What is the key to having beautiful, healthy skin? That would be using sunblock or sunscreen before leaving your house in the morning. Your skin is exposed to damaging UV rays when you are in the sunlight without using sun protection, which can be terrible for your skin over time.
A water-based sunscreen is the ideal solution if you loathe layering on various skincare products during the day. Due to their high water content, water-based sunscreens are excellent moisturizers in addition to blocking UV rays. But how can you tell if the composition of a sunscreen is water-based? Just glance over the ingredient list to get started. There is a good possibility that the sunscreen is water-based if the first ingredient listed is water. Here are the top 10 best water-based sunscreens in Malaysia 2023.
What Is The Difference Between Water Based And Oil Based Sunscreens?
For those with acne and enlarged pores, water-based sunscreens are an excellent choice. Water-based sunscreens typically have a lighter, airier texture than oil-based sunscreens, which makes them less prone to stick to the skin. However, the formula of oil-based sunscreens is perfect for dry skin because of their thicker viscosity. However, specialists advise choosing products formulated with natural oils that are similar to those found in the skin, such as jojoba and grapeseed oils.
How Often Should You Reapply Sunscreen?
In general, sunscreen needs to be reapplied every two hours particularly after swimming or perspiring. You might not need to reapply if you work inside and are seated away from windows. But be careful how often you go outside. Just in case, keep a spare bottle of sunscreen at your desk.
10 Best Water Based Sunscreens In Malaysia 2023
1. Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence Sunscreen SPF50

The Wardah UV Shield Aqua Fresh Essence Sunscreen SPF50 is ideal for people with oily skin. Additionally, it has a gel texture that swiftly absorbs into the skin, and its ingredients includes antioxidants to calm the skin and safeguard the skin barrier. It is a fantastic sunscreen for everyone as it is Halal-certified and has a sheer, non-sticky finish.
Specifications:
- Formulation: Liquid
- Size: 30ml
- Country of Origin: Indonesia
Pros:
✅ 24 months shelf life
✅ Affordable
✅ High SPF level
Price: RM22.90 – RM17.90
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
2. Hada Labo Perfect UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+

Hada Labo Perfect UV Sunscreen Gel SPF50+ is made up of hyaluronic acid, super hyaluronic acid, and nano hyaluronic acid which are three forms of hyaluronic acid that are used in the composition to assist your skin retain water. As a result, this sunscreen can offer intense and continuous hydration. Additionally, because it moisturizes so well, it makes a fantastic foundation base.
Specifications:
- Formulation: Gel
- Size: 50g – 80g
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
Pros:
✅ 5 in 1 formula for combination and oily skin
✅ Face primer
✅ Fragrance free
Price: RM51.77
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
3. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sunscreen SPF50+

The COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ is a Korean product that provides the dual benefits of soothing and moisturizing your skin. This moisturizing sunscreen is the ideal 2-in-1 product because of its hydrating nature. Additionally, the formula of this product contains 5,500ppm of aloe leaf extract, which has the advantage of protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
Specifications:
- Formulation: Cream
- Size: 50ml
- Country of Origin: Malaysia
Pros:
✅ Clinically trials conducted both domestically and overseas
✅ Botanical ingredients
✅ Paraben, Sulfate, Alcohol free
Price: RM28.42 – RM42.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
4. Innisfree Sunscreen SPF50+

Innisfree Sunscreen SPF50+ is a 3-in-1 lotion that offers anti-wrinkle, brightening benefits, and UV protection. It is also cruelty-free. Sunflower oil and green tea extract in the sunscreen keeps your face looking young and healthy. Additionally, this sunscreen is sweat-resistant, sebum-resistant, long-lasting, and waterproof.
Specifications:
- Formulation: Liquid
- Size: 50ml
- Country of Origin: Korea
Pros:
✅ Light weight
✅ Watery application
✅ Natural tone up
Price: RM65.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
5. Bio-essence Bio-water Hydrating Sunscreen SPF50+

Bio-Essence Bio-Water Hydrating Sunscreen SPF50 is a must try if you have oily skin. With a component that completes the ideal skincare routine, hyaluronic acid, you may reverse common signs of photo-aging and improve the flexibility of your skin. It does a great job of moisturizing the skin and maintains your skin’s youthful, supple, and firm appearance over time. Your eyes won’t become irritated or sting from the formula. Additionally, its distinct consistency and texture guarantee quick absorption as it contacts your skin’s surface.
Specifications:
- Formulation: Liquid
- Size: 40ml
- Country of Origin: Singapore
Pros:
✅ High skin protection
✅ Cooling effect on skin
✅ Fast absorption
Price: RM32.83 – RM 39.12
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
6. BIORE UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence Sunscreen SPF50+

In addition to being reasonably priced, Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ Sunscreen offers sufficient sun protection. It has a light texture and absorbs quickly into the skin. Hyaluronic acid and Royal Jelly Extract are also included in its ingredient, which makes an excellent makeup base. It not only protects your skin from UV radiation but also evens out the tone of your skin.
Specifications:
- Formulation: Cream
- Size: 50g
- Country of Origin: Korea
Pros:
✅ Non-sticky
✅ Water-like sensation
✅ Micro UV Capsules
Price: RM35.70
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
7. Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Sunscreen SPF120

The SPF120 Sunplay Sport-Strength Sunscreen is a sunscreen that is especially made for people who lead active lifestyles that increases skin protection with high absorption rate. Additionally, it has Wet Skin Technology, which is made to rapidly pierce wet skin without the need for towel drying. It prevents drip-off and whitening on wet skin with a quick-dry composition.
Specifications:
- Formulation: Cream
- Size: 10g – 80g
- Country of Origin: Korea
Pros:
✅ Gentle and mild formula
✅ No colorant and mineral oil
✅ Low irritation
✅ Fast absorption
Price: RM29.59 – RM48.49
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
8. Heliocare 360 Sunscreen

The Bioshield system and sophisticated filters in Heliocare 360 Sunscreen target the harmful effects of infrared radiation-A while absorbing up to 200% more blue light than human skin. It is advised for sensitive and acne-prone skin because it is enriched with anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, and sebum controlling technology. Due to its oil-free dry touch composition, which reduces shine brought on by humid weather and leaves the skin with a matte finish, it is especially suited for combination and oily skin types.
Specifications:
- Formulation: Gel
- Size: 50ml
- Country of Origin: United States
Pros:
✅ Inhibit DNA damage on skin
✅ Reduce sun-induced allergic skin
✅ Non-comedogenic
Price: RM94.50 – 98.00
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
9. ZOE Sunscreen SPF50+

For delicate and post-procedure skin, ZOE Sunscreen SPF50+ is recommended. This non-irritating, lightweight mineral sunscreen with ZOX12® compound guards against the harmful effects of UVA/UVB, infrared rays, and HEV light. This sunscreen soothes the skin and helps minimize irritation when exposed to sun.
Specifications:
- Formulation: Cream
- Size: 60g
- Country of Origin: China
Pros:
✅ Oil-control
✅ Non-sticky
✅ Quick absorption
Price: RM5.71 – RM18.43
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
10. SOMEBYMI Truecica UV Sunscreen

Truecica UV Sunscreen, one of SOMEBYMI’s best-selling products, is designed to be non-sticky and non-greasy and leaves your skin protected, moisturized, and cool. Because Niacinamide is present, which helps to prevent dark spots, fine wrinkles, and enlarged pores, the skin is additionally brightened by this product. In addition, the skin is not left with a white cast!
Specifications:
- Formulation: Cream
- Size: 50ml
- Country of Origin: China
Pros:
✅ Non-nano Mineral
✅ Foundation-free
✅ Reef-free formula
Price: RM35.00 – RM36.99
*Prices may vary at the time of purchase
Disclosure: This list was compiled by the team at My Weekend Plan after extensive research and shared opinions to suggest helpful recommendations for the public. The sequence of brands is in no particular order so if you have any other great suggestions too, please email us [email protected]. For more information, kindly refer to our copyright, privacy & disclosure policy.