Korean sunscreens are widely regarded as higher quality and better for the skin than Western sunscreens. With the rise of K-beauty, that notion has become even more widespread. But, the question is, are they really that much better?
South Korean brands use a variety of sunscreen ingredients that provide additional skincare benefits other than just sun protection. Moreover, they are quick to harness the power of the latest skincare innovations and thus create more advanced sunscreen formulas.
Moreover, Korean brands think of sunscreen as a skincare product that offers suncare instead of as a product solely developed to offer protection against the sun. As a result, K-beauty sunscreens offer many general skin health benefits and they leave no white cast on the skin. Both chemical and mineral sunscreens created in South Korea contain hydrating and soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, niacinamide, and ceramides.
Here is an overview of the best K-beauty sunscreens for the face and the body:
- Korean sunscreens for the face
- Korean sunscreens for the body
- Frequently Asked Questions
Korean sunscreens for the face
1) Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF50+ PA++++
Suited for: Combination Skin
Beauty of Joseon brings together the power of Hanbang with modern skincare technologies and is hence able to perfect its products, unlike many Western brands.
The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF50+ PA++++ went viral on TikTok recently after people across the globe fell in love with the moisturizing formula. It imparts a lovely glow to the skin, thanks to the incredible lineup of niacinamide, rice extract, niacinamide, green tea, and ginseng. One of the best Korean sunscreens for combination skin, it provides just enough moisturization without going overboard and being sticky to the touch.
This Beauty of Joseon gets a lot of love because its finish on the skin is very dewy, which gives the appearance of the famous “glass skin”.
2) Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen
Suited for: Combination and oily skin
Dr. Jart+ takes almost a clinical approach to skincare, which enables the brand to create long-term, high-performance solutions for major skin concerns. The Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen has an impressive nongreasy formula that makes wearers never want to skip it. This Korean mineral sunscreen is ideal for everyday usage as it leaves the skin with a soft matte glow and no white cast. It contains Vitamin E, which supplies the skin with antioxidants and keeps it nourished. On the other hand, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide create a lasting barrier against skin damage. Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen is one of the best K-beauty sunscreens for oily skin.
3) Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++
Suited for: Dry skin
The joy of using multipurpose products is like no other. All Round Lab products are made with the same philosophy, which means that some of them are quite versatile. For example, the Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream could easily be a moisturizer as it contains many hydrating and moisture-locking ingredients.
One of the best Korean sunscreens for daily use on dry skin, it boasts hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and birch tree sap, which work together to hydrate the skin, minimize moisture loss, and soothe inflammation. It does not leave a white cast or any oily residue on the skin. Birch sap also helps in restoring the strength of the skin barrier.
4) Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort + Camelia With SPF 50 PA++++
Suited for: Combination and oily skin
Beauty of Joseon has risen to become a social media favorite in recent years. While the minimalist aesthetic of the brand has played a role in this, it is ultimately the brand’s knack for creating highly effective products infused with the goodness of traditional Korean medicine that drives its growth.
The Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort + Camelia with SPF 50 PA++++ is one of the best Korean sunscreens for those who value portability. It has a light, balmy texture that never feels too greasy on the skin. Instead, this Korean sunscreen stick has a formula that is absorbed fairly quickly, leaving the skin protected and moisturized. While artemisia extract calms the skin and soothes irritation caused by sun exposure, green tea offers a hydration boost.
5) COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
Suited for: Sensitive and dry skin
CosRX’s goal as a brand is to formulate effective and targeted solutions for a variety of skin concerns using a science-based approach. Hence, it is hardly a surprise that COSRX has managed to create what is arguably the best K-beauty sunscreen for oily skin. COSRX’s Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ contains silica and cotton extract, which rein in the production of excess sebum. But, the inclusion of cocoa extract ensures that the skin remains soft, nourished, and hydrated throughout the day. The chemical filters are highly effective, and Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant to reduce the damage caused by free radicals.
Korean sunscreens for the body
1) Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++
Suited for: All skin types
Missha utilizes high-quality active ingredients and the latest skincare technologies to create safe and effective products. The All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++, one of the best K-beauty sunscreens on the market, is excellent for daily usage on the body. It absorbs into the skin almost immediately, and the soft matte, non-greasy finish feels lovely.
The All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk is water-resistant, which means that sweating will not compromise your sun protection. Moreover, this Korean mineral sunscreen is chock-full of anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients. Helichrysum flower water reduces redness and irritation, while aloe vera provides hydration. The glycerin in this matte Korean sunscreen helps to repair and preserve the skin barrier.
2) Torriden DIVE-IN Watery Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
Suitable for: Sensitive, combination, and dry skin
Torriden, founded in 2019, is a natural skincare brand that specializes in the usage of ingredients like hyaluronic acids, ceramides, and Centella. The DIVE-IN Watery Moisture Sun Cream, a part of the brand’s most popular collection, is one of the best Korean sunscreens for acne-prone skin as it has an organic formula that feels extremely lightweight. Rich in hyaluronic acid, this Korean body sunscreen has a thin, watery texture that’s ideal for those who dislike heavy sunscreens.
The DIVE-IN Watery Moisture Sun Cream facilitates intense hydration and a 24-hour moisture barrier. Moreover, Panthenol, Allantoin, Jojoba seed oil, and aloe extract help soothe sensitive skin and protect it from the harshness of the sun.
3) Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++
Suitable for: Dry and combination skin
K-beauty brands are known for their functional approach to skincare, and Missha is no exception. Founded in 2000, the brand aims to craft effective solutions for all skin types and skin concerns.
Missha produces some of the most loved Korean sunscreens, and the All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk is one of their best. This Korean body sunscreen offers both UVA and UVB sun protection, but its texture is lightweight and non-sticky. It is easy to apply and gets absorbed into the skin swiftly.
The All Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk is one of the best Korean sunscreens for dry skin because it moisturizes the skin without creating any oily or sticky residue. It contains a precious essence made with four seasonal flower extracts that provide nourishment. But, upon application, the sunscreen leaves the skin looking and feeling refreshed.
4) Holika Holika Aloe Soothing Essence Waterproof Sun Cream SPF50+
Suitable for: Sensitive and oily skin
Korean brand Holika Holika, founded in 2010, utilizes the finest ingredients to create skincare products that enhance one’s natural beauty. The Aloe collection, in particular, has received mass and critical acclaim. So, it is no surprise that the Aloe Soothing Essence Waterproof Sun Cream is regarded as one of the best K-beauty sunscreens. The moisturizing and soothing formula is rich in aloe vera, which minimizes skin irritation and inflammation while also locking in moisture.
The Aloe Soothing Essence Waterproof Sun Cream stays put throughout the day and offers constant protection against UV rays. It contains niacinamide, which imparts radiance and freshness to the skin without making it appear greasy. It is thus also one of the best K-beauty sunscreens for oily skin.
5) SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Plus SPF50+ PA++++ Sun Cream
Suitable for: Oily and combination skin
SKIN1004 harnesses the power of nature to create excellent skincare products that address a variety of skin concerns. The brand sources the highest-quality Centella Asiatica from Madagascar for its Centella collection.
The Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Plus is a Korean physical sunscreen that feels like a glass of cold water on a hot day for your skin. The lightweight, serum formula absorbs into the skin very quickly but doesn’t cause any oiliness throughout the day. Instead, it provides a natural matte finish and blurs the skin just so slightly without any white cast. It also happens to be one of the best Korean tinted sunscreens for those who don’t wear makeup.
FAQs:
1) Where should I buy Korean sunscreen?
If you want to add a Korean sunscreen to your AM routine, check out online beauty retailers, or you can even head to physical retailers like Sephora.
On the other hand, if you are looking to stock Korean sunscreen in your retail store and you want to purchase it in the wholesale market, contact B Futurist for the price list. Learn more about our offerings here.
2) How long does Korean sunscreen last?
Ideally, you should reapply your sunscreen every two to three hours depending on how much time you are spending outdoors.
