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The Star
28-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Sunscreen is a skincare staple – so how do you choose the right kind?
Keeping yourself shielded from the sun's harmful rays is absolutely essential, whether you're indoors or outdoors, on vacation at the beach or driving to work. The sun protection sector is growing at a rapid pace with products ranging from sprays, brush-on powders and roller sticks as well as two-in-one products like SPF-infused face moisturisers and tinted sunscreens. According to a global data and business intelligence platform, the sun protection market worldwide generated a revenue of US$12.20bil (RM51.62bil) in 2025. Incorporating SPF application into your daily skincare regimen is a must, and the beauty industry offers a diverse range of SPF options to suit every lifestyle. Despite the emphasis on sun protection in the media and on social networks, many questions on the subject remain, so we checked in with a few brands to get their input. A variety of choices Powder sunscreens are best used for reapplication throughout the day, especially over makeup, advises Liah Yoo, but they shouldn't be relied on as your primary sunscreen. Photo: KraveBeauty From mists and balms to stick applicators and powder-based sunscreens, shoppers are spoilt for choice when it comes to products. But with such a wide selection available, how do we determine which option offers the most effective protection? The answer depends on several factors, including how the product is applied, its specific formulation and which parts of the body you're aiming to shield from the sun. Deciem (parent company of The Ordinary) scientific communications and brand engagement senior manager Rita Silva weighs in on how effective different types of sunscreen are. 'Spray-on sunscreens and powder sunscreens in general should not be used on their own, as it is almost impossible to apply enough product to represent anything near 2mg/cm² (the amount of product used in a clinical study to achieve the SPF value on the packaging),' says Silva. 'Their application is also not as seamless as that of a fluid product. Sticks are a lot more effective in this regard, but the golden standard continues to be a cream or serum format,' she adds. KraveBeauty founder Liah Yoo notes that spray, stick and powder sunscreens can be effective, but only if you apply a generous amount – and most people don't. 'With spray sunscreens, you need to apply liberally and make sure to rub it in for even coverage, which many people skip. Stick sunscreens are great for targeted areas like the eyes or nose, but to get the full SPF protection, you'd have to go over the same area multiple times,' says Yoo. Powder sunscreens are best used for reapplication throughout the day, especially over makeup, she advises, but they shouldn't be relied on as your primary sunscreen. 'Overall, these formats are convenient but easy to underapply, so for daily use, a cream or lotion sunscreen is your best bet to ensure proper protection,' she says. Read more: Ask The Expert: How do you keep your skin looking healthy as you age? Physical versus chemical Rita Silva explains that filters work by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and converting it into harmless forms of energy, mainly heat. Photo: The Ordinary A common assumption when it comes to skincare is that 'natural' equates to 'organic' and this extends to the idea of 'physical' versus 'chemical'. Silva notes that the main difference between physical and chemical is their chemical composition. 'In my opinion, chemical is actually a misnomer, because everything has a chemical structure – even minerals,' she says. 'Chemical, or organic, UV filters are also called 'organic'; because they are made up of carbon-based molecules and all carbon-based molecules are called 'organic' in chemistry.' She says these filters work by absorbing harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and converting it into harmless forms of energy, mainly heat. 'The molecules in these filters contain electrons that absorb the UV light, which excites them and makes the molecules temporarily unstable. To return to a stable state, the molecules release this energy as heat or sometimes lower-energy light. 'This process repeats, helping to protect the skin from UV damage for as long as the sunscreen remains effective,' she says. Physical (mineral) sunscreens sit on the surface of the skin and deflect the sun's harmful UV rays, and they contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. 'Physical and chemical sunscreens effectively block UVA/UVB rays but in different ways. Think about a chemical sunscreen as a sponge – it absorbs the rays before they hit your face, whereas a physical sunscreen acts like an umbrella or shield – so the rays bounce off,' says Tatcha global director of artistry Daniel Martin. These filters protect the skin by both absorbing and scattering UV radiation, possessing a unique structure called a band gap, which allows them to absorb a broad range of UV light. 'When UV light is absorbed, the energy excites the electrons in these particles, which then release the energy as heat or less harmful forms of light,' says Silva. 'Additionally, the particles scatter some UV rays (5-10%), providing further protection against UVA and UVB radiation,' she adds. Ultimately, suitability will come down to formulation – whether you have oily, dry or combination skin – and what works for you personally. Yoo notes that the main difference lies in how they work and what ingredients they use. 'There's a common myth that chemical sunscreens are more irritating or unsafe, but the truth is, both types are effective and safe when formulated well,' she says. Yoo recommends non-nano zinc-based sunscreens for babies and infants, and for adults, what your skin tolerates. 'The best sunscreen is the one you'll wear consistently,' says Yoo. Moisturiser substitute Daniel Martin recommends using a moisturiser before applying sunscreen. Photo: Tatcha Every busy person has probably wondered which skincare steps are a must and which we can do without, with skinimalism (using fewer products) being a growing trend. One question that often pops up is if sunscreen can be used with a daytime moisturiser or if it can be used in place of one. Silva explains that the SPF value on the packaging is achieved through a test where 2mg of product is applied per 1cm² of skin, and this test is done exactly the same for sunscreens or for moisturising sunscreens. 'This is a lot of product – and a lot more product than what most people would apply when it comes to moisturisers,' she says. 'There is no difference in protection between a sunscreen and a moisturiser with the same SPF, but to ensure you're equally protected when using a moisturising sunscreen, you must apply it with the same generosity as you would any other sun protection product, and reapply throughout the day.' Is a moisturising sunscreen as effective as using two separate products, you might ask. Martin recommends still using a moisturiser prior to sunscreen. 'A sunscreen's purpose is to protect whereas a moisturiser will address hydration and protect the skin barrier. I prefer separating my moisturiser from my sunscreen simply because I like the flexibility of addressing my skin's needs that day,' he says. 'You can absolutely replace your daytime moisturiser with a moisturising sunscreen, especially if you have oily or combination skin,' says Yoo. 'Many modern sunscreens are formulated with hydrating ingredients like glycerin, squalane, or hyaluronic acid, so they can double as both SPF and moisturiser.' According to Yoo, the key is to use enough – you need to apply the correct amount to get the SPF level stated on the label (usually about 1/4 teaspoon for the face). 'As long as your sunscreen is giving your skin the hydration it needs and you're applying it generously, it's just as effective as layering two separate products,' says Yoo, whose morning routine involves applying only serum and SPF. Read more: How beauty brands are transforming the skincare experience with facial cabins For daytime application only There has been some talk on skin damage resulting from blue light from our devices, and whether a small amount of SPF is necessary at night (which, let's admit it, is when many of us doomscroll). 'Absolutely not,' says Silva. 'The amount of blue light we receive from devices is minimal compared to the amount of blue light we receive from the sun itself! 'As for UV, unless you're going on a sunbed at night – which I wholeheartedly do not recommend, as skin cancer is a real danger when using them – you can leave the sunscreen for the next morning,' she adds. Yoo shares this sentiment. 'SPF is not necessary at night. While there's been some conversation around blue light from screens, current research shows that the amount emitted by phones and computers is minimal and not enough to cause significant skin damage,' she says.
Buzz Feed
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Buzz Feed
27 K-Beauty Products With Jaw-Dropping Result Photos
A lightweight Cosrx mild gel cleanser if you want to be able to wash your face without having it feel bone dry afterward. Its relatively low pH helps balance and protect your skin from acne-causing irritants without stripping it. It's also enriched with tea tree oil and BHA to help keep your skin nice and smooth. Or a Krave Beauty matcha hemp cleanser that lifts away dirt, makeup, and sunscreen without giving you that super-tight feel. Its bouncy gel formula also hydrates and soothes your skin without stripping away your natural oils! I guess you can say it's a matcha made in heaven. A moisturizing Mise En Scene hair serum here to breathe some life back into your locks and rescue them from eternal dryness. This delightful blend is derived from seven incredible oils: argan, olive, coconut, apricot, marula, jojoba, and camellia. This reviewer says it gives you gloss without the grease, and that the scent alone makes them want to keep using it! A supercharged Beauty of Joseon retinal eye serum because it'll breathe some life back into your under-eyes. It's infused with hydrating ginseng extract, retinal to stimulate collagen and help reduce fine lines, and niacinamide to help enhance your skin tone. You're about to need a lot less concealer to feel ready for the day. 😉 And The Saem hydrating eye stick, which has a cooling formula to help de-puff the area around your eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles so no one at the office starts asking you why you look like a Tim Burton character. A satin-finish TirTir cushion foundation that's got the whole TikTok beauty community in a chokehold. This all-star gem lets you enjoy 72-hour flawless coverage and offers effortless blending to hide redness, blemishes, and under-eye bags. Plus, it comes in 40 shades and is *packed* with hibiscus and red propolis extracts for a boost in skin elasticity. Perfect for beauty enthusiasts who love effortless applications anytime, anywhere. A popular pack of Skin1004 pore tightening and lifting masks because it's blown reviewers away with its immediate results. These fast-acting masks are made with albumin, aloe vera, and centella asiatica extract to hydrate and lift your skin, tighten enlarged pores, clear small breakouts, and give you that "just came fresh from the spa" glow. An easy-to-use collagen-coating hair mask infused with collagen, ceramides, and protein extracts to help repair your hair if it is damaged, over-processed, or has just spent too much time with that flat iron. Many reviewers are comparing it to Olaplex! Simply apply it on wet hair after shampooing, wait five minutes, and rinse it out. The cult-favorite Cosrx snail mucin repairing essence because it will soothe and rejuvenate your skin so effectively, it'll make you think the exact opposite of "ew" when you think of snail mucin. It can also give your skin a natural "I woke up like this" glow that has earned it over 66,000 5-star ratings! Etude's 80% Mineral Translucent Powder that you might just fall in love with if you're someone who gets oily *real* fast. This magical powder is made with ingredients like fermented soybean, willow tree, and fluffy cotton extract to help avoid excess oil by strengthening the skin barrier. The best part? It's not just for your face! You can use this on the roots of your hair to target greasy locks and as a setting powder for your makeup. A TikTok-famous Anua heartleaf soothing toner, which works like a charm to soothe and hydrate your skin, all while balancing out your pH level thanks to its high concentration of heartleaf extract. (77%, to be exact!) It also enhances the absorption of serums and moisturizers and works *perfectly* prepping your skin before makeup for a glowy glass skin look. Or a bottle of I'm From goami rice toner that reviewers with dry skin say is hydration in a bottle. Its vegetable-originated extracts will leave your skin looking supple, smooth, and glowy without any heavy or sticky residue. A pack of popular Cosrx pimple patches to evict those pesky pimples that have no business invading your face. These are coated with hydrocolloid to protect and heal the blemish more effectively — you officially have no excuses for popping those pimples anymore! A wonderfully potent SeoulCeuticals Day Glow Serum infused with hyaluronic and ferulic acid, vitamin E, citrus stem cells, and centella asiatica to help (*takes a deep breath*) reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines as well as help fade dark spots, shrink pores, prevent breakouts, and brighten your overall complexion. We love a multi-talented product. A Nooni tinted appleberry lip oil made with soothing apple water to help moisturize and soften your lips without giving you that icky sticky finish. It also gives your lips a lovely, natural-looking flush. A viral Anua dark spot correcting serum formulated with the powerful trio of niacinamide, tranexamic acid, and arbutin to help banish dull skin and enlarged pores to another dimension. It's also infused with ceramides and hyaluronic acid to soothe, hydrate, and protect your skin barrier. Many reviewers say it's become an *essential* part of their skincare routine! A pore-clearing cleansing oil because it uses the calming powers of heartleaf oil to soothe irritated skin and eliminate makeup residue, blackheads, and sebum while preventing pore congestion — perfect to incorporate in a double cleansing routine! It's also hypoallergenic and works wonders for sensitive, acne-prone skin. Or a Heimish cleansing balm if you have stubborn blackheads and makeup residue that you wish would just ~melt away~. This balm has 10 natural vegetable oils that melt as they come in contact with your skin to effortlessly remove makeup, and can reduce blackheads too. It also works as a more gentle alternative to harshly scrubbing with makeup wipes! A benzene-free mattifying dry shampoo powder to trick people into thinking it most definitely has not been a week since you last washed your hair. This is infused with biotin, black ginseng, and root-boosting powder and comes with a conveniently attached puff so that you can dab, dab, dab away all that excess oil and grease to instantly add some volume back into your hair. A SeoulCeuticals toner mist — a powerful potion that not only hydrates and plumps your skin but is also a *miracle* worker on blemishes, helping keep those pesky breakouts at bay. It's made with 98% naturally derived ingredients like refreshing cucumber, antioxidant-rich green tea, tamarind, soothing aloe, and rejuvenating marine minerals for a perfect dose of dewy radiance. Some by Mi Miracle Toner, made with chemical exfoliants as well as tea tree, papaya, and witch hazel extract to remove dead skin cells while helping your skin look more hydrated and radiant in just 30 days. Many reviewers say it's perfect for both oily and sensitive skin! A SeoulCeuticals Snail Repair Cream with organic green tea and vitamins that brighten dull skin and fade discoloration. And, thanks to its high concentration of snail mucin extract, your complexion will look plumped and ✨glowy.✨ Or a Mizon snail repair cream that people with acne-prone skin swear by because it's got snail mucin, hyaluronic acid, and 12 natural extracts that can help nourish, brighten, and re-plump your skin *without* any oiliness. When it comes to repairing the skin barrier, this cream really ~snailed~ it. A cooling, calming cream by Dear, Klairs because it uses ceramide 3 and centella asiatica extract to soothe irritation and even out your skin tone. A reviewer with rosacea says it's got to be witchcraft! You can also use it as after-sun care to help calm redness and sunburnt areas. A luxe Medicube facial device — a high-tech K-beauty tool (which is used by Hailey Bieber!) that'll help you truly elevate your whole skincare game. This helpful little tool stimulates your skin to create electro-passageways so your skincare penetrates more deeply, leaving it plumper and brighter. Now you'll *actually* be able to achieve that "glass skin" look that you were hoping to get from that $50 serum you splurged on. A fan fave Laneige lip mask with vitamin C, coconut oil, shea butter, and antioxidants to nourish and protect your lips while giving them a supple, glossy finish. It's a splurge-worthy staple you'll probably love as much as the reviewer who called it "absolute magic." A bottle of hydrating Glow Recipe watermelon glow niancinamide dew drops that'll brighten both your skin and your day. It's infused with vitamin C, vitamin E, and moringa oil to help even out your skin tone and give you a dewy finish. It also has a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly, making it ideal for all skin types, so you can glow from the inside out. Check out more AAPI-centered content by exploring how BuzzFeed celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month! Of course, the content doesn't end after May. Follow BuzzFeed's A*Pop on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube to keep up with our latest AAPI content year-round.c Reviews have been edited for length and/or clarity.
