Best sunscreens in Malaysia
A cardinal rule of skincare – and one that our Asian mums have force-fed us since we were primary school kids – is that sunscreens are to be worn every. Single. Day. And that fact is non-negotiable. Sun protection is crucial, and in a scorcher of a place like Malaysia, you’ll want to make sure your skin is slathered up with SPF.
While we have already included a few of our top Korean SPF picks in our list of best Korean skincare you can get in Malaysia, there’s a whole lot more options that you can get your hands on in Malaysia.
Whether you’re on the hunt for a lightweight serum-like one that won’t paint your face white or a mattifying one that won’t slide off your face in mere hours, we got you covered with this list of 16 best sunscreens in Malaysia.
Table of Contents
What is SPF?
If you’re a newbie in the world of sun protection, there are several things to take note of when shopping for the right sunscreen for your skin.
First, let’s talk sun protection factor, or SPF, which guards your skin against UVA and UVB rays. SPF 30 is the minimum recommended formula for harsh heat in a country like Malaysia. Meanwhile, SPF of 50 or higher would provide more protection against the rays.
What sunscreen is the best in Malaysia?
Another key feature to consider is whether to use a chemical or mineral sunscreen – or a hybrid of the two. We broke down some of the important deets of each type of sunscreen to use that will be best for you, and brands to get below:
Chemical sunscreen
For those who prefer minimal white cast and sticky feeling on your skin after application, chemical sunscreens are your best bet. These sunscreens are formulated with chemical UV filters that’ll absorb sun rays like a sponge and convert them into non-damaging heat, rather than deflecting them.
Chemical sunscreens also have to be absorbed into the skin to work effectively.
Mineral sunscreen
On the other hand, mineral sunscreens – sometimes called physical sunscreens – are usually formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to provide a physical shield on the skin’s surface. This comes with several advantages: it minimises the risk of allergies or irritants on the skin, and is less likely to clog pores since it washes off without any fuss.
Thus, mineral sunscreens are what the dermatologists would most likely recommend, especially to those with sensitive skin. Its downside however, is that it usually comes with a denser and thicker consistency than those of chemical sunscreens. Hence, it’s likely to leave a white-ish hue on the face.
Hybrid sunscreen
To get the best of both worlds, go for hybrid sunscreens. This type of sunscreen is a good choice for those who appreciate the versatility and the appealing appearance that chemical sunscreens give, and the less clog-prone benefits of mineral ones. Blending both types of filters in their formulations, hybrid sunscreens works by simultaneously absorbing and reflecting sun rays.
– Chemical Sunscreens –
1. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen
Image credit: Kokoro Japan
Biore’s UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen is weightless, effective, and affordable – it’s no wonder this is a holy grail sunscreen of many for years and years.
This Japanese water-based sunscreen is infused with Royal Jelly Extract that smooths and brightens the skin, and hyaluronic acid that retains moisture. Texture-wise, it is lightweight that it’s nearly undetectable when applied onto the skin, making it a perfect sunscreen base for makeup applications with a dewy finish.
SPF: 50+
Price: RM31.50
Get this sunscreen at Watsons, Guardian, Caring Pharmacy & AA Pharmacy.
2. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen
Image credit: Popsugar UK
When a brand labels their sunscreen as “unseen”, you best believe that people will be eager to challenge that notion. Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen did exactly that. And also delivered.
The ingeniously formulated sunscreen has a gel-like consistency that dries down on the skin to give a perfectly iridescent sheen. It is also pretty much invisible, making it the ideal sunscreen for all skin tones and types of complexions. Besides fighting off harmful rays, this sunscreen also hydrates the skin like a beast, with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin B5, and niacinamide.
Fans of the product claim that it performs amazingly as a makeup primer too. So if you’re feeling a little lazy to don a full makeup, slather this sunscreen on and you’ll be rocking the perfect “no-makeup makeup” look.
SPF: 40
Price: RM108
Get this sunscreen at Sephora.
3. Beplain Sunmuse Moisture Sunscreen
Image credit: @beplain_global via Instagram
A Korean SPF that checks all the boxes, Beplain Sunmuse Moisture Sunscreen has a creamy lotion-like consistency and ample slip, helping it glide smoothly on your skin during application. While the sunscreen is light and moisturising on the skin, it does not leave your face looking like a grease factory. Instead, you’ll find a healthy subtle glow once the sunscreen dries down.
If you’re looking to shave down a step in your morning skincare routine, Beplain’s sunscreen even effectively replaces the need for a separate moisturiser as it contains niacinamide to prevent the loss of moisture.
SPF: 50+
Price: RM90
Get this sunscreen at Watsons.
4. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion
Image credit: Shiseido
The Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion is an adorable darling that fits perfectly in your travel pouch or purse. Its application is a breeze too – the light gel texture goes on the skin like butter, lays completely clear on the skin, and dries down to give a natural velvety finish.
Given its better performance in sun protection with its higher SPF, this sunscreen is an excellent option for warm and humid places – ahem, Malaysia. Instead of plant extracts, it is also formulated with technologies – such as the WetForce Technology and HeatForce Technology – which sense areas of moisture and heat to form a stronger barrier.
SPF: 50+
Price: RM195
Get this sunscreen at Sephora.
5. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36
Image credit: Innisfree
We said this before and we’ll say it again – Korean brands are truly the golden standard when it comes to extra soothing sunscreens. We’ve raved about TikTok favourites from brands such as Beauty of Joseon and Round Lab. Here’s yet another coveted one: Innisfree’s Daily UV Sunscreen SPF 36.
While its texture is a little denser than other chemical sunscreens, this one does not sit atop your skin all day – it absorbs right in. It’s also infused with hydrating ingredients present in many moisturisers, including Cica, green tea, Vitamin E, and sunflower seed oil, so rest assured this sunscreen won’t make your face feel like a dried-up raisin when you’re out and about in the Malaysian heat.
SPF: 36
Price: RM65
Get this sunscreen at Sephora & Innisfree stores.
6. ILLIYOON Mild Easy Wash Sun Cream
Image credit: Olive Young
Two things that we love about ILLIYOON’s Mild Easy Wash Sun Cream – first, it washes off easier than most chemical sunscreens, perfect for lazy girlies who don’t want to take the extra effort to double cleanse. Second, that huge pump dispenser packaging? We stan.
This sunscreen is also excellent for those with sensitive skin and has the hypoallergenic seal of approval. If you’re looking for something that’s soothing, moisturising, and exceptionally effective in shielding the skin from UV rays, this sunscreen is a no-brainer.
SPF: 50+
Price: RM87.20
Get this sunscreen at Watsons.
7. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen
Image credit: Neutrogena
For its price point, the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen does wonders. Its hero and active ingredient helioplex is a broad spectrum formulation for UVA and UVB protection – meaning that it offers high SPF that blocks out damaging UV rays like no other.
The oil-free and non-comedogenic formula also ensures a non-greasy texture that will not clog your pores.
SPF: 55
Price: RM51.30
Get this sunscreen at Watsons, Guardian & Neutrogena stores.
– Mineral Sunscreens –
1. Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen
Image credit: @drjart via Instagram
Dr. Jart+ is well-known as one of the first Korean skincare brands to make an impact globally, so there is a fair amount of expectation for Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen to deliver. And deliver it did.
This sunscreen does take some effort to blend out well, but it gives a smooth and matte base that is key to a seamless makeup look. Being a mineral sunscreen, it offers quite a bit of coverage, but not so much so that you’ll be walking around looking like Casper the friendly ghost.
For those with drier skin, its texture feels like a rich moisturiser on the face.
SPF: 50+
Price: RM53
Get this sunscreen at Sephora.
2. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen
Image credit: @larocheposayusa via Instagram
La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios Ultra-Light Face Sunscreen is truly a gem of a mineral sunscreen – it is ultra-lightweight, fragrance-free, fast absorbing, non-comedogenic, and on top of that all, it boasts a broad spectrum SPF of 60. It is also chock-full of minerals and powerful antioxidants that altogether contribute to its comfortable wear, including Vitamin E to neutralise radicals and Thermal Spring Water to soothe the skin.
Texture-wise, the sunscreen is rather runny, leaving a semi-matte finish on the skin that doesn’t compromise on glow either.
SPF: 60
Price: RM93
Get this sunscreen at Watsons, Caring Pharmacy & BIG Pharmacy.
3. Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Image credit: StyleKorean
We love a good product with a good steal, and one that marries affordability with efficacy is the Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream. The sunscreen contains a whopping 5,500ppm of aloe vera leaf extract, meaning you can rely on it to not only protect your skin from sunlight exposure, but also provide a barrier of powerful moisture layer that’s also deeply soothing. Talk about a king multitasker.
Some users claim that the sunscreen leaves a slight greasy film after application, but for its efficacy, a little extra effort to blot them away with some blotting sheets is nothing.
SPF: 50
Price: RM62
Get this sunscreen at Watsons.
4. Make P:rem UV Defense Me Calming Sun Cream
Image credit: Ms Dumbo Beauty
Make P:rem UV Defense Me Calming Sun Cream pulls off the impossible by coupling mineral filters with a weightless consistency.
With this sunscreen, a little goes a long way – a pea-sized dollop or two is good enough to cover the entire face, without leaving a tacky, white film. The product also contains bamboo sap for moisturising effects, as well as moringa seed extract for skin-purifying benefits.
SPF: 50+
Price: RM85
Get this sunscreen at Guardian.
5. Tatcha The Silk Sunscreen
Image credit: Byrdie
Apart from always donning the prettiest packaging, Tatcha’s products always work wonders. Tatcha’s Silk Sunscreen is ridiculously smooth, and the slightly tinted moisturiser-like elixir glides onto the face like silk. Its mineral-based filter not only reflects UV rays from your face, it actually makes your complexion reflective – it’s that radiant.
If you think all that already sounds sexy enough, this sunscreen is loaded with a collection of silk-extract infused ingredients such as sericin and fibroin, that helps hydrate, balance moisture levels, and repair skin cells. Hyaluronic acid and niacinamide also lurk in its ingredients list, which work together to plump the skin, giving you that dewy look.
SPF: 50+
Price: RM185
Get this sunscreen at Sephora.
6. Eucerin Sensitive Mineral Zinc Oxide Sunscreen
Image credit: Eucerin
Eucerin Sensitive Mineral Zince Oxide Sunscreen is an easy-to-find no-fuss staple for many. Containing 100% zinc oxide, the sunscreen is designed for those with sensitive skin with all of its magic labels intact – it’s hypoallergenic, and free of fragrance, oil, parabens, and anything else that could irritate or clog the skin.
Besides using it on the face, the lotion is also a great one to be used all over the body on a particularly sunny day. Another great thing about the sunscreen is that you can find it in almost any drugstore or pharmacy in Malaysia.
SPF: 50+
Price: RM97.50
Get this sunscreen at Watsons, Guardian, Caring Pharmacy, BIG Pharmacy.
– Hybrid Sunscreens –
1. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk
Image credit: myeppo
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk is one that fussy SPF-users rave about and loyal fans swear by.
This well-acclaimed sunscreen is famously formulated with Aqua Booster X Technology, which strengthens the UV protection properties of the sunscreen when exposed to water or sweat. Water-resistant as it may be, the sunscreen actually removes rather easily when cleansed.
This particular milky version has a smooth and runny consistency that spreads along the skin well, making it suitable for people with dry skin.
SPF: 50+
Price: RM135
Get this sunscreen at Watsons & SASA.
2. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen
Image credit: Glow Recipe UK
When the heat is coming down full-force on us all in Malaysia, but you want to make sure that your complexion is glowing and not glistening with sweat and grease, Glow Recipe’s Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen is a product that’ll have your back.
Being part-chemical, it feels extremely serum-like and light on the face. The chemical filters are combined with the familiar mineral filter, zinc oxide, to provide a broad spectrum protection from UV rays. Along with its star ingredient, niacinamide – which helps to combat pigmentation and brightens the complexion – it is no wonder this sunscreen constantly gets glowing reviews.
SPF: 50+
Price: RM182
Get this sunscreen at Sephora.
3. AHC Safe On Essence Sun Cream
Image credit: SASA Malaysia
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s a comfortable daily wear, AHC Safe On Essence Sun Cream is a must-buy.
With its hypoallergenic and non-nano inorganic UV blocking formula, this sunscreen is pretty much a safe bet in terms of not clogging or irritating your skin. And if added skincare benefits in a sunscreen is your thing, this one contains 40% of Cica essence, so you can look forward to a soothing effect when applied onto your skin, as well as a dewy finish with its sheer formula.
SPF: 50+
Price: RM125
Get this sunscreen at Watsons & SASA.
Sunscreens that you can get in Malaysia
If you were oblivious about the importance of wearing broad-spectrum sunscreens before reading this article, you should be well aware by now that sunscreens are more than a necessity – it is a part of a lifestyle.
To help you out on your daily sunscreen application, we have compiled this list of the best face sunscreens that you can get in Malaysia that does all that SPF magic – glides on your skin like a dream, layers your makeup amazingly, never burns your eyes, and most importantly, prevents the unrelenting Malaysian sunrays from damaging your skin.
For more beauty-related articles, here’s 30 best Korean skincare product to get in Malaysia and 8 affordable nail salons in Johor Bahru
Cover image adapted from: myeppo, Shopee & Glow Recipe UK