Don’t skip on the best sunscreen in Malaysia 2021! As they say, prevention is better than cure!
Many forget, but your skin is one of your vital organs! And the largest one on your body too! Even 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 2021
Want the short of it?
- Best for dry skin – COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+
- Best for oily skin – Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40
- 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 organic sunscreen – Sukin Sheer Touch Facial Sunscreen Untinted SPF 30
- 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 Sunscreen For Oily Skin:
1. Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40
Lightly tinted, the Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40 has calming ingredients (chamomile and cucumber).
Users find that it makes a decent makeup base that also counteracts redness! Although it can look strangely orange on paler skin tones!
Verdict:
Because it can be drying, this combination sunscreen will be appropriate to help mattify oily T-zones! It’s also oil-free which is a plus for oily skin types!
- Type: Physical/ Chemical
- Texture: Lotion
- Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 40
- Water Resistance: Not Water Resistant
- Size: 40ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types Including Sensitive Skin
- Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Cinoxate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Vitamin E, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
- Price: RM127
Pros:
- Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Alcohol-Free
- Subtle scent
- Reef-safe
- Has calming ingredients (Chamomile and Cucumber)
- Anti-aging (Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate and Vitamin E)
- Not shiny
- Nice makeup base that counteracts redness
- Skin identical ingredient to maintain and repair the skin barrier (acetyl glucosamine)
- Skin brightening (Citrus Unshiu Extract)
- Antioxidants (e.g. Caffeine, Rosemary Leaf Extract, etc)
- No white cast
Cons:
- Laureth-4 not good for acne prone skin (mildly comedogenic)
2. 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, users like how it feels on the skin. Oily skin looks matte with this sunscreen too.
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
3. 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!
Users notice a slight herbal smell from the Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+.
It’s not greasy. But it does leave a hint of white cast and sheen on your skin!
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.
Best Sunscreen For Acne Prone Skin:
4. Neogen Day-Light Protection Sunscreen SPF 50
Anti aging, sun protection and natural ingredients? What’s not to love?
Both dry and oily skin users find the texture of this combination sunscreen comfortable. In addition, it smells nice (if you like lemongrass) and wears well under make up!
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 with 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
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
5. 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!
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!
Verdict:
Oily/ combination skin that is acne prone will find a good daily companion 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
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!
Best waterproof sunscreen:
6. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF 50+
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!
The formula is more watery compared to other Anessa sunscreens. And the resulting finish is matte once it dries. For dry skin users, it is not hydrating enough!
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
Best for dry/combination skin:
7. NALC Perfect Waterproof UV Protector SPF 50+
NALC’s creamy Perfect Waterproof UV Protector SPF 50+ may apply on as pale yellow at first, but it dries transparent!
According to reviews, it does not take too much effort to apply, has little to no scent, and does not show up with a white cast!
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
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
- White cast
- Don’t need to use a lot
Cons:
- Has ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate (not for sensitive skin)
Best for dry skin:
8. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+
Can’t stand heavy sunscreens? The COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ feels like a lotion and is neither too oily or drying!
Users report a subtle refreshing scent. And that it leaves your skin free from white-cast. It dries quite matte but skin still feels hydrated, even for dry skin types!
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)
Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin:
9. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream SPF 50+
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream SPF 50+ has an impressive rating on SkinCarisma, scoring 100% for ingredient safety!
It’s slightly tinted but users say this helps to cancel out some of the white cast. The cream applies very easily, without feeling greasy on the skin! It hangs on long enough for workouts 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: 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
Cons:
- Has stearic acid (can block pores)
Best organic sunscreen:
10. Sukin Sheer Touch Facial Sunscreen Untinted SPF 30
As with other Sukin products, the Sheer Touch Facial Sunscreen Untinted SPF 30 contains many natural ingredients. Like rose hip oil and green tea! Which are antioxidants!
Hydrating enough according to dry skin users despite the liquid-y cream consistency. Many users like the way it feels and looks. But there are complaints on the strong smell!
Verdict:
If you can stand the smell (which does fade quickly), this is a lightweight cast-free and chemical-free sunscreen that feels comfortable on dry, normal, and combination skin types!
- Type: Physical Sunscreen
- Texture: Lotion
- Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 30
- Water Resistance: Not Water Resistant
- Size: 60ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Rosehip Oil, Green Tea And Cucumber
- Price: RM71.9
Pros:
- Reef friendly formula (free from Oxybenzone and Octinoxate)
- Non-greasy or drying
- Vegan & cruelty-free
- Slight sheen to skin
- The white cast fades
- Smells great (or weird to some people)
- Has calming ingredients for spot prone skin
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- One tube lasts long
Best for oily/combination skin:
11. Axis-Y Complete No Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
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)!
From multiple reviews, the texture is light and easy to spread. And there may be some white cast but it’s minimal for a physical sunscreen.
Verdict:
Users with combination to oily skin will be happy enough with the semi matte finish and oil control this sunscreen provides.
- 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)
Cons:
- Pricey
Bonus: Daily Sunblock (20g) By Serasi
Zero waste as it is 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
4. Waterproof – Do You Need This?
Look for a water-resistant sunscreen if you will know you will be sweating 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 using your pimple cream again!
6. Ingredients To Avoid
Similar to choosing a toner or moisturizer:
You should look for 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 do 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.
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!
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 does not feel sticky or leave a white cast! With broad-spectrum rating and SPF greater than 30!
