With so many options now available, it can be confusing to choose the right one for you. Our buying guide with comments from Dr. Jarishche Lao-Ang can help shed light on that and our top 10 list of the best BB creams available can be a great starting point for you.
Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang, MD, DPDS is a board-certified dermatologist in Metro Manila, and achieving healthy skin is her goal in every skin journey she has with her patients. She also aims to raise awareness on healthy skin facts and skincare habits. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society and is currently offering online consults for any skin, hair, and nail concerns. You can follow her on her Instagram and Facebook page to know more details about her practice!
Our recommendation articles are carefully researched and crafted by the mybest Philippines team of writers and editors. To stay true to our company’s mission and vision to help users’ selection process easier, we also collaborate with experts from various fields to ensure that our content stays factual and useful.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
BB creams were created to provide skincare benefits while giving enough coverage in place of a foundation. They have since evolved, and new formulas and more shades are now available.
They are a very convenient item to have in our makeup collection as they are perfect for the days when we're in a rush. With most BB creams performing many roles such as sun protection, moisturizing, anti-aging, and in some cases, whitening, it is quite a handy little tool.
BB cream, as mentioned, is a beauty balm. Though it is popularized as a primer or substitute for foundation, some may contain skin repair ingredients. It may have ingredients that are anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, and antioxidants. Some may even contain UV filters for sun protection. These multipurpose products are convenient to use, especially for people who are always on the go.
Here are some key points to consider:
Other hydrating ingredients to look out for are ceramides, snail mucus filtrate, aloe vera, and vitamin E. It’s also important to bring back that healthy glow and radiance, so look for light-reflecting pigments like pearl powder. Pearl powder also has the added benefit of containing high levels of calcium and antioxidants that help promote skin regeneration and moisture.
For dry skin, it is beneficial to have moisturizing ingredients incorporated in the BB cream. Moisturizing ingredients can be categorized into humectants, occlusives, and emollients. Humectants are lightweight in texture and included in this category are glycerin, urea, and hyaluronic acid.
Occlusives are heaviest and examples include dimethicone, shea butter, and cocoa butter among others. Emollients have textures that are in-between and include ceramides and fatty alcohols. Each of these components may differ in formulation when incorporated in BB creams.
Check for ingredients like pomegranate extract and aloe vera gel, all of which help regulate oil production but are potent enough to hydrate the skin. Hyaluronic acid is another example of a lightweight yet potent ingredient that can hydrate the skin.
Natural antiseptic ingredients that fight bacteria, such as tea tree oil and green tea, are also recommended. These ingredients can also restore balance in skin pH. Ingredients to avoid would be mineral oil and petroleum, since these suffocate oily skin and clog pores.
For oily skin, a matte finish of BB cream can be recommended. It aids in reducing the shine from oily skin. Also, remember that oily skin needs hydration. Hence, it is recommended to look for lightweight moisturizing ingredients with humectants, such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid. Another beneficial ingredient is panthenol.
Another thing to focus on is reducing redness and inflammation. Look for soothing ingredients like green tea, aloe vera, and cucumber. Acne scars may also be a problem, so check for brightening ingredients that reduce hyperpigmentation, such as arbutin and vitamin C.
For acne-prone skin, it is best to look for pore minimizing ingredients. Some of these include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide, and green tea. A non-pore clogging formulation is also recommended.
The label "non-comedogenic" may be helpful. However, a word of caution is that a product may be labeled "non-comedogenic," but the skin response varies individually. Hence, it really is trial and error when it comes to choosing the BB cream for acne-prone skin.
Having sensitive skin can be a pain and can really limit your skincare product choices. There’s always that one ingredient that seems to irritate sensitive skin, resulting in rashes, breakouts, or other skin troubles. If you have sensitive skin, stay away from BB creams that contain irritants like parabens, fragrances, sulfates, and gluten.
You're also less likely to get a breakout from clogged pores if you choose products with non-comedogenic formulations. Good choices would include ingredients like chamomile and aloe vera, which provide soothing relief for irritated skin.
For sensitive skin, calming ingredients are beneficial to protect the skin barrier. Some of the ingredients to look for include centella asiatica, panthenol, and peptides. Aside from barrier protection, ingredients that control redness can also be helpful. Such ingredients include niacinamide and azelaic acid. Though fragrance is not always harmful, people with sensitive skin may opt to choose fragrance-free formulation to lessen the chance of irritation.
Do not go for products under SPF 15 as they cannot offer sufficient protection from UVA rays. It is recommended to go for products with SPF 30 or above for adequate sun protection. If you will be staying out in the sun for long periods of time, you'll need to use heavier and more serious sunscreen protection, since BB creams won't be enough to keep your skin safe against prolonged sun exposure.
In choosing BB cream, those with sun protection are a big plus. A BB cream with SPF 30 and a water-resistant feature is recommended. Note that even if BB creams contain UV filters to protect the skin against sun rays, the labeled protection can only be achieved if adequately appliedー1/2 to 1/4 tsp.
If you are mainly staying indoors for the most time, applying BB cream with SPF may be enough. But, if you engage in outdoor activities, it is advisable to still wear your sunscreen before applying BB cream.
Meanwhile, aloe leaf juice soothes irritation, and your skin gets a healthy dose of Vitamin E from sunflower oil. All of these nutrients contribute to a glowing complexion that lasts all day, true to the product's name! As if that wasn't enough, this formula is also water-resistant for up to 40 minutes.
Users with hypersensitive skin also claim that they experience no breakouts or clogged pores with this product. It provides sheer coverage, but surprisingly, it works really well to neutralize redness, so you get a seamless finish despite its lightness. No wonder this BB cream is popular all over the world!
When it comes to makeup and skincare, Shiseido is always a strong contender. This BB cream is proof of their superior products with its ability to multitask. Its dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested formulation of Thiotaurine and rose apple leaf extract works to counteract oxidation and keep your skin protected from environmental stressors.
This cream feels absolutely light and comfortable on the skin because of its oil-free texture, making it an ideal choice on hot and humid days. It dries down to a semi-matte finish and has a long staying power without oxidizing or darkening with time.
But what users love about it most is its seamless coverage; while it's definitely lighter than a foundation, it minimizes redness and dullness, giving you a flawlessly radiant complexion. Plus, you get decent protection against UV rays with its SPF 30 rating.
It has great staying power even through humid weather and strikes the perfect balance between a mattifying and a dewy effect. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and ceramide, it certainly hits the mark in improving your skin tone and elasticity. It also has a blend of natural botanical extracts like rosemary and chamomile to help calm irritation and maintain pH balance.
This cream glides effortlessly on the skin because of its light and creamy texture. Users love how it's such a time-saver; in just one tube, they get a beauty balm that does it allーhydrate, conceal, and protect against UV damage!
This product from La Roche-Posay prioritizes the needs of people with sensitive skin. It is formulated with Thermal Spring Water for calming irritation and boosting skin defense with a dose of antioxidants. It doesn't lag in the hydration department as well since it's packed with glycerin to keep dry skin moisturized.
This cream has been tested by dermatologists and is non-comedogenic, paraben-free, and hypoallergenic. However, compared to other BB creams, its SPF content is lower, clocking in at only SPF 20. If you opt for this product, make sure to pair it up with a regular sunscreen for adequate sun protection.
If you suffer from dry skin and makeup often ends up looking cakey or powdery on you after a while, this product is worth a try. From Etude House, a well-known Korean brand, it delivers a wet and glossy finish to make your skin look dewy and vibrant. But even if it is a glossy finish, it has highly adhesive coverage, so you don't have to worry about it rubbing off.
It has a clinically-tested, two-fold formulation that targets uneven skin tone as well as brightening and moisturizing. Users report a moisturizing sensation for as long as 24 hours and wrinkle improvement with continuous usage. Add to that an SPF 50 component, and you've got a great multi-purpose BB cream.
You don’t have to worry about the sun’s rays when going out because this BB cream has you covered! The Belo Intensive Whitening BB Cream contains an SPF of 50 and PA++++, offering you protection against age-accelerating UV rays. It also contains potent ingredients like Kojic Acid and Tranexamic Acid that actively targets discoloration and help you achieve a lighter complexion.
Apart from that, this BB cream has a tone-correcting formula that ensures an even skin tone and a flawless natural finish. Users have also raved about its smooth and non-sticky texture, making it comfortable to wear even during hot days. This product is ideal for those seeking a multi-functional BB cream with intensive whitening properties.
Purito has come up with a special BB cream that's free of animal testing and suitable for vegans. It has a light to medium coverage and feels airy on the skin, perfect for daily use. The finish is naturalーnot too matte nor too shiny, so it's a great choice if you prefer a natural no-makeup look.
One of the biggest advantages of this cream is its potential for soothing troubled skin, thanks to the centella asiatica (cica) and allantoin in its formulation. It also has ingredients like niacinamide and panthenol for extra nourishment and hydration. On top of that, you get adequate sun protection with its SPF38 rating.
The only drawback, perhaps, is the limited range of shades that cater to fairer complexions. But if you happen to find a match among these shades, the Purito BB Cream is definitely worthy of a space in your makeup kit!
The result is a cream that adapts to your skin and promises to lighten skin in seven days. That's a lofty promise to make, but Pond's definitely delivers. Users say they see results after a week of use - their acne marks and blemishes have lightened, and their skin looks radiant indeed.
It's not just about whitening, too. This product also offers sun protection by way of its SPF 30++ content. The finish is natural and flawless, which explains why it has many loyal users. It truly is both makeup and skincare in one!
With its infusion of vitamin C and arbutin, it also aims to lighten and smoothen spots left behind by acne and scars. And with the addition of SPF 50, it also provides considerable sun protection. All of these benefits, plus its natural ingredients, add up to a well-rounded and affordable BB cream for every skin type.
Living your best life in your 20s is a breeze, especially if you have great skin. Here are some ways to make sure you have healthy skin, not just now but also in the future.
To maintain youthful skin, having proper skincare reaps benefits. There's no right age to start, and it is best to start early. A proper skincare helps us age gracefully.
Stick to the basicsーcleanse, moisturize and most importantly, wear sun protection. For any skin concerns, you can always consult with dermatologists. Aside from building proper skincare routine, having a healthy lifestyle also translates to healthy skin.
We know that by now, you already have an idea or two about how to choose the best BB cream! To give you more essential information and tips, Dr. Jarische Lao-Ang answers some of the most asked questions about BB creams below.
BB creams may be applied daily if you feel the need to have added coverage after applying your skincare. Just remember to remove it before going to sleep. Though formulations differ, if you forget to wash it off, there is a potential that your facial pores may get clogged. I usually double cleanse in the evening whenever I put BB cream.
The need to apply moisturizers separately from the BB cream is a personal choice. It depends on how your skin feels. If you have dry skin, the consistent use of your moisturizer can be recommended to keep the skin hydrated.
As for oily skin types, some may feel that applying a moisturizer separately may feel too heavy. But then again, the formulation also matters. With the new advanced technology in making skincare products, moisturizers can be lightweight in the form of gel-based formulation. Hence, you have to "listen" to your skin as it undergoes changes.
Generally, BB creams can be more beneficial than foundation since they can contain anti-acne, soothing, and calming ingredients. Also, BB creams have a more lightweight texture that may be more comfortable to wear by those with acne-prone skin. Though BB creams may contain anti-acne ingredients, they must not be used as substitutes for acne treatment.
Having healthy skin does not need to be a hard-to-reach goal. It is well within your hands as long as you know what your skin needs and what ingredients to look for. Here are some of our article reviews of other skincare products that could help you explore more nourishing skincare products.
Re-editor: R. Umlas
Our buying guide was carefully researched and crafted by the mybest team of writers and editors, in collaboration with the expert featured in this article. We used the buying guide as a basis for choosing and ranking the product recommendations, and we looked at reviews and ratings from different E-commerce sites like Lazada, Shopee, and more.
When you purchase products mentioned in the article, part of the sales may be returned to mybest.
The descriptions of each product is referenced from the content available from the manufacturer, e-commerce sites etc.
Beauty
Body care, Makeup, SkincareCameras
Camera supplies, Digital cameras, Drones and multirotorsHealth
Beauty supplements, Medical supplies, Feminine careHousehold goods
Air treatment, Bath and shower supplies, BlanketsPCs and laptops
Computer accessories, Computer components, Desktop pcsHome appliances and electronics
Air conditioners and coolers, Air treatment, Blenders, mixers, and food processorsFood and drinks
Alcoholic beverages, Baked goods and desserts, BakingKitchen supplies
Baking tools, Coffee and tea accessories, Food containersClothing
Brands and shops, Men's coats and jackets, Men's innerwearShoes
Men's shoes, Other shoes and footwear, Outdoor footwearAccessories
Bags, Accessories and jewelry, BeltsMom and baby
Baby books and toys, Baby food and snacks, Baby suppliesInterior and furniture
Beds, Carpets and rugs and mats, ChairsHobbies
Animes, Arts and crafts, Board gamesOutdoor
Camping beds and cots, Camping stoves, CoolersDIY and tools
Sports and fitness
Accessories, Badminton, BasketballPets
Cat supplies, Dog supplies, Fish and aquarium suppliesBooks, CDs, and DVDs
Books and magazines, CDs, Linguistics, dictionaries, and phrase booksGames
Console accessories, PC and console gamesCars and motorcycles
Car accessories, Car seats, Car suppliesGifts
Christmas-related gifts, Gifts for kids, Gifts for menHome improvement and tools
Door hardware and locks, Electrical, Gas stovesSmartphones and tablets
Smartphone accessories, Smartphones, StorageBanking and finance
Credit cards, Debit cards, Services and appsInsurance
Car insurance, Life insurance, Medical insuranceAudio
Earphones, Gaming, HeadphonesSmartphone applications
Business apps, Dating apps, Education appsOthers
Others, Merch, Recreation