Best Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Matte and Lightweight Korean Picks

Shop the brands in this guide: Anua Australia · Beauty of Joseon Australia · COSRX Australia · SKIN1004 Australia · celimax Australia · All brands A to Z

Oily skin and heavy sunscreen don't mix. Many sunscreens go shiny by lunchtime or feel heavy under makeup. Korean sunscreens shine here (in the good way), with watery gels, fluids and matte sticks that feel light on oily and breakout-prone skin.

Read the label and follow the directions for use. Sunscreen is one part of sun protection, so also cover up, seek shade and reapply as directed.

What to look for

• Gel, fluid or "aqua" textures that absorb quickly.
• Matte or soft-matte finishes if you get shiny through the day.
• Labels like "non-comedogenic" only where the brand states it on pack.
• A stick or powder-finish sunscreen for reapplying over makeup.

Matte finish

• celimax Oil Control Light Sunscreen (40ml): designed for a shine-controlling, light finish. Shop
• Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort + Camelia: a matte stick for top-ups. Shop
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios XL Anti-Shine Dry Touch (50ml): a dry-touch finish. Shop
• celimax Oil Control Mattifying Sun Stick (19g): a matte stick from the same line. Shop

Watery and lightweight

• Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: the lighter, fluid version of Relief Sun. Shop
• Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel (50ml): a fresh gel texture. Shop
• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel (50ml): watery and quick to absorb. Shop
• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum: a serum-light texture. Shop
• COSRX Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen (50ml): a light, clear finish. Shop
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence (70g): a Japanese favourite. Compare more in our Japanese sunscreens guide. Shop

More from Anua, Beauty of Joseon and COSRX to compare if you have combination skin or want a little more moisture:

• Anua Zero-Cast Moisturising Finish Sunscreen (50ml): a light, everyday cream. Shop
• Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream (50ml): a silky cream texture. Shop
• Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun (50ml): the original Relief Sun, a little richer than Aqua-Fresh. Shop
• COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream (50ml): an aloe-based cream. Shop

Tips for oily skin

• Use a light gel moisturiser underneath, or let your sunscreen double as moisturiser if it feels hydrating enough.
• Blot rather than wipe before reapplying, and use the amount on the label. See how much sunscreen to use on your face.
• At night, double cleanse: oil first, then a gentle foam.

FAQs

What sunscreen texture is best for oily skin? Gels, fluids and matte formulas are the usual favourites. Creamy, dewy sunscreens can feel heavy on very oily skin.

Can Korean sunscreen cause breakouts? Some people find certain textures don't suit them. See can Korean sunscreen cause purging or breakouts.

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Sunscreens for oily skin · All sunscreens · Oily skin · Pores · Best Korean sunscreens in Australia