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13 Korean Sunscreens You Need In Your Skincare Routine ASAP
When it comes to sun protection, K-beauty leads the pack.
For decades, South Korea has led the beauty industry with product innovations (think: cushion compacts and essences), and sunscreen is no exception. Korean sunscreens have become a superior option for sun protection because of their skincare-like properties and advanced ingredients. Michelle Shieh, Scientific Communications Manager at Amorepacific US, notes that sunscreen and skincare hybrid products have been a part of K-beauty since its inception. “With mature and constantly evolving advanced technologies as well as formulation techniques, we have developed effective sunscreens infused with skincare benefits like hydrating, soothing, and additional antioxidant protection,” she says. “On top of making sure the texture is super comfortable with minimal to no white cast.”
Ahead, Shieh shares why Korean sunscreen deserves a spot on your skincare roster.
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sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion EX SPF 50+ PA+++ with Refill
sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion EX SPF 50+ PA+++ with Refill
Pros
- Evens out skin tone
Cons
- Pricey
A product that can cut down our makeup prep time is a win-win in our book. Sulwhasoo’s cushion SPF is a lightweight foundation that evens out the skin tone while protecting the skin from the sun.
MISSHA All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk EX SPF50+/PA+++
MISSHA All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk EX SPF50+/PA+++
Pros
- Matte finish
Cons
- Can get flaky
The milky texture glides onto your skin like butter and quickly absorbs into the skin. Oil-prone skin will love the natural matte finish it dries down to.
Espoir Water Splash Sun Cream 60ml, SPF50+PA+++
Espoir Water Splash Sun Cream 60ml, SPF50+PA+++
Pros
- No white case
Cons
- Not best for layering makeup
If you want a sunscreen that feels as cool as splashing your face with water, look no further. The formula feels deeply hydrating and doesn’t leave behind any evidence.
IPKN Big Apple Sun Cream SPF 50
Pros
- Soothes skin
Cons
- Scented
The star ingredient here is green apple extract, used to soothe irritated skin after a long day in the sun. Plus, the apple scent masks the sunscreen smell.
amore pacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
amore pacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Pros
- Even skin tones
Cons
- Pricey
Get coverage in more ways than one. This cushion compact contains a tinted moisturizer loaded with SPF 50+, so you can refresh your complexion and sun protection on the go.
innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36
Pros
- No white cast
Cons
- Strong scent
A lightweight and water-based formula makes this pick gentle on the skin but effective against UV rays.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 / PA+++
Pros
- Aloe oothes irritated skin
Cons
- Strong scent
You won't believe this formula isn’t a moisturizer. With soothing aloe and a featherlight texture, this sunscreen seamlessly blends into the skin without a white cast.
MAKEP:REM UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+ / PA++++
MAKEP:REM UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+ / PA++++
Pros
- Great for layering makeup
Cons
- Not best for oily skin
A gel formula hydrates dry skin without feeling oily or sticky. Try it under makeup for smooth foundation application.
Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF50 / PA+++
Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF50 / PA+++
Pros
- Helps to improve impurities
Cons
- Strong scent
Address all your skin concerns—age spots, fine wrinkles, blemishes, and elasticity—thanks to Neogen’s multi-tasking formula.
cocokind Daily SPF 32
Pros
- Moisturizing
Cons
- Leaves white cast
Mineral-based and reef safe, this daily SPF is ideal for protecting skin and the environment.
Cell Fusion C Laser Sunscreen 100 SPF 50+ / PA+++
Cell Fusion C Laser Sunscreen 100 SPF 50+ / PA+++
Pros
- Contains skin-loving ingredients
Cons
- Leaves a white cast
A combination of chemical and mineral ingredients combat ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B rays, which contribute to premature aging.
thank you farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence
thank you farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence
Pros
- No white cast
Cons
- Not best for oily skin
Not only does this formula protect against UVA and UVB rays, but it also repairs the skin barrier, thanks to ingredients like aloe leaf extract, lotus flower water and soybean lipids.
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ / PA+++
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ / PA+++
Pros
- Super affordable
Cons
- Not best for dry skin
An Amazon favorite, this milk formula contains 100 percent mineral ingredients, soothing aloe vera, and Barbados cherry—all under $15.
You should know...
K-beauty prioritizes sunscreen.
What is the essential step in the K-beauty skincare regimen? The application of sunscreen. “In Asia, the concept of daily usage of sunscreen dates way back,” Shieh explains. “Daily sunscreen wear has been a prevalent practice that has been passed down for many generations already. It’s been considered to be more as a part of the skincare routine to prevent sun damage rather than an extra step for outdoor occasions to prevent sunburn.”
Korean sunscreens are comparable to skincare.
Thanks to advanced technology and ingredients, Korean sunscreen has a similar texture and feel to regular skincare products. “When compared to traditional western sunscreens, K-beauty sunscreen formulations are a lot more lightweight and more like skincare,” Shieh says. “It’s also common for users to carry around a cushion compact for easy reapplication of sunscreen (or a foundation with SPF) throughout the day.”
Korean sunscreens offer more coverage.
When it comes to the broad spectrum rating system, Korea differs from the U.S. “SPF value indicates the level of UVB protection, which is responsible for causing sunburn on the skin, while UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and causes damage that leads to extrinsic aging,” Shieh explains. “Both Korea and the U.S. use the same SPF numbering system to indicate UVB protection level. However, when it comes to the UVA protection level, Korea uses the P.A. system. So when you look at a sunscreen sold in Korea, you need to make sure that both SPF and P.A. levels are indicated to know that the sunscreen protects the skin against both (SPF 50+/PA ++++).”
The U.S. doesn’t follow the P.A. system for UVA. “If a sunscreen covers both UVB and UVA protection, it would be labeled as ‘broad spectrum’ along with the SPF value,” Shieh adds.
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