The ultimate guide to the best Korean sunscreens: Your skin’s new BFF!

Are you ready to dive into the world of Korean sunscreens? If you haven’t tried one yet, you’re in for a treat. 

Korean skincare is renowned for its innovation and quality, and their sunscreens are no exception. They’re light, effective, and perfect for daily use. 

So, let’s slather on some SPF and explore the best Korean sunscreens out there. Your skin will thank you!

Why Korean Sunscreens?

Before we jump into the list, let’s chat about why Korean sunscreens are a game-changer. Here are a few reasons why we prefer them to American sunscreens:

Lightweight Formula

One of our biggest gripes with traditional sunscreens is their heavy, greasy feel. K-beauty sunscreens, however, have revolutionized the game with their lightweight textures. 

They are designed to feel barely there, making daily application a breeze. You won’t have to worry about the sticky, uncomfortable sensation that can come with thicker sunscreens. 

Broad Spectrum Protection

According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s crucial to guard against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays can prematurely age your skin, causing wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays can burn your skin. 

Korean sunscreens are specially formulated to provide broad-spectrum protection. They’re rated with PA+++ or PA++++, which is the protection grade of UVA rays, alongside the SPF rating for UVB protection.

Hydration Station

Many Korean sunscreens double as sun protectors and moisturizers. They’re often infused with hydrating ingredients like types of hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and various botanical extracts. 

This means you’re not only shielding your skin from harmful rays but also giving it a much-needed hydration boost. 

No White Cast

If you have darker skin, you know the struggle of finding a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast—even for darker skin tones. Korean sun care is formulated to avoid this issue, making them a fantastic choice for all skin tones.

They blend beautifully into the skin, leaving no ashy residue behind. This is a huge plus, especially if you’re looking for a sunscreen that can double as a primer under makeup.

Skincare Ingredients

Korean skin care is all about nourishing the skin, and their sunscreens are no exception. They’re packed with additional skincare benefits to not only offer UVA protection but also improve skin health. 

Think antioxidants like vitamin C, soothing botanicals, and even anti-aging components. These additions can help calm irritated skin, reduce redness, and fight off free radicals contributing to aging.

Innovative Textures and Finishes

The variety of textures and finishes available in Korean sunscreens is impressive. Whether you prefer a water-based formula, a gel, a creamy lotion, or a matte finish, there’s something for everyone.

And, most important, a Korean sunscreen has access to a whole new generation of chemical filters, which allow it to be formulated in lighter weight textures.

Why can’t we have chemical sunscreens like that in the United States?

It’s because the FDA classifies sunscreens as drugs, making it far more difficult to get approval on new ingredients and formulations, including chemical UV filters.

9 Top Picks for the Best Korean Sunscreens

Choosing the right sunscreen can be overwhelming with so many options on the market. To make it easier, we’ve rounded up some of the best Korean sunscreens that stand out for their effectiveness, texture, and skin benefits. 

Here are our top picks:

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++

Why it’s a standout:

• Soothing and Hydrating: Infused with aloe vera, this sunscreen protects your skin from the sun while soothing and hydrating. Aloe vera is a soothing ingredient, making it a great option for sensitive or irritated skin.
• Non-Greasy Formula: Despite its creamy texture, it absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a greasy residue.
• No White Cast: Perfect for all skin tones, this sunscreen blends seamlessly into the skin, leaving no white cast behind.
• Daily Use: Ideal for everyday use, it works well under makeup and provides a fresh, dewy finish.

Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++

Why it’s a standout:

• Ultra-Light Texture: This sun milk has a feather-light, milky texture that feels weightless on the skin. It’s perfect for those who dislike the heavy feel of traditional sunscreens.
• Matte Finish: It leaves a smooth, matte finish, making it an excellent choice for combination or oily skin types.
• Gentle Formula: Formulated with 100% mineral filters, this physical sunscreen is extremely gentle, making it ideal for sensitive skin.
• No Sticky Feeling: It absorbs quickly, leaving your skin feeling fresh and non-sticky.

Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF50+ PA++++

Why it’s a standout:

• Hydrating and Nourishing: Packed with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and botanical extracts, this sunscreen keeps your skin moisturized and nourished while having a lightweight feel.
• Broad Spectrum Protection: SPF50+ and PA++++ offer excellent protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
• Dewy Finish: It leaves a beautiful, dewy finish, making it ideal for normal and dry skin types.
• Comfortable Wear: Despite its rich formulation, it feels light on the skin and doesn’t clog pores.

Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence SPF50+ PA++++

Why it’s a standout:

• Weightless Formula: This sunscreen feels incredibly light on the skin, almost like a second skin. It’s perfect for those who prefer a barely-there feel.
• Hydrating and Nourishing: Contains moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and panthenol to keep your skin hydrated and plump—perfect for combination skin!
• No White Cast: The clear, gel-like texture ensures no white cast, making it suitable for all skin tones.
• Vegan and Cruelty-Free: Ideal for those who prefer ethical skincare products.

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF36 PA+++

Why it’s a standout:

• Natural Ingredients: Made with sunflower oil and green tea extract, this sunscreen provides a nourishing shield for your skin while also delivering antioxidant benefits.
• Eco-Friendly: Innisfree is known for its commitment to sustainability, and this sunscreen is no exception. It’s eco-friendly and cruelty-free.
• Gentle and Effective: Suitable for all skin types, it offers reliable sun protection without irritating the skin.
• Smooth Application: It has a smooth, creamy texture that blends easily and leaves no white cast.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Why it’s a standout:

Hydrating and Nourishing: This Beauty of Joseon sunscreen features rice extract and probiotics, providing deep hydration and nourishment to the skin, making it ideal for daily use.

Brightening Effect: Infused with niacinamide, it helps brighten the complexion and improve skin texture over time.

Lightweight and Comfortable: Absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy or heavy feeling, ensuring comfortable wear throughout the day.

Broad Spectrum Protection: Offers high protection against both UVA and UVB rays, keeping the skin safe from sun damage.

Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day UV Illuminating Sunscreen SPF36 PA++

Why it’s a standout:

• Illuminating Finish: This sunscreen provides a subtle, radiant glow, making your skin look naturally luminous.
• Lightweight and Hydrating: The formula is light and non-greasy, perfect for daily use. It also contains hydrating ingredients to keep your skin moisturized.
• Protective and Soothing: Contains ingredients like cica (centella asiatica) which help to soothe and protect the skin from environmental stressors.
• Perfect for Makeup Prep: Works well under makeup, providing a smooth and glowing base.

Purito Centella Green Level Safe Sun SPF50+ PA++++

Why it’s a standout:

• Eco-Friendly and Gentle: This sunscreen is reef-safe and free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate. It’s suitable for sensitive skin.
• Centella Asiatica Benefits: Infused with centella asiatica extract, it helps to calm and repair the skin, making it ideal for irritated or acne-prone skin.
• Non-Greasy Formula: Absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue, providing comfortable wear throughout the day.
• Broad Spectrum Protection: Offers high protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++

Why it’s a standout:

• Fast Absorption: This sunscreen absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving no greasy or sticky feeling behind.
• Antioxidant-Rich: Contains ingredients like rose and raspberry extracts, which provide antioxidant benefits and protect against environmental damage.
• Lightweight Hydration: Perfect for all skin types, it offers hydration without feeling heavy or clogging pores.
• Great for Sensitive Skin: Free from parabens, sulfates, and artificial fragrances, making it a gentle option for sensitive skin.

Do you have a favorite Korean sunscreen that didn’t make our list? Or you’ve tried one of our top picks and have some thoughts to share. Let us know in the comments below!