Finding the right Korean sunscreen for oily skin is basically the skincare version of dating. So many options, but most of them leave you feeling greasy, annoyed, or straight-up betrayed by midday. You want protection, not a shiny T-zone that could double as a mirror. The good news? Korean skincare has totally nailed the lightweight, no white cast, no greasy feel, actually-works kind of formulas that oily-skinned folks dream about. Let’s break down the best ones, what ingredients to look for, and which ones are worth adding to your cart ASAP.
What To Look For In A Korean Sunscreen For Oily Skin Types
Here’s what to pay attention to when shopping for the best sunscreen for oily skin in the Korean skincare aisles:
- Lightweight Texture: You do not want something that feels like frosting on your face. Go for gel-based or fluid sunscreens. Basically the ones that vanish the second you put them on. Korean formulas are amazing at this. They get that you want protection, not a greasy mess.
- Oil-Control Ingredients: Think niacinamide, silica… anything that helps your skin chill out and not produce a gallon of oil by noon. These guys help manage shine and come with bonus perks like calming the skin or fading dark spots. Win-win.
- Modern UV Filters: This is where Korean sunscreens really differ from Western sunscreens (at least those available in the US). Filters like Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S, and the like feel weightless, don’t irritate, and don’t leave a white cast. Western brands are finally catching up, but Korea’s been doing this for years.
- Matte or Natural Finish: You want sunscreen that looks like skin, not like you dipped your face in highlighter. Look for terms like “matte,” “fresh,” or “sebum control” on the label. These are usually code for “won’t make you shiny by lunch.”
- Non-Comedogenic and Fragrance-Free: This one’s especially important if you break out easily. Some Korean sunscreens are super gentle. No pore-clogging ingredients, no heavy perfumes, just the good stuff your skin actually needs.
List Of The Best Korean Sunscreens For Oily Skin
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum (£18.00)
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is one of those sunscreens that doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all. It goes on like a light serum, sinks in fast, and leaves your skin looking fresh. Not oily, not matte, just kind of healthy. No white cast, no stickiness, no fighting with your makeup. The ingredients are solid too: niacinamide, centella asiatica, and a bunch of hyaluronic acid types to keep your skin calm and hydrated. It’s got newer UV filters like Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb M, so you’re getting legit protection without the heaviness. No scent, no pilling, no breakouts (at least for most people). Just a really easy, no-fuss sunscreen that works.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Stylevana, Superdrug, and Yes Style
Active ingredients: Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb M, and niacinamide.
Benefits: Provides broad-spectrum protection and hydration.
Cons: Has a dewy finish, which not everyone with oily skin will like.
Skin types: All skin types.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++ (£9.69)
Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++ is basically made for oily skin. It goes on super light, dries down fast, and gives you that soft matte finish without feeling dry or tight. No shine, no tackiness, no “oh great, I’m melting” moment by midday. It’s got both mineral and chemical filters, so you’re covered on the UV front. But fair warning: it does have alcohol and fragrance, so if your skin’s sensitive, maybe skip it. If not? It’s a great no-fuss option that keeps your face looking fresh instead of greasy.
Available at: Stylevana and Yes Style
Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate.
Benefits: Provides broad spectrum protection from harmful UV rays.
Cons: Contains alcohol and fragrance.
Skin types: Oily, acne-prone and combination skin.
Fragrance-free: No.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ (£21.99)
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ is one of those chemical sunscreens that gets treated like a lightweight moisturizer and honestly, it kind of is. It’s thick, creamy, and goes on super smooth, like your skin’s getting a hug. No white cast, no dry-down drama, just a nice dewy finish that makes your face look healthy (but yeah, maybe a little too shiny if you’re already oily). It’s perfect for slightly oily or combo skin, or anyone who hates the feeling of dry, tight SPF formulas. The filters are a mix of old-school and newer ones. Plus there’s aloe, which actually does something here: it helps cool and soothe your skin, especially if you’re red or reactive. Just a heads up though: it’s got alcohol and fragrance, and a few ingredients that might not play nice with acne-prone skin. So it’s comfy and easy, but not for everyone.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Look Fantastic, Sephora, Stylevana, Superdrug, and Yes Style
Active ingredients: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid, Tinosorb S, and aloe vera
Benefits: Provides broad spectrum protection from harmful UV rays and much-needed moisture.
Cons: Contains alcohol and fragrance.
Skin types: Slightly oily and combination skin.
Fragrance-free: No.
HARUHARU WONDER Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen (£17.00)
HARUHARU WONDER Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen is one of those sunscreens that makes you go, “Wait, is this even sunscreen?” It feels more like a light moisturiser, glides on like nothing, and leaves your skin looking fresh. Not oily, not dry, just… good. No white cast, no weird texture, no drama. If you hate the feeling of sunscreen but know you’ve gotta wear it, this one’s an easy yes. It’s packed with innovative UV filters that give solid protection without that heavy, filmy feel, plus a bunch of nice extras like niacinamide, glycerin, ceramides, and black rice extract (which sounds fancy and actually does something). Basically, it hydrates, soothes, and protects all at once without making your face feel like it’s coated in glue. Great for oily skin, but honestly works for most skin types. Just a really chill, low-effort sunscreen that gets the job done.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Stylevana, Superdrug, and Yes Style
Active ingredients: Mexoryl SX, Uvinul A Plus, and Tinosorb S
Benefits: Lightweight sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum sun protection and some hydration tool.
Cons: Contains alcohol and fragrance.
Skin types: All skin types can use it, but it’s best for oily and combination.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Dr. Ceuracle 5α Control No-Sebum Sun Lotion SPF50+ ($21.50)
Dr. Ceuracle 5α Control No-Sebum Sun Lotion SPF50+ is one of those mineral facial sunscreens that’s actually made with oily skin in mind – and for once, it delivers. It’s lightweight, dries down fast, and gives you that smooth, natural matte finish without making your face feel like it’s cracking by 3pm. No greasy residue, no weird white streaks once it settles, and it actually helps control oil throughout the day instead of just sitting there pretending to. The UV filters here are Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide, so it’s fully mineral, but the texture doesn’t have that heavy, chalky feel most mineral SPFs do. If your face gets shiny within an hour of leaving the house, this one’s worth a try.
Available at: Stylevana and Yes Style
Active ingredients: Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide
Benefits: Provides excellent sun protection with a matte finish.
Cons: If you don’t like silicones, this isn’t for you.
Skin types: Oily, combination, and acne-prone.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen SPF 50 ($36.00)
Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen SPF 50 is one of those sunscreens that feels like it was made for people who hate sunscreen. It’s so thin and lightweight it might as well be a hydrating essence, which makes sense, because it kind of is. It disappears into the skin in seconds, no white cast, no greasy film, no weird sunscreen smell. Just this super smooth, dewy finish that makes your skin look plump and happy without looking like you just ran a mile. It’s a chemical formula, but what stands out is all the skincare packed in: ferments, ginseng, ceramides, and about five different kinds of hyaluronic acid (yes, really). So while it’s doing its SPF thing, it’s also hydrating, soothing, and lowkey treating your skin. Great for anyone who wants a sunscreen that feels more like a step in your skincare routine than a chore.
Available at: Sokoglam
Active ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 9.0%, Octisalate 4.5%, Octocrylene 5.0%
Benefits: Protects skin from UV rays and hydrates it to boot.
Cons: Richer than the other options.
Skin types: All skin types bar sensitive skin.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
SOME BY MI V10 Hyal Airfit Sunscreen SPF50+ ($23.84)
SOME BY MI V10 Hyal Airfit Sunscreen SPF50+ is one of those chemical sunscreens that’s trying really hard to be your entire skincare routine in one tube. It’s got a lightweight cream texture that melts in fast, no white cast, no weird film, and leaves your skin looking fresh and kinda juicy. Not greasy, but definitely not matte. It uses the usual suspects for UV protection (Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone), so nothing groundbreaking, but it does the job. What makes it extra is the ingredient list going full buffet mode: niacinamide, tea tree, Centella, like five types of hyaluronic acid, and even random B vitamins thrown in for good measure. Basically, it’s trying to be sunscreen, serum, and moisturiser all at once. It does have fragrance and a bunch of essential oil stuff, so if your skin’s picky, maybe don’t go in heavy. But if you want an easy, glowy SPF that feels like skincare, this is a great sunscreen.
Available at: Sokoglam, Stylevana, and Yes Style
Active ingredients: Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone
Benefits: Provide sun protection, hydrates, and soothes skin.
Cons: Richer than the other options. Contains fragrance.
Skin types: All skin types bar sensitive.
Fragrance-free: No.
AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+ ($23.00)
AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+ is one of those rare mineral sunscreens that doesn’t feel like you’re spreading chalky paste all over your face. It’s smooth, super lightweight for a zinc-based formula, and blends in way better than you’d expect. There’s a bit of a cast at first (because, yeah, it’s still mineral), but it fades down after a minute or two – especially if you’re not super pale. The finish is soft and satin-y, not greasy, not dry-just a nice middle ground that works especially well for sensitive or breakout-prone skin.
The only UV filter here is zinc oxide, but it’s doing all the heavy lifting. You’ve got niacinamide, squalane, hyaluronic acid, and a bunch of calming extracts like calendula, green tea, and chamomile backing it up, so it doesn’t just protect, it soothes, too. No fragrance, no alcohol, and nothing harsh. It’s made for skin that gets pissed off easily. If you usually hate mineral sunscreens but still want solid protection without the drama, this one’s worth a try.
Available at: Beauty Bay, Sephora, Sokoglam, Superdrug, and Yes Style
Active ingredients: Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone
Benefits: A Korean mineral sunscreen with a fast-absorbing formula that provides broad spectrum protection and hydration.
Cons: If you don’t like mineral sunscreens, this isn’t for you.
Skin types: All skin types.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
Dearcloud Sunny Defense SPF Stick SPF 50+ PA++++ ($18.00)
Dearcloud Sunny Defense SPF Stick SPF 50+ PA++++ is one of those sunscreens that makes you wonder why you ever bothered with liquid SPF in the first place. It’s a twist-up stick, glides on super smooth (no tugging, no waxy streaks), and leaves a soft, slightly velvety finish that actually helps blot down shine. Perfect for mid-day touch-ups when your T-zone starts acting up, or as a morning step if you hate layering gunky textures. It’s a chemical formula using the usual chemical UV filters: Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, and Octocrylene, so you’re getting solid broad-spectrum protection. But the real win here is the finis: -no white cast, no greasy layer, and it somehow makes your skin feel more matte without drying it out. Bonus points for throwing in Centella and a ridiculous number of hyaluronic acid derivatives, which sounds excessive but keeps things smooth and calm. For oily skin, this one’s a low-effort, high-reward kind of product. Toss it in your bag and reapply without messing up your makeup or your day.
Available at: Ulta
Active ingredients: Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octisalate, Avobenzone
Benefits: Protects skin from UV light.
Cons: If you don’t like chemical or stick sunscreens, this isn’t for you.
Skin types: Oily and combination skin.
Fragrance-free: Yes.
The Bottom Line
Korean sunscreens for oily skin don’t mess around. They’ve nailed that sweet spot between protection and comfort-no grease, no white cast, no clogged pores. Whether you go for a matte finish like Missha, a barely-there serum texture like Skin1004, or a mineral option like AXIS-Y, there’s something that’ll work with your skin, not against it. The formulas are smarter, the textures are lighter, and you’re way less likely to end up blotting your face by 10 a.m. Basically? If your skin’s oily, Korean SPF is the upgrade your routine actually needs.
About Gio
Hi, I’m Gio. I’m a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever – every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what’s worth the splurge and what’s best left on the shelf – using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.
