My Top 3 Korean Sunscreens for Oily, Combination & Sensitive Skin (2026)

Skincare
Three Korean sunscreens — Numbuzin Clear Filter Sun Essence, Dr. Althea Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen, and SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

The best Korean sunscreens for oily, combination, and sensitive skin control shine and calm redness without a white cast — my top 3 are Numbuzin Clear Filter Sun Essence, Dr. Althea Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen, and SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum. They're lightweight, comfortable, makeup-friendly, and don't leave my oily, combination skin feeling greasy.

This post contains affiliate links — full disclosure below.

Introduction

Finding a sunscreen that works for oily, combination, sensitive skin isn't always easy.

Many sunscreens promise a lightweight finish but end up feeling sticky, greasy, or causing makeup to separate after a few hours.

After testing quite a few Korean sunscreens, I've narrowed my favourites down to these three. All three are SPF50+ PA++++, so you're getting the highest broad-spectrum protection rating either way — the real differences come down to texture, finish, and how each one behaves on oily or sensitive skin.

Here's how I'd rank them.


🥉 No. 3 — Numbuzin Clear Filter Sun Essence

SPF50+ PA++++

Numbuzin No.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++

If your skin tends to get dehydrated easily, this is one of the nicest sunscreen textures I've tried.

The formula feels almost like a watery essence rather than a traditional sunscreen. It spreads effortlessly and sinks into the skin without feeling heavy.

One feature I really enjoy is the subtle green tint, which helps tone down some of the redness around my cheeks. It isn't enough to replace makeup, but it does give my skin a slightly more even appearance.

The finish is noticeably dewy and leaves my skin looking healthy and hydrated. There's also a slight brightening effect that makes my complexion appear more awake.

The only downside is that on very humid days — or when my skin is particularly oily — it can become a little tacky after several hours. Because of that, I reach for this more during cooler or drier weather.

Why I like it

• Watery, essence-like texture

• Slight green tint helps reduce visible redness

• Very hydrating

• Gives a beautiful healthy glow

• Slight brightening effect

Best for

• Combination skin

• Sensitive skin

• Dry weather

• Anyone who enjoys a glowy finish


🥈 No. 2 — Dr. Althea Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen

SPF50+ PA++++

Dr. Althea Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Whenever Singapore gets especially hot and humid, this is usually the sunscreen I reach for.

It has an incredibly lightweight texture that almost disappears into the skin after application. Even on oily days, it never feels greasy or suffocating.

The green tea-based formula also feels very calming, making it a great option whenever my skin barrier is feeling a little irritated.

Although the finish is still slightly dewy, it's much more controlled compared to many Korean sunscreens, which makes it ideal for oily skin.

Another reason I love it is how beautifully it works underneath makeup. My foundation applies evenly without pilling or rolling, even after multiple skincare layers.

Why I like it

• Extremely lightweight

• Calming and soothing

• Absorbs quickly

• Doesn't feel greasy

• Layers beautifully under makeup

• No pilling

Best for

• Oily skin

• Combination skin

• Humid climates

• Everyday wear


🥇 No. 1 — SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

SPF50+ PA++++

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++

If I could only keep one sunscreen, this would be it.

I've gone through multiple bottles because it simply works with everything.

The texture feels more like a hydrating serum than a sunscreen. It glides across the skin effortlessly and leaves behind a natural, healthy glow without ever feeling greasy.

Unlike many dewy sunscreens, this one never becomes sticky on my skin. It almost melts into my face and feels like a second skin.

It also has absolutely no white cast, making it incredibly easy to wear every single day.

One of my favourite things about this sunscreen is how well it performs under makeup. My base looks smoother, fresher, and more natural whenever I use it. On busy mornings, it almost feels like I'm applying a serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen all at once.

For my oily, dehydrated, combination skin, it's the perfect balance of hydration without heaviness.

Why it's my favourite

• Serum-like texture

• Hydrating without feeling greasy

• Natural glow-from-within finish

• Feels like second skin

• No white cast

• Never feels sticky or tacky

• Works beautifully under makeup

• Can replace a separate morning moisturizer for many skin types

Best for

• Oily skin

• Combination skin

• Sensitive skin

• Everyday use

• Anyone wanting glowy, healthy-looking skin


Which One Should You Choose?

If you want maximum hydration
Numbuzin Clear Filter Sun Essence
If you want a lightweight sunscreen for humid weather
Dr. Althea Green Tea Fresh Sunscreen
If you want the best all-rounder
SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

Final Thoughts

After trying all three, the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum continues to be the one I reach for most often.

It strikes the perfect balance between hydration and comfort, never feels greasy, and consistently makes my skin look healthy while helping my makeup apply beautifully.

That said, all three are excellent Korean sunscreens, and all offer the same SPF50+ PA++++ protection level. The best choice really depends on your skin type, the climate you live in, and the finish you personally enjoy.

If you have oily, combination, sensitive skin like I do, I genuinely don't think you can go wrong with any of these.


These recommendations are based entirely on my personal experience with oily, dehydrated, combination, sensitive skin. Skincare is highly individual, and your experience may differ depending on your skin type, environment, routine, and sensitivities. I always recommend patch testing new products before using them regularly. Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use or would happily repurchase.