20 of the Best Water-Based Sunscreens for All Skin Types and Tones

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.

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The Best Water-Based Sunscreens 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 102.00

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 155.00

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 89.99

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 65.00

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 128.00

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 173.00

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 157.25

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 29.30

Where to buy: Lazada

11. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch SPF50 88ml

Neutrogena is a skincare triumph, offering reliable protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Infused with Helioplex™ technology, it’s a lightweight marvel that leaves your skin feeling fresh, not greasy. Plus, you won’t have to worry about clogged pores or skin sensitivity — its subtle aroma is just the cherry on top.

Why we love it:

Water and sweat-proof
Kind to sensitive skin
Leaves no oily residue

Price: RM 37.22

Where to buy: Lazada

12. Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence Sunscreen SPF50

Wardah’s UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence Sunscreen brings you SPF50 protection and much more. Its gel-like texture sinks quickly into oily skin, fortified with antioxidants to maintain skin health. Additionally, its Halal status makes it universally friendly, and it leaves a clean, non-sticky finish on your skin.

Why we love it:

Lasts up to 24 months
Budget-friendly
High SPF and non-sticky

Price: RM 19.10

Where to buy: Shopee

13. Bio-essence Bio-water Hydrating Sunscreen SPF50+

Take your sun protection up a notch with Bio-Essence Bio-Water Hydrating Sunscreen. This SPF50+ sunscreen is not only a barrier against harmful rays but also a fountain of youth for your skin, thanks to its hyaluronic acid content. It tackles signs of ageing from sun exposure while keeping your skin plump and firm. What’s more, it’s easy on the eyes — literally.

Why we love it:

Packed with hyaluronic acid
No eye irritation
Quick skin absorption

Price: RM 37.50

Where to buy: Lazada

14. ZOE Sunscreen SPF50+

ZOE Sunscreen SPF50+ water-based sunscreens

Ideal for sensitive or recently treated skin, ZOE Sunscreen SPF50+ is a gentle force to be reckoned with. It incorporates ZOX12® technology, offering comprehensive protection against not just UVA/UVB rays but also infrared and HEV light. This mineral-based sunscreen soothes as it shields, reducing skin discomfort when under the sun.

Why we love it:

Oil-control benefits
Non-sticky texture
Quick to absorb

Price: RM 5.55

Where to buy: Shopee

15. Heliocare 360 Sunscreen

When it comes to fighting off harmful rays, Heliocare 360 Sunscreen is a heavyweight. It features the Bioshield system and advanced filters that absorb up to 200% more blue light than human skin can naturally handle. Designed specifically for sensitive and acne-prone skin, it boasts anti-bacterial and sebum-controlling features. Best suited for oily and combination skin, it reduces shine and leaves a matte finish.

Why we love it:

Tailored for sensitive and acne-prone skin
Oil-free and matte finish
Highly effective against blue light

Price: RM 114.90

Where to buy: Lazada

16. Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Sunscreen SPF120

Meet the athlete’s choice — Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Sunscreen SPF120. This is a high-performing sunscreen designed to work as hard as you do. It features Wet Skin Technology, allowing the sunscreen to effectively adhere to wet skin without towel drying first. In addition, its quick-drying formula avoids unsightly white streaks and drips when you’re breaking a sweat or taking a dip.

Why we love it:

Engineered for active lifestyles
Applies well on wet skin
Fast-absorbing with low irritation

Price: RM 39.99

Where to buy: Lazada

17. SOMEBYMI Truecica UV Sunscreen

SOMEBYMI’s Truecica UV Sunscreen stands out for its lightweight formula that’s far from greasy. Enriched with Niacinamide, it goes beyond mere protection, tackling dark spots, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and enlarged pores. And the best part? No unsightly white residues left on your skin.

Why we love it:

Non-nano mineral ingredients
No need for a foundation
Brightens the complexion

Price: RM 44

Where to buy: Lazada

18. Hada Labo Perfect UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+

For those in search of moisture and sun protection, Hada Labo Perfect UV Sunscreen Gel delivers. It combines three types of hyaluronic acid for all-day hydration. This formula not only safeguards your skin from UV rays but also serves as an excellent base for makeup. Designed for oily and combination skin, it’s fragrance-free to cater to sensitive noses.

Why we love it:

Tailored for combination and oily skin
Great as a makeup base
Fragrance-free for sensitive skin

Price: RM 66.20

Where to buy: Shopee

19. Nivea Sun Triple Protect Acne Oil Control SPF50

Nivea Sun Triple Protect Acne Oil Control is the reliable choice for acne-prone skin. Offering protection against UVA, UVB, and even blue light, this formula is all about comprehensive skin defence. Its fast-absorbing nature ensures a matte finish for up to eight hours. Added bonus: it’s formulated with Himalayan salt to keep your pores clear.

Why we love it:

All-round protection with SPF50+ PA+++
Quick absorption for a matte look
Non-pore-clogging due to Himalayan salt

Price: RM 43.12

Where to buy: Watsons

20. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-shine Fresh Mist SPF50 Facial Sunscreen

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-shine Fresh Mist is the go-to for busy folks. A quick spritz offers SPF50 protection and a matte finish. Dermatologically tested and alcohol-free, this sunscreen is designed to be gentle on your skin. Plus, it stands up to both sweat and water, making it a durable choice for any day.

Why we love it: