19 sunscreens that you can comfortably wear indoors without feeling greasy

Since most of us are working from home, you probably remain unfussed about the following three things: bras, makeup, and real pants. Sure, your makeup products are most definitely collecting dust right now, but what about your skincare?

Perhaps this is how your morning beauty routine looks like: you wash your face, tone, and hydrate your skin – maybe you’ll slick on some concealer or tidy up your brows a little (if you’re choosing to wear makeup at all) if you need to hop on a Zoom call with your colleagues.

But you might be forgetting an essential part of your routine: sunscreen. You may think that skimping on SPF while staying indoors is totally okay, but in reality, it’s far from all right. If anything, sunscreen continues to be useful for your skin even if you spend most of your time indoors.

That’s because standard glass windows only block out ultraviolet B (UVB) rays and not ultraviolet A (UVA), which have longer wavelengths that can penetrate deeper into the skin than UVB and are the main culprit of photo-ageing (dark spots, wrinkles, and leathery-textured skin, among others).

We get it – it’s absolutely tempting to skip the sunscreen while you’re stuck inside, but unless you’re working in a windowless room or have blackout curtains drawn, it’s imperative that you slather on some SPF every morning in order to protect your skin from the sun’s harsh UVA and UVB rays that can come through the windows.

Whether you prefer chemical sunscreen or mineral sunblock, we’re certain there’ll be something for you in our round-up of 22 easy-to-wear sunscreen formulas that you can seamlessly add to your work-from-home beauty routine.

1. Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30

This new weightless, all-physical formula not only blends easily on all skin tones to help defend the skin against UV rays and blue light, it also contains mushroom and green tea to soothe redness, reduce dryness, and fight free radical-induced skin damage.

Dermalogica Invisible Physical Defense SPF 30 retails for RM262 at Dermalogica and Zalora. 

2. Allie Extra UV Protector Gel N

For those whose skin is sensitive to perfumed skincare products, go for this fragrance-free formula which can be used on the face and body. In addition to shielding skin from intense UV rays, the formula is also amazingly friction-proof, meaning its protective film is resistant to rubbing and won’t leave a residue on your clothing!

Allie Extra UV Protector Gel N retails for RM33.95 at Watsons.

3. Shiseido Global Suncare The Perfect Protector SPF 50+/PA++++

This recently launched formula is incredibly comfortable to wear especially in our humid Singapore weather because it disappears immediately as you rub it into your skin, leaving it silky smooth and protected.

But that’s more to this sunblock, as it is powered by a unique HeatForce technology that equips the skin with a protective film that purportedly can be strengthened by heat, sweat, and water.

Shiseido Global Suncare The Perfect Protector SPF 50+/PA++++ retails for RM180 at Sephora.

4. SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50

On top of giving a matte finish that holds up throughout the day, this non-comedogenic, mineral sunblock also features a plankton extract to help boost skin’s natural defenses to stress induced by UV and heat.

SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 retails for RM238.61 at CareToBeauty.

5. Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50

It’s hard not to love this formula – it’s silicone-free, doesn’t leave behind a white cast, and is jam-packed with antioxidants formulated to keep your complexion on point throughout the day.

Paula’s Choice Extra Care Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF 50 retails for RM110 at Paula’s Choice.

6. Missha All-Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++

In case you don’t already know, you do have to reapply sunscreen throughout the day – which is annoying, we know – and it’d just be much more challenging to do if the sunscreen you use is unpleasant to wear.

This refreshing, weightless formula feels almost like nothing once it goes onto the skin, so you can keep slathering it on throughout the day to keep your skin protected and also fresh.

Missha All-Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++ retails for RM78.43 on YesStyle.

7. Sulwhasoo UV Wise Brightening Multi Protector SPF50+/PA++++

This gentle-on-skin sunscreen goes one step further by harnessing the powers of Korean herbal medicine to combat heat irritation while blocking ultra-fine micro dust, improving skin brightness, and reducing melanin production.

Sulwhasoo UV Wise Brightening Multi Protector SPF50+/PA++++ retails for RM199 at Sephora.

8. Eau Thermale Avène Very High Protection SPF50+ Fluid

This gentle formula is suitable for sensitive skin and also children as it effectively protects against harmful sun rays while also soothing facial inflammation with Avène’s signature Thermal Spring Water.

Eau Thermale Avène Very High Protection SPF50+ Fluid retails for RM85.50 at Watsons.

9. Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30

This is great for layering under makeup because it glides on to the skin to leave it hydrated, smooth, and matte. But more than that, it’s spiked with soy complex to brighten dark spots over time and reflective mica particles to offer instant radiance as well.

Aveeno Positively Radiant Daily Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 retails for RM77.59 on iHerb.

10. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Not only does this formula not clog pores or leave a white cast, it’s also extremely comfortable to wear as it doesn’t slick off even with sweat or water. Best of all, it provides all-round protection to even the most sensitive, sun-allergic skin.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ retails for RM104.47 at Watsons.

11. Supergoop! Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40 PA+++

When it comes to protecting the skin from sun rays, you definitely cannot neglect the delicate skin around your eyes. Go for this fast-absorbing skin-brightening eye cream that uses 100% zinc oxide to shield skin from UV rays and blue light while instantly reviving tired eyes with a sheer illuminating tint.

Supergoop! Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40 PA+++ retails for RM160 at Sephora.

12. Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15

With your face and eyes covered, don’t forget to pucker up with an anti-sun lip treatment too!

A perennial favourite among Hollywood A-listers and beauty insiders, this formula moisturises, protects, and smooths lips with real sugar (said to be a natural humectant) while maintaining hydration levels and protecting the pout from wrinkle-causing free radicals with a blend of nourishing meadowfoam, blackcurrant, and grapeseed oils plus vitamins C and E.

Another plus point: It’s got 12 other tinted shades that you can choose from if you prefer to have some colour on your lips.

Fresh Sugar Tinted Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15 retails for RM103 at Sephora.

13. Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF50

A godsend for those with oily skin, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen absorbs fast to keep your skin shine-free. It enlists the help of Helioplex™ Technology to ensure that sun protection doesn’t break down, effectively blocking damaging UVA and UVB rays.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF50 (88ml) retails for RM37.74 at Hermo.

14. Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++

This anti-ageing sunscreen is great if you prefer a formula that blends effortlessly for a beautiful skin-like matte finish. On top of blocking further damage from the sun’s harsh rays, it also comes enriched with vitamins and minerals, including Japanese wild rose, to reduce the signs of ageing.

Tatcha Silken Pore Perfecting Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 35 PA+++ retails for RM383.99 at Shopee.

15. La Mer The Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid

If hefty price tags aren’t an issue, opt for this luxurious, quick-absorbing formula that defends skin against everyday exposure to UV rays while infusing skin with the renewing energies of La Mer’s signature sea-sourced Miracle Broth ingredient.

La Mer The Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UV Protecting Fluid retails for RM489 at Zalora.

16. Dear Dahlia Skin Paradise Pure Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+ PA++++

Ultra-light and hydrating, this gentle sunscreen does more than physically deflecting UVA and UVB rays – the formula also contains dahlia variabilis flower extract, which allegedly helps protect the skin from damage and provides anti-ageing benefits to promote healthy-looking skin.

Dear Dahlia Skin Paradise Pure Moisture Sun Lotion SPF50+ PA++++ retails for RM150 at Shopee.

17. Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF50 Hydrating Shield

Packed with a combination of antioxidants that include ferulic acid, green tea, and idebenone, which help neutralise free radical damage caused by pollution and UV rays, this is a mineral-based anti-sun with an SPF of 50 to safeguard skin against UVA and UVB damage that also offers anti-pollution protection.

Elizabeth Arden Prevage City Smart Broad Spectrum SPF50 Hydrating Shield retails for RM247 at Zalora.

18. Eve Lom Daily Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen

Supercharged with protective, skin-brightening, and anti-ageing ingredients (including niacinamide plus vitamins C and E), this luxuriously creamy formula moisturises skin without leaving behind a telltale white veil. What’s even better is that it works well for all skin types and provides an anti-pollutant barrier for skin.

Eve Lom Daily Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen retails for RM437 at Zalora.

19. YSL Beauté Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender

Featuring a breakthrough technology that’s said to be eight times thinner than a conventional UV base, this latest YSL Beauté offering is also formulated with detoxifying Moroccan citrus peel and niacinamide so that skin stays highly protected from sun rays, pollution, and dust while totally breathable at the same time. Oh, and did we mention it’s also tested on Asian skin?

YSL Beauté Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender retails for RM199 at YSL Beauté.