Korean beauty products have long been celebrated for their innovation and effectiveness in the skincare industry. When it comes to shielding the skin from the relentless rays of the sun, Korean sunscreens emerge as unsung heroes, blending advanced technology with time-tested ingredients. This comprehensive guide delves into the world of sun protection, unveiling the best Korean sunscreens that not only safeguard the skin from harmful UV rays but also indulge it with nourishing formulations. Get ready to elevate your sun care routine with these Korean gems as we unveil the secrets to maintaining a radiant and protected complexion.
The exploration begins with a reflection on the infamous Purito scandal and transitions into an overview of 14 Korean sunscreens personally tested throughout the year. These include 5 mineral sunscreens, 5 chemical sunscreens, and 4 featuring a combination of both mineral and chemical filters, ensuring a diverse range for every preference.
What is The Korean Sunscreen Controversy, or the "Purito-Scandal"?
Towards the end of 2020, a seismic shock shook the skincare community—the revered Purito Centella Green sunscreen plummeted from its pedestal. An independent test revealed that its advertised SPF 50 was, in reality, a mere 19!
The news rippled through social networks, casting doubt on the trustworthiness of Korean sun care products. The saga unfolded with the following events:
Once upon a time, there was the Centella Green Level SPF50+ PA++++, a darling among K-Beauty enthusiasts for its hydrating texture, broad UV protection, and natural skin finish since its 2019 launch.
In 2021, Judit Racz, founder of INCIdecoder.com and co-director of the Geek & Gorgeous skincare brand, scrutinized the Purito sunscreen while researching competitive products for her own line. Testing by three independent European laboratories revealed that instead of SPF50+, the Purito sunscreen provided only SPF19 on average.
The aftermath was cataclysmic, not just for Purito but for other Korean brands. The revelation exposed a "gray area" in Korean legislation, where ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) companies, responsible for various brands' products, may have compromised formulas to cut costs.
Legal proceedings are underway, and a proposed bill aims to prevent such abuses in the future. However, this doesn't necessarily imply distrust in all Korean cosmetic companies. Not all brands go through ODM companies; some have their own laboratories, ensuring close monitoring of product manufacturing.
Despite the turmoil, most Korean skincare brands responded swiftly, reformulating their sunscreens or seeking the expertise of Kolmar Korea, a recognized solar specialist in Korea.
The sunscreens featured in this guide are either recent formulations or products tested by independent laboratories, aligning their protection with the labeled index. As we navigate through the filters—mineral, chemical, or a mix of both—rest assured that the information presented has been diligently curated over months of research.
The journey begins with products boasting 100% mineral filters, favored for their matte finish and comfortable wear, particularly during the summer months.
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5 Best Chemical Korean Sunscreens
The textures of these are generally very pleasant, quite imperceptible, and very light on the skin. Most of them are completely transparent, which is very nice! Some of them have a satin appearance, so be careful if you tend to shine a lot during the day. If you have dry skin, you'll love it, though!
1- belif The True Cream - Aqua Bomb Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 45
| Price | |
| Protection | SPF 45, PA+++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A very light fluid, which absorbs quickly into the skin, leaving a semi-matte finish |
| Solar filters | Avobenzone: chemical filter for UVA. Homosalate: chemical filter for UVB. Octisalate: chemical filter for UVB. Octocrylene: chemical filter for UVA and UVB. |
| Presence of fragrance | Yes, in the form of citrus extracts. |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, Niacinamide, Rosemary Leaf Oil, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Calendula Flower Extract |
| White cast | No, it's completely transparent |
| Other notable ingredients | Moisturizing glycerin and soothing panthenol, nourishing oat extract |
2- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++
| Price | Between $12 and $15 for 50ml |
| Protection | SPF 50+, PA++++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A fairly fresh and melting gel-cream, which leaves the skin fresh and hydrated |
| Solar filters | Uvinul A Plus: chemical filter for UVA Octisalate: chemical filter for UVB Parsol SLX: chemical filter for UVB Homosalate: chemical filter for UVB Tinosorb S: chemical filter for UVA and UVB Tinosorb M: chemical filter for UVA and UVB |
| Presence of fragrance | No |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, full: maritime pine extract (pycnogenol), Centella Asiatica, purslane extract, olive oil, niacinamide, vitamin E, a vitamin C derivative, Houttuynia Cordata, astaxanthin |
| White cast | No, it is transparent |
| Other notable ingredients | The formula is not lacking! Moisturizing ingredients: glycerin, hyaluronic acid; repairing ceramides, anti-aging adenosine, soothing Centella Asiatica, anti-aging and radiance niacinamide |
3- Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
(2021 version)
| Price | Between $20 and $25 for 50ml |
| Protection | SPF 50+, PA++++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A light and melting cream, super pleasant, which leaves a pretty natural semi-matte finish |
| Solar filters | Uvinul A Plus: chemical filter for UVA Uvinul T 150: chemical filter for UVB Tinosorb M: chemical filter for UVA and UVB Uvasorb HEB: chemical filter for UVA and UVB |
| Presence of perfume | A very light aromatic scent. It contains some essential oils in the formula, which also have a treating effect |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, full: niacinamide, Vitamin C, vitamin E, purslane extract |
| White cast | At all, it's completely transparent |
| Other notable ingredients | It’s almost a treatment cream! It contains moisturizing ingredients: birch sap which gives it its name, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid; anti-aging: niacinamide, adenosine; and soothing: licorice, Allantoin, chamomile essential oil. |
4- Thank You Farmer Sun Project Skin-Relief Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
| Price | Between $19 and $24 for 50ml |
| Protection | SPF 50+, PA++++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A very light fluid that absorbs very quickly and leaves a semi-matte finish |
| Solar filters | Uvinul A Plus (UVA) Ethylhexyl Triazone (UVB) Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (hybrid for both UVA and UVB protection) Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone (UVA and UVB protection) |
| Presence of fragrance | Yes, a very light and quite “cosmetic” perfume. We barely feel it |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, Centella Asiatica extract, niacinamide and licorice root extract. |
| White cast | No, it's completely transparent |
| Other notable ingredients | Moisturizing ingredients: Propanediol and glycerin; and anti-aging ingredients: niacinamide. |
5- COSRX Daily Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++
| Price | $17 for 50ml |
| Protection | SPF 50+, PA++++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A super fresh and melting cream, which contains small capsules that break when they come into contact with the skin. I've never seen sunscreen with this type of texture! |
| Solar filters | Avobenzone (UVA), Homosalate (UVB), Octocrylene (UVB), Octisalate (UVB). |
| Presence of fragrance | Yes, a very light and fresh scent. It contains essential oils, so it’s a very subtle aromatic scent |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, Tocopherol. |
| White cast | No, it's completely transparent |
| Other notable ingredients | It’s almost a skincare serum, given all the ingredients it contains! In addition to all the anti-oxidants mentioned above, there are also hydrating ingredients such as glycerin and gluconolactone; soothing ones such as allantoin, yarrow, panthenol; anti-spots like tranexamic acid, anti-aging like adenosine… In short, it’s a sunscreen/care product! |
5 Best Hybrid Korean Sunscreens (Combining Minerals and Chemical Filters and Popular in the U.S):
“All-terrain” formulas. In general, these are very protective formulas, interesting to use if you want to be sure that you are very well protected, or if you know that you are going to be outside in the sun for a short while.
1- Cell Fusion C Laser Sunscreen 100 SPF50+ PA+++
| Price | Between $20 and $30for 50ml |
| Protection | SPF 50+, PA+++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A melting cream that absorbs quickly, leaving a semi-matte finish. |
| Solar filters | Zinc Oxide: mineral filter for UVA and UVB. |
| Presence of fragrance | Yes, it’s a slightly powdery floral scent, quite light and not unpleasant. It doesn't last though. |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, coenzyme Q10, and vitamin E. |
| White cast | Super minimal. When you massage it, it completely disappears. |
| Other notable ingredients | Hydrating hydrolyzed collagen and anti-aging peptides. |
2- Hanskin Sun Cover Waterproof Cool Down SPF50+ PA++++
| Price | Between $18 and $22 for 50ml. |
| Protection | SPF 50+, PA++++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A blue cream (because of the azulene), quite comfortable and absorbs well. |
| Solar filters | Titanium Dioxide: mineral filter for UVA and UVB. |
| Presence of fragrance | It contains several essential oils |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, vitamin E and niacinamide |
| White cast | Yes, unfortunately, and quite pronounced |
| Other notable ingredients | Fermented ingredients, cornflower water and azulene for the soothing effect; adenosine for the anti-aging effect and glycerin for hydration. |
3- Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
| Price | Between $20 and $25 for 50ml |
| Protection | SPF 50+, PA+++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A melting and emollient cream, which leaves a glowy finish |
| Solar filters | Titanium Dioxide: mineral filter for UVA and UVB |
| Presence of fragrance | Yes, and not just a little, unfortunately. I find it quite pronounced and it stays quite long. |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, Centella Asiatica, and purslane extract. |
| White cast | No, it's completely transparent. |
| Other notable ingredients | Lots of nourishing ingredients: sunflower, soy and Inca sachi vegetable oils, but also Aloe Vera, bamboo water, glycerin and hyaluronic acid for hydration. |
4- Iope UV Shield Sun Protection XP SPF50+ PA++++
| Price | Between $19 and $22 for 60ml |
| Protection | SPF 50+, PA++++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A rich, melting cream that leaves a satin finish |
| Solar filters | Titanium Dioxide (nano): mineral filter for UVA and UVB |
| Presence of fragrance | Yes, but it's quite light and it doesn't stay on |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, niacinamide and vitamin E |
| White cast | A little on application but it disappears quite quickly by massaging. it has a fairly satin finish |
| Other notable ingredients | Bifida Ferment Lysate, a soothing ingredient, anti-aging adenosine, hydrating lactic acid |
5 Best Mineral Korean Sunscreens
1- Thank You Farmer Safe Sun Fluid Age 0880 SPF50+ PA++++
| Price | Between $23 and $27 for 100 ml. |
| Protection | SPF 50+, PA++++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A very watery fluid that is quite light and fresh, which is quickly absorbed but leaves the skin comfortable and hydrated. |
| Solar filters | Titanium Dioxide (7.99%): mineral filter for UVA and UVB. |
| Fragrance | A light and aromatic scent, pleasant and fades quickly. |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, niacinamide, Turmeric root, Centella Asiatica, Houttuynia Cordata, vitamin E, Purslane. |
| White cast |
|
| Other notable ingredients | Niacinamide for radiance and anti-aging effect, Matricaria flower, Cypres extract, soothing Centella Asiatica, anti-aging adenosine, moisturizing glycerin, and oil olive for comfort. |
2- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Perfect Sun Block SPF50+ PA++++
| Price | Between $18 and $22 for 50ml |
| Protection | SPF 50+, PA++++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A rather rich and emollient cream |
| Solar filters | Titanium Dioxide: mineral filter for UVA and UVB |
| Presence of perfume | No |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, vitamin E, niacinamide, maritime pine extract (pycnogenol), an algae extract rich in astaxanthin |
| White cast | Yes, unfortunately, on me, it leaves a white effect. Once made up, it's less obvious but still. |
| Other notable ingredients | Yes, full: restorative ceramides, hydrating hyaluronic acid and glycerin, anti-aging adenosian, soothing Centella Asiatica |
3- Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+ SPF50+ PA++++ (2021 version)
| Price | Between $18 and $22 for 50ml |
| Protection | SPF 50+, PA++++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A melting cream that absorbs very well into the skin when massaged |
| Solar filters | Zinc Oxide: filters UVA and UVB |
| Presence of perfume | No |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, plenty: pycnogenol, a powerful anti-oxidant which is the star ingredient of the Dr.G brand. It is a natural plant extract, the bark of the maritime pine. Also vitamin E, an extract of Houttuynia Cordata, as well as an extract of Buddleja Officinalis flower and Centella Asiatica. |
| White cast | A little at first then this effect fades when you massage the product and it is almost no longer visible (at least on my fair skin). It’s quite impressive to see it disappear by massaging |
| Other notable ingredients | A restorative red algae extract (Telosomyl), Centella Asiatica, licorice extract, and Houttuynia Cordata extract, is very soothing. |
4- Dewytree Urban Shade Anti-Pollution Sun SPF50+ PA++++ (2021 version)
| Price | Between $22 and $25 for 50ml |
| Protection | SPF 50+, PA++++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A light but hydrating cream, which melts into the skin upon application and becomes semi-matte in a few minutes |
| Solar filters | Zinc Oxide: filters UVA and UVB |
| Presence of fragrance | No, but the product contains rosemary essential oil (used here for its soothing properties |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, vitamin E |
| White cast | No, not on my skin. However, it is slightly pink-tinted, so I was expecting a slightly “tone-up” effect but not at all. When massaged it almost disappears and on fair skin gives a pretty porcelain complexion glow effect |
| Other notable ingredients in the formula | Purifying and soothing Calamine, soothing rose extracts, nourishing and anti-aging safflower oil, and soothing rosemary essential oil. |
5- Missha Soft Finish Sun Milk Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
| Price | Between $10 and $15 for 40 ml |
| Protection | SPF 50+, PA++++ |
| Made in | South Korea |
| Texture | A melting, non-greasy cream texture that absorbs quickly into the skin |
| Solar filters | Titanium Dioxide: mineral filter for UVA and UVB Zinc Oxide: mineral filter for UVA and UVB |
| Presence of fragrance | There are essential oils. The smell is therefore very aromatic and frankly, we really like it |
| Presence of anti-oxidants | Yes, Centella Asiatica extracts |
| White cast | A little at first but just massage it so that the cream disappears into the skin (at least on me) |
Tips for Using Korean Sunscreen
- Apply Generously: Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed areas thoroughly for maximum protection.
- Reapply Every 2 Hours: For consistent sun protection, especially during prolonged sun exposure, reapply every two hours.
- Use After Skincare Routine: Apply sunscreen as the last step in your morning routine, after moisturizer.
- Combine with Protective Accessories: Enhance sun protection with hats, sunglasses, and UPF-rated clothing.
- Apply Under Makeup: Korean sunscreens often work well under makeup due to their lightweight, non-greasy formulas.
Why Choose a Korean Sunscreen?
Korean sunscreens are formulated with cutting-edge technology to provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. What sets them apart is their focus on skin health, meaning that many of these sunscreens include ingredients that hydrate, soothe, and improve the skin's appearance while protecting it. The best Korean sunscreens are:
- Lightweight and Non-Greasy: They feel comfortable and often have a soft, silky texture.
- Multifunctional: Many offer additional skincare benefits, like moisturizing or anti-aging properties.
- Gentle on Skin: Often made with skin-friendly ingredients that suit sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
- Quick-Absorbing: Ideal for layering under makeup or other skincare products.
What to Look for in a Korean Sunscreen?
When selecting the best Korean sunscreen, here are a few factors to consider:
- Broad-Spectrum SPF: Choose sunscreens with at least SPF 30 for everyday protection, ideally SPF 50 for extended outdoor exposure.
- Skin Type Compatibility: Ensure the sunscreen is suitable for your skin type—lightweight gels for oily skin, hydrating creams for dry skin, and gentle formulations for sensitive skin.
- Additional Skincare Benefits: Look for sunscreens that contain hydrating, soothing, or anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid, green tea, or centella asiatica.
- Non-Comedogenic: To avoid clogging pores, especially if you have acne-prone skin.
Conclusion
In the ever-evolving skincare landscape, the journey through Korean sunscreens has been a tale of resilience and adaptation. Despite the seismic Purito scandal that momentarily shook consumer trust, the essence of Korean beauty endures. The sunscreen saga served as a wake-up call, prompting legal proceedings, proposed amendments, and a collective commitment to transparency within the industry.
As we navigate through the array of sunscreens, each meticulously tested and curated, it becomes evident that the Korean beauty industry has not only weathered the storm but emerged stronger. The ability to reformulate swiftly, backed by a dedication to quality, reflects the resilience ingrained in these brands.
Whether you opt for mineral, chemical, or a harmonious blend of both filters, the carefully selected sunscreens presented in this guide stand as a testament to a renewed commitment to consumer safety and satisfaction. From matte finishes to everyday comfort, each product has been scrutinized to ensure it aligns with the promised protection.
As you embark on your journey to healthier, protected skin, let this guide be your companion. The world of Korean sunscreens invites you to embrace radiant protection in every drop, promising not just shielded skin but revitalized confidence in the pursuit of beauty and well-being.
FAQs: Korean Sunscreen
- Can Korean sunscreens be used on sensitive skin? Yes, many Korean sunscreens are designed to be gentle and suitable for sensitive skin, often free from irritants like parabens and artificial fragrances.
- Do Korean sunscreens protect against both UVA and UVB rays? Yes, most Korean sunscreens offer broad-spectrum protection, which includes SPF for UVB rays and PA ratings for UVA protection.
- How often should I reapply Korean sunscreen? For effective protection, reapply every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating.
- Are Korean sunscreens good under makeup? Absolutely! Korean sunscreens are formulated to be lightweight and non-greasy, making them ideal as a base under makeup.
- Can I use Korean sunscreen every day? Yes, daily use of sunscreen is recommended to protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging.
Disclaimer:This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, dermatological, or professional advice. Readers are encouraged to consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider for personalized recommendations regarding skincare products, including sunscreens. The products mentioned in this guide have been curated based on research and testing but may not suit every individual’s needs or skin type.
Regulatory Disclaimer: Sunscreen regulations, including approved ingredients and labeling requirements, vary by country and region. The products discussed may adhere to South Korean standards, which might differ from those in your local jurisdiction. Before purchasing or using any sunscreen, ensure it complies with the regulations in your country, especially if imported.
Always perform a patch test before using new products and follow manufacturer guidelines for proper use. Reapply sunscreen as recommended and complement your sun protection routine with other measures such as wearing protective clothing and seeking shade. Information provided in this article is accurate to the best of our knowledge but may evolve over time; we encourage readers to verify details with manufacturers or consult with professionals.
