Regardless of the season that you’re living ATM, whether it’s deadly cold winter or summertime, applying sunscreens to your face is a non-negotiable routine. The sunlight may seem like an open invitation for a dip in the pool, but it is not all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to these harmful rays. As we are exposed to UV rays emanating from the sun and even electronic blue light, incorporating sunscreens for the face is the best bet that you can ever have.

It is futile to debate its efficacy as face sunscreen is known to shield the skin from signs of premature ageing, dark spots and even minimise the risk of cancer. As the adage goes, prevention is better than cure. So, if you have been sinfully skipping sunblock, it is certainly a time to start religiously slathering these best sunscreens on your face. 

How to Select the Best Sunscreens for Your Face?

Photo by Armin Rimoldi on Pexels

Although the majority of people prefer to splurge on the most highly rated products, some of them might not suit your skin type or concerns. Hence, it is important that you consider these few factors beforehand.

SPF Level

The sun protection factor (SPF) indicates the level of protection that the product provides against UVB rays. Thereby, the higher amount signifies comprehensive protection that minimises the risk of you getting sunburn. The rule of thumb is to look for the best sunscreens for the face that offer SPF between 30 and 50. However, the amount that exceeds 50 does not necessarily mean that it is more effective. Since the SPF level is not correlated to the time that you spent outdoors, reapplication is the key to ensuring continuous protection.

Skin Type 

The formulation of the sunscreen is without a doubt the important aspect to truly ensure that it caters to your skin types. For those with oily prone skin, make sure to prioritise oil-free and non-comedogenic formulations. On the contrary, if you have dry skin, we recommend that you opt for a sunscreen that features hydrating properties yet a lightweight texture. People who have sensitive skin should steer away from products that have irritating ingredients including fragrances and dyes. If you have combination skin, select a physical sunscreen as it is packed with soothing properties. 

Broad-Spectrum Protection

As we have mentioned earlier, SPF only protects the skin from UVB rays which makes the skin susceptible to damage due to UVA rays. Therefore, if you want to get your hands on the ultimate sunscreen for your face, go for a product that is labelled with broad-spectrum protection. The ingredients that you should look out for are zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and avobenzone. Primarily avobenzone is unstable as it tends to break down on its own, hence it needs to be mixed with other ingredients to enhance its effectiveness. 

The Best Face Sunscreens that are Perfect for Everyday Use 

1. Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Brightening Moisture Gel 

Step out worry-free with the highly coveted Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Brightening Moisture Gel which provides SPF 50 defence. It is packed with skin-loving ingredients including hyaluronic acid to prevent moisture loss and cocoa seed extract to protect the skin from harmful UV rays and blue light. Whereas, brightenyl is rich in antioxidant properties that can brighten and even out the skin tone, revealing a radiant complexion. 

Thanks to its double anti-pollution formula, this sunscreen can shield the skin against micro pollutants like PM2.5. It has an ultra-lightweight texture that seamlessly blends on the skin without leaving any greasy residue and white cast. With its formulation that packs a punch and efficacy, the Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Brightening Moisture Gel is one of the best sunscreens for the face.

Why we love it:

  • Free from irritants including alcohol, parabens, colourant, fragrance, mineral oil, and MIT
  • Brightens and even out the skin tone
  • Features anti-blue light and anti pollutant 
  • Suitable for makeup base

Price: RM40.90

Where to buy: Shopee 

2. Kyut Skin Sunscreen Stick SPF50+

The Kyut Sunscreen Stick SPF50+ is a revolutionary sunscreen stick that is compact and convenient to apply everyday and reapply on the run. It features beneficial ingredients and provides total coverage, and even soothes sunburn from sun damage without the use of harsh chemicals. Furthermore, the result of healthy skin is seen immediately! However, applying it for 20 minutes is advised before going out in the sun. Each application is weightless, leaves no white cast, and is non-sticky, providing all-day protection.

The sun can cause wrinkles and fine lines, inflammatory acne, freckles, and even cancer. The KyutSkin Sunscreen Stick is a sunscreen infused with natural oil components that give you the best sun protection while keeping your skin moisturised. Star ingredients like jojoba oil, sunflower seed oil, and rosehip oil assist in maintaining skin hydration by trapping in water to retain moisture, leaving skin soft and supple. This potent sunscreen stick is also high in Vitamins A and E, which help to improve collagen development, reduce inflammation, and prevent breakouts.

Why we love it:

  • For all skin types
  • No stickiness or white cast
  • Easy and hydrating with every application
  • Protects the skin from UVA & UVB 
  • Antioxidant for anti-ageing effect

Price: RM 79.90

Where to buy: Kyut Skin

3. Face Republic Purity Sun Essence

Face Republic Purity Sun Essence features SPF 50, delivering intensive protection from harmful UV rays. Aside from its vegan formulation, it is free from artificial fragrance and is certified reef safe. It has a super lightweight texture that does not leave any white cast upon application. With its gentle yet effective formula, it is ideal for all skin types including those with sensitive skin too.  

Why we love it:

  • Waterproof
  • Vegan formulation
  • Dermatologically tested

Price: RM54.90

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4.  AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver. 3

Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like mugwort, 2% niacinamide, and squalane, not only will this physical sunscreen protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, but it will also help calm and hydrate your skin! Its new and improved Hydro-Fit formula has a watery gel essence texture that will absorb quickly into the skin, and it also has a clear finish that won’t leave any white cast. Not only that, the AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver. 3 is now free from essential oils and fragrances, making it the perfect sunscreen for acne-prone and sensitive skin.

Why we love it:

  • Vegan
  • Fragrance-free and essential oil-free
  • Hydrates and soothes the skin

Price: RM 53

Where to buy: AXIS-Y Official Shopee, AXIS-Y Watsons , AXIS-Y Malaysia Official TikTok

5. Y.O.U Beauty Tone Up UV Elixir SPF 50+ PA++++

Y.O.U Beauty Tone Up UV Elixir SPF 50+ PA++++ provides five benefits of protect, soothe, smooth, hydrate to brighten the skin. This dermatologist-tested sunscreen features a concoction of nourishing and hydrating ingredients like bisabolol extract, sunflower seed oil and hyaluronic acid. It also imparts a tone-up effect with a natural radiance finish. It is suitable for those with oily, dry and combination skin types. 

Why we love it:

  • Provides UVB and UVA protection
  • Improves skin radiance
  • Features SPF 50

Price: RM34.90

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6. Claire Organics Sunscreen Face/Body Cream

If you’re looking for the best sunscreens for the face and body, the Claire Organics Sunscreen Face/Body Cream should be on your wishlist. This two-in-one product which serves as a moisturiser and sunscreen harnesses the power of natural ingredients like vitamins, shea butter and therapeutic zinc oxide to nourish and protect the skin. It has a clean formulation without any harmful ingredients, which makes it a perfect option for people with sensitive skin.

Why we love it:

  • Ideal for all skin types
  • Free from harmful ingredients
  • Multipurpose benefits

Price: RM59.00

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7. EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 46

EltaMD UV Clear Facial Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 46 is lauded as the best sunblock for the face recommended by dermatologists. This mineral-based sunscreen encapsulates essential ingredients like vitamin E, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and lactic acid to tackle different skin issues. As the name indicates, it offers broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB. Although it comes with a hefty price tag, the formulation is just a chef’s kiss. 

Why we love it:

  • Delivers silky and lightweight texture
  • Soothes irritation and redness
  • Suitable for sensitive and oily skin

Price: RM 202.00

Where to buy: Zalora 

8. Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen

Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen works double duty as sunscreen and moisturizer. This refillable product is enriched with niacinamide and kalahari melon to keep dryness, dark spots and discolouration at bay. It has a pink-tinted hue that complements all skin tones for that extra glow finish. Plus, it is also perfect to be worn under makeup. 

Why we love it:

  • Clean formulation
  • Refillable packaging
  • Brightens the skin tone 

Price: RM165.00

Where to buy: Sephora 

9. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++

Meet Supergoop! Best Selling product, Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++.  This cult favourite product has high antioxidant properties which function to protect the skin from harmful UV rays including blue light. It has a lightweight, invisible and oil-free formula that easily glides on the skin with a radiant finish. Aside from regulating excess shine, it preps the skin for makeup applications.

Why we love it:

  • Makeup gripping finish
  • Weightless 
  • Water and sweat resistant 

Price: RM205 (73.9ml), RM150 (50ml) and RM95 (20ml)

Where to buy: Sephora 

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