There are plenty of sunscreen options on the market, and one that’s currently making waves in skincare is the “Tone-Up” sunscreen. Here in the Philippines, we’ve mostly been introduced to traditional sunscreens and tinted variants, which typically offer a matte and fresh finish—perfect for our tropical climate. 

Some people assume that tone-up sunscreens have a heavy, dewy finish, likely because they first gained popularity in monsoonal climate countries like Korea and Japan—where skincare formulations are often loaded with hydrating ingredients to combat dryness. However, as the skincare world evolves, it has led to the development of highly improved, award-winning tone-up sunscreens with translucent, humid-weather-friendly formulations, aka they're not just reserved for countries with winter anymore! 

Tone-Up Sunscreens

Tone-up sunscreens are made specifically to provide a radiant, luminous look, making them ideal for those with dull or uneven skin tones. Depending on the formulation, they can leave either a powdery or glowy finish. Their goal is to brighten the complexion and soften the appearance of imperfections—not by fully covering them, but by giving the skin a natural, healthy-looking glow.

Tone-Up Sunscreen vs. Tinted Sunscreen

While both products aim to enhance the skin's radiance, their functions differ. Tinted sunscreens contain color-pigment similar to foundation, offering coverage for spots and uneven tone. They often include a higher concentration of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide—mineral sunscreen ingredients that not only protect the skin but also help fade dark spots.

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Tone-up sunscreens, on the other hand, contain adequate iron oxides and don’t have color. Instead, they’re packed with skin-nourishing ingredients that help improve the skin’s tone and texture, delivering a luminous effect without the feel or coverage of makeup.

Tone-up sunscreens, especially when chosen carefully, work wonders on our skin, perfectly embodying the phrase “my skin but better.” The only time they may not deliver results is when a consumer mistakenly selects the unsuitable product. But don’t fret—we’re here to guide you through the best tone-up sunscreens currently on the market, describing each one so you can choose the one that matches your skin perfectly!

Check out our best tone-up sunscreens recommendation below:

Allie Chrono Beauty Tone Up UV 

If you want to achieve that translucent finish under the sun, Kanebo’s Allie Chrono Beauty Tone UP UV will be your go-to sunscreen! Infused with bright pearls that create a bright finish, it shimmers the skin without a heavy feel. Not to mention, its advanced formulation doesn’t easily rub onto masks and towels, making it sweat and friction-resistant.  

ALLIE Chrono Beauty Tone Up UVRohto Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence Beauty

Award-winning tone-up sunscreens from Rohto’s Skin Aqua sunscreen line. This product gives the right amount of moisture needed on the skin and absorbs quickly, providing a fresh and comfortable glow.

Rohto Skin Aqua Tone Up UV Essence

d'Alba UV Essence Waterfull+ Tone Up Pink Correcting

d’alba’s Tone-Up Sunscreen is one of the hottest products in Korea right now. Aside from its lovely pink-colored texture it also gave an all-day hydration. It provides a hybrid broad spectrum protection with a natural tone-up made by d’Alba’s pink glow-up technology.

d'Alba UV Essence Waterfull+ Biore UV Aqua Rich Tone-Up Essence

This Japanese gel-type sunscreen is a blend of watery texture in a lavender tint that gives a satin finish, toning up the complexion flawlessly. Rich in hydrating ingredients of hyaluronic acid, royal jelly extract, and butylene glycol, this sun goodie also serves as a makeup primer, giving a smooth finish under any foundation base.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Tone-Up EssenceInnisfree Tone Up No Sebum Sunscreen

Known for their high-efficacy Korean skincare products, Innisfree is that one skincare brand you’ll always love including in your skincare vanity. The best thing about their tone-up sunscreen? It’s a no-sebum product! Meaning, it’s best for those who have oily skin, perfect for humid climates!

Innisfree Tone Up No Sebum SunscreenKose Suncut Tone Up UV Essence Sunblock 

Kose’s Suncut has been widely recognized both locally and internationally. Their sunscreens bagged multiple awards in Japan, denoting their expertise when it comes to sunscreen formulation. Their UV essence instantly improves skin imperfections and brightens the complexion. Plus, it also comes in a variety of colors, made depending on the skin type and preference of the user.

Kose Suncut Tone Up UV Essence SunblockRound Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Tone-Up Sun Cream

This brand isn't one of the best-selling sunscreens in Korea for nothing! Round Lab’s line of tone-up sunscreen is infused with skin-loving ingredients. It protects UV-stimulated skin and consequently provides a luminous glow. 

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Tone-Up Sun Cream