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!
Why You Need Sunscreen (Benefits)
Damage from the sun’s UV rays builds up in your skin your whole life.
And wearing sunscreen daily minimizes the damage significantly!
- UV rays are a proven carcinogen!
- The ozone layer is depleting; UV rays are even more dangerous
- Reduces your chances of getting skin cancer
- Protects your skin from premature aging (e.g. age spots, leathery skin, etc)
Be diligent in your sunscreen application!
You definitely need sunscreen to go with the best vitamin C serum in Malaysia! As vitamin C decreases the melanin in your skin.
And you won’t have to rely on whitening creams or eye creams to save your skin later on!
But What If You’re Always Indoors?
If you are near a window all the time, you need sunscreen too!
The only way you are completely safe from the sun’s UV rays is:
- If you are in a windowless
- Or have UV-blocking curtains!
And not to freak you out:
But some indoor lights may emit small amounts of UV rays too.
What If It Is A Cloudy Day?
Clouds do not provide adequate protection from UV rays! UV light just passes right through them!
How Does Sunscreen Work?
There are 2 types of sunscreens available in Malaysia.
Physical or chemical and each have a different way of protecting your skin from the sun!
What Is SPF?
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) only represents the protection against UVB rays:
| SPF Level | % Of Protection For UVB Rays |
|---|---|
| 15 | 93 |
| 30 | 97 |
| 50 | 98 |
So you see, higher doesn’t necessarily mean better or longer protection!
What is PA+++?
A Japanese measure of protection against UVA rays. More “+ “ means the product has better protection.
Other countries like UK, USA, Australia and Germany have adopted this system too.
But:
Since Japan was the first to have PA++++ ratings, not all countries have updated their system accordingly.
So a product with PA+++ may not actually be worse than one with PA++++.
What Is Broad Spectrum?
Always go for a sunscreen with “Broard Spectrum” on the label.
That means the sunscreen protects against both types of UV rays –UVA and UVB!
- UVA rays – cause premature aging
- UVB rays – burn your skin
Excessive exposure to either will cause skin cancer.
Types Of Sunscreen
1. Physical Sunscreen
Physical sunscreens (aka mineral sunscreens) commonly feature zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Or both!
They work by scattering and thus, preventing the UV rays from penetrating your skin at all!
Pros:
- These ingredients are non-irritable
- And are reef-safe!
- Effective against UVA and UVB rays!
- Non-comedogenic (won’t clog up pores)
- Immediately effective
Cons:
- Frequent application required
- Thicker texture that is not easy to spread
- Tends to make your face look shiny/ or leaves a white cast
2. Chemical Sunscreen
Chemical sunscreens absorb into your skin so that they can in turn, absorb UV rays that enter your skin.
Common ingredients include oxybenzone or avobenzone.
Pros:
- Matte finish
- No white cast
- Usually affordable
- Easier to apply
Cons:
- Frequent application too
- Doesn’t protect against all types of UV rays
- Releases heat (bad for sensitive skin)
- Can be comedogenic
- Usually not reef safe
3. Combination
Many newer sunscreens in the market tend to combine both types of sunscreen!
That’s not necessarily more effective! And may cause irritation to your skin!
Physical Sunscreen Vs Chemical Sunscreen
An overview:| Category | Physical | Chemical |
|---|---|---|
| Common Active Ingredients | Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide | Ethylhexl Methoxycinnamate, Avobenzone, Oxybenzone |
| Function | Physical barrier | Absorbs UV rays (into skin) and then, break them down |
| Advantages | Suitable for sensitive skin, Reef safe | Lightweight and easy to apply, No white cast, Cheaper |
| Disadvantages | Leaves a white cast, Harder to apply, Usually more costly | Not reef safe, Irritates sensitive skin, May disrupt female hormones (in the long run) |
How To Choose A Good Sunscreen
1. It Must Have Broad Spectrum Protection
We explained this already.
2. Physical Sunscreens Are Preferrable
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!
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.
- 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!
19 Best Sunscreens Malaysia 2020
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).
It makes a decent makeup base that counteracts redness!
- 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 skin barrier (Acetyl Glucosamine)
- Skin brightening (Citrus Unshiu Extract)
- Antioxidants (e.g. Caffeine, Rosemary Leaf Extract, etc)
Cons:
- Laureth-4 not good for oily skin
- Looks orange on pale skin
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. And treats blemishes with tea tree leaf extract!
- 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
- Inexpensive
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Citric acid present in formula (known skin irritant for sensitive skin)
- Contains silicones, mica and fragrance
3. Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+
You’ll notice a slight herbal smell from the Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+.
And it leaves a hint of white cast and sheen on your skin!
This product has niacinamide as well – a wonderful anti-aging ingredient found in some of the best face serums!
- 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)
- Not greasy or sticky
- Slight herbal smell
- Anti-inflammatory (Niacinamide)
Cons:
- Contains Citric Acid (skin irritant)
- Not as lightweight
- Slight sheen
- A bit of white cast
4. Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
From Dermalogica comes the Invisible Physical Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 that defends your skin against UVA/UVB/blue light!
- Type: Physical Sunscreen
- Texture: Cream
- Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 30
- Water Resistance: n/a
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types Including Sensitive Skin
- Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Alpha-Bisabolol, Vitamin E, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
- Price: RM262
Pros:
- Has antioxidants (Argan Oil, Cordyceps Sinesis Extract, Green Tea, Vitamin E)
- Defends against UVA/UVB/blue light
- Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Alcohol-Free, Cruelty-Free
- Comfortable
- Soothing (Green Tea And Bisabolol/ Chamomile)
- Reef-safe
- Semi matte
- Nice smell
- No white cast
Cons:
- Contains Fragrance (Linalool & Limonene)
- Very expensive
- Slight sheen
- A bit of white cast
If you have oily skin and you need more options, continue to the acne prone skin section!
Best Sunscreen For Acne Prone Skin
5. Neogen Day-Light Protection Sunscreen SPF 50
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 sooth 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
- 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
6. Eucerin Sensitive Protect Sun Fluid Mattifying SPF 50+
While the Eucerin Sensitive Protect Sun Fluid Mattifying SPF 50+ does have skin-identical hydrating ingredients (glycine, sodium hyaluronate, glycerin), they’re not quite enough for very dry skin!
- Type: Physical/ Chemical
- Texture: Lotion
- Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+
- Water Resistance: n/a
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types (Oily & Sensitive Skin)
- Key Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Triazone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract
- Price: RM90
Pros:
- Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free
- Reef-safe
- Has Glycyrrhiza Inflata Root Extract to fight acne
- Skin-identical hydrating ingredients (Glycine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glycerin)
- Mattifies skin (semi-matte)
- No white cast
- Suitable for combination skin that’s prone to acne
Cons:
- Contains alcohol
- Has a comedogenic ingredient (Isopropyl Palmitate)
- Not very moisturizing
7. La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch Facial Sunscreen SPF50+
Merging chemical UV filters with effective oil-absorbing ingredients like airlicium and silica:
The dry touch version of this sunscreen is a blessing for oily skin types! You get both sun protection and mattifying oil control!
- Type: Chemical
- Texture: Gel / cream
- Rating: SPF50+
- Water Resistance: Yes
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: Combination, Oily, Acne-Prone Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Triazone, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Octocrylene, Drometrizole Trisiloxane, Ethylhexyl, Salicylate, Homosalate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Titanium Dioxide, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Vitamin E, Glycerin, Propylene Glycol, etc
- Price: ~RM100
Pros:
- No stickiness or white cast
- Lightweight texture
- Free from fragrance, parabens, alcohol, essential oils
- Non comedogenic formula
- Suitable to wear under makeup
- Tested for allergies
Cons:
- Expensive
- Leaves a white cast on darker skintones
- Not reef safe
8. Some By Mi Truecica Mineral 100 Calming Suncream SPF 50+
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
Acne prone skin types can look at the recommendations for sensitive skin too!
Best Sunscreen For Combination Skin
9. 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!
- 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
Cons:
- Expensive
- Has stearic acid (can block pores)
10. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunblock SPF 50+
An affordable favorite from Japan, the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunblock SPF 50+ is quite drying but doesn’t feel like a regular sunscreen (very lightweight)! Or leave an unsightly white cast!
- Type: Chemical Sunscreen
- Texture: Gel-Cream
- Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+, PA++++
- Water Resistance: 80 minutes
- Size: 50g
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, BHT, Sodium Hyaluronate
- Price: RM25
Pros:
- Reef-safe
- Anti-aging (Vitamin E)
- Natural/ skin-equivalent ingredients for hydration (Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Arginine)
- Lightweight
- Smells nice
- No white cast
- Dries matte
Cons:
- Contains alcohol & fragrance
- Has irritating ingredients (Alcohol And Citrus Extracts)
- Quite drying
11. Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Defense SPF 50
The Clinique Even Better Dark Spot Defense SPF 50 has slight tint and a creamy texture that does not feel greasy!
- Type: Physical Sunscreen
- Texture: Lotion
- Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 50, PA++++
- Water Resistance: Not Water Resistant
- Size: 30ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types Including Sensitive Skin
- Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
- Price: RM162
Pros:
- Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Alcohol-Free
- Not greasy
- Creamy texture
- Reef-safe
- No white cast
- Mattifying
- Tip dispenser
- Can be worn under makeup
Cons:
- Laureth-4 not good for oily skin (i.e. comedogenic)
- Pricey
12. NALC Perfect Waterproof UV Protector SPF 50+
NALC’s Perfect Waterproof UV Protector SPF 50+ may apply on as pale yellow at first, but it dries transparent!
- 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
- Can be a makeup primer
- White cast
- Good for dry/combination skin
Cons:
- Has Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (not for sensitive skin)
Combination skin with some acne? There’re some options that may be applicable to you in the acne prone section!
13. 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!
- 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
- 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 Dry Skin
14. Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Mineral 100 Brightening Suncream SPF50+ PA++++
Some By Mi Yuja Niacin Mineral 100 Brightening Suncream SPF50+ PA++++ relies on both zinc oxide and titanium oxide to shield your skin from damaging UV rays!
The formula combines brightening agents (vitamin C, arbutin, and niacinamide), antioxidants, and hydrating ingredients. Like sunflower seed oil, glycerin, and an omega fatty acid (linoleic acid).
- Type: Physical
- Texture: Cream
- Rating: SPF50+ PA++++
- Water Resistance: n/a
- Size: 50ml
- Suitable For: All skin types
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide (2%), Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Beta-Carotene, Ceramide 2, Adenosine, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Arbutin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Alpha-Bisabolol, Panthenol, Alpha-Bisabolol, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Stearic Acid, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil, etc
- Price: ~RM35
Pros:
- Blends well without white cast
- Great texture (light and not sticky)
- Matte finish
- Refreshing citrus smell
- With vitamin E
- Has natural anti-inflammatory ingredients (bergamot fruit oil, echium seed oil, nelumbo nucifera seed extract, etc)
Cons:
- Does have sage oil and limonene (not for sensitive skin)
- Expensive if not on discount
- White cast on some skintones
- Not very hydrating for dry skin
15. 3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF 50+
The hydrating formula of 3W Clinic Intensive UV Sunblock Cream SPF 50+ includes anti-inflammatory ingredients (Allantoin, aloe vera, red ginseng, etc) and brightening ingredients (Arbutin, white mulberry)!
- Type: Physical/ Chemical
- Texture: Cream
- Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 50+, PA+++
- Water Resistance: n/a
- Size: 70ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, Morus Alba Bark Extract, Arbutin, Vitamin E, Allantoin, Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract
- Price: RM15
Pros:
- Sulfate-Free, Alcohol-Free
- Reef-safe
- Anti-inflammatory ingredients (Allantoin, Aloe Vera, Red Ginseng, White Mulberry)
- Narrow nozzle for easy dispensing
- Light scent
- Feels like a lotion
- Only a little white cast
- Works as a makeup base
- Hydrating
- Brightening ingredients (Arbutin, White Mulberry)
Cons:
- Contains fragrance
- Skin irritant present (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate)
16. Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing Watery Sun Cream SPF 45
Ironically, the Innisfree Blueberry Rebalancing Watery Sun Cream SPF 45 contains orange peel oil.
For brightening but this is also a phototoxic ingredient (i.e. makes your skin more sensitive to the sun!)
- Type: Physical Sunscreen
- Texture: Cream
- Rating: Broad Spectrum, SPF 45
- Water Resistance: Not Water Resistant
- Size: 40ml
- Suitable For: All Skin Types
- Key Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide, Centella Asiatica Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Orange Peel Oil, Lavender Oil, Blueberry Fruit Extract
- Price: RM30
Pros:
- Paraben-Free, Sulfate-Free, Alcohol-Free, Cruelty-Free
- Reef-safe
- Lightweight and not sticky
- Hydrating
- No white cast
Cons:
- Contains skin irritant (Lavender Oil)
- Comedogenic (Stearic Acid)
Dry skin with occasional acne? You can check out the recommendations for acne prone skin too!
Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin
17. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream SPF 50+
Suitable for oily/ acne-prone/ sensitive skin types, the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream SPF50+ has 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)
18. 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!
- 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
- 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
19. 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!
In fact, it has many skin-calming ingredients (e.g. mugwort, calendula, green tea, grape seed extract, allantoin, and chamomile)
- 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
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
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!
