5 of the Best Sunscreen Brands That We Swear By

My introduction to the best sunscreen brands (and skincare in general) started all the way back when I was a young teenager. I whiled my hours away watching old YouTube videos, particularly those created by “OG” (original) beauty gurus, of which the most notable — at least to me — was Michelle Phan. I remember being fascinated by the wonderful world of makeup and the inspiration it took to create different looks. 

Also read: 15 Korean Beauty Tips We Can Learn from Our Favourite K-Drama and K-Pop Stars

The importance of sunscreen

Thus, as a young teenager, I always regarded skincare as something of less importance. The sheer variety of products like serums, moisturisers, and toners overwhelmed me — I was happy enough to stick to my facial wash, twice daily. However, one thing I remember most is that beauty gurus would never forget to mention this before applying makeup:

“Use at least SPF 20.”

“Even if it’s not sunny, UV rays can still harm your skin so be sure to apply moisturiser and sunscreen before applying any makeup.” 

Even my Asian mother never failed to remind me to reapply sunscreen every two hours whenever we had a family day frolicking by the pool. I definitely learned to listen to her, as on the (few) occasions that I failed to heed her advice (even as an adult), I was met with a painful sunburn that I had to endure for at least the next week. Thus, in order to battle the heat that we’re all too accustomed to in our tropical climate, we can’t forget that sun protection is just as important as staying hydrated. 

Also read: Wondering Why Your Skincare Routine Isn’t Working? Here’s What You Need to Know! 

We’ve curated a list of some of the best sunscreen brands that you should definitely add to your carts — and of course, they’re available for purchase via our local shopping platforms like Shopee or Lazada! 

Best sunscreen brands to try

1. Neutrogena

As a brand that cares as much about skincare and sun protection as it does about the environment, Neutrogena is leading the skincare game as one of the best sunscreen brands on the market; it aims to use all-natural ingredients in its products and 100% recyclable packaging in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint. 

I’m sure most of us have come across the Neutrogena® Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen while perusing our local Watsons or Guardian stores. This may not be common knowledge to all — but this sunscreen can be easily applied under makeup as part of your skin prep routine. Claiming to be clog-free and oil-free, this sunscreen works at keeping those nasty oils that accumulate throughout the day in our tropical climate at bay. 

If you’re hoping to enjoy a day out by the pool and are worried about your sunscreen’s lasting effect in the water, fret not! It has water-resistant properties as well, which last for up to 80 minutes. Just remember to reapply, as it only works if you remember to do so! 

2. Banana Boat

This is a brand of sunscreen that I’m sure we’re all familiar with from childhood. I remember my mum slathering Banana Boat Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF50 PA+++ all over my body and not missing out on an inch while I stood by, uncomfortably questioning if it was really necessary.  (Yes, it was). 

Not only is this one waterproof, but it also does not leave the skin feeling gloopy and uncomfortable unlike many other sunscreens; you can enjoy your sunny day out without feeling like you have a layer of product clinging to your skin. 

Also, Banana Boat offers many other ranges of sunscreen specifically designed for children. Now, the whole family can galavant by the beach without worrying about harmful UV rays damaging their skin! It really is the best sunscreen brand on the market for the whole family. 

3. Sunplay

Known for its compact size, Sunplay Ultra Shield UV Lotion SPF130 PA++ is the best sunscreen option for people who prefer to pack lightly. While most sunscreens on the market have a thicker consistency and are packaged in bigger bottles, this one has a watery consistency and is arguably one of the most travel-friendly; it comes in sizes as small as 35g! 

Dating all the way back to my secondary school days, my memory with this sunscreen involves me kayaking at a school camp and this very compact product packed in the nook of my life jacket pocket. I realised I could achieve the same level of sun protection with just a handy dandy pocket-friendly sunscreen. 

Thus, don’t be fooled by the novelty of this sunscreen, either, as a little (pun intended!) really goes a long way with this one. 

4. Anessa

Anessa is another sunscreen brand that I’m sure most of us are familiar with. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF50+ PA++++ is a sunscreen milk, which is a first of its kind in the sunscreen brand market — it leaves you with a healthy, glowy finish but does not leave you feeling sticky. Also, you no longer have to worry about getting clumps of sand stuck to your skin, as Anessa’s is sandproof. You can now run around freely on the sand without constantly running to the water to rinse yourself off! 

It’s really one of the best sunscreen brands on the market as well, thanks to its blend with up to 50% of skin-nourishing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, green tea extract, and aloe vera extract. Gone are the days when you’d have to worry about the sun harming your skin — not only does this one offer you the usual sun protection that sunscreens do, it has the added benefit of nourishing your skin as well. 

5. Shiseido

This one’s for those of us who enjoy spending our off days at the beach. Though it has a steeper price tag than the other sunscreen brands on this list, Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ Sunscreen certainly gives you your money’s worth. It’s a sunscreen that’s best known for its reef-safe SPF — so on top of giving you guaranteed sun protection, wearing this sunscreen in beach waters protects aquatic life, specifically, coral reefs. As reefs are abundant in the southern islands of Singapore, it might be a good idea to opt for a reef-safe sunscreen instead if you plan on visiting Lazarus Island. 

As many of us are planning to redeem our SingapoRediscovers Vouchers before they expire by the end of June, hopefully this list of the best sunscreen brands has given you some options to try on your next outdoors trip!