Daeskin’s Favourite Korean Sunscreen

🥇 Best “Matte & Oil Control”: Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick

🥈 Best for Dehydrated Oily Skin: SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica

🥉 Best Everyday Moisturiser + SPF: Round Lab Birch Juice

🏅 Best Lightweight Makeup Base: Isntree Watery Sun Gel

🏅 Best Nourishing Daily SPF: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun

Finding a sunscreen that works for oily skin can feel like an endless battle. For years, the options were thick, greasy, and pore-clogging, basically the fastest way to trigger breakouts or a blinding mid-day shine. No wonder so many people skip the most important step in their routine.

But what if your sunscreen didn’t just protect you… what if it actually felt good to wear?

That’s where K-beauty comes in. Korean brands have completely redefined sun care with a focus on cosmetic elegance, lightweight textures, skin-soothing ingredients, and formulas you actually look forward to applying. For those of us with oily or acne-prone skin, it’s a total game-changer.

Why Oily Skin Needs a Smarter Sunscreen

Here’s the thing: even the most advanced UV filters don’t matter if the texture makes you avoid using them. K-beauty nailed this by creating formulas that feel more like serums or gels than heavy creams. That’s why sunscreen has gone from being a dreaded chore to a skincare step you’ll never skip.

The Non-Negotiable Checklist 

If you’ve got oily or acne-prone skin, here’s what your sunscreen must have:

Broad-Spectrum Protection (SPF 50+, PA++++)
SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays (the ones that burn), while PA++++ offers the highest protection against UVA rays (the ones that age and darken acne scars).

Oil-Free and Non-Comedogenic
No extra grease. No pore-clogging ingredients.

Lightweight Texture (Gel, Serum, Watery Lotion)
Absorbs instantly. No sticky film. No suffocating layer.

The Right Finish
 Do you want a shine-free matte look that doubles as a primer? Or a natural, skin-like glow? Korean sunscreens let you choose.

Ingredients That Make or Break Oily-Skin Sunscreens 

Not all sunscreens are created equal. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Your Allies 

• Niacinamide → Regulates oil, calms redness, and fades acne marks.

• Centella Asiatica, Aloe, Green Tea → Soothes irritation and cools down angry skin.

• Silica, Dimethicone → Mattifies and smooths pores for that soft-focus finish.

• Zinc Oxide → Oil-absorbing, calming, and protective.

• New-Gen Filters (Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S/M) → Lightweight, clear, and no chalky white cast.

Your Frenemies 

• Heavy oils & emollients → Extra shine and potential breakouts.

• Harsh fragrance & alcohol → Irritation city (especially for sensitive types).
  

The K-Beauty Hall of Fame for Oily Skin

These sunscreens aren’t just popular; they’ve reached cult status. But each shines differently.

1. SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

• Formula: New-gen chemical filters + Centella Asiatica, Hyaluronic Acid, and Niacinamide.

• Texture: Lightweight, lotion-serum, melts in like water.

• Finish: Natural satin, zero white cast.

• Best for: Oily and dehydrated skin. Works beautifully under makeup.

• Watch out: In very humid weather, the dewy glow can turn into shine.
  

2. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics

• Formula: 30% Rice Extract, probiotics, Niacinamide. Nourishing, hydrating, barrier-friendly.

• Texture: Creamy lotion that absorbs like a dream.

• Finish: Dewy glow, no stickiness.

• Best for: Teens or beginners who want SPF + moisturiser in one.

• Watch out: Can feel greasy on very oily skin. Some reports of inconsistency (beware of fakes).
  

3. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen

• Formula: Birch Sap + Hyaluronic Acid + Niacinamide.

• Texture: Creamy but absorbs quickly, doubling as a moisturiser.

• Finish: Subtle glow, feels nourishing without heaviness.

• Best for: Combination or dehydrated skin.

• Watch out: It can get shiny in humid climates.
  

4. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

• Formula: Six advanced UV filters, 8x Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, Centella, and Ceramides.

• Texture: Ultra-thin, watery gel. Absorbs in seconds.

• Finish: Natural to semi-matte.

• Best for: True oily skin types. Sits beautifully under makeup.

• Watch out: Known for stinging around the eyes for some users.
  

The Reapplication Revolution 

Let’s be real, reapplying sunscreen every two hours is annoying, especially over makeup. Enter: sun sticks. Portable, hygienic, and mess-free.

Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camelia

• Formula: Mugwort extract + silica powder for oil control.

• Texture: Glides on smoothly, no tugging.

• Finish: Instant matter. Works like a blotting paper with SPF.
  Why we love it: Perfect for touch-ups, absorbs oil, and refreshes makeup in one swipe.
  

Bottom Line

The truth? There’s no one-size-fits-all sunscreen. Your skin type, climate, and personal preference decide your holy grail.

Here’s a cheat sheet to help:

The hunt for the perfect sunscreen doesn’t have to end in frustration. Korean sunscreens prove that SPF can be lightweight, skin-friendly, and even enjoyable.

If you’ve got oily or acne-prone skin, think of it this way:

• Want a true matte finish? Go for BOJ Matte Sun Stick.

• Want hydration without grease? Try Isntree Watery Sun Gel.

• Need a moisturiser + SPF in one? Round Lab Birch Juice has you covered.

Your sunscreen should feel like self-care, not punishment. And with these K-beauty innovations, oily skin finally has its perfect match.