The Best Sunscreens For All Skin Types: Shield Your Complexion From Singapore’s Heat

PUBLISHED May 30th, 2023 06:00 am | UPDATED June 15th, 2023 12:50 am

Under Singapore’s scorching sun, wearing proper sun protection is key to keeping skin cancer, sunburns and premature ageing at bay. Yet, our heat and humidity can often make for icky textures, uneven makeup bases, or worse: sun-care that just melts off your face. With lightweight formulas and heavy duty SPF protection, here’s our list of the best sunscreens for each skin type that still hold up in our weather!

NORMAL

Beauty of Joseon 

In case you’ve had any doubt, the TikTok-viral Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics Sunscreen (SPF50+, PA++++) is, in fact, really that good. Creamy and nourishing, its feather-light formula glides effortlessly into the skin and is a joy to apply (and reapply). Expect it to settle into a semi-matte look with zero white cast or pilling. Fragrance-free and full of rice and grain fermented extracts, its fast-absorbing moisture helps to bolster the skin barrier without getting greasy. Suitable for all skin types, this product has definitely earned it’s spot as an all-rounder sun protectant.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics Sunscreen (S$22.45) is available on YesStyle.

Round Lab

Keep up with the likes of high-tech Korean products with the best-selling Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen (SPF50+, PA++++), armed with extra strong UV barrier that safeguards your youthful vitality. Simply apply two fingers worth of product to say goodbye to burns and sun damage. With a mixture of locally-sourced birch sap juice, adenosine and niacinamide, it deeply hydrates, brightens and diminishes fine lines to help attain the perfect ‘chok chok’ (Korean beauty slang for fresh and luminous) skin. Try using this under your makeup for a remarkably even base.

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen ($35) is available on Shopee Mall

OILY

Anessa  

The Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Milk (SPF50+, PA++++) offers ample broad-spectrum protection that’s designed to work with our tropical climate, even getting stronger when in contact with sweat, heat and moisture. Both waterproof and rub-resistant, it’s earned a cult following for its lightweight texture and moisturising properties. A godsend for oilier skin types, this silky milk-like consistency works beautifully into the skin for a powdery matte finish and natural tone-up effect. 

Anessa Perfect UV Skincare Sunscreen Milk 60ml (S$42.50) is available at Watsons Singapore.

Supergoop 

The Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen (SPF40, PA+++) is an oil-free and 100% mineral sunscreen that helps oily skin block out all types of UV rays and achieve a flawless matte look. Enjoy the soothing anti-aging effects of bamboo extract and stay protected from blue light radiation with wild butterfly ginger. Doubling up as a makeup primer, we love how it smoothes blemishes and blurs pores without any white cast – thanks to its slight neutral tint. This oil-free sun protectant instantly sets to a natural satin finish to kiss greasy shine goodbye.

Supergoop Mineral Mattescreen (S$62) is available at Sephora.

DRY

Isntree 

Can’t stand thick, gunky sunscreens? The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel (SPF 50+, PA++++) is the one for you. Besides its powerful UV protection, its texture feels more like an everyday moisturiser than a heavy cream. Formulated with eight different types of hyaluronic acid, it delivers a major hydration boost and skin-brightening effect that’s perfect for dry, dehydrated skin. Nourishing astaxanthin and niacinamide strengthens skin barrier function, while fig fruit extract helps soothe redness. Round off your skincare routine with this lightweight gel for a refreshing cooling sensation and dewy afterglow.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel (S$33.05) is available on YesStyle.

La Roche Posay  

Boasting a hydrating and airy texture, La Roche Posay’s Antihelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream (SPF50+, PA++++) is a breeze to spread over the skin and absorbs quickly, leaving behind an effortless luminosity. Infused with vitamin E and selenium-rich thermal spring water, this cream softens, moisturises and soothes inflammation caused by dryness and eczema. A  hit among dermatologists, this product also guards against wrinkle-developing UVA and skin-burning UVB rays, infrared radiation, and pollution.

La Roche Posay Antihelios Ultra-Light Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream (S$51.90) is available at Guardian.

COMBINATION

Benton 

Hailing from South Korea, Benton is guided by the philosophy of turning back the clock and restoring your skin’s radiance through high-quality skincare. Likewise, the Benton Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream (SPF50+, PA++++) blends UV ray-blocking power with a cocktail of beneficial ingredients like tocopherol and panthenol. This potent concoction combats aging, reduces irritation and fortifies barrier function. Weightless and non-comedogenic, the mint green emulsion balances combination skin with just the right level of hydration. Slathering on this mint green goodness has a lovely cooling effect too.

Benton Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream (S$20.43) is available at iHerb. 

SKIN1004 

The widely celebrated SKIN1004 Madagascar Hyalu-Cica Centella Water-Fit Sun Serum (SPF50+, PA++++) is considered the holy grail non-nano sunscreen. With four chemical filters, it provides exceptional broad-spectrum protection from ultraviolet radiation. All-star ingredient centella asiatica extract heals inflammation, reverses aging and supports collagen synthesis for a supple complexion. What’s more, the hyaluronic acids work like a charm to attract and lock in moisture into the skin. Its non-sticky formula won’t clog your pores either – healing and hydrating your combination skin without being too drying or oily.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Hyalu-Cica Centella Water-Fit Sun Serum (S$16.90) is available on Amazon.

SENSITIVE

COSRX 

Hypoallergenic skincare brand COSRX is committed to creating mild yet robust skincare solutions for sensitive skin, and its Aloe Soothing Sun Cream (SPF50+, PA+++) is no different. Say hello to one of the most affordable and gentle sunscreens on the market that won’t sting, burn or break you out. Enriched with aloe extract, this product is anti-inflammatory and moisturising to soothe drier skin. The velvety lotion texture absorbs easily and leaves a subtle glow. Suitable for both the face and body, you’ll adore the full-scale ray defence without any chalkiness.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream (S$17.34) is available on YesStyle.

CeraVe 

For high-quality sun-care backed up by dermascience, try the CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 50, PA). Using 100% physical broad-spectrum UV filters, it reflects damaging UV rays away from your complexion. It’s also armed with a trio of vital ceramides alongside calming niacinamide to restore compromised skin barriers and aid moisture retention. Free of oils, fragrances and parabens, it’s a safe choice for anyone with sensitive skin or eczema, and leaves you with a dewy look. 

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF50 ($30.18) is available on Amazon.

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