By this point, we’re quite sure that everyone knows enough to ensure that daily sunscreen application is important. Practically every beauty brand that’s worth its salt has at least one if not several sun protection products under its umbrella. But being in Malaysia, our needs are quite specific in the fact that we deal with immense humidity, the occasional deluge, and worst of all, UV exposure that is off the charts high. For that, we have you covered with our list of best sunscreen in Malaysia—for literally every need you may have.
We all know vitamin D is important and you can get it from basking in the sun, but remember that since we’re living at the Equator, we’re quite exposed to the dangers of skin cancer. While, sure, wearing sunscreen can dampen the skin’s natural ability to supply itself with vitamin D, this research suggests that the risk is low, and that “concerns about vitamin D should not negate skin cancer prevention advice.”
We’ve also spoken to dermatologists Dr Aamna Adel and Dr Shammi Thesan for advice on how to shop for sunscreens—there are hundreds out there. Everyone also has different wants and needs for sunscreen, so below, we’re breaking down what these sunscreens can do for you.
The Best Sunscreens in Malaysia, According to Your Needs
The All-Rounder
This category is for the crowdpleaser and should be quite an enjoyable experience for many. Paula’s Choice Advanced Sun Protection Daily Moisturiser SPF50 is a blend of five state-of-the-art sunscreen filters that work hard to protect the skin from photoaging. The creamy texture provides comfort to the skin and leaves a healthy and sheer dewy glow without the dreadful white cast. While it may feel a touch greasy when freshly applied, all you have to do is let it sink in to do away with it.
The Glow Getter
Perfect for those with a) dry skin, and b) a constant urge to have glass skin, the Ultra Violette Queen Screen SPF50+ Luminising Serum Skinscreen is a dream come true. Constantly selling-out, the sunscreen has a serum-like milky consistency that absorbs quickly into the skin. But the real hitmaker element of this item is that it imparts a glow that leaves the face with a glass-skin effect. It’s also cosmetically-elegant and doesn’t leave the skin with a white cast, even from the get-go. However, if you’re an oily skin gal, you might be better off with our next suggestion.
The Mattifying Wonder
Not only does the REN Clean Screen Mineral SPF30 protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays, but it also contains rice starch to keep the shine under control by absorbing excess sebum. Formulated without silicones, it somehow has a pore-minimising effect due to that very same ingredient. Don’t let the thick cream-cheese texture drive you away though—it can easily be worked into the skin, no sweat. (Bonus for the environmental heroes out there: the bottle is made of 50% recycled plastic, while the cap is at 100%!)
The Hydrating Hero
But let’s face it, sometimes a girl needs an extra dose of hydration. That’s where the Torriden Dive-In Watery Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ comes in. This one boasts ten molecular weights of hyaluronic acid—which means it can hydrate even more layers of the dermatome. It’s pretty much half super-hydrator, half sunscreen. The watery format makes it practical for the Malaysian weather, where it can absorb seamlessly without stifling the skin. And if you’ve been sunburnt, it has jojoba seed oil and aloe extract to reduce irritation and soothe the skin.
For Sensitive Skin
We’re of course not forgetting those of you who have sensitive skin. Sunscreen hunting can be a real struggle if you fall under this category, but fret not, because Kayman Beauty Suntella UV Milk SPF50+ PA++++ is here. The star ingredient is centella asiatica, which is exactly what you should be looking for when searching for a sunscreen for sensitive skin. Soothing, healing, and with the ability to boost circulation, the ingredient is a hit among many. On top of that, it’s also formulated with moisturising allantoin, ceramide, and glycerin. This means you can skip the moisturiser and go straight to your SPF.
The Brightening Sunscreen
Want to maximise your sun protection game? Then try out the Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF40 Serum. Sunscreens cannot totally block out UV rays, and any that slip through the cracks can generate free radicals. This is where vitamin C come to play, by neutralising it should it finds its way through the first layer of defence. That’s why these two elements are considered the power couple of photoprotection. Plus, vitamin C is a brightening agent—and who doesn’t want clear, radiant skin?
The One that Doubles as Makeup Primer
But let’s say you need a sunscreen that can pull a double-duty… Then that’s a task for the Clinique Even Better City Block SPF45 PA+++. Perfect for travel or your gym bag, the City Block works as both an anti-pollution sunscreen and a primer. The water-gel texture is going to be just what you need, because no one wants to feel that displeasing heavy layer, especially when you have makeup application to think about next. There are plenty of skin-loving ingredients in here, chief of it being Gyokuro (known for its calming effects) and the rare Japanese strain of beautyberry (a wonderful radiance booster).
The Tinted Sunscreen
Speaking of skipping steps, we have the all-time icon Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Oil Free SPF20 PA+++. She’s been around since 1996 and has been a staple in many makeup kits, from makeup artists to your favourite beauty creators. There’s a reason why it’s a classic, and it’s because it’s a no-fuss product that results in a natural, demi-matte makeup look that is made for daily wear. While we don’t necessarily condone just wearing this without proper sun protection underneath (because SPF20 doesn’t cut it in Malaysia), it is a nice touch to have an extra layer of protection on top. Enriched with jojoba esters, squalane, and lauryl PCA, you can count on this to provide the skin with ample moisturisation action.
The Sweat- and Water-Resistant
Remember how we talked about Malaysia’s climate? Well, you’re going to need one that can take on rain and sweat. Or on days where you’re taking a dip in water. For that, try out the innovative Shiseido Perfect UV Protector HydroFresh SPF50+ PA+++, which offers even better sun protection upon contact with water, thanks to the WetForce technology. But even when worn for daily occasions, it’s an ideal sunscreen that you should consider. The gel consistency imparts a dewy, hydrating finish that’s comfortable for all-day wear, even as the temperature rises.
The Ultimate Convenience
Listen… Sometimes putting on sunscreen falls to the bottom of the day’s priority list, and to make sure that you’ve still got some sun protection is the easy-to-apply Caudalie Vinosun Invisible High Protection Stick SPF50. Invisible upon application, you won’t need a mirror with this—just make sure that you’ve got the surface totally covered. The stick format also lends a portable quality, which means you can literally just throw this into your bag, get into a cab, and apply it on your way to your destination.
The Best for Reapplication
Since we’re on this note, another key convenience factor is ease of reapplication. If you’re really strict on your sun protection regimen, then it’s every two hours. That’s why the handy Ultra Violette Preen Screen SPF 50 Reapplication Mist is created, to ensure that you have that protection all day long. Even if you have makeup on, the mist can be sprayed on without affecting your hard work. Loaded with skin-nourishing ingredients niacinamide, vitamins C and E, and aloe vera, each application adds not only a fresh layer of sun protection but also moisture.
For the Body
Don’t forget to show some love to the body too. But with all that real estate to cover, we understand that it can be a hassle. This is why we’re nominating the Sol de Janeiro Rio Radiance Body Spray SPF50. Dispensed in a fine mist, it hydrates the skin, leaves a goddess-level glow, and of course, protects the skin from the sun’s harm. Additionally, it also offers up to 40 minutes of water resistance. The best part? If you adore the Cheirosa 87 fragrance—which is a medley of solar tuberose and coconut milk—then this should immediately be added to your shopping cart.
For the Lips
Last, but not least, you’ve got to protect the lips. The good news is, the Ultra Violette Sheen Screen Hydrating Lip Balm SPF 50 is the winner in this category. With absolutely zero sunscreen taste, it instead leaves a refreshing minty feeling on the lips upon application. We love the juicy shade range too, and the silicone tip that immaculately hugs the contour of the lips. Six juicy shades are available, and we won’t have to tell you to reapply, because you’re going to want to with how comfortably this sits on the lips.