10 Best Sunscreens for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2022 | Buying Guide Reviewed by Dermatologist

People might think that we only need to apply sunscreen whenever we're at the beach or outdoors, but that is not true. Sunscreen should be worn every day for our skin's protection. Aside from guarding your skin against sunburns, sunscreen also prevents premature aging. Proper and regular use can decrease the appearance of wrinkles and leathery skin as well.

Most importantly, applying sunscreen shields our face from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays that can cause skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society, skin cancers are often caused by too much exposure to UV rays. Sunscreen is a helpful preventive measure and is part of a skin cancer protection plan. 

Here are some points to consider:

1. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen and go for at least SPF 30.
2. Choose the type that would work well with your skin type.
3. Check if it's a face sunscreen or exclusively for the body.
4. Choose your sunscreen formulations.

For more detailed information, read through our buying guide below.

Sunscreens are made to block and shield our skin from UV rays. Finding a broad-spectrum sunscreen means that the sunscreen can protect you from 2 different kinds of UV rays: UVA and UVB. UVA manifests long-term skin damage while UVB is faster and results in sunburns. Sun Protection Factor or SPF is also the key to finding a better sunscreen. 

SPF tells you how long you have until the UV rays affect your skin if the product is used properly. However, this gives a false sense of security, so make sure to still reapply the sunscreen. A dermatologist working with the Skin Cancer Foundation advises that the ideal sunscreen should be broad-spectrum with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Sunscreens come in 2 different types, mineral and chemical. The two types work differently, but they are formulated to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, sunburn, and signs of aging. Although there are no studies that support how one can be better than the other, let's enumerate some of their key characteristics below.

Mineral sunscreens or physical sunscreens are sunscreens that sit on the surface of your skin. They physically prevent any UV rays from penetrating your skin barrier. With ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, this type of sunscreen has small particles that act as a shield. Mineral sunscreens are often thicker and are suitable for those with sensitive skin. 

Chemical sunscreens allow UV light into the skin. The sunscreen creates a chemical reaction that converts the absorbed UV light to heat before it disperses. This sunscreen is quick and easy to apply with no white casts. But because they are full of chemicals, they can cause allergic reactions. It is better to first test this product on a small patch of skin before applying it to your face.  

Gel-based sunscreens are becoming more popular for being non-sticky and non-greasy. They're lightweight and easy to apply to your skin. It even feels soft and has a matte finish. This is the best sunscreen for oily skin because it isn't thick and wouldn't clog your pores. However, they have poor water resistance and would need to be reapplied more often. 

Like gel-based sunscreens, stick sunscreens are gaining traction because it is easy to carry everywhere. It's typically used to target specific areas but can be applied to the whole face. They're also more long-lasting and water-resisting than any other formulation. The wax in the stick helps creates a thick film of protection that wouldn't budge from your face.

Another sunscreen formulation that's slowly gaining popularity is aerosols or sprays. They're very easy to apply and reapply whenever you need to. It does give you a bit of shine because they are oil-based. However, experts caution against the use of this sunscreen because people might inhale the chemicals from the product. You can also possibly miss some areas of your skin when spraying.

Sunscreen is usually labeled for you to know where it should be used. Some sunscreens are just for the face or just for the body, while some can be used for both. Always check if your sunscreen can be used for your face because it might not have the gentle formulation you want. You can also opt for face and body sunscreens so that they can be more convenient for you.

Sunscreens are available in various formulas. Many sunscreens are made to target different skin types and are designed for a specific application. Some variations even have extra ingredients to make your sunscreen multipurpose. The different formulations include emulsions, gels, balms, oil-based, and aerosols. 

Emulsion sunscreens are the most common type available on the market. These are the lotions and creams that we often use. They contain skincare ingredients that help condition the skin. Some are moisturizing, anti-aging, and full of anti-oxidants. However, this type of sunscreens can be unstable and separate in the bottle. Make sure to shake it well before application.

The products we introduce below were carefully curated by the mybest team, from the best-sellers of E-commerce sites like Lazada, and using the points mentioned in our detailed and thoroughly researched buying guide.

Disclaimer: These products are recommendations made by our team at mybest Philippines. Our expert, Dr. Katrina Erika Habaluyas Luz, is not affiliated with, nor is she endorsing any of the brands we mention below.

**Prices may vary depending on the website and their campaign period**

We know that having oily skin is already very dyahe. So to help you even further, Dr. Katrina answers some of the most asked questions of people with oily skin and their sunscreen woes.

If you're out and about, exposed to the sun, then yes! Reapplication of sunscreen is ideally every 2 hours and immediately after sweating, swimming, toweling off, or bathing. 

This makes up for the possible inadequate application of sunscreen the first time around and also provides coverage for sunscreen that may have been wiped off or removed by sweating.

In general, even you have oily skin, you can benefit from a moisturizer. Sometimes having oily skin is a cry for hydration. One thing you can do is to use a moisturizer with SPF or a moisturizing sunscreen. Remember, there are no hard and fast rules in skincare. At the end of the day, listen to your skin. 

If ideal conditions allow it, I'd recommend washing your face first then reapplying the sunscreen. Realistically speaking, you can blot your face with blotting paper to remove oily residue then use sunscreen powder with at least SPF30 (yes, they are a thing!) or a foundation with SPF.

The regulation of sunscreens is tricky because it varies per region or country.

Have you heard of the term 'GRASE'? It is a term proposed by the FDA which stands for “generally recognized as safe and effective". The 2 ingredients that are considered GRASE are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. While, the FDA proposes two ingredients are not GRASE namely: PABA and tolamine salicylate.

In general, the FDA is calling for more safety data on 12 ingredients before determining whether they be classified as GRASE, including octinoxate and oxybenzone. While the FDA is reviewing data, it does not say that the ingredients are unsafe neither does it ask the public to stop using sunscreens that contain any of these ingredients.

The choice of sunscreen is a very personal one. Remember, the best sunscreen is the one that you use regularly and consistently! Definitely, this is one step in your skincare routine that you should not skimp on or miss!

Aside from daily skincare use, sunscreen is something you should carry around for an outing at the beach. But when it comes to sun protection, sunscreen is only one layer of defense. You need other tools in order to keep your skin safe from the harsh UV rays that the sun emits. Check out the articles below for more guides and recommendations.

Author: Angelica Sy

Editor: Ayeza Mangulabnan

Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.