Makeup

Best Korean Sunscreens for Oily, Acne-prone Skin

Finding a Korean sunscreen for oily, acne-prone skin is very tough and often times people get recommended sunscreens that are more suitable for combination skin.

In this list, we are focusing on sunscreens that you might have not heard about.

The most common Korean sunscreens recommended for oily, acne-prone skin are in the Honourable Mentions.

1. Etude House – Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA++++

This is the best Korean sunscreen that is recommended for oily, acne-prone skin. It is a mineral sunscreen that is lightweight, non-greasy, dries quickly, and has a proper finish.

You can also use this if you have sensitive oily, acne-prone skin.

Pros:

  • It is a sun milk that is lightweight and absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a white cast.
  • It is sebum-free, non-sticky, and can be used under makeup.
  • You can also use this sunscreen during humid conditions.
  • It contains 20 plant ingredients that offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties.

Cons:

  • It has fragrance.

What ingredients does it contain?

WATER / AQUA / EAU, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, ZINC OXIDE (NANO), ALCOHOL, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, DICAPRYLYL ETHER, TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NANO), PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, METHICONE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, FRAGRANCE / PARFUM, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, OCTYLDODECANOL, STEARIC ACID, DIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, POLYGLYCERYL-6 POLYRICINOLEATE, PROPANEDIOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE, ECHIUM PLANTAGINEUM SEED OIL, CELLULOSE GUM, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, ADANSONIA DIGITATA SEED OIL, PHENOXYETHANOL, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, MISTLETOE LEAF EXTRACT, ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES, CARDIOSPERMUM HALICACABUM FLOWER/LEAF/VINE EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM BENZOATE, OPUNTIA FICUS-INDICA EXTRACT, TOCOPHEROL, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, CAREX HUMILLIS ROOT EXTRACT, ACEROLA FRUIT EXTRACT, EUTERPE OLERACEA FRUIT EXTRACT, TERMINALIA FERDINANDIANA FRUIT EXTRACT.

2. Missha – All-around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF50+/ PA+++ (blue bottle)

This is another perfect sunscreen for oily, acne-prone skin and people also use other versions of this sunscreen. It is lightweight and has a matte finish.

Pros:

  • It has no white cast, is lightweight, and has a matte finish.
  • It can be used under makeup.
  • It is a waterproof fluid sunscreen that leaves an airy and velvety finish while blocking sweat, water, and sebum.
  • You can use this sunscreen for beach days and long hours of outdoor activities.
  • It contains Eucalyptus Extract that soothes while regulating oil production for a soft and protected complexion.

Cons:

  • None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Homosalate, Silica, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Butylene Glycol, Lauryl PEG-10 Tris(Trimethylsiloxy)silylethyl Dimethicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Alcohol Denat., Helichrysum Arenarium Extract, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Isopropyl Palmitate, Dimethicone, PEG-10 Dimethicone, Magnesium Sulfate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Stearic Acid, Fragrance, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Phenoxyethanol, Quaternium-18 Bentonite, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Sodium Benzoate, Acrylates/Dimethicone Copolymer, Tocopheryl Acetate, Disodium EDTA, Potassium Sorbate, Caprylyl Glycol, VP/Hexadecene Copolymer, Psidium Guajava Leaf Extract, Cinchona Succirubra Bark Extract, Abronia Villosa Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract, Rhodiola Rosea Root Extract.

3. Abib – Quick Sunstick Protection Bar

This is a Korean sunscreen stick that should be suitable for oily, acne-prone skin. This should be suitable for people who want to go out for a quick run to a grocery or supermarket.

Pros:

  • No white cast and can be applied on top of makeup.
  • It glides on the skin smoothly and is non-sticky.
  • It strengthens the skin barrier with Acacia Peptide and Ceramide.

Cons:

  • It might lead to uneven application if you don’t apply it properly.

What ingredients does it contain?

Octyldodecanol, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, Diisostearyl Malate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Dextrin Palmitate, Octocrylene, Hydrolyzed Vegetable Protein , Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumber Fruit Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Water, Butylene Glycol, Saccharide Isomerate, Glycerin, Maltodextrin, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Ethyl Hexanediol, Ceramide NP, Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.

4. Hyggee – Real Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA ++++

This is a sunscreen that has a combination of chemical and physical filters and provides reliable protection against the harmful effects of sunlight, and in addition, moisturizes and helps regulate excessive sebum secretion.

You can use this if you sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin.

Pros:

  • It has a lightweight texture that is quickly absorbed and does not feel greasy on the skin.
  • It leaves no white residue or sticky feeling after application.
  • It also includes a special powder that absorbs excess sebum and helps to normalize sebum production. 
  • It contains Lotus seed extract that helps to fill the skin with moisture, and also has a calming effect, helping to relieve irritation, inflammation, and redness of the skin.
  • The product does not contain colors or synthetic flavors.

Cons:

  • None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Ingredients: Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Ethanol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Phenethyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Isononyl Isononanoate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Niacinamide, Polyglyceryl-6 Stearate, Eclipta Prostrate Extract, Neem Tree Leaf Extract, Moringa Seed Oil, Lotus Seed Extract, Acrylate Copolymer, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol, Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Nylon-12, Polysilicon-15, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Sodium Acrylate Crosspolymer-2, Terephtalilidene Dicamphor Sulphonic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, 1,2- hexanediol, tromethamine, polyhydroxystearic acid, aluminum hydroxide, Acrylate/C 10-30 acrylic acrylate crosspolymer, Hydroxyacetophenone, stearic acid, polyglyceryl-6 behenate, sodium polyacryloyldimethyltaurate, polyglyceryl-2-dipolyhydroxystearate, glyceryl stearate citrate,adenosine, butylene glycol, disodium EDTA.

5. Holika Holika – Aloe Soothing Essence Waterproof Sun Cream SPF50+

This is a very underrated sunscreen for sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin. It is a moisturizing waterproof sunscreen cream with an extract of aloe vera that provides protection of the skin from UV rays.

Pros:

  • It prevents the appearance of oily luster and controls the functioning of the sebaceous glands.
  • It can be used on humid days.
  • It moisturizes, refreshes, and soothes the skin.
  • It also contains antioxidants that can help prevent premature aging and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Cons:

  • None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Fragrance, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, t-Butyl Alcohol, Vitamin E, Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Extract, Vitamin C, Carrot Root Extract, Rosa Canina Fruit Extract, Apple Fruit Extract, Apricot Juice, Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Ceramide, Phytosphingosine, Aloe Ferox Leaf Extract, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Artemisia Capillaris Extract.

6. CNP Laboratory Outdoor Fluid Sun SPF50+ PA++++

This is another sunscreen that should be suitable for oily, acne-prone skin. It is a waterproof sunscreen that doesn’t break down during sports or outdoor activities.

Pros:

  • It spreads lightly across the skin without any white cast and dries with a non-sticky finish.
  • It turns from a hydrating fluid formula to a light essence formula upon application and dries with a fresh, non-sticky finish.
  • It promotes skin health through ingredients like vitamin E derivatives, panthenol, and pycnogenol.
  • It has completed skin irritation tests and can be used by all skin types.
  • It also has anti-pollution properties.

Cons:

  • Has fragrance.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Isododecane, Dipropylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Sorbitan Olivate, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isohexadecane, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Glyceryl Caprylate, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Magnesium Sulfate, Adenosine, Tocopherol, Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Benzyl Salicylate, Citral, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool, Fragrance.

7. Benton Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream SPF50+/PA++++

This is a lightweight lotion that’s easy to spread on the skin. It goes on shiny but it dries down to a fairly natural finish without feeling greasy making it suitable for oily, acne-prone skin.

Pros:

  • It provides sun protection, moisturization, and cooling to the skin.

Cons:

  • Can leave a white cast.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Centella Asiatica Extract, Behenyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Tocopherol, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Madecassoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiaticoside, Asiatic Acid, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Xanthan Gum, Butyl Alcohol.

8. Beplain – Clean Ocean Moisture Sunscreen

A sheer daily sunscreen that blends effortlessly to provide protection from UVA/UVA rays while leaving a soft and dewy finish.

Pros:

  • This is another lightweight lotion that’s easy to spread on the skin without leaving a white cast.
  • It is phthalate-free, SLS / SLES-free, mineral oil-free, and colorants-free.

Cons:

  • None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Diisopropyl Sebacate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Methicone, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Acrylates/ C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, t-Butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol.

9. Hera – Sun Mate Airy Sun Milk SPF50+/PA++++

This is a lightweight tone-up sun cream that naturally brightens up the skin while protecting it against UV rays.

Pros:

  • It uses Cell Fluid Sync 2.0 that locks the moisture into the skin and the film-firming effect from porous powder that leaves the skin feeling refreshed.
  • It has physical and chemical UV rays that do not leave a white cast on the skin.
  • It is infused with Pine Needle Leaf Extract to help control the overproduction of sebum and oily skin.

Cons:

  • None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Dimethicone, Zinc Oxide, Isododecane, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Alcohol Denat., Diisopropyl Sebacate, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Isopropyl Palmitate, Octocrylene, Trimethylsiloxysilicate, Lauryl PEG-9 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Titanium Dioxide, Niacinamide, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, 1,2-Hexanediol, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Isostearic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Tromethamine, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Fragrance, Stearic Acid, Alumina, Caprylyl Glycol, Glyceryl Caprylate, Thymol Trimethoxycinnamate, Disodium EDTA, Adenosine, Tocopheryl Acetate, Ethyl Ascorbyl Ether, Limonene, Linalool, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, BHT, Iron Oxide Red, Hydrolyzed Corn Starch, Pentylene Glycol, Pinus Densiflora Leaf Extract, Geraniol, Tocopherol, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Methoxy PEG-114/Polyepsilon Caprolactone, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Prunus Persica (Peach) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Lysine, Arginine, Histidine, Beta-Carotene, Glucose, Xylose, Phenoxyethanol, DNA, Mannose, Sodium Chloride, Lecithin, Hydrogenated Phosphatidylcholine, Copper Tripeptide-1, Sodium Phosphate, Dextrin, Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract, Cholesterol, Fucose, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline, Acrylates/Stearyl Methacrylate Copolymer, Calcium Chloride, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Phosphate, Magnesium Chloride, Hydrolyzed Millet Seed Extract.

10. Isa Knox – UV Sun Pro 365 Extreme Sun Fluid

This is another hybrid sunscreen that should be suitable for all skin types including oily, acne-prone skin.

It is also water resistant and can be used for outdoor activities.

Pros:

  • It gives a natural finish without being too greasy.
  • It has no white cast.

Cons:

  • It is very expensive and contains fragrance.

What ingredients does it contain?

Purified Water, Isododecane, Dipropylene Glycol, Dicaprylyl Carbonate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Sorbitan Olivate, Glycerin, Zinc Oxide, Niacinamide, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isohexadecane, C12-15 Alkylbenzoate, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Panthenol, Glyceryl Caprylate, PEG -30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Magnesium Sulfate, Adenosine, Tocopherol, French Maritime Pine Bark Extract, Perfume.

11. Innisfree – Tone Up No Sebum Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

This is a mineral sunscreen formulated with sunflower seed oil that is ideal for normal to oily skin for a matte finish.

Pros:

  • It can be used as a sunscreen and makeup base.
  • It is oil-free and leaves your skin without an oily-looking shine thanks to the sebum control powder infused.
  • It is slightly tinted with pink colour and provides a natural tone-up effect while blurring skin imperfections.

Cons:

  • None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Ingredients: CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, WATER, ZINC OXIDE (NANO), TITANIUM DIOXIDE (NANO), METHYL METHACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, PEG-10 DIMETHICONE, ISODECYL NEOPENTANOATE, SILICA, MICA, GLYCERIN, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, DIPROPYLENE GLYCOL, CYCLOMETHICONE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, ALUMINUM STEARATE, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, VINYL DIMETHICONE/METHICONE SILSESQUIOXANE CROSSPOLYMER, METHICONE, STEAROYL INULIN, PHENOXYETHANOL, SORBITAN SESQUIOLEATE, FRAGRANCE / PARFUM, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PROPANEDIOL, MICROCRYSTALLINE CELLULOSE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, POLYGLYCERYL-6 POLYRICINOLEATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DIMETHICONE, IRON OXIDES (CI 77492), TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, PORTULACA OLERACEA EXTRACT, CELLULOSE GUM, IRON OXIDES (CI 77491), BUTYLENE GLYCOL, IRON OXIDES (CI 77499), CAMELLIA SINENSIS LEAF EXTRACT, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, WITCH HAZEL LEAF EXTRACT, CITRUS UNSHIU PEEL EXTRACT, OPUNTIA COCCINELLIFERA FRUIT EXTRACT, ORCHID EXTRACT, CAMELLIA JAPONICA LEAF EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM BENZOATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE.

Honourable Mentions:

  • The most common ones recommended:
    • Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics (SPF 50+ PA++++)
    • Cosrx Aloe Soothing SPF50 PA+++ Sun Cream
    • Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+ SPF50+ PA++++
    • Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
    • Missha- All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+/PA+++ (pink bottle)
    • Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream Spf 50 PA++++
  • Other sunscreens:
    • AHC Natural Perfection Double Sheild Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
    • B_LAB Matcha Hydrating Real Sun Screen
    • Frudia Ultra UV Shield Sun Essence
    • Neogen – Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen
    • Rovectin Aqua Soothing UV Protector SPF50+ PA++++
    • Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen SPF 50, PA++++
    • Suntique’s I’m Safe for Sensitive Skin
    • SCINIC Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++

Which of these sunscreens would be suitable for me?

We recommend going for the Etude House, Missha, and Holika Holika sunscreens. Abib, Hyggee, CNP, and Beplain would be some other options.