buuk.top / Jaclyn Mastropasqua
At this point, youre probably well aware of the importance of wearing SPF every day—yep, even in the winter. But just to make sure were on the same page, its a must for keeping your skin healthy and preventing sun damage, which can lead to fine lines, discoloration, dark spots, and even skin cancer1. "A great sunscreen is one that someone wants to apply generously every single day and reapply when needed," confirms Claudia Christin, MBBS, Ph.D. in dermatology and medical advisor at Picky.
As you may already know, Korean skincare is taking the Western cosmetics world by storm. While it dominates many categories,K-beauty really shines when it comes to sunscreen. Whether you havent found the right one yet or are a sunscreen-stan and want to expand your horizons, were confident that theres a K-beauty option thatll strike your fancy. Frommultitasking products with soothing and hydrating ingredients to gels, sticks, and creams, theres something for everyone.
To compile this list, we spent hours researching thebest Korean sunscreens on the market, evaluating their active ingredients, sunscreen type, and SPF rating. We also scouredreviews from customers and checked with expert resources to get their recommendations. After considering dozens of formulas and consulting board-certified dermatologists, we landed on these top-rated picks.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream at Yesstyle.com
Missha Soft Finish Sun Milk at Amazon
Suntique IM PURE Perfect Cica Suncream at Stylekorean.com
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ at Yesstyle.com
Thank You Farmer Sun Cream at Amazon
AHC Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ at Yesstyle.com
IsNtree Watery Sun Gel at Stylevana.com
NEOGEN Dermalogy Protection Sunscreen SPF 50/PA+++ at Amazon
make p:rem UV Defense Daily Sun Fluid at Amazon
IsNtree Watery Sun Gel at Stylevana.com
In This Article
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Best Overall
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++
Amazon
View On Feelunique.com
Lightweight
Absorbs fast
Wears well under makeup
No white cast
Some reviewers of color noted product left white cast
Contains synthetic fragrance, which can cause irritation in sensitive skin types
For an all-around amazing sunscreen that works on most skin types, reach for COSRXs Aloe Soothing Sun Cream. Thecreamy, moisturizing-yet-lightweight texture absorbs quickly into your skin—no white cast or greasy feel. Christin is a fan of COSRXs sunscreens, and we can see why. The hydrating formula provides SPF 50 protection and can be used on its own or under makeup. And thanks to an ample dose of aloe vera, it soothes irritation and helps even out your complexion.2
We love that this formula is free from oxybenzone—a controversial ingredient thats popular in sunscreen ingredient lists, but has been shown to have negative effects on our health and the environment.3
Who It’s For
This is a top formula for virtually anyone,but the fact that it doesn’t leave a white cast makes it a winner for deeper skin tones. We love the consistency, hydration, and the high SPF protection it offers.
Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients: Aloe arborescens leaf extract, titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 | Size: 1.69 fluid ounces | Free of:Oxybenzone |Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Budget
Missha Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++
Amazon
View On Yesstyle.com
Lightweight
No white cast
Great for sensitive skin
Contains synthetic fragrance, which can cause irritation in sensitive skin types
Some reviewers of color noted product left white cast
Korean sunscreens arent usually exorbitantly expensive, but Misshas Soft Finish Sun Milk is$10 to $20 cheaper than most other options we reviewed. As the name suggests, this SPF 50 formula has amilky texture and a lightweight finish, making it perfect for those who live in hot, humid environments where perspiration makes thicker formulas feel unpleasant. Oily skin typeswill jive with this formula as well, as it wont increase shininess throughout the day. Another benefit:Its water and sweat-resistant. Our one criticism is that some reviewers of color noticed it left a white cast on their skin.
Who It’s For
Those in search of an effective Korean sunscreenthat’s on the cheaper end of the price spectrum will love this product. It’s also got a milky consistency which will appeal to anyone who prefers lightweight sunscreen formulas.
Type:Chemical and mineral hybrid |Active Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, octinoxate | SPF: 50 | Size:2.4 fluid ounces |Free of: Oxybenzone | Water-Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Oily Skin
Suntique IM PURE Perfect Cica Suncream
StyleKorean
View On Caretobeauty.com
Lightweight
Absorbs fast
Matte finish
Reviewers note it has an odd smell
Folks with oily skin may get frustrated with how many oily sunscreens there are on the market today. But Suntiques Im Pure is different— it’s non-sticky, fast-absorbing, and delivers a matte finish. It also contains cica (short for centella asiatica), a natural ingredient with antibacterial, healing, and anti-inflammatory properties.4The only downside? Some reviewers weren’t keen on the product’s scent.
Who It’s For
If your skin tends to be oily and youre always looking for mattifying products, thisfast-absorbing formulawill helpkeep that unwanted sheen under control.
Type: Mineral | Active Ingredients:Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, centella asiatica, galactomyces ferment filtrate |SPF: 50 | Size: 1.69 fluid ounces | Free of:PABA, avobenzone, oxybenzone, fragrance, phthalates, parabens, and chemical UV filters |Water-Resistant:No |Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Sensitive Skin
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
Amazon
View On Beautyofjoseon.com
View On Stylevana.com
Great for sensitive skin
Lightweight
Doesn’t leave a white cast
May irritate acne-prone skin types
This soothing, protective sunscreen ismade with sensitive skin types in mind. The broad-spectrum SPF 50 formula contains rice extract (a popular ingredient used to reduce UV damage) and fermented grains (great for delivering probiotics to the skin).5These ingredients are alsorich in antioxidants to calm and further protect your skin. Reviewers love that it hasabsolutely no white cast and many note that their skin felt soothed and hydrated after use.
Who It’s For
If your skin tends to be reactive, thisgentle formula designed for sensitive skin will help soothe as it protects.
Active Ingredients:Rice extract, niacinamide, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, camellia sinensis leaf extract |SPF: 50 | Size: 1.69 fluid ounces | Free of:Oxybenzone, parabens, sulfates, artificial fragrance |Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Combination Skin
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream
View On Sokoglam.com
Lightweight
No white cast
Great for sensitive skin
Contains both synthetic and natural fragrances (including those derived from citrus and jasmine
If you have combination skin(i.e. your t-zone is oily but your cheeks are dry), then a water-based sunscreen like this one will help prevent clogged pores and breakouts. It deliverslight hydration with African walnut oil and bamboo extracts while calming aloe vera and hollyhock root help reduce inflammation.67The formula goes on super smooth without a sticky feel and wont leave a white cast, creatinga great base for makeup.
Who It’s For
If your skin is a little dry and a little oily, this sunscreen formula can help. It absorbs easily, deliveringlight hydration without any greasiness.
Type: Chemical and mineral hybrid | Active Ingredients:Homosalate, ethylhexyl salicylate, titanium dioxide, phyto-oligo, inca omega oil, bamboo extracts, aloe leaf extract, hollyhock root |SPF: 50 | Size: 1.75 ounces | Free of: Oxybenzone | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Stick
AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++
Amazon
Wears well under makeup
Travel-friendly
Matte finish
Smaller size than other options
SPF sticks are great for tattoos, touch-ups, andon-the-go applications, and this little guy from ACH wont disappoint. It’s enriched with white willow bark extract (a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient) and scutellaria baicalensis (a Chinese plant known as a multifunctional skin protector and natural sunscreen).8One major plus is reviewers say it can be appliedover or under makeup. A little goes a long way. Just turn the dial to release a few millimeters of product, and gently work it around your face, neck, chest, and anywhere else as needed.
Who It’s For
If you prefer the targeted application of a sunscreen stickto a cream or spray,this creamy formula will become your new go-to.
Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients:Patented UV IR Block, phyto protect complex, homosalate |SPF: 50 | Size: 0.74 fluid ounces | Free of:Oxybenzone |Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best Chemical Formula
IsNtree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
View On Yesstyle.com
Lightweight
No white cast
Absorbs quickly
May not work for oily skin
In case you’re not familiar, chemical sunscreens contain UV filters that safely absorb the sun’s rays and turn them into heat. Unlike mineral sunscreens, which sit on top of the skin and deflect UV rays,chemical sunscreens tend to be more transparent and lightweight.
Korean beauty expert and YouTube personality Kelly Driscoll recommends IsNtree Watery Sun Gel for those who prefer chemical formulas. "This has a texture thats easy to spread anddries down quickly so you can apply your makeupover it easily in the morning, and it doesnt leave any white cast on the skin," Driscoll tells buuk.top.
That said, some reviewers said this sunscreen leaves a shiny finish, so if you have oily skin you might want to pick a more mattifying formula.
Who It’s For
If you prefer the feel and look of a chemical sunscreen (aka lightweight and cast-free), this expert-approved formulais a top option.
Type: Chemical | Active Ingredients: Ethylhexyl salicylate, homosalate, hyaluronic acid | SPF:50 |Size: 1.69 fluid ounces | Free of: Oxybenzone | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Face
NEOGEN Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Sunscreen SPF 50/PA+++
Amazon
View On Sokoglam.com
Lightweight
Wears well under makeup
Full of nourishing plant-based ingredients
Has fragrances from essential oils
When it comes to facial sunscreens, NEOGENs Day-Light Protection is hard to beat. The notably light,silicone-free formula moisturizes dry skin without cloggingpores or causing breakouts. The formulaboasts 20 types of plant extracts, including moisturizing aloe vera, soothing hibiscus flower, and evening primrose oil, which helps keep sebum (the skin’s natural oil) in check.910Wear it solo, layer it over your favorite daily moisturizer, or apply it underneath your makeup for seamless UV protection.
Who It’s For
This nourishing sunscreenmoisturizes while controlling the skin’s sebum levels, making it our favorite formulafor everyday wear on the face.
Type:Chemical and mineral hybrid |Active Ingredients:Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, zinc oxide, rose extract, raspberry extract |SPF: 50 | Size: 1.65 fluid ounces | Free of: Silicones | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Best for Body
make p:rem UV Defense Me Daily Sun Fluid
Amazon
View On Yesstyle.com
Generous amount of product
Can use all over body
Works on all skin types
May leave a white cast
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that provides moisturizing full-body coverage, UV Defense Me is the way to go. This Korean hybrid sunblock offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection by incorporating both chemical and mineral ingredients, creating amoisture-rich UV barrier without any stickiness. Youll get almost 7 ounces of product per bottle, which you can slather on your arms, legs, feet, hands, belly, chest, neck, and even your face. Somereviewers did, however, notice a white cast with this formula.
Who It’s For
This sunscreen issuitable for all skin types and gentle enough for kids, too. We love it for full-body sun defense because you get a good amount of product for the price.
Type: Chemical and mineral hybrid | Active Ingredients:Titanium dioxide, hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, ethylhexyl triazone, city-proof complex, pollustop, b-clover |SPF: 50 | Size: 5.07 fluid ounces | Free of:Artificial fragrances, artificial colorants |Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Best for Anti-Aging
IsNtree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
View On Yesstyle.com
Broad-spectrum protection blocks UVA rays effectively
Hydrating ingredients smooth the complexion
Dewy finish
Reviewers with sensitive skin reported negative reactions
If you’re concerned about aging then it’s important to pick a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it doesn’t only protect against sunburn-causing UVB rays, butthe deeper penetrating UVA rays responsible for skin aging, too. As well as broad-spectrum protection, this formula from ISNTREEincludes ceramides (lipids that help maintain a healthy skin barrier) and tons of hyaluronic acid, leaving your skin hydrated and smooth-looking.11A word of warning: Somereviewers with sensitive skin said they had negative reactionsto this formula, including stinging and tingling.
Who It’s For
If preventing aging of the skin is your goal, this broadspectrum sunscreen has you covered. Additionalhydrating ingredients, including ceramides and hyaluronic acid, also helpcreate a more youthful appearance
.
Where We Stand
Overall, our favorite Korean sunscreen was COSRXs Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++. Its formula is soothing, lightweight, non-greasy, and suitable for all skin types. We also love the more affordableMissha Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+/PA+++because it stands against water and sweat for long-lasting protection.
What to Look For in a Korean Sunscreen
SPF/PA rating: Perhaps the most important thing to look for in a Korean sunscreen (or any sunscreen) is SPF. This tells you how well the formula will protect your skin from the suns rays. Scott says to look for products with a minimum of SPF 30, and Christin agrees. "It has to have an SPF of at least 30 and broad-spectrum protection," she says. "Broad-spectrum protection covers protection from both UVA (the rays that cause ageing) and UVB (the rays that cause sun burn and skin cancer)." Luckily, most K-beauty options offer high SPF protection, but what do all the pluses mean? "One of the nice things about Asian sunscreens is that, in addition to the SPF rating, they include a PA rating," explains Driscoll, referencing the Japanese rating system developed to signal the level of UVA protection on a scale of PA+ (low) to PA++++ (very high). "UVA rays are the rays most responsible for the aging of the skin. I like to look for a PA rating of ++++, the highest you can find." The AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ and Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ both have the highest protection ratings on our list.Chemical vs. physical: As we mentioned, physical sunscreens create an instant physical barrier between your skin and the suns UV rays. "I trust zinc oxide because it not only protects our skin against both UVA and UVB rays but is effective even when in contact with the environment, holding up against water and sweat," says Scott. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, take about 15 minutes to activate and work by converting UV rays into heat to protect your skin from damage. "We always suggest people look for a hybrid sunscreen, like makep:rem UV Defense Me Daily Sun Fluid, that has both organic (chemical) and inorganic (physical) filters," says Christin.Ingredients: Beyond minerals and chemicals that protect your skin from UV light, many Korean sunscreens are formulated with other complexion-benefiting components. Scott suggests looking for "one that contains other botanicals and skin-loving ingredients so you are multitasking." Perfect example:NEOGEN Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Sunscreen SPF 50/PA+++, which contains 20 plant extracts, that work together to moisturize, soothe and keep sebum in check. "I also like to see niacinamide on the ingredients list," adds Driscoll. "There is some interesting research that shows niacinamide (in combination with UV filters) can help protect the skin from UV damage." Other ingredients to look out for include aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, breakout-preventing tea tree oil, healing centella asiatica, moisturizing and soothing honey, smoothing royal jelly, and anti-inflammatory hollyhock root.Texture: When choosing a sunscreen, texture is critical—it can make you hate a product so much youll never wear it or love it so much you commit to applying it every day. "A texture that feels comfortable is the key for someone to apply an appropriate amount of sunscreen," says Christin. This might be a gel-cream, a sheer chemical/physical blend, or a chemical formula. If youre turned off by tacky, sticky finishes, look for a smooth formula likeThank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream
.
Korean sunscreens work as well as any other brand. K-beauty sunscreens come in a range of SPF ratings, and many are broad-spectrum, which means they protect against UVA and UVB rays.1
Korean sunscreen is not necessarily better, although Korean brands often provide additional skin care benefits. For instance, you can find a wide range of varieties for specific skin types or concerns, such as sensitive, dry, or oily skin. Many products contain extracts and ingredients that can help nourish, calm, and protect skin.
CosRX sunscreen is effective and well-loved by reviewers. Reviews for CosRX sunscreens are overwhelmingly positive regarding effectiveness. COSRXs Aloe Soothing Sun Cream provides an SPF of 50, is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and wears well under makeup.
Why Trust buuk.top
This roundup was written by Theresa Holland, a commerce writer specializing in skincare and makeup. As a growing fan of K-beauty, shes read Charlotte Chos The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin from front to back and has tried several products on this list. She consulted board-certified dermatologists for their recommendations of top-rated picks.
Shannon Stubbs
Ally Hirschlag
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