Wearing daily SPF is non-negotiable, but even the most knowledgeable beauty lovers may not know that all formulas aren’t created equally. The best Korean sunscreens are considered the crown jewels of sun protection, as these coveted formulas contain advanced skincare technology that many top U.S. facial sunscreens aren’t yet equipped with.
Shop the Best Korean Sunscreens
Along with skin-soothing ingredients like aloe vera, cica, and green tea, most K-Beauty sunscreens use unique UVA filters (typically signified by the letters “PA”) that are slightly more powerful than the staples found at your local drugstore. According to the Food and Drug Administration, sunscreens in other countries are regarded as cosmetics, not as drugs, but tubes sold in the U.S. are regulated as such because they make these claims.
"One of the main differences between Korean sun care and that in the States versus other countries, is that there are more advancements and innovations in sun filters in Korea," esthetician and Soko Glam co-founder Charlotte Cho tells Bazaar. "The advancement of special sun filters has allowed Korean sunscreen textures to be very lightweight and not leave a white cast, making them more versatile for a wider variety of skin types and tones."
If you’re looking to up the suncare ante, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite Korean sunscreens to shop right now. From Dr. Jart+ and Etude House's top-rated mineral picks to featherweight fluids from Hero Cosmetics and Neogen that won't leave behind a white cast on darker skin tones, these products are ideal for just about any routine. Keep reading for a few of the best Korean sunscreens shoppers and skin professionals always reach for.
Pros
Fast-absorbing
Helps control sebum
Cons
Hybrid formula may not be ideal for those who prefer exclusively mineral SPF formulas
An SPF best-seller, Neogen's lightweight sunscreen uses nourishing plant extracts like aloe, avocado, acai, and hibiscus to moisturize and calm skin. Because it’s made to help control sebum production, this product is highly recommended for people who deal with oily skin and clogged pores. Plus, many happy customers rave about the lightweight and nongreasy formula.
- Active ingredients: aloe, avocado, acai, and hibiscus
- SPF level: 50
- Type: chemical and mineral
- Best for: oily and combination skin types
Customer review: "I cannot recommend this enough! I’m an esthetician that was on the hunt for the perfect sunscreen, and I think I found it. Applies like a dream, leaves absolutely no white cast even on deeper Fitzpatrick types, smells nice and light, and best of all, contains no pore clogging ingredients! Neogen thank you for creating such a stellar product. I cannot recommend this enough!" —Elise
Pros
Ideal for oily skin
Cons
Apricot scent may be off-putting to sensitive noses
This popular broad-spectrum sunscreen from Thank You Farmer absorbs quickly as it hydrates skin, thanks to ingredients like lotus water, soybean lipid, and portulaca extract. It also leaves behind a semi-matte finish—ideal for anyone who deals with T-zone shine—and features a subtle apricot scent once it's rubbed in.
- Active ingredients: nelumbo nucifera flower water, aloe barbadensis leaf extract, althaea rosea flower extract
- SPF level: 50+
- Type: chemical
- Best for: all skin types
Customer review: "Best sunscreen I’ve ever tried. It really is lightweight doesn’t leave white marks on the skin and feels amazing. I sincerely recommend this." —Isabelle
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Best All-Around Sunscreen
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36
Pros
Hydrating
Cons
May not be ideal for those looking for an option with a higher SPF level
For an everyday sun care staple, look no further than this coveted SPF 36 tube from Innisfree, which more than 2,700 Sephora shoppers are raving about. It also combines green tea, cica, and sunflower oil to nourish and hydrate skin while minimizing redness. Not to mention, the brand promises that you’ll get no white cast from this particular product.
- Active ingredients: green tea, cica, sunflower seed oil
- SPF level: 36
- Type: chemical
- Best for: dry and combination skin types
Customer review: "I have been using this for a good 8 months. And I can say that it’s an amazing sunscreen. I get this natural glow after I apply it. And my combination skin just loves it." —mkour15
Pros
Fragrance-free
Cons
Some reviewers say the formula stings their eyes
This lightweight mineral sunscreen is ideal for sensitive skin since it uses plant-based ingredients like berry and plant extracts to block and reflect UV rays. Unlike most mineral sunscreens, this one gets high marks for not leaving a white cast behind on your skin. Plus, its non-sticky, water-based formula gives it a lightweight feel.
- Active ingredients: acai berry, aloe vera and hyaluronic acid
- SPF level: 50+
- Type: mineral
- Best for: sensitive skin types
Customer review: "Good sunscreen. No white cast. Not sticky. Not much or any odor. So good that it seems harder and harder to find." —Laura
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Pros
Won't leave a white cast behind
Cons
Some reviewers say its scent is too strong
We're obsessed with just about everything viral beauty brand CosRX creates, including this SPF 50+ sunscreen. If you're already a fan of the brand's culty snail mucin essence, we highly suggest adding this staple to your skincare rotation, which uses vitamin E's antioxidant protection to guard against UV rays.
- Active ingredients: vitamin E, cotton extract, silica, cocoa extract
- SPF level: 50+
- Type: chemical
- Best for: dry and sensitive skin types
Customer review: "I love this SPF. Great for dry skin, very soft, and doesn't ever pill up on me. My favorite everyday sunscreen, I will always repurchase." —Purpletiger79
Best Cooling
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+
Pros
Leaves behind a radiant skin finish
Cons
Liquid formula may be too lightweight for some
Many of Dr. Jart's products are tried and true among K-beauty lovers and skincare enthusiasts alike. This top-rated, broad-spectrum sun fluid not only leaves behind a cooling sensation that counteracts the sun's heat but also uses vitamin E to help skin retain its moisture.
- Active ingredients: vitamin E, homosalate, octinoxate, avobenzone, silica
- SPF level: 50+
- Type: chemical
- Best for: all skin types
Customer review: "Very smooth, soaks into skin, not sticky or greasy. No white cast after it’s absorbed and works great under makeup. Slight chemical sunscreen smell dissipates quickly. No irritation to sensitive skin and eyes. My go-to sunscreen when wearing makeup." —Cleophatra
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Pros
Non-greasy
Cons
Not ideal for those who prefer chemical formulas
Here's the mineral version of Dr. Jart's SPF 50 Every Sun Day sunscreen, which has a creamy, weightless texture that's ideal for dry skin. Its powerhouse combo of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide team up to protect your skin from UV rays. And while Every Sun Day is a physical sunscreen, its formula easily blends into skin and features a matte finish.
- Active ingredients: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide
- SPF level: 50+
- Type: mineral
- Best for: dry and combination skin types
Customer review: "I tried this sunscreen because I have been looking for a mineral sunscreen for a while and I've heard great things about the Dr Jart brand. I'm very happy that I tried this sunscreen! It is so blendable and it just melts into the skin so easily." —Milaaaaaaaaa
Pros
Great for redness
Cons
May not be ideal for those looking for an option with a higher SPF level
If you deal with skin irritation on a regular basis, consider this mineral and reef-safe sunscreen from Hero Cosmetics that features a green tint to minimize the appearance of redness. It’s fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, making it one of the best K-Beauty options for acne-prone skin.
- Active ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide
- SPF level: 30
- Type: mineral
- Best for: acne-prone skin types
Customer review: "This is the best mineral sunscreen!! It's the only one that doesn't irritate my skin or cause me any breakouts. It doesn't even feel like you're wearing sunscreen on your face! This just works so well with the chemistry of my skin. I notice zero peeling or dryness from sun damage anymore, no rashes or breakouts from clogged pores. There's nothing bad about this product. Please keep it forever and don't ever discontinue it! I can't live without it!" —Jasmine
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Pros
Helps calm skin
Cons
Slight green tint not ideal for those who don't experience redness
Don't let the color of this apple-scented SPF 50 sunscreen scare you: it uses a slight green tint to correct redness, plus niacinamide to calm and soothe your complexion. It’s also 100 percent vegan, so you can feel extra good about your new skincare purchase.
- Active ingredients: niacinamide, apple extract, centella asiatica extract, broccoli extract, medicinal wheat extract, persimmon leaf extract, green tea extract, chestnut bark extract, safflower extract
- SPF level: 50+
- Type: mineral
- Best for: sensitive skin types
Meet the Experts
- Charlotte Cho is an aesthetician and the founder of K-Beauty marketplace, Soko Glam.
- Ashley Gray is a licensed esthetician and the owner of Ashthetics Skincare in Newport Beach, California.
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What makes Korean sunscreens different than those found in the U.S.?
According to Cho, many Asian countries like Korea have widely approved special sun filters that block harmful UVA and UVB rays. Some of these filters are still not approved for sale in the United States, which places limits on importing and exporting these K-beauty products in particular.
What should I look for in one of the best Korean sunscreens?
- SPF level: Experts suggest keeping an eye out for sunscreens that are SPF 50 or higher.
- Ingredients for sensitive skin: “Korean sunscreens are commonly used for skin types that are more sensitive to not only the sun, but skincare products in general,” esthetician Ashley Gray says. As previously mentioned, other sensitive skin-friendly ingredients in Korean skincare include aloe vera, cica, and green tea.
- Finish: Depending on your preferences, some Korean sunscreens have a white cast, dewy or matte finish. Reviewing comments and product descriptions can help you find the best one for you.
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How should I apply Korean sunscreen?
“When applying Korean sunscreen, make sure you cover all areas of your skin that are open to sun exposure, while also avoiding the eye to prevent irritation,” Gray adds. “Make sure to reapply every two hours, especially if you are swimming or sweating.”
Before you apply your sunscreen, Gray also recommends testing a spot behind your ear to make sure you don’t develop any reaction within 12 hours.
Shop more of our favorite SPFs
- The Best Facial Sunscreens You'll Actually Want to Wear Every Day
- The Best Non-Comedogenic Sunscreens for Oily Skin
- The Best Drugstore Sunscreens That Won't Break the Bank
- The Best Oil-Free Sunscreens That Won't Break You Out
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