Sunscreen – arguably the most important step of our skincare routine. By now, we’ve all know that wearing sunscreen can help protect our skin from wrinkles, sagging skin, irregular pigmentation, and even skin cancer. Living in a tropical country like Malaysia where the sun is constantly shining doesn’t help either, and it doesn’t matter if you’re blessed with a lot of melanin or not, because the UV rays can still penetrate the skin. So regardless of skin tone and skin type, we’ve rounded up a list of the best water-based sunscreens for your protection!

A water-based sunscreen is a sunscreen that primarily contains water instead of oil. As the name suggests, water-based sunscreens are a lot less oily than oil-based sunscreens, and are particularly good for those who have oily skin. It’s not to say that normal or dry skin types shouldn’t use water-based sunscreens, but it does feel less slippery, which means that your makeup won’t slide right off. Water-based sunscreens are also great for reapplication, as it won’t disturb the products underneath. So, here’s our top recommendations for the best water-based sunscreens, available right here in Malaysia.

The Best Water-Based Sunscreens in Malaysia

1. Biore UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++

An extremely lightweight, lotion-type sunscreen, the Biore Uv Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Lotion is undoubtedly one of the best water-based sunscreens on the market. At SPF 50 and PA++++, it provides extreme protection from the sun, and its consistency is so light, that it spreads super easily and absorbs really quickly. This sunscreen is formulated with powerful hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, royal jelly extract, and glycerin. It’s also sweat-resistant, and will leave your skin looking glowy without any white cast.

Why we love it:

  • Super hydrating
  • Lightweight lotion formula
  • Water and sweat-resistant

Price: RM 52.10

Where to buy: Guardian

2. Avene Day Protector UV EX SPF30 PA+++ 

Infused with Avène’s proprietary Thermal Spring Water, the Day Protector by Avène is immensely hydrating and soothing to the skin. It also contains other key moisturising factors like lipomucine and meiboserine that work hand in hand to retain water levels in the skin. Perfect for dry and sensitive skin, this water-based sunscreen works hard to protect your skin from harmful sun ray with its SPF 30 and PA+++, all while strengthening the skin’s natural protective barrier.

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for all skin types, including dry or sensitive skin
  • Intensively hydrating
  • Doesn’t leave a white cast

Price: RM 81.60

Where to buy: Guardian

3. Ultra Violette Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying SPF 50+

If you’re looking for a lightweight, non-greasy, and magnifying sunscreen, the Lean Screen Mineral Mattifying SPF 50+ by Ultra Violette is the one for you. Ultra Violette has been making headlines lately for their super cute packaging, and even better formulas. This water-based sunscreen contains zinc, which will not only protect your skin from the sun, but also soothes and calms irritated skin. It’s also infused with Pentavitin, which provides 72-hour hydration, as well as Kakakdu Plum, which supports antioxidant protection.

Why we love it:

  • Jam-packed with skin-loving ingredients
  • Mattifies the skin
  • Safe for pregnant and breast-feeding mothers

Price: RM 155

Where to buy: Sephora

4. Missha Essence Sun Milk SPF50 (70ml)

Impenetrable against water and sweat, Missha’s Essence Sun Milk is an incomparable water-based sunscreen. Its unique lotion-type formula provides a double layer UV protection system to protect your skin in all weather and humidity conditions. Not only will it provide protection against the sun, it also pulls double duty as a skincare product, with its four different types of flower extracts as well as Thank extract to nourish and soothe irritated skin.

Why we love it:

  • Watery consistency
  • Hydrating and nourishing
  • Has a cooling effect

Price: RM 89.90

Where to buy: Threebs

5. Innisfree Tone Up Watering Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml

A unique formula that’s both a chemical and mineral sunscreen, the Innisfree Tone Up Watering Sunscreen will ensure you get maximum coverage from the sun, especially with its SPF50+ and PA++++. It has a light and airy formula, making it perfect to reapply throughout the day as your skin won’t feel heavy and congested. It spreads evenly across the skin, and provides a light glow to the skin.

Why we love it:

  • Chemical and mineral formula
  • Airy texture
  • Maximum sun protection

Price: RM 65

Where to buy: Innisfree

6. Some by Mi Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-Up Suncream 

A sunscreen and skincare product all in one, Some by Mi’s Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-Up Suncream is a dream for anyone who’s consistently running late and rushing out of the door. It’s a cream-type water-based sunscreen that has Melaleuca Alternifolia Leaf Water as its hero ingredient, and at 378,000ppm it’s no wonder this product is so hydrating. It’s also infused with niacinamide and Trueccia, which can reduce wrinkles, brighten skin complexion, and soothes the skin barrier.

Why we love it:

  • Non-sticky, matte finish
  • Has a pleasant lavender and tea tree oil scent
  • Lightweight formula

Price: RM 55

Where to buy: Threebs

7. Laneige Radian-C Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

Trust us, the Radian-C Sun Cream by Laneige is going to be your new best friend. Jam-packed with skin-loving ingredients like ceramide to deeply moisturise the skin, pantheon to strengthen the skin barrier, and vitamin EAE to provide protection against harmful sun rays, as well as acts as a powerful anti-oxidant. It has an incredibly lightweight texture, and contains the patented Melasolv to reduce pigmentation and inhibit blemishes.

Why we love it:

  • Super airy texture
  • Strengthens and brightens the skin
  • Strong UV protection

Price: RM 128

Where to buy: Laneige

8. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50

The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen SPF 50 has a cult following, and we know exactly why. A water-based sunscreen that’s actually the brand’s first ever sunscreen, it’s full to the brim with powerful skincare ingredients that will treat your skin while protecting it. This sunscreen features niacinamide to brighten and even the skin tone, hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin, and watermelon extract to soothe the skin from any irritation. Perfect for all skin tones and skin types, this hydrating sunscreen will give you the glow-from-within that you’ve been searching for.

Why we love it:

  • Suitable for all skin tones and skin types
  • Intensely hydrating and nourishing
  • Provides a luminous finish to the skin

Price: RM 174

Where to buy: Sephora

9. Shiseido The Perfect Protector Suncare SPF50+ PA++++ 

Featuring a unique technology that allows this sunscreen to protect the skin from UV rays even more efficiently when in contact with water, the The Perfect Protector Suncare by Shiseido is perfect for those like us who are constantly sweating under the Malaysian sun. It has a lightweight, watery texture that glides seamlessly across the skin to provide even protection, and doesn’t leave any white cast. Infused with the brand’s proprietary NatureSurge Complex, this sunscreen even protects the skin against any external stressors that cause irritation and oxidation, like urban pollution.

Why we love it:

  • Activated by water and heat
  • Infused with skincare ingredients
  • Lightweight, watery texture

Price: RM 195

Where to buy: Shiseido

10. Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ 50ml

One of the most loved sunscreens on the market, the Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is a game changer. Featuring its hero ingredient Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, it’s extremely soothing, and will calm any irritated skin in an instant. It has a creamy, lightweight texture, and doesn’t have that weird sunscreen smell or leave behind any white cast. It’s neither sticky nor oily, and creates a smooth base for you to apply your makeup. Generally an amazing sunscreen and super affordable, the Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream should definitely be in your cart.

Why we love it:

  • Smooth, creamy texture
  • Soothes red or irritated skin
  • Doesn’t leave a scent or white cast

Price: RM 28.42

Where to buy: Lazada

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