How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Oily Skin

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👇 Watch the video for a breakdown of this guide and my top 3 Korean sunscreen picks for oily skin — plus one bonus gentle hybrid sunscreen that will help to control oil levels without clogging your pores

If you’ve been struggling to find the right Korean sunscreen for oily skin, you’re not alone. With warmer weather approaching, May is the perfect time to get your SPF routine sorted!

In this post, I’ll share my top 3 Korean chemical sunscreen picks for oily skin that help control shine, won’t clog your pores, and feel lightweight, leaving a semi-matt to matt finish. Plus, I’ve included a bonus hybrid sunscreen recommendation for those who would like strong UV protection with benefits from both chemical and mineral filters.

Whether you’re building a solid summer skincare routine or refreshing your current SPF lineup, this guide will help you make a smart, skin-friendly choice. Not sure where to start? Be sure to check out our free Korean sunscreen quiz and guide HERE to help you discover your perfect SPF match!

Let’s dive in! ☀️

3 Things to Look for in Sunscreens for Oily Skin

1. Choose a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection—especially UVA.

This applies to all skin types, not just oily skin. 
There are two main types of UV rays:

First UVB. Think “B” for Burning.
UVB rays affect the skin’s surface up to about 10% of our skin, causing redness and, in severe cases, skin cancer. This is what SPF measures. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks about 98%. So SPF 30 or higher is generally enough.

Secondly, UVA is just as (if not more) important, especially when it comes to anti-aging.
Think “A” for Aging. UVA rays penetrate deeper, up to 90%, reaching the dermis. These rays can pass through windows, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation. UVA protection is indicated by PA ratings. The more plus signs, the stronger the UVA protection.

✅ Look for:
• PA+++ or PA++++ ratings
• SPF 30 or 50
• Broad-spectrum filters like Tinosorb (chemical) or Zinc Oxide (mineral) or UVA filters like Avobenzone (chemical) listed high in the ingredient list.

If you’d like to discover more about PA ratings and their meanings check out this article from colourscience HERE.

2. Look for sunscreens with fewer oils in the ingredients.

Sunscreen is typically oil-based, and for oily skin, this can feel like oil on oil. To avoid that greasy finish, go for sunscreens with minimal emollient or plant-based oils. (Example: Neogen contains 9 types of oils— not ideal for oily skin)  In contrast, all the sunscreens in this article contain only minimal silicone or emollient oils and very few or no plant-based oils.

3. Opt for a semi-matte or matte finish that still hydrates.

Many Korean sunscreens are dewy, which oily skin types often dread. But not all of them are like that. The Korean sunscreens I picked today give a matte or semi-matte finish without drying you out. Dehydrated skin can lead to more oil production, so it is important to know that hydration still matters for oily skin.

Top 3 Korean Chemical Sunscreens Picks for Oily Skin

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + B5 SPF50+ PA++++

A serum-like chemical sunscreen that’s lightweight and fast-absorbing, great for oily or combination skin.

It’s infused with:

• Rice bran oil (the only plant oil included)
• Panthenol and ceramides that help to boost hydration.
• 5 UV filters, including Uvinul A Plus (UVA protection) and Tinosorb S (broad-spectrum), both listed highly in the ingredients list.

It leaves a soft semi-matte finish that wears beautifully under makeup with no pilling or white cast. Though it has a long list of around 50 ingredients, it’s niacinamide-free, making it suitable for those sensitive to niacinamide.

✅ Key Features:

• Lightweight, semi-matte finish
• Hydrating without greasiness
• Elegant formula
• Around $18 / £16 for 50ml

A beautiful, balanced option for oily skin with lasting hydration.

HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

A creamy yet airy chemical sunscreen that surprised my oily-skin community in the best way possible.

It contains:

• Only 2 plant-based oils (rice bran + moringa seed oil)
• Packed with skin hydrating, oil controlling and soothing ingredients like Glycerin, niacinamide, heartleaf extract and tocopherol (vitamin E).
• 5 UV filters, including 2 UVA filters listed highly in the ingredients

With a long list of about 58 ingredients, it may not be ideal for very sensitive skin, but it’s full of calming and hydrating ingredients and gives a neutral semi-matte finish with no white cast or pilling.

✅ Key Features:

• Creamy yet breathable texture
• Great under makeup
• Around $22 / £17 for 50ml

One of the best Korean sunscreens for oily skin types who want a neutral semi-matte finish without any grease.

SKIN1004 Tea-trica Soothing Sun Milk SPF50+ PA++++

An ultra-light, non-comedogenic chemical sunscreen with a milky-serum texture that absorbs into the skin effortlessly.

It’s packed with:

• Centella Asiatica, evening primrose, tea tree water
• Niacinamide, ceramide, adenosine
• Zero plant-based oils
• 5 UV filters, including a broad-spectrum and UVA filter listed highly
• A small amount of Zinc Oxide (mineral filter) low on the list

With a long list of around 62 ingredients, it’s best to patch test if you have sensitive skin. Enriched with many skin-soothing ingredients, it’s excellent for oily or acne-prone skin, delivering a hydrating semi-matte finish.

✅ Key Features:

• Zero plant-based oils
• Ultra-lightweight
• Non-comedogenic, semi-matte finish
• Packed with skin-soothing ingredients
• Around $25 / £20 for 50ml

A perfect pick for sensitive, breakout-prone, and oily skin that needs something lightweight yet calming.

Bonus 👉  Best Korean Hybrid Sunscreen for Oily Skin:
Cell Fusion C Laser Sunscreen 100 SPF50+ PA+++++

A 6-time Olive Young Awards-winning hybrid sunscreen that combines chemical and mineral filters, offering excellent protection in a creamy yet lightweight formula.

It includes:

• Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (broad-spectrum mineral filters)
• Vitamin E and hydrolyzed collagen to soothe, hydrate and help with anti-aging.
• No plant-based oils
• Just 33 ingredients

It leaves a semi-matte finish with a minimal white cast that fades quickly. Great for oily or combination skin types who want stronger protection with benefits of both mineral and chemical filters, reef-safe ingredients, or a pregnancy-safe option (though Zinc Oxide is a recommended filter while pregnant, you should consult with your doctor to be extra safe).

✅ Key Features:

• Short ingredient list (great for sensitive skin)
• Hybrid sunscreen with 2 chemical and 2 mineral UV filters.
• Around $25 / £23 for 50ml

An award-winning hybrid sunscreen providing a safe, reliable UV protection with anti-aging benefits.

Enjoyed this article?
You might also want to check out our another article 5 Best Korean Sunscreens for Oily & Acne-prone Skin from Hawhae (Korea’s most trusted beauty app) HERE

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