10 Japanese sunscreens under $30 to save your summer skin

Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence (SPF 50+ PA++++), $30.20, Watson

Credit: Skin Aqua, Watson

1/10

Some sunscreens can leave a white cast, but this one is packed with iridescent strobe pearl particles that diffuses light to give dull skin a radiant glow.

The smooth formula practically glides onto your skin too, making it suitable as a makeup base.

Apart from offering SPF50+ UV protection, the Skin Aqua Tone Up formula is also infused with skin-loving ingredients such as ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant-rich vitamin C that will leave your skin supple, clear and protected against environmental aggressors.

It’s no wonder this sunscreen has been selling well since its launch in May last year.

Suncut Protect Mist SPF50+ PA++++ UV Water Resistant, $10.95, Shopee

Credit: Suncut, Shopee

2/10

This ultra-durable, transparent, quick-drying UV spray delivers high-level, long-lasting protection against intense UV rays. Its advanced, water-resistant formula not only defends against sun exposure but also shields your skin from environmental stressors such as pollen, dust, and dirt.

Kose Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Milk Mild 50ml, $28.25, Guardian

Credit: Kose

3/10

If your skin throws a tantrum at the slightest thing, this one’s worth adding to your cart. Kose’s Sekkisei Clear Wellness UV Sunscreen Milk Mild is made with sensitive skin in mind, skipping common irritants like alcohol, parabens, fragrance, colourants and UV absorbers. Beyond shielding your skin from harsh UV rays with its SPF50+/PA+++ protection, it also acts as a barrier against airborne nasties like pollen and dust. The lightweight formula doubles as a makeup primer, works for both your face and body, and washes off easily with your regular cleanser or body wash, so you won’t need to fuss with a separate makeup remover at the end of the day. 

Suncut UV Perfect Gel 80g Lightweight Sun Protection with Hydration, $12.05, Guardian

Credit: Suncut, Guardian

4/10

This lightweight sunscreen delivers high-performance UV protection, making it an ideal choice for active lifestyles. Both waterproof and sweat-resistant, it offers excellent value without compromising on quality. Its non-pilling formula is especially well-suited for oily skin, keeping your complexion fresh and comfortable throughout the day, even when worn under makeup.

BIORE UV AQUA Rich Protect Mist Spice Magic Fragrance SPF 50 PA++++ (For Face & Body) 60ml, $22.30, Watsons

Credit: BIORE, Watsons

5/10

This viral mist is perfect for on-the-go touch-ups and flawless application over makeup. It is very simple to apply on your skin or hair and provides an even, refreshing layer of UV defense. Designed with both performance and convenience in mind, it’s ideal for frequent reapplication throughout the day, especially after sweating. 

ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk 60ml SPF50+ PA++++on the go for face-hair-body, $47, Amazon

Credit: Shopee

6/10

This innovative UV Sunscreen Milk for face and the body has become a favorite among Japanese women. Thanks to its light consistency it will leave your skin looking dewy without the unwanted oily effect. The advanced signature “AQUA BOOSTER” formula enhances UV protection when it comes into contact with water or sweat, making it perfect for active lifestyles.

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV C03 Pure Purple 40g Sunscreen Niacinamide Purple SPF50+ PA++++, $12.81, Amazon

Credit: Canmake, Amazon

7/10

Want your sunscreen to pull double duty? This viral Canmake pick does exactly that. The Mermaid Skin Gel UV in Pure Purple delivers SPF50+ PA++++ protection while doubling as a tone-up base that helps neutralise yellow undertones and brighten dull-looking skin with a subtle lavender tint. Infused with niacinamide and made up of 84% beauty serum ingredients, the lightweight gel feels more like a moisturiser than a traditional sunscreen, making it a dream to wear under makeup. Better yet, it’s suitable for both your face and body, and washes off easily with your regular facial cleanser or body soap. 

Senka perfect UV milk, $18.90, Watsons

Credit: Senka, Watsons

9/10

Whether you’re hiking, spending the day at the beach or simply braving Singapore’s blazing sun, Senka’s Perfect UV Milk is designed to keep up. This lightweight sunscreen offers SPF50+ PA++++ protection while shielding your skin from more than just UV rays, helping defend against dehydration, pore-clogging and airborne pollutants like PM2.5. Formulated with 47 per cent skincare ingredients, it keeps skin feeling hydrated without compromising on a smooth, non-greasy finish. The water- and sweat-resistant formula is also free from colourants, parabens and added fragrance, making it perfect for everyday wear. Bonus points for its fully recyclable, FSC-certified paper packaging that’s kinder to the planet, too. 

Reihaku Hatomugi UV Milky Gel SPF50+ PA++++ Tube 80g, $19.10, Lazada

Credit: Reihaku, Lazada

10/10

For those who hate the thick, chalky feel of traditional sunscreens, Reihaku Hatomugi UV Milky Gel is a crowd-pleaser. This lightweight gel delivers broad-spectrum UV protection and its fast-absorbing formula sinks in quickly without leaving behind a greasy residue, making it easy to wear on its own or underneath makeup. It also gives skin a subtle brightening effect, helping to boost radiance while protecting against sun damage.