Sunscreen vs. Sunblock: The Ultimate Showdown + Our Top 10 Picks
Let's face it: the sun is out to get you. Whether you’re catching waves at the beach or just taking a quick stroll in the city (in this extreme Malaysian heat), protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is a must. But here's the million-dollar question: should you reach for sunscreen or sunblock? Let’s dive into the gritty details and clear up the confusion once and for all.
Sunscreen vs. Sunblock: What's the Deal?
Sunscreen and sunblock might seem like twins separated at birth, but they play by different rules when it comes to defending your skin.
Sunscreen: This is your undercover agent. It sneaks in and absorbs UV radiation, converting it into heat and then releasing it from the skin. Sunscreens often contain chemical compounds like avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene. They’re usually lighter and more invisible on your skin, perfect for daily wear under makeup.
Sunblock: Think of sunblock as your bodyguard, standing tall and deflecting UV rays off your skin. It uses physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to reflect and scatter UV radiation. Sunblocks can be thicker and may leave a noticeable white cast, especially on darker skin tones, but they provide a robust barrier, making them ideal for sensitive skin and extended outdoor activities.
Key Differences at a Glance
Mechanism: Sunscreen absorbs; sunblock reflects.
Ingredients: Sunscreen uses chemical absorbers; sunblock uses physical blockers.
Appearance: Sunscreen is often invisible; sunblock can leave a white or tinted layer.
Suitability: Sunscreens are great for everyday use, while sunblocks are perfect for prolonged outdoor exposure and sensitive skin.
Top 5 Sunscreens in Malaysia
1. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40 PA+++
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen is your skin’s new best friend. Totally invisible, weightless, and scentless, it doubles as a makeup primer with SPF 40. Say goodbye to greasy, shiny skin and hello to a velvety, makeup-gripping finish.
Why It Sells: People love it because it's a multitasker – a primer and a sunscreen in one, with an invisible finish that works for all skin tones.
Add To Cart: RM186.00 on Sephora Malaysia
Ingredients: Avobenzone, 3%, Homosalate 8%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 4% Isododecane, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Isohexadecane, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Meadowfoam Estolide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyester-7, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Lithothamnion Calcareum Extract, Caprylyl Glycol, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Jojoba Esters, Mannitol, Olibanum, Lecithin, Microcrystalline Cellulose, Diatomaceous Earth, Zinc Sulfate, Silica, Tocopherol
2. Shiseido Global Suncare The Perfect Protector SPF 50+/PA++++
This powerhouse from Shiseido is not just a sunscreen; it’s a shield against everything harmful. Lightweight, quickly absorbed, and super water-resistant, it’s your skin’s ultimate bodyguard against UV rays, pollutants, and dryness.
Why It Sells: Its unique SynchroShield™ technology gets stronger with water and heat, making it perfect for hot, sweaty days.
Add to Cart: RM195.00 on Sephora Malaysia
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Water (Aqua), Zinc Oxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol, Cyclopentasiloxane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Talc, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Isododecane, Octocrylene, Peg/ppg-9/2 Dimethyl Ether, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, Peg-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Dextrin Palmitate, Glycerin, Silica, Vinyl Dimethicone/methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Xylitol, Ppg-17, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Isostearic Acid, Bis-butyldimethicone Polyglyceryl-3, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Aminomethyl Propanediol, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Fragrance (Parfum), Trisodium Edta, Peg-6, Distearyldimonium Chloride, Bht, Tocopherol, Butylene Glycol, Peg/ppg-14/7 Dimethyl Ether, Isopropyl Alcohol, Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract, Iron Oxides (Ci 77491), Sodium Metabisulfite, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Syzygium Jambos Leaf Extract, Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract
3. Dr Jart+ Every Sun Day™ Mild Sun SPF 40 PA+++
Dr Jart+ Every Sun Day is the sensitive skin saviour. This lightweight mineral sunscreen offers high SPF protection without upsetting your delicate skin, giving you a non-sticky, smooth finish.
Why It Sells: Gentle on sensitive skin, this sunscreen is perfect for those who need strong protection without irritation.
Add To Cart: RM85.00 on Sephora Malaysia
Ingredients: Water\Aqua\Eau, Cyclopentasiloxane, Zinc Oxide, Cyclohexasiloxane, Titanium Dioxide, Butylene Glycol, Dimethicone, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Pentylene Glycol, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Caprylyl Glycol, Glycerin, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Hydrogenated Palm Glyceride, Stearic Acid, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Sodium Polyacrylate, Maltodextrin, Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, Disodium Edta, Phenoxyethanol
4. Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying SPF 50+
Ultra Violette Lean Screen is here to keep your skin protected and matte. This creamy, zinc-based formula gives you broad-spectrum SPF50+ protection with a soft matte finish, perfect for oily to combination skin.
Why It Sells: Its matte finish and high protection make it ideal for those with oily skin or anyone prone to sensitivity or eczema.
Add To Cart: RM178.00 on Sephora Malaysia
Ingredients: Aqua/Water/Eau, Zinc Oxide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Octyldodecanol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Peg-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Polyglyceryl-3 Polyricinoleate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Disodium Edta, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Chloride, Xanthan Gum, Gluconolactone, Cetearyl Glucoside, Isostearic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Ci 77491, Ci 77492, Ci 77499 (Iron Oxides)
5. Melixir Vegan Airfit™ Sunscreen SPF 50+
Melixir’s Vegan Airfit Sunscreen is your go-to for an invisible and hydrating SPF 50+ protection. It absorbs quickly, leaving no white cast or greasy residue, and is packed with antioxidant-rich plants.
Why It Sells: People love it for its sheer finish and nourishing ingredients, perfect for all skin types and tones. Did we mention its weightless?
Add To Cart: RM145.00 on Sephora Malaysia
Ingredients: Water, Butylene Glycol, Alcohol, Bacillus Ferment, Phragmites Communis Extract, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Dibutyl Adipate, Glyceryl Stearate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Panthenol, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Glycerin, Allantoin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Ipomoea Batatas (Sweet Potato) Root Extract, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Seabuckthorn) Fruit Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Scutellaria Baicalensis (Baikal Skullcap) Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Brassica Oleracea Italica (Broccoli) Extract, Polygonum Aviculare Extract, Polyquaternium-51, Pancratium Maritimum Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Disodium EDTA, Fragrance
Top 5 Sunblocks in Malaysia
1. 3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF50+ PA+++
Image Credit: Puff Studio and Sehoonyolomall
3W Clinic’s Intensive UV Sunblock is like a shield in a tube. Loaded with soothing aloe extract, it moisturises while providing robust sun protection. It's your ideal beach buddy, ready to protect and pamper.
Why It Sells: Loved for its soothing and hydrating properties, it’s perfect for those looking for strong sun protection without the burn.
Add To Cart: RM22.00 on Puff Studio
Ingredients: Water, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Mineral Oil, Titanium Dioxide, Isoamyl P-methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Cetyl Alcohol, Zinc Oxide, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, Polysorbate 60, Beeswax, Ethylhexyl Triazone, PEG-100 Stearate, Butylene Glycol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Red Ginseng Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Betaine, Dimethicone, Carbomer, Triethanolamine, Disodium EDTA, Cl 9140, Cl 15985, Fragrance
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
La Roche-Posay’s Tinted Mineral Sunscreen is the lightweight, broad-spectrum SPF solution your skin needs. This product offers not just protection but also a touch of color, perfect for daily use without looking like you’ve caked on makeup.
Why It Sells: Ideal for sensitive skin, it’s loved for its gentle formula and the added benefit of a natural-looking tint.
Add To Cart: RM122.10 on Zalora Malaysia
Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Aqua/Water, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Cyclohexasiloxane, Glycerin, Peg-10 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol
3. EltaMD UV Clear Face Sunscreen SPF 46
EltaMD UV Clear is the go-to for those battling acne-prone or sensitive skin. With niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, it not only protects from the sun but also soothes and hydrates, helping to calm skin irritation and breakouts.
Why It Sells: People love it for its skin-calming and hydrating properties, making it a hit for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Add To Cart: RM170.00 on Jdeespree
Ingredients: 9.0% Zinc oxide, 7.5% Octinoxate, Purified Water, Cyclomethicone, Niacinamide, Octyldodecyl Neopentanoate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Polyisobutene, PEG-7 Trimethylolpropane Coconut Ether, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Lactic Acid, Oleth-3 Phosphate, Phenoxyethanol, Butylene Glycol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane.
4. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
CeraVe’s Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen is more than just protection. It’s infused with ceramides and niacinamide to help restore the skin barrier and calm irritation. This sunscreen offers powerful protection with a boost of hydration.
Why It Sells: Loved for its hydrating and skin-restoring properties, it’s perfect for dry and sensitive skin types.
Add To Cart: RM114.00 on Threebs
Ingredients: Water, Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Styrene/Acrylates Copolymer, Phenyl Trimethicone, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Cetyl PEG/PPG-10/1 Dimethicone, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Caprylyl Glycol, Silica, Sodium Chloride, Phenoxyethanol, Disodium EDTA, Ceramide NP, Ceramide AP, Ceramide EOP, Cholesterol, Phytosphingosine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Carbomer, Xanthan Gum
5. Dr. Dennis Gross All Physical Ultimate Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++
Dr. Dennis Gross’s All Physical Ultimate Defense is the sunblock for those who want maximum protection. Packed with antioxidants and hydrating agents, it offers comprehensive defense against UV rays while nourishing your skin.
Why It Sells: This sunblock is a hit because of its robust protection combined with anti-aging benefits, perfect for those who want to keep their skin looking youthful.
Add To Cart: RM195.00 on Sephora Malaysia
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Zinc Oxide, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Dimethicone, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Tranexamic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Pongamia Pinnata Seed Extract, Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Dimethicone/Polyglycerin-3 Crosspolymer, Magnesium Hydroxide, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Magnesium Sulfate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Sodium Chloride, Triethyl Citrate, Tocopherol, Dipropylene Glycol, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate
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