Welcome to our Tried & True series, where we highlight the holy grails and OGs, the top-shelf regulars and under-the-radar picks, as well as the new, fresh-off-the-lab products and viral sensations worth the hype—all from reputable brands we’ve road-tested ourselves.
Behind the name, we explore what makes a brand worth discovering, whether it’s how it has redefined beauty, its founder’s inspiring story, or how its range of offerings gave consumers what they truly want and need. In this edition, we take a closer look at The Sun People, a Filipino sunscreen brand setting out to prove that sun care can be lightweight, effective, reef-safe, and, most importantly, made for our climate.
If there’s one thing Filipinos know, it’s the sun. It’s part of our everyday lives—blazing at noontime, lingering even in late afternoons, following us to beaches, mountains, and even our daily commutes. And yet for some, sunscreen hasn’t always been embraced as a daily habit. For years, the only options were heavy, sticky, or worse, those that leave behind an white cast that made it hard to commit.
For Rachel Ang, founder of The Sun People, that disconnect was personal. “The idea really started from personal frustration,” she shared. “My friends and I noticed that most sunscreens available locally were either skincare-first face formulas, pricey imports, or heavy and tacky on the skin.” Having oily skin herself, she found that “most products just weren’t made for our weather,” especially during island trips where formulas felt sticky, caused breakouts, or left a white cast that didn’t flatter deeper skin tones.
We envisioned a homegrown brand Filipinos could truly be proud of, one that understands our skin, climate, and culture.– Rachel Ang, Founder of The Sun People
That frustration opened her eyes to an even bigger gap. “Living in a tropical country, I realized there weren’t many local brands devoted solely to sun care,” she said. “Most of our standards for sunscreen were shaped by imported products—and we wanted to change that. We envisioned a homegrown brand Filipinos could truly be proud of, one that understands our skin, climate, and culture.”
The Sun People was created in the Philippines with one clear mission: to make sunscreen a seamless part of everyday life. But getting there wasn’t easy. “Striking the right balance between effectiveness, texture, and spreadability was the hardest part,” she explained. They were intent on developing formulas that were “light, non-sticky, and gentle on sensitive skin,” a combination that took time and precision to get right.
From the start, The Sun People leaned into its tropical roots not only in formulation but in identity. “The unfortunate truth is that the majority of Filipinos still look up to Westernized or east Asian beauty standards. This perspective is the underlying culprit for our love-hate relationship with the sun. We wanted to change that narrative by creating suncare that celebrates who we are as a people,” she shared.
The brand’s first campaign featured real Filipino sun-seekers like Siargao surf community pillar Ikit Agudo, a deliberate effort to spotlight Filipinos representing real sun-loving lifestyles. “We want to empower Filipinos to embrace their natural skin tones while keeping it protected and healthy,” she said.
Further, Ang shared that they wanted to solve local problems, which is also why they developed Sun+Bug Shield, their 2-in-1 insect-repellent and sunscreen mist. “It repels against mosquitoes and sand mites, which can be found in a lot of our local beaches,” she said.
And while many sunscreens are imported and adjusted for cooler climates, this homegrown label takes on the Filipino sun directly. “Filipino skin is beautifully diverse—shaped by a mix of ethnic influences and exposed to our year-round humidity,” she added. “Because of our climate and genetics, we’re often more prone to oiliness and acne, and our skin tones tend to be deeper than our East Asian neighbors’.” Their formulas intentionally respond to those needs by being water-based, matte, and infused with soothing ingredients. “This way, they feel light, non-tacky, and comfortable no matter your skin type.”
This focus becomes even more relevant as more Filipinos rethink what sun protection actually means. “The most common misconception is that sunscreen is only for the beach or outdoor activities,” she explained, noting that UVA rays penetrate windows and clouds—meaning even those who work from home or drive daily remain exposed. She also emphasized that everyone, regardless of skin tone, needs sun protection: “The best time to start wearing sunscreen was yesterday, and the second-best time is today.”
The brand’s commitment to performance matches its commitment to safety. “Every product undergoes rigorous SPF testing to ensure that the protection we promise is exactly what customers get,” she said, and all formulas are FDA-approved. Meanwhile, their reef-safe standards reflect the heart of the brand. “Being reef-safe isn’t just a label for us—it’s a commitment to protecting the places and experiences that inspired our brand in the first place.”
The name The Sun People is almost self-explanatory. It captures both the environment the brand was born into and the community it serves: Filipinos who spend every day under the sun, looking for sun care that’s both easy to wear and is protective.
HERO PRODUCT
Sun Seeker SPF 50+ PA++++ Face and Body Sunscreen Lotion
If the tropical climate in the Philippines is relentless, The Sun Seeker Face and Body Lotion is equally unyielding, keeping skin steady against sunlight, heat, and humidity. Its SPF 50+ and PA++++ rating ensures broad-spectrum protection with photostable filters that stay reliable through long hours outdoors, shielding skin from UVB rays and guarding against UVA1 aging.
It holds steady with 80 minutes of water resistance, balanced by a matte, comfortable, and non-sticky finish that feels lightweight. A combination of cica, oat extract, chamomile, allantoin, and hyaluronic acid gives it a calming and hydrating touch, showing why this standout formula takes the spotlight as a hero product with both protection and comfort.
It’s no surprise that the formula has become a favorite among urban users. As Ang put it, “City dwellers tend to prefer Sun Seeker, our SPF 50+ PA++++ lotion, because of its light texture and everyday wearability—especially for the face.”
Sun Seeker SPF 50+ PA++++ Face and Body Sunscreen Lotion 100mL
P545, THE BEAUTY EDIT GALLERY AT SPATIO
HARDWORKING MUST-TRY
Sun+Bug Shield SPF 50+ PA++++ Face and Body Sunscreen & Insect Repellent Mist
If there’s one thing Filipinos know too well, it’s that the sun isn’t our only outdoor companion because mosquitoes can be just as relentless. The Sun People takes on both in a single bottle with the Sun+Bug Shield Mist, a two-in-one formula that protects skin from UV rays and insect bites at once.
The formula offers SPF 50+ and PA++++, a level of protection suited to our tropical intensity as it delivers broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB rays. What sets it apart is its photostability, meaning it won’t easily break down under sunlight, so your protection stays reliable even during long hours outdoors. It’s also water-resistant for 80 minutes, making it a dependable companion for everything from beach trips to hikes.
Beyond sun protection, the mist includes BiteProtect™, a technology that shields against sand mites, mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas. Unlike many repellents, it does so without the harsh scent or greasy film, keeping your skin comfortable no matter how long you’re outside.
And when it comes to who reaches for it, Ang noted: “Those heading to or living in the islands gravitate toward Sun+Bug Shield since it solves two problems at once: sun protection and insect bites.” One hardworking spritz can already protect you from the sun and pesky bites all day long.
The tropical-friendly formula sprays on light and dries down matte. Plus, it’s formulated with aloe vera and vitamin E, going beyond defense to soothe and moisturize the skin. This makes it gentler for daily use and less likely to cause irritation even with repeated applications.
Sun+Bug Shield SPF 50+ PA++++ Face and Body Sunscreen & Insect Repellent Mist 100mL
P595, THE BEAUTY EDIT GALLERY AT SPATIO
Shop The Sun People at The Beauty Edit Gallery at Spatio, located on the 3/F of Opus Mall, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Quezon City. An editorial-led retail concept—and the first-of-its-kind in the local scene—the gallery spotlights indie innovators, cult icons, and niche trailblazers shaping F-beauty today.
