go through the day.
Key Ingredients:
The SKINTIFIC All Day Light Sunscreen Mist SPF50 PA++++ contains 5x ceramide and Centella Asiatica, which helps repair your skin from sun damage. It also has UV Pearls to feel fresh while still protected under the sun.
Effectiveness:
This sunscreen offers the maximum broad-spectrum protection of SPF 50 and PA++++ which is good for 12 hours. Its microcapsule technology is a 0.04nm layer of transparent protection on one’s face.
Overview
Any exposed skin under the sun needs UV protection. The Sunplay Ultra Shield UV Body Mist SPF 130 PA++++ offers a superior effect to shield you from the harmful effects of the sun with its SPF 130 and PA++++ rating.
Key Ingredients:
Sunplay Ultra Shield UV Body Mist SPF 130 PA++++ has 8 advanced UV filters for optimal sun protection. Its body mist formula makes it seamless and convenient to apply independently. It features Rona Care Ectoin and Golden Seaweed Extract to protect your skin from sun damage and skin radicals. It also has vitamins C and E to nourish your skin.
Effectiveness:
The product claims to be ideal for long hours of wet or dry activities. It has Solarex-3 technology which ensures photo-stable protection that guarantees that your product doesn’t easily wear off as you work through your day.
Ideal for long hours of water and outdoor activities - Free from Colorant, Fragrance, Oxybenzone, and Paraben.
Overview
Some sunscreens can clog your pores due to their thick formulation, and the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Touch Sunscreen is not one of them. This product guarantees that you won't get unwanted bumps because of wearing sunscreen as this product is so lightweight that it feels invisible.
Key Ingredients:
The Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Touch Sunscreen uses helioplex technology where Avobenzone develops a protective layer on your skin to block out the dangerous UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen primarily focuses on sunscreen agents rather than skincare benefits.
Effectiveness:
This sunscreen meets the recommended SPF 50 PA++++ rating to cover you from the harmful UV rays of the sun. This oil-free sunscreen is dry to the touch, maintaining your skin shine and clog-free.
Overview
Men are known to have larger pores and more oily skin, so it may be advisable for them to use sunscreens with the lighter and simpler formulation. COSRX’s Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ gives you the basic necessity of sunscreen without compromising your skin.
Ingredients:
This product’s key ingredient is Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, which soothes and hydrates your skin as it gets protected from the sun. It also has glycerin to help draw moisture to your skin and prevent it from drying.
Effectiveness:
The COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ is a broad-spectrum formulation with botanical ingredients to boost the blockage of harmful UV rays. It also helps improve your skin’s moisture barrier, mimicking a lightweight moisturizer applied to your face.
Overview
Most people look for sunscreen to wear for their beach or swimming activities. A waterproof sunscreen is a must-have to protect your skin even as you break through waves and splashes, and this Japanese sunscreen spray offers you the best results.
Key Ingredients:
ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen utilizes the Triple Defense Technology and Auto Booster Technology which safeguards your maximum UV protection from sweat, water, heat, and air moisture. It also contains soothing and antioxidant agents to boost the sun protection effects on your skin.
Effectiveness:
This sunscreen offers UVA and UVB protection in one package and greatly resists being washed away even after contact with water or different kinds of moisture for up to 80 minutes. Its good reviews only tell that customers are loyal to this product for its superb performance in shielding yourself from the harmful effects of the sun.
FAQ's
Why is Sunscreen Important?
While getting some sunlight is good, it doesn’t mean you can always do so. Harmful UV rays penetrate our environment in the latter part of the day, and using sunscreen is necessary to protect yourself from the damaging effects of the sun. Some effects include sunburn or freckles, and the worst-case scenario can lead to skin cancer.
Using a sunscreen develops a protective barrier on your skin that prevents the harmful UV rays from damaging your skin. It also helps preserve your skin to stay young as the sun is known to cause premature skin aging. Wearing sunscreen can keep your worries away about tanning or getting sun-damaged skin.
What is SPF in Sunscreen? How Much Sunscreen Should I Apply?
The effectiveness of sunscreen can be measured through its SPF rating, also known as the Sun Protection Factor. It shows how effectively a sunscreen can safeguard your skin from ultraviolet radiation, specifically UVB rays. These rays can directly damage your skin cells and even cause skin cell mutation.
The higher the SPF rating, the better it can cover your skin from harm. To gauge this better, below is a general breakdown of what SPF ratings block out the most UVB rays:
- SPF 15: Blocks about 93% of UVB rays
- SPF 30: Blocks about 97% of UVB rays
- SPF 50: Blocks about 98% of UVB rays
Note that wearing sunscreen alone is not a miracle maker. It is highly recommended to abide by other ways of protecting yourself from the sun, such as wearing protective clothing, staying under a shade, and avoiding peak sun hours. Getting a broad-spectrum sunscreen is also recommended as this protects you from both UVB and UVA rays.
Conclusion
Purchasing sunscreen is a worthy investment: not only does it protect you from possible sun-induced diseases, but it also significantly improves your skin complexion and youthful look. Choosing the right one for you requires a little effort to achieve optimal results. Worry less about sun damage by making sunscreen an added companion to your daily travels. Yet, always keep in mind that protecting your skin works best if you minimize your exposure to it, so do away from staying under it for prolonged periods in unnecessary times.