10 Best Sunscreen Sticks for Oily Skin in the Philippines 2025

If you have oily skin, using a sunscreen with a greasy or dewy finish can make your face look shinier than it already is. That’s why it’s important to choose a stick that leaves a matte or semi-matte finish, which helps manage shine, especially in hot and humid weather.

Many local sunscreen sticks, and even Korean and Japanese ones, are formulated specifically for this, using oil-controlling ingredients or powdery finishes. Look for phrases like “non-greasy,” “shine-free,” or “powdery texture” in the product descriptions. Avoid sticks that promise a radiant or glowy look, as these are more suited for dry or dull skin types.

Sun exposure in the Philippines can be intense year-round, so strong UV protection is essential. Dermatologists recommend using at least SPF 30, but going for SPF 50 provides better protection, especially for oily or acne-prone skin that is more prone to discoloration and sun damage.

Choose products labeled as broad-spectrum to ensure they protect against both UVA rays, which cause skin aging, and UVB rays, which cause sunburn. Look for a PA++++ rating as well, which offers the highest level of UVA protection. These ratings are usually printed clearly on the label, so make sure to check before buying.

For oily or acne-prone skin, it’s important to choose sunscreen sticks that won’t clog pores or feel greasy. Go for formulas labeled as oil-free and non-comedogenic to help reduce breakouts and irritation. Avoid those with heavy oils or occlusive waxes like petrolatum or coconut oil, which can trap heat and sweat, leading to congestion and blemishes.

In addition to being pore-safe, the texture should be lightweight and comfortable. Look for sticks that are non-sticky, quick-absorbing, and glide on smoothly. Ingredients like dimethicone help create a breathable, silky layer on the skin, making reapplication easier throughout the day.

If you wear makeup regularly, using a sunscreen that doubles as a primer can simplify your routine. These sticks help create a smooth base, minimizing the appearance of pores and allowing foundation to apply more evenly and last longer.

Look for ingredients like silicones (e.g., dimethicone or cyclopentasiloxane), which are common in primers and help mattify the skin. Some sunscreen sticks are even marketed as 2-in-1 products, offering both UV protection and a blurring or smoothing effect. 

Some sunscreen sticks go beyond sun protection by including skincare ingredients that help regulate oil or calm acne-prone skin. Look for ingredients like niacinamide, which controls sebum and improves skin texture, or green tea extract and centella asiatica, which soothe redness and inflammation.

These ingredients are especially useful if your skin tends to get oily, red, or irritated throughout the day. While the concentration of these ingredients is usually small in sunscreens, they still offer added benefits for skin maintenance, making them a smarter, more functional choice for daily wear.