Hi everyone! 

I know many Korean and other Asian sunscreens out there are specifically designed to feel lightweight and comfortable on the skin — especially under makeup — when going about daily life. But, I was wondering if any of these sunscreens also happen to be water and sweat resistant (unfortunately many Korean sunscreens aren’t). If you happen to know of any that both blend right into your skin and can withstand a lot of water, please drop some recommendations below!

I’m very fascinated by sunscreen formulation itself, but am not sure if the water-resistant factor in many American sunscreens is what makes them feel so… greasy? (Cosmetic chemist knowledge on this — if it can be found here — would be appreciated! You guys are amazing 🤩)

Unfortunately, as we all know, the United States is behind when it comes to options for UV filters. I have combination skin that tends to become EASILY greasy from most American sunscreens and have so far only found luck with Korean products. Isntree’s Onion Fresh Fluid Sun Cream felt AMAZING even on my combination skin (oily T-zone, normal cheeks/rest of face) but it isn’t water-resistant, which is not surprising 😅. Will I just have to opt for Korean/European sunscreen during daily life but water-resistant, greasy American sunscreens when I am active or swimming? Asking all this mostly as someone who has days where I at first only need daily, non water-resistant sunscreens, but then they spontaneously turn into active ones 🤣

Thanks for reading! ☀️

Water-resistant Asian sunscreens?

• Can look very greasy on oilier/combo skin types like mine (might be better on drier ones though)
• Also greasy to the touch — results in extra oiliness on finger after rubbing T-zone
• After hours of sweating it may leak into eyes and sting, but it’s definitely not the worst sunscreen eye burn I’ve had

Overall, I just don’t think this sunscreen is best for oilier/combination skin types like mine. However, I do believe drier skin types could benefit a lot from its properties. Thankfully the greasiness with this sunscreen is only appearance-wise and is not also reflected in how it feels ON the skin.

• Lightweight texture; doesn’t feel heavy even on my combination skin
• Colour blends very well into my skin tone, helps hide the appearance of some blemishes
• Thick, viscous texture means no dripping, while still being creamy
• Softens the feeling of skin
• Helps prevent tanning and, most likely, sunburn (I don’t burn much at all so I’m not the best judge in that regard, but I do tan very easily — this sunscreen helps a lot to reduce that!)

I really wanted to like this sunscreen, but I wouldn’t buy it again. I think it just wasn’t a good fit for the oily areas on my combination skin, as soft and hydrated as it made my cheeks feel. For me to consider facial sunscreen to be considered non-greasy it always has to undergo the two-finger rule — and this one held up alright on my skin. It definitely wasn’t the greasiest face sunscreen I’ve ever tried, but I think it would fit much better for those with all-around dry skin. (It’s great as a body sunscreen though!)

• Can be greasy in T-zone
• MAY sting eyes if it runs down into them

Love how smoothly this moisturiser/sunscreen went on. It uses chemical UV filters, so it leaves no white cast. Keeps the naturally drier areas of my skin feeling hydrated and smooth — really lives up to its purpose as a moisturiser.

• Super smooth creamy-gel formula, no white cast
• I liked the dispenser a lot, and it was easy to use
• Hydrating, decently lightweight feel
• Neutral: Scent is mostly like that of regular unscented sunscreen, but has its own unique aspects too — I don’t mind it

Nothing too important — it’s a pretty basic cleanser and doesn’t seem offer any other skincare benefits (brightening, acne control, etc) but I guess I don’t expect much of that from a cleanser. It does the job which I expect from it just fine.

Effect/feel on skin • I absolutely love this cleanser for my oily-leaning combination skin! It does not leave my face feeling stripped of its natural oils but my skin ALWAYS feels clean afterward. I’ve forgotten to finish my routine/apply moisturiser a few times after cleansing with this product, and my skin still didn’t feel dry (which would have eventually forced it into sebum overdrive mode).

Texture • A moderately viscuous, clear gel, just like any other gel cleanser. Foams up easily.

Scent • Very noticeable scent of tea tree oil (not surprising, as this is one of the ingredients). I personally love this smell, but others may not.

savannahh