11 Best Sunscreens Malaysia 2022: No White Cast & Matte (All Skin Types)

Don’t skip on the best sunscreen in Malaysia 2022! As they say, prevention is better than cure:

Your skin is one of your vital organs. And the largest one on your body. Even regular use of a drugstore sunscreen or sunblock can protect your health and appearance in future years.

Read more on how to choose a sunscreen. And see our suggestions for the best sunscreens in Malaysia!

PS: Do you know what the difference is between sunblock and sunscreen (sunblock vs sunscreen)?

Table Of Contents:

• 11 Best Sunscreens Malaysia 2022
• How To Choose A Good Sunscreen

11 Best Sunscreens Malaysia 2022

Want the short of it?

• Best overall sunscreen – Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++
• Best for makeup wearers – LA ROCHE POSAY Anthelios Invisible SPF50 50ml
• Best organic sunscreen – Siobhan Handcrafts Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF30
• Best drugstore sunscreen – Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF50
• Best for dry skin – COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+
• Best for acne prone skin – Neogen Day-Light Protection Sunscreen SPF 50
• Best for sensitive skin – Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream SPF 50+
• Best for dry/combination skin – NALC Perfect Waterproof UV Protector SPF 50+
• Best waterproof sunscreen – Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF 50+
• Best for oily/combination skin – Axis-Y Complete No Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
• Best for oily skin – Innisfree Tone-up No Sebum Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++

1. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF50

Best drugstore sunscreen:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF50 is easily available in local drugstores. And it’s not that expensive either.

Although it is a chemical sunscreen, it can leave a white cast on darker skin tones or when you start sweating. However, it can stay on even if you go swimming!

Because of the thick texture, it does take a while for this sunscreen to absorb too.

But it is easy to apply on, and feels light on the skin without feeling sticky. The after-feel of it is more oily than dry. Though oily skin types can use this too.

It smells similar to a body lotion.

Verdict:

It’s not perfect but the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF50 is very affordable, has a high SPF rating and water resistance, is easy to apply and it is not sticky. Thus, it’s an economical option if you’re looking for a body sunscreen.

• Type: Chemical
• Texture: Cream
• Rating: Broad Spectrum UVA And UVB
• Water Resistance: Up to 80 minutes
• Size: 88ml
• Suitable For: Non sensitive skin types
• Key Ingredients: Homosalate, Benzophenone-3, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane
• Price: ~RM30

Pros:

• Non-comedogenic
• Has a high SPF rating and covers both UVA and UVB
• With water-resistance
• Fragrance-free
• Dermatologist-tested

Cons:

• Texture is quite thick and takes time to absorb
• Some users experience stinging

2. LA ROCHE POSAY Anthelios Invisible SPF50

Best for makeup wearers:

LA ROCHE POSAY Anthelios Invisible SPF50 50ml has a watery consistency that dries semi matte.

It absorbs fast and feels extremely light on the skin as well. There is a tint to it which offers surprisingly fair coverage.

Other than that, it leaves no white cast, isn’t oily, and for those that wear makeup, you will appreciate that it does not affect other products you apply on your face.

Or the longevity of your makeup!

However, at RM100 for 50ml, the steep price is enough to make anyone hesitate on purchasing this sunscreen. The good news is that you don’t need a lot of it per application.

And for those that are particular about the smell of their sunscreen, this one does have the typical scent that accompanies chemical sunscreens. But it’s very faint.

Note: Shake before using.

Verdict:

As it is lightweight and non-greasy, the LA ROCHE POSAY Anthelios Invisible SPF50 50ml is perfect for those that wear makeup daily since it does not smear or discolor.

• Type: Chemical
• Texture: Lotion
• Rating: Broad Spectrum UVA And UVB
• Water Resistance: Yes
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable For: Specially formulated for sensitive skin
• Key Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid
• Price: ~RM100

Pros:

• Lightweight
• Non-greasy feel and finish
• Can be used under makeup
• No white cast
• Mild scent
• Compact size is convenient
• Smell is not strong

Cons:

• Expensive
• Watery texture can lead to messy application
• Contains fragrance

3. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++

Best overall sunscreen:

An exorbitant price tag is frankly the biggest negative when it comes to the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40 PA+++.

This cult-favorite (2021 Allure Readers’ Choice Winner) of a sunscreen can replace a primer. In fact, it really feels like a primer given that the top ingredients have silicone-like properties.

It looks invisible, is scentless and leaves the skin with a velvety matte finish. Though not a true matte.

There’s no oily residue or white cast with this sunscreen but pilling is possible when you layer it with other products. So you may not want to use this with heavy makeup.

And if you don’t usually wear primer, you might find that there is a sticky feel.

On another note, we think it’s worth highlighting that the formula is now reef-safe too.

Verdict:

Works well for everyday use and doubles as a mattifying primer for many skin types, including those with oily skin. Sensitive skin types seem to be ok with this formula too.

• Type: Chemical
• Texture: Light Cream
• Rating: Broad Spectrum SPF 40 PA+++
• Water Resistance: Yes
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable For: All Skin Types
• Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene
• Price: ~RM180

Pros:

• Reef-safe
• Works as a primer – looks nice with or without make up
• Dermatologist tested

• High SPF and protection from blue light
• No white cast
• Subtle scent
• With vitamin E (anti aging benefits)
• Free from parabens, sulfates, silicones, fragrance, and alcohol
• Fast absorption
• Doesn’t feel oily

Cons:

• Not suitable for acne-prone skin (contains shea butter)
• Very expensive
• Not fully matte

4. Innisfree Tone-up No Sebum Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++

Basically a primer and physical sunscreen rolled into one:

Innisfree Tone-up No Sebum Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++ will give you a matte base to apply make up on! At the same time, it calms your skin with witch hazel leaf water and camellia extract.

Other than being light on the wallet, it feels nice on the skin. And oily skin looks matte with this sunscreen too.

And for ~RM35 for 50ml, the price is reasonable.

It’s not perfect though, and we wish it were free from mica (controversial ingredient linked with unethical practices), silicones, and fragrance.

Verdict:

For oily skin prone with some blemishes to treat.

• Type: Physical
• Texture: Cream
• Rating: SPF50 PA+++
• Water Resistance: n/a
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable For: All skin types
• Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (Nano) 11.5008%, Titanium Dioxide (Nano), Centella Asiatica Extract, Citric Acid, Hedera Helix (Ivy) Extract, Citrus Junos Peel Extract, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, etc
• Price: ~RM35

Pros:

• Sebum control
• No sulfates, parabens, or alcohol
• Cruelty free
• Smells nice
• Feels comfortable on the skin
• Treats blemishes with tea tree leaf extract!
• Inexpensive

Cons:

• Not waterproof
• Citric acid present in formula (known skin irritant for sensitive skin)
• Some slight white cast
• Contains silicones, mica and fragrance

5. Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+

This product has niacinamide as well – a wonderful anti-aging ingredient found in some of the best face serums!

Like the Innisfree Tone-up No Sebum Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++, the Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+ retails for around ~RM35.

And relies on physical sunscreen ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

It’s not greasy. But it does leave a hint of white cast and sheen on your skin! Which is another similarity it shares with the Innisfree Tone-up No Sebum Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++.

Though there is a slight herbal smell from the Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+.

Which is why we would recommend the Innisfree Tone-up No Sebum Sunscreen SPF50 PA+++  over the Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+ if you’re not a fan of more herb-like scents.

Verdict:

The Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+ helps reduce the shine of an oily T-zone. Normal to oily skin types might enjoy this physical sunscreen!

• Type: Physical Sunscreen
• Texture: Cream
• Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+, PA++++
• Water Resistance: Waterproof
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable For: All Skin Types
• Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Citric Acid, Centella Asiatica Extract
• Price: RM37.5

Pros:

• Paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free, cruelty-free
• Reef-safe
• Anti-aging (niacinamide, vitamin E, citric acid, etc)
• Soothing (centella asiatica extract)
• Thick consistency but not greasy or sticky
• Layers well with makeup
• Slight herbal smell
• Provides some oil control
• Anti-inflammatory (Niacinamide)

Cons:

• Contains citric acid (skin irritant)
• Not as lightweight
• Slight sheen
• A bit of white cast (more blending needed)

If you have oily skin and you need more options, continue to the acne prone skin section!

PS: If you’re trying to lighten existing pigmentation, try the best vitamin C serum in Malaysia! As vitamin C decreases the melanin in your skin.

6. Neogen Day-Light Protection Sunscreen SPF 50

Best Sunscreen For Acne Prone Skin:

Anti aging, sun protection and natural ingredients? What’s not to love?

This sunscreen uses a mixture of physical and chemical sunscreen ingredients. So darker skin tones have to watch out for a white cast with this sunscreen.

Additionally, it has vitamin E and berry extracts (e.g., raspberry and blueberry) for antioxidant and soothing benefits too.

Both dry and oily skin users both find the texture of this combination sunscreen comfortable. In addition, it smells nice (if you like lemongrass) and wears well under make up!

The finish is a slight sheen with no obvious tint despite the pale yellow hue of the cream.

But if you have sensitive skin, do not skip on patch testing this product first:

As the very oils that give this sunscreen its pleasant smell are known irritants (e.g. lavender oil, orange oil, eucalyptus oil, etc).  So is the chemical sunscreen ingredient, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate.

Verdict:

Neogen Day-Light Protection Sunscreen SPF 50 is best for dry or combination skin that’s prone to acne. As it is highly moisturizing and has tea tree oil and lavender oil to treat and soothe acne!

• Type: Physical/ Chemical
• Texture: Cream
• Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 50, PA+++
• Water Resistance: Not Water Resistant
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable For: Normal To Oily Skin
• Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Rose And Raspberry Extracts, Vitamin E
• Price: RM78

Note: For dry or combination skin that’s prone to acne.

Pros:

• Silicone-free, paraben-free, alcohol-free, sulfate-free
• Reef-safe
• Lightweight
• Easy to apply
• Antioxidant benefits from raspberry extract and vitamin E
• Very moisturizing
• Not sticky
• Citrus smell (fades)
• Good primer

Cons:

• Skin irritants present (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, lavender oil, eucalyptus oil, citrus orange oil)
• Pretty greasy if you already have moisturizer on
• White cast on darker skintones

7. Some By Mi Truecica Mineral 100 Calming Suncream SPF 50+

Some By Mi Truecica Mineral 100 Calming Suncream SPF 50+ brings a lot to the table – anti aging, skin brightening, and anti acne benefits! And in an alcohol-free base.

Many of the ingredients (e.g., niacinamide, tea tree leaf oil, centella asiatica extract, etc) are beneficial for treating blemishes.

Moreover, this sunscreen dries matte, which is another plus point for oily skin types.

However, tan skin users find this physical sunscreen’s white cast pretty obvious! And it may not be moisturizing enough for dry skin types. In some cases (with dry skin), even piling!

Those with sensitive skin should be cautious with this sunscreen too. Since it has tea tree leaf oil, orange oil, and lavender oil.

Lastly, we would not suggest this sunscreen if you will be wearing it while exercising as it has difficulty staying on when you sweat.

Verdict:

Oily/ combination skin that is acne prone will find a good daily companion for their skincare routine order in the Some By Mi Truecica Mineral 100 Calming Suncream SPF 50+!

• Type: Physical Sunscreen
• Texture: Cream
• Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+, PA++++
• Water Resistance: n/a
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable For: All Skin Types Including Sensitive Skin
• Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Madecassoside, Centella Asiatica Extract, Tea Tree Leaf Oil
• Price: RM39

Note: For oily/ combination skin that is acne prone.

Pros:

• Treats and soothes acne (tea tree oil, niacinamide, green tea, madecassoside)
• Anti oxidants present
• Paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free
• Reef-safe
• Does not feel oily
• Calms redness
• Spreads easily
• Lightweight
• Not drying
• Matte finish
• Mild herbal scent

Cons:

• Stearic acid (can block pores)
• Tea tree oil can irritate sensitive skin
• White cast on darker skintones
• Not waterproof – comes off easily with sweat

Acne prone skin types can look at the recommendations for sensitive skin too!

8. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF 50+

Best waterproof sunscreen:

Anessa has a hypoallergenic formula that is safe for children in their Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF 50+! It’s free from alcohol, preservatives (paraben), and mineral oils!

This formula is more watery compared to other Anessa sunscreens. It is easy to blend (with no to minimal white cast) and the resulting finish is matte once it dries.

We will add that it is a pretty sound base for makeup too.

For dry skin users though, it is not hydrating enough. But using a moisturizer will fix that issue.

And compared to the Some By Mi Truecica Mineral 100 Calming Suncream SPF 50+, the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF 50+ has superior water resistance.

Whether it’s worth the price is debatable, since RM100 for 60ml is almost 3 times the price as other sunscreens on this list.

But if you really need a waterproof sunscreen that looks good under make up and touts reef safe ingredients, the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF 50+ is a viable option!

Verdict:

Recommended waterproof combination sunscreen for combination to oily skin types!

• Type: Physical/ Chemical
• Texture: Lotion
• Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+, PA++++
• Water Resistance: 80 minutes
• Size: 60ml
• Suitable For: Sensitive Skin
• Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamin E
• Price: RM106

Pros:

• Hypoallergenic formula good for children
• Free from alcohol, preservative (paraben), and mineral oil
• Fragrance and colorant free
• Reef-safe
• 80-minute waterproof
• Has vitamin E
• Good moisturizing ingredients (butylene glycol, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin)
• Sand proof
• Natural finish once dry
• Like a primer (layers without pilling)

Cons:

• Expensive
• Has stearic acid (can block pores)
• Some streaks and white cast (especially on tan skin) if not blended well

9. NALC Perfect Waterproof UV Protector SPF 50+

Best for dry/combination skin:

NALC’s creamy Perfect Waterproof UV Protector SPF 50+ may apply on as pale yellow at first, but it dries transparent (I.e. no white cast) with a slight sheen.

It does not take too much effort to apply this sunscreen which has little to no scent. And it wears well under or without make up.

Since this is quite a hydrating sunscreen (but not sticky or greasy), dry to normal skin types will enjoy it. However, if you are prone to oiliness around your T-zone, it may come off as shiny by mid-day.

The price and performance of the NALC Perfect Waterproof UV Protector SPF 50+is comparable to the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF 50+.

Verdict:

This one’s for the dry/combination skin types out there that need a little more moisture! Normal skin types can skip moisturizer with this sunscreen.

• Type: Chemical Sunscreen
• Texture: Emulsion
• Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+, PA++++
• Water Resistance: Waterproof
• Size: 60g
• Suitable For: All Skin Types (Suitable For Sensitive Skin)
• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic Acid, BHT, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl
• Price: RM98.9

Note: Applies on pale yellow but dries transparent.

Pros:

• No alcohol, paraben, fragrance, colorant, mineral oils and surfactants
• Cruelty-free
• Child-friendly
• Reef-safe
• Hydrating (hyaluronic acid)
• Waterproof
• Light texture
• Reduces redness
• Not sticky or greasy
• Can be a makeup primer
• No white cast
• Don’t need to use a lot

Cons:

• Has ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (not advisable for sensitive skin)
• Pricey

10. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+

Best for dry skin:

Can’t stand heavy sunscreens? The COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ feels like a lotion and is neither too oily or drying!

There is a subtle refreshing scent. After application (which is very smooth by the way), it leaves your skin free from white-cast. Even if you have tan skin.

It dries quite matte but skin still feels hydrated (and not sticky), even for dry skin types!

While lightweight, it is quite hydrating for combination skin types. And possibly even a bit heavy for oily skin types.

There are also some ingredients to be wary of – stearic acid (comedogenic), alcohol,  fragrance and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate.

So if you have sensitive skin, take the necessary precautions (I.e. patch test first).

Verdict:

Give this combination sunscreen a go if you have dry skin that is not sensitive!

• Type: Physical/ Chemical
• Texture: Cream
• Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+, PA++++
• Water Resistance: n/a
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable For: All Skin Types
• Key Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, Vitamin E
• Price: RM43

Pros:

• Paraben-free, sulfate-free
• Reef-safe
• Natural finish
• Not oily or drying
• Feels like a lotion
• Has vitamin E (anti aging)
• No white cast (even on darker skintones)

Cons:

• Some find the fragrance too strong
• Stearic acid (comedogenic ingredient)
• Not for sensitive skin (Contains alcohol & fragrance and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate)
• Not waterproof

11. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream SPF 50+

Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin:

Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream SPF 50+ has an impressive rating on SkinCarisma, scoring 100% for ingredient safety!

Our own personal experience using this sunscreen (with perioral dermatitis) is very agreeable. There is a light pleasant floral scent that fades away quickly.

Furthermore:

It’s slightly tinted but we figure this helps to cancel out some of the white cast from the physical sunscreen ingredients. There’s no visible white cast but medium skintones will look half a shade lighter.

What we love most about this physical sunscreen is the way it feels and looks – it feels very lightweight and dries with a velvety matte finish.

The light cream applies very easily, without feeling greasy or sticky on the skin. It hangs on long enough for workouts too!

But unlike the long staying power, its hydrating power is lacking. Because it’s not moisturizing enough if you have very dry skin.

And if you’re trying to get away from silicones, we’re sorry to say that this sunscreen does have silicones.

As a side note, the slim bottle will fit in pockets or a slim purse without adding much bulk too.

Verdict:

Suitable for combination to oily skin that is sensitive, and with anti-aging ingredients (centella asiatica extract, rosa demascena flower oil, vitamin E) too!

• Type: Physical Sunscreen
• Texture: Light Cream
• Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+, PA++++
• Water Resistance: n/a
• Size: 50ml
• Suitable For: All Skin Types Including Sensitive Skin
• Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Made White, Niacinamide, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Vitamin E, Madecassoside, Sodium Hyaluronate
• Price: RM65

Pros:

• Paraben-free, sulfate-free, alcohol-free
• Reef-safe
• Works on blemishes (Niacinamide)
• Antiseptic (Zinc oxide)
• Skin looks matte and smooth
• Anti-aging (Centella asiatica extract, rosa demascena flower oil, vitamin E)
• Soothing ingredients
• No white cast
• Mildly hydrating
• Travel friendly

Cons:

• Has stearic acid (can block pores)
• Not silicone-free

12. Siobhan Handcrafts Organic Mineral Sunscreen SPF30

Best organic sunscreen:

Siobhan Handcrafts Organic Mineral Sunsreen SPF30 18 g is one of the best eco-friendly, natural and organic sunscreens in the market.

This physical sunscreen is tinted but excludes artificial fragrance or coloring. And it does away with preservatives, parabens, petrolatum, phthalates, and animal testing.

Note: If you prefer plant-based wax, Siobhan Handcrafts can accommodate that too.

Even the paper tube that houses the sunscreen is biodegradable.

Applying this sunscreen is a smooth process since it comes in a stick form and has a creamy consistency. It is sweat proof and leaves skin feeling hydrated.

But also, a little sticky. If you do wear makeup, you’ll need to use loose powder to set it first to prevent cracking. It’s available in 3 different shades – fair, medium and tan.

Additionally, as with most natural skincare products, this one has a slight smell that some find a little weird.

Verdict:

The ingredients of Siobhan Handcrafts Organic Mineral Sunsreen SPF30 are all organic and natural, making it ideal for those with sensitive skin. This is also our pick for a zero waste sunscreen.

• Type: Physical
• Texture: Stick
• Rating: Broad Spectrum UVA And UVB, SPF 30
• Water Resistance: Yes
• Size: 18g
• Suitable For: All Skin Types
• Key Ingredients: Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Unrefined Shea Butter, Premium Rice Bran Oil, Natural Beeswax, Tocopherol Acetate, Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Iron Oxide
• Price: ~RM30

Pros:

• Works as a primer
• Natural ingredients
• Zero waste packaging
• Easy application
• Water resistant
• Weird smell
• Doesn’t leave any white cast
• No fragrance
• Doesn’t pile over other products
• Tinted with light coverage

Cons:

• Oil-based ingredients (potentially comedogenic)
• Feels a bit sticky/ greasy
• Untinted version not available

13. Axis-Y Complete No Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Best for oily/combination skin:

Don’t let the intense ingredient list scare you:

The Axis-Y Complete No Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ consists primarily of safe ingredients (based on Incidecoder)!

What’s most notable about this physical sunscreen is that the texture is light and easy to spread. There may be some white cast but it’s considerably minimal for a physical sunscreen.

The after-feel is not heavy, drying, greasy, or sticky. It has a herbal-like scent.

Because it doesn’t dry completely matte, you might consider that a negative point for the Axis-Y Complete No Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ if you do prefer a matte finish.

In that case, we think you should try the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream SPF 50+ which is also slightly more affordable than the Axis-Y Complete No Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++.

But if you generally don’t mind a natural dewy glow, then that isn’t an issue.

Verdict:

Users of most skin types (including combination to oily skin types) who don’t require a matte finish will be happy with this physical sunscreen.

• Type: Physical
• Texture: Lightweight cream
• Rating: SPF50+ PA++++
• Water Resistance: n/a
• Size: 10ml / 50ml
• Suitable For: All skin types
• Key Ingredients: Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract, Niacinamide, Adenosine, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, etc
• Price: ~RM20 (10ml)

Pros:

• Cruelty free
• Uses physical sunscreen ingredients suitable for sensitive skin
• No trace of white cast or tackiness!
• Controls sebum production
• Without mineral oil, alcohol, essential oils, artificial fragrance or colors, parabens
• Anti-aging properties from niacinamide, grape seed extract, vitamin E and adenosine
• Semi matte finish
• Skin-calming ingredients (e.g. mugwort, calendula, green tea, grape seed extract, allantoin, and chamomile)
• Lightweight

Cons:

• Pricey

Bonus: Daily Sunblock (20g) By Serasi

Zero waste as it comes in a cute glass jar that you can return:

The main ingredients of the Daily Sunblock (20g) by Serasi (along with zinc oxide) naturally provide sun protection!

With such hydrating ingredients, you can skip putting on moisturizer after this sunscreen!

• Type: Physical
• Texture: Cream
• Rating: SPF 20-25
• Water Resistance: Not Water Resistant
• Size: 20g
• Suitable For: All Skin Types Including Sensitive Skin
• Key Ingredients: Coconut oil, Apricot Kernel Oil, Beeswax, Unrefined Shea Butter, Zinc Oxide, Vitamin E, Carrot Seed Essential Oil, Lavender, Myrrh
• Price: RM30

Pros:

• Applies well under makeup
• Smells pleasant without artificial fragrance
• Does not contain any chemical sunscreen ingredients!

Cons:

• Slight white cast on some skin tones
• Takes some time to blend into skin

How To Choose A Good Sunscreen

1. It Must Have Broad Spectrum Protection

That means the sunscreen covers both UVA and UVB rays!

2. Physical Sunscreens Are Preferable

They act as a physical barrier to block UV light from penetrating your skin!

3. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) Of 30 (Or Higher)

Any sunscreen with SPF below 15 is only enough to prevent a sunburn!

In general:

• SPF 15 to 30 – indoors or short intervals outside
• SPF 30 to 70 – outdoors or for water sports
• SPF 70 or higher – does not work any better than SPF50

If you wear makeup daily, there are foundation products with high SPF too. See our makeup foundation reviews!

4. Waterproof – Do You Need This?

Look for a water-resistant sunscreen if you will know you will be sweating a lot or swimming.

You can expect a waterproof sunscreen to last 40 to 80 minutes in the water.

5. Best For Your Skin Type

• Dry skin – choose a cream
• Sensitive skin – PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid)-free

For oily and acne-prone skin types:

Avoid sunscreens with comedogenic ingredients! Or you will end up looking for your pimple cream again!

6. Ingredients To Avoid

Similar to choosing a toner or moisturizer:

You should invest in an alcohol-free sunscreen. And one without oxybenzone. Which is known to disrupt female hormones!

7. Reef Safe

You might not live near the ocean, but water always finds its way there eventually.

And certain chemicals are incredibly dangerous to coral and marine life! Even causing infertility in fish.

Reef safe sunscreens in Malaysia should not have any of the following chemicals:

• Oxybenzone
• Octinoxate
• Octocrylene
• PABA (Aminobenzoic Acid)
• Enzacamene
• Octisalate
• Homosalate
• Avobenzone

8. Expiry Date

An expired sunscreen will not do its job well. Therefore, you should always check the expiry date of the sunscreen before getting it.

9. Sunscreen Application

Be sun smart! Don’t purposefully go out to get a tan! And stay in the shade whenever possible.

Wearing long sleeves, a hat and sunglasses outside is always advisable too.

Be diligent in your sunscreen application! And you won’t have to rely on whitening creams or eye creams to save your skin later on!

• The sun’s rays are the strongest especially between 10am to 5pm.
• Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours.
• Be sure to wash off your screen completely with a good facial cleanser or cleansing oil before going to bed
• Apply sunscreen liberally on all exposed limbs at least 15 minutes before heading out
• Do not apply sunscreen on babies (<6 months). Cover them up (e.g. hat, mittens, socks, etc) and try to limit their sun exposure!

Note: Lip balms with built-in sunscreen are gentler on your lips.

Conclusion

It’s a tough choice to choose among so many sunscreens! But this list of the best sunscreens in Malaysia features sunscreens for dry, oily, combination, acne-prone and sensitive skin!

There are physical and chemical formulas (or both). The majority of these sunscreens do not feel sticky or leave a white cast. And have broad-spectrum rating and SPF greater than 30!

Further reading:

• 15 Best Shampoos In Malaysia 2022
• 11 Best Face Mists In Malaysia 2022
• 11 Best Probiotics In Malaysia 2022