Perfect for Oily Skin: Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50 Review
Written By Jenny Wu on
I love Korean sunscreens, I really do. Ever since the whole SPF scandal they’ve really improved their quality control, with many brands voluntarily showing independent lab tests as proof. BUT, one thing that I’m not always fan of: the dewy finish.
That’s fine in the winter or if you have dry skin year round, but otherwise the dewiness just makes your face look extra greasy. Not cute. Which is why the Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream is so good for oily and combination skin.
Table of Contents
Overview
What is it
The natural-derived formula absorbs moisture and softly, providing a refreshing finish without stickiness.
Protection Factor
Labeled: SPF50+ and PA++++
Filters
Uvinul T 150, Mexoryl SX, Uvinul A Plus, Parsol SLX, and Tinosorb S
Best suited for
Combination or oily skin that want a light sunscreen with oil control to minimize shine.
Things to note
Alcohol free but does contain fragrance. Cruelty free. Can sting if it gets in your eyes.
Packaging
A cute blue plastic bottle.
Scent
A light fresh scent, reminds me a little of deodorant! Scent isn’t noticeable after you apply the product.
Texture
A light lotion texture that spreads easily and sets quickly.
Finish
A velvet matte finish with a slight pore blurring effect and no white cast. Skin feels soft and silky. Not drying, though dry skin types will need to apply moisturizer underneath. Not water resistant.
Price & Size
~$15 for 50ml on YesStyle (5% off with code GEEKYPOSH), Amazon, StyleKorean, and Stylevana (10% off with SHOPJENNY)
Product Demo
Ingredients
Because most Korean sunscreens are produced by Kolmar, you tend to see similar filters. However, Tocobo’s sunscreen uses a different supplier and I’m impressed by the UV filters they chose:
- Uvinul T 150 protects against UVB. It’s extremely stable and just a small % is needed to give high SPF protection.
- Mexoryl SX protects against the entire UVA range and is typically found in L’oreal brands, so seeing it here is a nice surprise! It’s stable, safe, and tested to not be harmful against coral reefs.1
- Uvinul A Plus also protects against UVA-I and UVA-II. It’s stable and studies show that only minimal amount gets absorbed into the skin.
- Parsol SLX protects against UVB and is silicone based, which gives it that elegant texture and a skin blurring finish. It’s can also help stabilize other filters.
- Tinosorb S protects against both UVA and UVB. A study of 18 filters actually found this to have one of the best SPF protection, plus it’s incredibly stable and safe.
Now the sunscreen does contain some humectants like hyaluronic acid and glycerin, but it doesn’t feel the slight bit moisturizing. Dry skin types definitely want to layer an actual moisturizer underneath.
How to use the Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream
Steps and tips on how to best apply sunscreen to ensure proper protection and prevent pilling!
Materials
- Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream
Tools
Instructions
- Apply every morning as the last step in your skincare routine.
- Moisturizer required if you have dry or normal skin, as this sunscreen isn't moisturizing at all on its own.
- Wait for the moisturizer to dry down before applying sunscreen for best results.
- Use the two finger method to ensure adequate application for your face, and apply one finger at a time.
- Layer one finger’s worth of product at a time to help with blending.
- Use another finger for your neck.
- Wait for sunscreen to fully set (shouldn't be more than a minute) before applying makeup.
- If you have oily lids, powder to make sure it doesn't get into your eyes!
Notes
To help with application and reapplication, you can use a damp makeup sponge or cushion puff to pat the sunscreen in!
Usage Experience & Results
At first the texture feels like any other Korean sunscreen: light, almost gel-like lotion. If I had to pick it feels the most similar to the Beauty of Joseon one, but the Tocobo doesn’t feel as watery. As a result it seems to set quicker, making it easier to apply your second layer almost immediately.
What I’m most impressed though is the velvet finish. Most sunscreens that are matte are also extremely drying, but not this one. The Tocobo sunscreen truly feels like you have nothing on! However I still advise those with dry skin like me to apply a moisturizer underneath, otherwise your skin may feel a little tight.
It wears wonderfully under makeup and even provides some oil control benefits. There’s this tackiness that can’t be felt with the hand but seems to grip makeup quite well (see demo video above). I find that with this my t-zones don’t get as oily, but that also means my cheek can feel a little dry if I don’t use a rich enough moisturizer.
If I had to nitpick, it’d be that this sunscreen has not been independently tested, though with the mix of filters I still think it’s safe for everyday wear. The other being that it’s not water resistant/proof, but that’s a common issue with most everyday Korean sunscreens.
What Others Say
The texture is so creamy & buttery and blends in so well. I love this! I don’t feel heavy, greasy, or oily after and it works great under makeup.
Alexandra Chou
This sunscreen actually absorbs so quickly into my skin and doesn’t leave any white cast, it feels so light and not oily at all.
naziasubhan, oily skin
My skin is not overly sensitive but it felt tingling when I applied this. They eye area was a big NO for me. When absorbed into the skin I was left with a tight feeling on my face even though I used it on top of a moisturizer.
Ana-Marie, dry/combination skin
Similar Sunscreens to Consider
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Probably the most similar in terms of texture and finish, but to me the BoJ will work for more skin types, especially dryer skin like mine. It’s also independently tested!
AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen
This one also has an almost matte finish, but surprisingly I found the AXIS-Y actually a tiny bit more moisturizing! It’s also independently tested, but being a physical sunscreen, there is a minor white cast.
Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen
Both have similar elegant textures, but I would say the Neogen will work for all skin types vs just combo/oily. Both also sting like crazy if it gets in the eye.
B-Lab Matcha Hydrating Real Sunscreen
If you want an independently tested sunscreen with the same 5 filters (in different %), try this one. Oily skin may not like the B-Lab as much though, it feels noticeably more moisturizing and takes longer to dry down as a result.
Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick
The same velvet finish but in stick form, this one is excellent for reapplication while minimizing shine. However the stick form uses a different set of filters, with just 2 that protect against UVA rays instead of the 3 in the cream form.
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Final Verdict
Pros
- Beautiful velvet, almost pore-blurring, finish.
- Non-greasy texture is easy to apply and so comfortable on the skin.
- Layers beautifully under makeup doubling as a primer.
- Great combination of filters protect the skin against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Reasonably priced.
Cons
- Can be a little drying if you don’t moisturize beforehand.
- Will sting the eyes.
- Not independently tested nor water resistant.
Scores & Summary
-
Ingredients
8.5
-
Packaging
8.5
-
Texture/Application
10
-
Performance
9
-
Price
9
Even though I don’t have oily skin I absolutely love that this isn’t just another moisturizing and dewy sunscreen. So if none of the popular Korean sunscreens have worked for you (too shiny or too rich), I promise this one is different. This won’t be my go-to in the winter, but you bet when the warm weather comes I’ll be reaching for it everyday!
Article Sources
To keep my content accurate and trustworthy, I rely on peer-reviewed studies, articles from reputable academic institutions, and quotes from certified healthcare professionals to back my claims.
Fel, Jean-Pierre, et al. “Photochemical Response of the Scleractinian Coral Stylophora Pistillata to Some Sunscreen Ingredients.” Coral Reefs, vol. 38, no. 1, 29 Dec. 2018, pp. 109–122, link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00338-018-01759-4, 10.1007/s00338-018-01759-4.
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
sarah
omg do you like plushes/dolls? how many do you have? my mom hates plushes so i keep them in my room
Jenny Wu
I love them, and I have too many to count, especially if you count the small ones.