Our Top Picks
Sunburns? They’re not just annoying—they can lead to long-term damage like premature aging, dark spots, and even skin cancer. The good news? The right sunscreen can help you avoid all that. And because your face is always exposed, it deserves its own special protection.
Here’s a complete breakdown of the best facial sunscreens for 2025, plus tips to help you choose the one that fits your skin type and lifestyle best.
Things to Consider Before Choosing a Sunscreen
SPF & PA Ratings
SPF stands for “sun protection factor” and indicates how well a product protects you from UVB rays (the ones that burn). PA, on the other hand, tells you how much protection you get from UVA rays (the ones that age your skin). More plus signs = more protection.
Look for SPF 30 to 50+ and PA+++ or higher if you’re in the Philippines, where UV rays can be intense year-round.
Skin Type
Your skin type plays a big role in how a sunscreen performs. If you want to go the extra mile in tailoring your skincare routine, you can check out the best skincare ingredients for your skin type. Here’s a quick cheat sheet to guide your sunscreen choice:
- Oily or acne-prone skin: Go for gel or water-based formulas that feel light and won’t clog pores.
- Dry skin: Look for sunscreens with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin (chemical sunscreens usually have these)
- Sensitive skin: Choose mineral (physical) sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen
Not all sunscreens work the same way—and understanding the difference between mineral and chemical formulas can help you find the one that suits your skin and lifestyle best.
Mineral Sunscreen
Mineral (or physical) sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide to create a barrier on the skin that physically reflects and scatters UV rays. They’re a go-to for sensitive skin or when you want gentle, immediate protection.
- Pros:
- Less likely to irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin
- Offers immediate protection after application
- More stable in sunlight (doesn’t degrade as quickly)
- Often reef-safe and better for the environment
- Cons:
- Can leave a white cast, especially on deeper skin tones
Thicker texture; may feel heavier or drier on the skin - May rub off more easily with sweat or touch
- Can leave a white cast, especially on deeper skin tones
Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into heat, which is then released from the skin. Common ingredients include avobenzone, octinoxate, and uvinul. These formulas tend to feel lighter and more cosmetically elegant—ideal for everyday wear under makeup.
- Pros:
- Lightweight and often invisible on the skin (no white cast)
- Spreads easily and absorbs quickly
- Often includes added skincare benefits (hydration, antioxidants)
- Cons:
- Can sting eyes or irritate sensitive skin
- Requires 15–20 minutes to activate before sun exposure
- May degrade faster under direct sunlight, so reapplication is key
Here’s a quick rundown of the sunscreen picks we’re covering in this blog, grouped by the skin type they’re best suited for:
| Skin Type | Product | Mineral/Chemical |
| Oily or Combination Skin | SUNPLAY Skin Aqua UV Watery Gel | Chemical |
| TOCOBO Cotton Soft Sun Stick | Chemical | |
| Belo SunExpert Whitening Sunscreen | Chemical | |
| blk cosmetics Universal Mineral Sunscreen Primer Stick | Mineral | |
| Dry or Normal Skin | COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream | Chemical |
| Sensitive or Irritated Skin | Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun Sunscreen | Mineral |
| Cetaphil Sun Gel | Mineral | |
| Acne-prone or Dull Skin | Belo SunExpert Whitening Sunscreen | Chemical |
| Normal to Oily Skin | Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Tinted SPF 50+ | Mineral |
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s get into the top chemical and mineral sunscreens for your face.
Best Chemical Sunscreens for Your Face
Perfect for everyday wear, especially in hot and humid weather. Here are our top choices based on what we gathered from multiple reviews online:
SUNPLAY Skin Aqua UV Watery Gel
If you hate the feeling of thick sunscreen, this might be your go-to. It feels more like a hydrating toner than sunblock—it’s super watery and sinks in quickly. A lot of people love that it doesn’t leave any white cast or greasy layer, so it’s perfect if you’re layering makeup or just don’t want to feel sticky in the heat.
Despite being so light, it still provides broad-spectrum protection with SPF50+ PA++++. The finish is dewy but not shiny, which makes it great under foundation or BB cream.
- Pros: Watery and non-sticky, perfect under makeup, no white cast
- Cons: Might not provide enough hydration for very dry skin
- Best for: Oily to combination skin, daily use in humid climates
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
This creamy sunscreen from COSRX is a staple in many skincare routines, especially for dry or sensitive skin. It contains 5,500 ppm of aloe vera leaf extract, which helps calm redness and irritation.
It spreads like a lightweight moisturizer, doesn’t pill under makeup, and gives a subtle glow without feeling greasy.
- Pros: Moisturizing, great for sensitive skin, makeup-friendly
- Cons: Slight fragrance
- Best for: Dry to normal skin or days you want extra hydration.
TOCOBO Cotton Soft Sun Stick
This sun stick has become a cult favorite among K-beauty lovers for good reason. It’s easy to swipe on—even over makeup—without tugging the skin. The finish is silky and matte, almost like a primer, which makes it ideal for oily skin or mid-day touch-ups.
Infused with cotton extract and herbal ingredients, it’s soothing and non-comedogenic.
- Pros: No white cast, portable, matte finish
- Cons: Not super hydrating, may cling to dry patches
- Best for: Oily or combination skin, makeup wearers
Belo SunExpert Whitening Sunscreen
This local fave offers SPF 50, niacinamide to help fade dark spots, and salicylic acid for acne-prone skin. The lightweight gel-cream texture makes it a great pick for everyday use, especially in hot, humid weather.
- Pros: Non-comedogenic, includes brightening essence
- Cons: Whitening effect may not suit those who prefer natural skin tone
- Best for: Dull skin, acne-prone skin
Best Mineral Sunscreens for Your Face
If you want something reliable, especially for outdoor activities or reactive skin, mineral sunscreens are the way to go. We searched the web for user-favorites and here’s what we gathered:
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun Sunscreen
A gentle mineral sunscreen that’s perfect for reactive or compromised skin. It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, providing physical protection with a calming, semi-matte finish. It also includes panthenol and madecassoside for barrier support.
- Pros: Fragrance-free, calming ingredients, mineral-based
- Cons: Slight white cast
- Best for: Sensitive or irritated skin, barrier repair routines
blk cosmetics universal mineral sunscreen primer stick
This mineral stick combines skincare, sunscreen, and primer in one. It glides smoothly and blurs pores while providing broad-spectrum protection with zinc oxide. Great for those who need reapplication over makeup.
Users love how it simplifies their routine—just swipe and go.
- Pros: Portable, acts like a primer, blends easily
- Cons: May tug slightly on dry patches
- Best for: Oily/combination skin, on-the-go use
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Tinted SPF 50+
This mineral-based sunscreen gives a soft matte finish and contains centella asiatica and aloe vera. It’s lightly tinted, helping even out skin tone slightly without heavy coverage.
Fans say it works great as a natural base and helps tone down redness.
- Pros: Light tint, matte finish, mineral UV filters
- Cons: May not suit deeper skin tones
- Best for: Normal to oily skin, minimal makeup routines
Cetaphil Sun Gel
This lightweight gel sunscreen uses titanium dioxide as one of its main filters, making it more suitable for sensitive skin types looking for mineral-based sun protection. It’s gentle enough for both face and body, fragrance-free, and water-resistant—great for everyday use.
- Pros: Non-irritating, multi-use, dermatologist-tested
- Cons: Slightly tacky on very humid days
- Best for: Sensitive or dry skin, everyday use
Don’t Skip the After Sun Care
So you forgot to reapply or missed a spot—we’ve all been there. That’s where after sun products come in.
Banana Boat Aloe Vera Gel
This classic gel is great for cooling down sunburnt skin.
- Pros: Soothes redness, easy to find in stores
- Cons: Sticky if over-applied
- Best for: All skin types after a beach day
Beach Hut After Sun Gel with D-Panthenol
This local option is a lightweight gel that helps lock in moisture and calm irritated skin.
- Pros: Cooling, affordable, easy to apply
- Cons: May require frequent reapplication
- Best for: Post-sunburn care and daily use
Sun Care Is Skin Care: Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Face is Important
Mineral and chemical sunscreens both shield your skin from UV rays, but they work in different ways. Mineral sunscreens sit on top of the skin to reflect UV rays, while chemical sunscreens absorb them and convert them into heat. If you have sensitive or reactive skin, mineral formulas may be the gentler choice.
Remember, sun protection isn’t just for summer—it’s a must all year round. Wearing sunscreen that is tailored to your needs and skin type is one of the best ways to prevent premature aging, dark spots, and long-term skin damage.
If you’re heading to the beach soon, don’t forget to pack smart. Here’s a handy list of beach essentials to help you prep.
Here’s to glowing skin and worry-free adventures!
