Balikbayans are either looking forward to defrosting back in the motherland or dreading the heat. After all, it’s no secret that the sun in the Philippines is scorching H-O-T. To help protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can age and burn you, check out KUBO’s SPF picks for every budget.
P.S. We made sure that you can either order everything online or easily find them in your favorite PH mall, so you don’t have to waste your precious time (or luggage space!) when shopping for a sunscreen tube.
Your Budget: PHP500 and below
Hello Glow 3-in-1 Lightweight Sun Care Gel, PHP199 (25g) and PHP320 (50g)
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While Hello Glow is a brand under Filipino beauty company Ever Bilena Cosmetics, Inc.—a department store favorite of your mom and titas (or your younger self, back when you lived in PH)—this particular lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreen is made in Korea. It has a gel base, making it non-sticky and with minimal to no white cast. Score skin-saving benefits from its natural ingredients like bamboo leaf extract, watermelon extract, and aloe vera, which help keep your skin cool and smooth. It also comes in 25g and 50g sachets that are light and convenient to take with you wherever you go.
Hello Glow is available at their official Lazada and Shopee online stores, as well as Watsons and other drugstores and department stores nationwide.
Belo SunExpert Reef-Friendly Face & Body SPF60 PA++++, PHP449.75
Some resorts, like those in El Nido, Palawan, request that you use reef-friendly products to help preserve the ecosystem and coral reefs in the ocean. So if you’re looking for sun protection that’s environment-friendly and cruelty-free, this lightweight, non-sticky, and water-resistant sunscreen from doctor to Pinoy stars Dra. Vicki Belo’s skincare line will be the perfect companion for your beach trips. Tip: Make sure to visit their official websites and partners for special promos like this one on Lazada, which comes with a free After Sun Gel.
Belo SunExpert is available online and in major department stores, drugstores, and supermarkets nationwide.
Beach Hut Hair & Scalp Clear Spray Sunscreen, PHP376
Did you know that your scalp and strands can get sun damage, too? Mist this hair and scalp spray from popular Filipino sunscreen brand Beach Hut to protect your locks from dryness and frizz caused by the sun’s rays, chlorine, and sea water. Tip: If your hair is on the thinning side or if your partner is a little “hair-challenged,” try massaging a light layer into your scalp to help prevent painful scalp burns.
Beach Hut is available online and in major department stores, drugstores, supermarkets, and beach destinations nationwide.
Dazzle Me Attack on Sun! Sunscreen SPF 50 PA ++++, PHP139
We like how this budget-friendly sunscreen offers 12.5 hours of protection, so you don’t need to worry about reapplying after you leave the house or do your makeup. It contains skin-loving ingredients like Vitamin E and chamomile to help moisturize your skin and give it a dewy finish—perfect for those with dry skin or are always in an airconditioned room.
Dazzle Me is available in the Philippines online via Lazada, Shopee, and TikTok; and at Watsons and Robinsons Department Store branches.
Pond’s Hyaluron Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++, PHP299
Several Pinay celebrities swear by Pond’s beauty products, including Julia Barreto—the face of Pond’s Hyaluron Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++—and influencer and beach bride Laureen Uy. The latter just got married at a beautiful resort in Palawan, and all her celeb besties (like Anne Curtis and Vice Ganda) made it to the celebration. And while everyone was raving about her Vivienne Westwood gown, we were obsessed with her gorgeous glow. We hunted down one of her must-have skincare faves, which turned out to be this very sunscreen. “Comparing it to the previous sunscreens I’ve tried before, this one is really effective and it’s very lightweight on the face…and it leaves your skin with a glass skin finish,” she shared via one of her YouTube videos.
Pond’s is available in the Philippines online via Lazada, Shopee, Watsons, and U-Store; and in major department stores, drugstores, and supermarkets.
Your Budget: Over PHP500 up to PHP1,000
Habitude Go-Getter Moisture + Sun Stick, PHP550
This travel-friendly balm formulation makes it perfect to take with you on the plane (read: no annoying security checks or liquid spills) and when you need something to help you reapply quickly without getting sticky hands. It’s also made with zero plastic (yay for sustainability!) and 20% Zinc Oxide—a great pick for those who prefer mineral sunscreens.
Habitude is available in their online store and these physical stores.
Cetaphil Sun SPF 50+ Light Gel, PHP999
Wondering what’s model and beauty queen Maggie Wilson’s secret to looking youthful and fresh despite going to the beach so often? “I wear sunscreen everyday and reapply Cetaphil Sun with SPF 50, especially when I’m out in the sun and even if I’m staying indoors,” she shared via a Facebook post. This broad-spectrum sunscreen helps prevent premature skin aging and pigmentation, and its gel formula is perfect for those who have sensitive skin or are prone to breakouts.
Cetaphil is available in the Philippines via online stores like Lazada and in major department stores, drugstores, and supermarkets.
Mustela Very High Protection Sun Lotion SPF50+, PHP860
If you’re traveling around the Philippines with kids, you need something that’s gentle on their skin and spreads easily for quick, fuss-free application. We recommend that you get this creamy, hypoallergenic sun lotion for the whole family to use because it’s safe enough for even newborns, offers a high level of broad-spectrum protection, and it’s free from controversial ingredients like paraben and phthalates.
Mustela is available in the Philippines via Rustan’s, Lazada, TikTok, and in Mustela kiosks in major malls and department stores.
Your Budget: Over PHP1,000
VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Sport 70, PHP2,400
For those with extra fair skin or who plan on doing sports activities like golfing or surfing while they’re vacationing in the Philippines, we suggest that you invest in this water-resistant, full-spectrum sunscreen from this popular Filipino skincare brand. It creates a unique “barrier-film” that rests comfortably on the skin’s surface to help protect your skin both in and out of the water and while exposed to the harsh sun and heat.
VMV Hypoallergenics is available online and in major malls and department stores nationwide (click here for the full list of locations).
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++, PHP1,450
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This Korean sunscreen practically doubles as skincare, since it’s richly infused with Inje’s Birch extract and Vita hyaluronic acid to help moisturize your skin while protecting it from the strong radiation emitted by the sun. Use it before you apply your foundation or base makeup for a more flawless and smooth finish.
Round Lab is available in SM Beauty branches and Watsons online store and physical stores.
Supergoop! (Re)Setting Refreshing Mist SPF40, PHP2,180
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It’s important to reapply your sunscreen every 2-3 hours, but if you’re always on-the-go, it’s easy to forget. Use this rosemary and mint-infused spray to give yourself a quick SPF pick-up and to refresh your skin from the summer heat. It smells amazing (think: aromatherapy in your bag!), and the ultrafine mist also works as a setting spray to ensure that your makeup doesn’t melt off in ‘Pinas heat.
Supergoop! is available in the Philippines along with other SkinSmart brands at their kiosk in Power Plant Mall, Rockwell Center, Makati; SM Makati; and LOOK At Me branches in SM Aura Premier and SM Mall of Asia.