I’ve been on the hunt for a non-drying, alcohol-free sunscreen that can stand up to hot, humid weather without turning my face into a grease slick by midday. That’s what initially caught my attention with the BY365 Powdery UV Cream, a Japanese chemical sunscreen that promises a moisturizing cream texture, a powdery semi-matte finish, and zero alcohol. On paper, it sounded like a dream for oily or combination skin.

💧 Texture & Finish : Velvet Skin in a Tube

True to its claims, the BY365 goes on like a lightweight cream but spreads effortlessly without dragging or patchiness. It sets within a minute or two into a smooth, velvety finish with no tackiness, no greasiness, and absolutely no white cast. In fact, the soft-focus effect it gives reminds me of a mattifying primer, only more breathable. It’s not intensely moisturizing, so I’d still recommend using a hydrating serum or moisturizer underneath, but it’s perfect for preventing that uncomfortable tightness after cleansing.

There’s also a subtle cooling sensation on application, not minty or tingly, just a pleasant freshness that makes this especially enjoyable in hot weather.

👃 Fragrance : Clean Linen, but on Your Face

The one notable downside? The fragrance. It has a pronounced “clean laundry” scent that lingers longer than I’d like, especially for a face product. While some might find it fresh and comforting, for those sensitive to fragrance or simply prefer unscented skincare, this could be a dealbreaker. Personally, I found it distracting during the first 30 minutes of wear.

🌤️ Performance : Water-Resistant and Workout-Proof

I tested this on a few hot days, including one gym session with a decent amount of sweating and it held up impressively well. No pilling, no stinging, and best of all, my T-zone stayed relatively matte with minimal blotting required. Despite its powdery finish, it didn’t flake or emphasize dryness. It’s also soap-washable, meaning you don’t need a dedicated oil cleanser to remove it, which makes reapplication more convenient.

💄 Makeup Compatibility : A Surprising Dual Purpose

What makes this formula stand out even more is how well it works under makeup. That soft-blur, semi-matte finish functions almost like a silicone primer. Foundations glide over it effortlessly without caking, separating, or sliding around. If you’ve been using alcohol-based “milk” sunscreens for their makeup grip, this is a great alternative that offers a smoother finish without the drying downside.

🔄 Comparison : BY365 vs. Biore UV Aqua Rich Airy Hold Cream

I recently tried the Biore UV Airy Hold, which is also excellent, lightweight, non-greasy, and easy to wear. However, BY365 leans more matte and gives that blurring effect, while Biore Airy Hold feels more like a hydrating essence. For oily or makeup-wearing users, BY365 might offer better longevity and oil control. For drier skin or those wanting more hydration, Biore may be a better fit.

Both are solid choices, but BY365 has the edge in mattifying performance and finish.

✅ The Verdict : Near-Perfect, If Only It Smelled Less

If you’re dealing with oily or combination skin and want a fragrance-free, alcohol-free, and non-comedogenic sunscreen that sits beautifully under makeup, BY365 Powdery UV Cream comes very close to holy grail status. Its texture, wearability, and finish are standout, ideal for hot climates or high-humidity environments.

However, the lingering fragrance is its Achilles’ heel. While it doesn’t irritate my skin, it does affect my sensory experience enough that I wouldn’t repurchase unless the scent is reformulated.

That said, if you’re not scent-sensitive, this might be the semi-matte sunscreen you’ve been waiting for.