From a young age, my mum always told me to use the best sun protection for my face. Unfortunately, I didn’t take her advice on sun care seriously until my twenties, when I began noticing pigmentation and sunspots. Like many people with oily skin, I struggled to find the right sunscreen that offered proper protection without making my face greasy.
Back then, the only sunscreens I had access to were supermarket brands like Banana Boat or Hamilton. They worked, but they were thick, heavy, and left a greasy film over my skin that made me dread reapplying. I often skipped sunscreen altogether, which is one of my biggest skincare regrets.
That changed in my mid-twenties when I travelled to Japan and discovered Japanese sunscreen. Not only are Japanese sunscreens incredibly lightweight, but they also offer high protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Since then, I now know there are skin care products for oily skin and they’ve become a staple in my daily skincare routine.
How to Read Sunscreen Labels (SPF, PA, Broad Spectrum) SPF 50 PA++++ sunscreen explained
Before sharing my favourite broad spectrum sunscreen products, here’s a quick guide to understanding sunscreen labels:
- SPF (Sun Protection Factor) protects against sunburn caused by UVB rays. SPF 50 is considered one of the best, blocking about 98% of UVB rays.
- PA rating protects against UVA rays, which cause aging and long-term damage. The more plus signs (4 is the max), the better. PA++++ offers the strongest protection.
- Broad Spectrum means the sunscreen shields against both UVA and UVB rays, giving you complete coverage.
In short: for maximum protection, look for SPF50 PA++++
Chemical vs Mineral Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?
When choosing the best face spf for oily skin or combination skin, it helps to understand the difference between chemical vs mineral sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens are lightweight, often feel like moisturiser, and leave little to no white cast, which makes them popular for oily skin. On the other hand, mineral sunscreens (also called physical sunscreens) use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to create a barrier that reflects UV rays. They’re gentler on sensitive or acne-prone skin and are considered safer for pregnancy, but can sometimes leave a white cast or feel heavier.
My 2 favourite sunscreens for sun care
Anessa
My top pick is the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF50+ PA++++. This Japanese sunscreen is ideal for oily or combination skin because it dries down to a matte finish. After applying, it almost looks like you’ve dusted powder over your face – no shine, no grease. It also layers well under makeup, and I never experience irritation.
I’ve worn this in 35°C Australian summers and on humid days in Japan, and it never melted off or caused breakouts. For oily-skin people who usually avoid reapplying, this one feels surprisingly comfortable, even after hours outdoors.
That said, not all Anessa products work the same way. I would not recommend the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel SPF50+ PA++++. Unlike the milk version, this one leaves a greasy finish that feels heavy. If someone tries this as their first Anessa product, they might be disappointed and assume the whole range is overrated.
Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen
Recently, I branched out from Anessa to test the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++. I was skeptical at first, but this Korean sunscreen blew me away. It feels more like applying a lightweight moisturiser than sunscreen – hydrating, smooth, and never greasy.
Another bonus is how it wears under makeup. Foundation glides over it without pilling, and because it leaves a natural dewy finish, you don’t need an extra primer or glow product. It’s also fragrance-free, which makes it a great pick for sensitive or reactive skin types.
For those with combination skin, it’s perfect. It provides high protection against UVA and UVB while leaving the skin soft and dewy instead of shiny. If you’re someone who hates the texture of traditional sunscreens, this is a game-changer. BoJ also have a UV tinted version which I have yet to try but at the purchase screen you are able to find a match to your existing sunscreen which I found pretty cool!
After my search for the best sun cream and sunscreen spa testing, these are the only two brands of sunscreen products I would recommend to my friends and family. They have the highest protection against UVA and UVB and are non greasy.
A Viral Sunscreen I Couldn’t Find
On my last trip to Japan, I was determined to buy the Anessa Perfect UV Brush-On Powder Sunscreen SPF50 PA+. This viral product is designed to be applied over makeup, making it easy to top up sun protection during the day. It’s exclusively stocked at Matsumoto Kiyoshi pharmacies, which are everywhere in Japan.
I searched more than 30 stores, but it was completely sold out. If you’re lucky enough to find one, grab it – this product is almost impossible to get your hands on.
Powder sunscreens in general are underrated. They’re not meant to replace your main sunscreen, but they’re perfect for touch-ups without messing up your foundation or causing extra shine. If you struggle with oily T-zones by midday, brush-on SPF can keep you matte and protected at the same time.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to sun protection for oily or combination skin, my two top recommendations are:
- Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Milk SPF50+ PA++++
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++
Both provide strong, broad-spectrum protection, are lightweight, mildly scented and won’t leave your skin greasy. If you’re serious about preventing sunspots, pigmentation, or early signs of aging, these are the sunscreens I’d recommend to friends and family.
If you’re shopping in Asia, also look out for Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence or Skin Aqua Super Moisture Gel. They’re budget-friendly alternatives that still deliver lightweight textures and high SPF. While they’re not my top two, they’re excellent backups if Anessa or Beauty of Joseon are out of stock.
The right sunscreen not only prevents new sunspots but also protects the results of any skincare products you’re using to fade pigmentation. Click here to read my post on the product that helped me fade my sunspots. It’s never too late to start, and finding the right sunscreen makes daily application so much easier.
What is the best sunscreen for oily combination skin?
Lightweight, gel-based or water-based sunscreens usually work best. Popular Asian options include Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun and Japanese brands like Biore UV Aqua Rich.
Why does sunscreen make my face greasy?
Some sunscreens use heavy oils that don’t suit oily or combination skin. Look for non-comedogenic, oil-free formulas with a matte or watery finish.
is Japanese or Korean sunscreen better for oily skin?
Both Japanese and Korean sunscreens are excellent — Japanese formulas tend to be lighter and more watery, while Korean sunscreens often include skincare ingredients like niacinamide.
Note: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and trust.
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