If K-beauty cosmetics make the complexion look “dewy,” does that mean you can’t use them if you have oily skin?
Fortunately, it does not.
For example, take a look at the best Korean sunscreens for oily skin.
They are lightweight and non-comedogenic. They don’t feel sticky or greasy.
Even better, some Korean sunscreens offer “sebum control.” They mattify and reduce shine for hours.
And most importantly, Korean sunscreens are effective against sunburn and premature aging.
They take advantage of potent ingredients that provide excellent protection for the skin.
Let’s talk about how to select the best sunscreen for an oily complexion.
How to choose the right Korean-made sunscreen for your skin
Acne gets worse with too much sun exposure. Plus, UV radiation and heat can make the skin greasier. You need a defense.
But it’s tempting to skip the sunscreen if it makes you have breakouts or feel oilier than you were without it.
Korean sunscreens usually have a high SPF, or sun protection factor. They defend against sunburn (UVB) and the cellular damage that leads to wrinkles and age spots (UVA).
While American dermatologists recommend a minimum of SPF 30, the Korean standard is higher – SPF 50.
Also, they have a different rating system called Persistent Pigmentation Darkening Test. You’ll see it on labels as the letters PA with plus signs. The more plusses you see, the better the protection from UVA exposure.
Therefore, you can worry less about the SPF and focus on other things, like how the sunscreen feels on your skin.
The best sunscreens for oily skin are oil-free, and they absorb quickly, leaving no residue. Most are water-based lotions, or they have a gel-like texture, but some are solid sticks.
If you have sensitive skin, steer clear of sunscreen with an artificial fragrance as it could cause irritation.
Those with dark skin tones may prefer chemical sunscreens instead of mineral-based formulas because they won’t leave a white cast.
Best Korean Sunscreens for Oily Skin
Here are the best Korean sunscreens now.
Nature Republic California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++
This sunscreen comes in a stick. It has a powdery finish that’s never crumbly or messy. It’s also water-resistant.
It’s excellent for oily skin as it isn’t greasy at all.
Moreover, the aloe-infused formula has a light citrus and herbal fragrance.
The only downside is the small size. It’s best for faces and small spots like tattoos or the tops of ears.
THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++
As the last step in your skincare routine before makeup, apply a pea-sized amount to your face. It’s perfect for wearing year-round.
The sunscreen has a thin texture that soothes oily and combination skin and leaves it silky smooth.
It’s based on natural ingredients like bamboo, lotus flower, and purslane. It leaves no white cast, and it doesn’t alter the texture of makeup foundation.
CARENEL No-Sebum Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
Here’s a sunscreen made especially for oily, sensitive skin. It defends against UV radiation and environmental pollutants.
It contains absorbent powder that soaks up excess oil. Happily, it doesn’t leave a white residue, and it won’t clog pores.
The creamy texture blends well and moisturizes, too.
[innisfree]tone up no sebum sunscreen
On a hot, humid summer day, you’re going to love this no-sebum sunscreen. It leaves the skin with a soft matte finish that keeps it from getting shiny.
Oil control isn’t the only benefit, though. It also has green tea and centella to firm and brighten the complexion.
Users say it feels lightweight and natural.
A’PIEU PURE BLOCK Natural Daily Sun Cream SPF45/PA+++
Not all sunscreens imported from Asia are expensive. This budget option will leave you with skin that feels like satin.
Reviewers with oily complexions love how it minimizes shine and doesn’t cause breakouts. It never leaves a white residue, either.
It features natural ingredients like aloe, orange, and apple blossom, plus zinc.
[KLAIRS] Soft Airy UV Essence SPF 50 PA ++++
If you have sensitive skin, KLAIRS is a good brand for you. This sunscreen is suitable for all skin types as it’s not greasy nor overly matte.
The soothing gel formula won the top spot among Korean beauty reviews and has satisfied 96% of the users surveyed.
With a featherlight finish, it doesn’t leave a white cast, either.
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ / PA+++
The Sunprise sunscreen is based on mineral UV filters, not chemicals. It reflects harmful rays instead of absorbing them.
If you’ve used a mineral sunscreen before, you might have noticed that it turned your skin whiter. Happily, this formula is transparent. Dark-skin reviewers report a positive experience with it.
It controls sebum production and absorbs excess oil to mattify the skin. But it also has twenty natural extracts to heal and moisturize.
For example, açai berry and Barbados cherry strengthen fragile skin while centella and Portulaca calm irritation. Meanwhile, aloe and hyaluronic acid rehydrate.
MAKEP:REM UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
Instead of a cream or lotion, try a gel sunscreen for oily skin. This one lowers skin temperature.
That’s right, it protects against UV radiation as well as excess heat.
It was created specifically for combination and oily skin, and it wears well underneath makeup. Unlike some mattifying cosmetics that dehydrate the complexion, this one leaves it dewy fresh.
With wild berry extract from Finland it prevents premature aging caused by sun exposure.
Dr.Jart+ UV Every Sun Day SPF50+/PA+++
Here’s the ultimate defense against UV radiation. It features sun-reflecting minerals as well as chemical filters.
It vanishes as it absorbs, leaving the skin clean and fresh. It leaves no texture behind to cause problems with foundation.
Village 11 Factory Daily Mild Sun Cream SPF 50+
When it’s not just oily skin on your face that you’re worried about, you need this sunscreen. It’s for your body, too.
It’s non-greasy and made for all skin types. One reviewer with rosacea found that it calmed the redness and left the skin moisturized and smooth.
That’s not surprising as it contains for hydration squalane and soothing ingredients like chia, and portulaca, and centella asiatica.
It’s transparent and has a light lemon fragrance that fades quickly.
PURITO Centella Green Level Unscented Sun SPF50+ PA++++
This is a brand that uses EWG Green ingredients that are safe for humans and the environment. They don’t manufacture it with harmful sunscreen filters like avobenzone, oxybenzone, or ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate.
They don’t include essential oils or strong scents, either as those are potential allergens.
Any skin type can benefit from this product as it promotes healing and restores moisture. It has no white cast and doesn’t feel sticky.
What’s more, it provides “cica-care” with centella, madecassoside, and niacinamide to heal the skin.
MISSHA All Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF50+/PA+++
I’d recommend this waterproof sunscreen for the next time you go to the pool. It withstands sweat and oil, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Plus, you can use it anywhere on your body.
It has a blend of eucalyptus and helichrysum to keep the skin fresh. Meanwhile, dimethicone ensures a matte finish.
Reviewers who tried it underneath makeup say that it behaves like a primer.
MISSHA Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+/PA+++
MISSHA sunscreen is a popular choice for normal to oily skin as it has a refreshing gel texture. It feels soothing, and it’s free of harmful chemicals.
It calms the skin with glacial water and herbs while an Oriental tea complex keeps the skin young and healthy.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++
Did you know that the name CORSX comes from “Cosmetics + Rx”? They strive to offer high-quality solutions for problematic skin.
Their sun cream is lightweight and fast-absorbing. Although it’s not greasy, the finish is more dewy than matte.
One of the primary ingredients is aloe leaf extract. It speeds up cell regeneration and protects against dehydration and inflammation.
The Face Shop Natural Sun Eco No-Shine Hydrating Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
Some say the best Korean sunscreen for summer is made by The Face Shop.
On purpose, it refines the pores and mattifies the complexion. It uses chia and cottonseed to soak up excess moisture and oil.
But don’t worry about it drying out the skin as it moisturizes, too. If it’s humid and you wear it underneath makeup, you may still need to use powder to reduce shine.
Earth’s Recipe Waterful Sun Gel SPF 50+
If you’re prone to breakouts, you need sunscreen. Try this gel based on San Pellegrino mineral water. It may actually unclog your pores.
It’s oil-free and doubles as a makeup primer.
With a soothing texture like a serum, it’s practically weightless. It leaves no trace once it absorbs.
Moreover, it has a clean aqua scent that fades in a few minutes after application.
It’s a luxurious experience putting it on, yet you’ll forget you’re wearing it.
This cruelty-free product comes in a compact container you can take everywhere.
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun SPF50+/PA++++
Skip the chemicals and go 100% organic. Here is a sunscreen with mineral filters only. It’s mild enough for children and potent enough for adults.
It provides a physical defense against aging and sunburn. But the protective film also guards against pollution and blue light from smartphones and monitors. (I bet you didn’t know that those could cause your skin to age as well.)
The only downside is that it whitens the skin slightly for a few minutes after application.
[ELROEL] Korean Sunblock Cushion SPF 50+ PA++++
It looks like a cushion foundation, but it’s transparent. This is sunscreen in a compact. Put it on with the moisture-soaked sponge.
Reviewers with combination and oily complexions love how it cools the skin with tea extracts and rosemary. Although it’s a liquid, it’s based on aloe juice, not water, for better nourishment.
[IOPE] UV Shield Sun Protector SPF50+ PA+++
If you don’t mind a mild perfume scent, this sunscreen goes well under makeup.
It doesn’t just defend against the sun, but it also blocks pollutant particles (PM 2.5). That helps prevent blackheads.
Penegreen Korean Sunscreen, Broad Spectrum SPF 50, PA++++
There are many reasons to love this sebum-absorbing sunscreen. For one, it prevents a shiny complexion.
Then, it follows EWG Green Grade guidelines by avoiding 20 harmful chemicals.
What’s more, it calms inflammation and brightens skin tone with adenosine, betaine, and herbal extracts.
DERMA E Sun Protection Mineral Powder SPF 30
Sunscreen doesn’t have to be a liquid, cream, or gel. It can be a translucent powder like this one.
It comes in a handy applicator with a brush tip. Therefore, it’s straightforward to apply and easy to transport without making a mess.
Use it to set your makeup if you like, or protect your scalp from sunburn.
It uses non-nano particles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect the skin from UV exposure. Fortunately, that makes it reef-safe to use in the ocean, lakes, and rivers. It won’t harm animals or the environment.
Also, it’s free of parabens, gluten, and GMO ingredients. It’s even vegan and cruelty-free.
Non-Greasy Sunscreen [9wishes] Sun Moisturizer SPF50+ PA+++
If you’re getting tired of the 10-step K-beauty regimen, it’s time to practice skip care. Eliminate some of the steps in your routine.
You can press pause on the moisturizer and apply this sunscreen instead.
It has aloe and a patented complex of natural ingredients to moisturize without getting greasy.
Jojoba improves elasticity to smooth the skin while niacinamide corrects redness.
Finally, there’s zinc oxide to block harmful rays.
Conclusion
It’s essential to wear sunscreen no matter what your skin type is. It prevents short-term problems and long-term consequences of harmful sun exposure.
Although K-beauty products promote a dewy complexion, they also provide help for oily skin. Many have sebum control and anti-acne benefits.
Furthermore, Korean sunscreens provide superior protection with high SPF ratings.
With all these advantages, I’m happy you’re going to give Korean sun cream a try.
