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We’ve talked time and again about our love for K-beauty. We've waxed poetic about Korean skincare brands like Dr. Jart+, Sulwhasoo, and Laneige that pull their innovation, technology, and ingredients from South Korea. We've talked extensively about Korean moisturizers that emphasize skin barrier restoration, and obsessed over K-beauty sheet masks that make us glow in a few minutes flat. But we’d be remiss not to do a deep dive into the best Korean sunscreens, as they’re some of the most advanced, elegant formulas in the world.
The Benefits of Korean Sunscreens
“Korea is always pushing the boundaries on texture innovations and formula stability as the market is hyper-competitive and demanding,” explains Peach & Lily founder Alicia Yoon. The result of such progressive formulation? Lightweight, glow-giving sunscreens with advanced, UV-blocking filters that don’t leave a chalky white cast on the skin.
The best Korean sunscreens don't just have a stronghold when it comes to texture; they’re also proven to bring the same high standards to sun protection. Yoon explains that while U.S. sunscreens qualify for the “broad spectrum” label on a pass-fail system, the K-beauty system, a.k.a .the PA system, requires much heavier testing to assess exactly how extensively the formula protects the skin from UVA rays.
“There are four grades in the PA system: PA+, PA++, PA+++, and PA++++,” explains Yoon. “Each plus sign covers a rand of the PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) test. The highest number of the +’s offers the most UVA protection. So while you’re shopping, look out for sunscreen bottles with as many plus signs as possible.”
The Best Korean Sunscreens
- The Best Overall Korean Sunscreen: Sulwhasoo Snowise UV Daily Cream
- The Best Korean Sunscreen for Redness: Laneige Hydro UV Defense SPF 50
- The Best Korean Sunscreen for Glow: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen
- The Best Lightweight Korean Sunscreen: Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
- The Best Korean Sunscreen for Dry Skin: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream
Sulwhasoo is one of the most well-established Korean skincare brands out there, so rest assured their sunscreen is top-notch. This formula is infused with a handful of Korean herbs that give the skin a smooth and glowy base. There’s absolutely no pilling, and you can quite literally see a glassy effect take hold of your skin as you rub this formula in. It’s the perfect base for foundation—no primer is needed.
Pros: Wears well under makeup; Doubles as primer; Glowy finish
Cons: Expensive
Customer Review: "This is the best sunscreen! It goes on smooth, doesn't leave a cast or feel sticky, and feels great. I plan to purchase another one. I am not sure if it has helped with fine lines and wrinkles directly, but the nice quality/texture of the product makes me want to use it everyday." — Sulwhasoo
The silky, porous powder this formula contains gives it its milky texture and blurring finish. And it's not just meant to prevent burns: It actually helps correct dark spots and tone as you wear it. A little does go a long way with this formula, so take extra caution to make sure you apply enough product. You need about a half teaspoon.
Pros: Evens tone; Blurring finish
Cons: Might leave a white cast
Customer Review: "The sunscreen is a little thicker than water, thinner than most I'm used to, but it spreads so evenly and dries in less than five minutes. After it dries it has the texture of a powder almost. My skin feels very smooth. The smell is also really nice. It's sort of like watermelon or a flower of some sort. It disappears after it dries though so you don't have to smell it all day." — Amazon
This cult-y Korean skincare brand is known for its super-effective, super-soothing snail essence (!!!), but its sunscreen is just as covetable. If you're prone to burning, the aloe in this SPF 50 option will help ease the pain, and prevent more damage from happening.
Pros: Soothing; Great texture; No white cast
Cons: Small bottle
Customer Review: "This is the best sunscreen I have ever used. Although there is fragrance in this, I don't seem to mind it too much. A little on the smaller side, though. Doesn't leave a white cast (I'm pretty pale though so don't take my full word for that), and it doesn't leave my face flaking after a couple hours like all that I have used before. Truly just feels like a moisturizer." — Amazon
If you love the Laneige lip mask, just wait until you get your hands on this SPF. As someone with uber-sensitive skin, I can confirm that this chemical SPF leaves the skin feeling moisturized for hours. And thanks to the inclusion of centella asiatica, aka the gold standard for reducing redness, you’ll have calmer, less irritated skin—even in the heat of summer.
Pros: Reduces redness and irritation; Hydrating
Cons: Can feel oily
Customer Review: "Best sunblock I have ever tried. Really moisturizes your skin, will not leave a white cast, and will not clog your pores if you have acne-prone skin like me. At first I was worried I would not tolerate the fragrance, but you definitely get used to it." — Sephora
Iope is known for its sensitive skincare, and this UV protector is no different. The liquid strengthens skin on contact without adding stickiness. It's also packed with antioxidants to protect against everything from pollution to blue light emanating from your computer screen.
Pros: Lightweight texture; Protects from blue light
Cons: Some report clogged pores
Customer Review: "The consistency is nice and it doesn't leave a white cast. There wasn't any pilling when reapplying or layering with other moisturizers. There is a fragrance which I wasn't a fan of for my sensitive skin. It leaves a dewy finish." — Soko Glam
This gel is practically a dream for makeup wearers: It sinks into the skin undetectably so your foundation can glide on without pause, and it imbues powerful SPF50 protection. It's also deeply hydrating and helps disguise rough, dry patches.
Pros: Nice for under makeup; Very hydrating; No white cast
Cons: Some say it's oily
Customer Review: "It’s perfect for my acne prone skin. It feels light yet moisturizing. Once it dries my skin feels completely normal and balanced, not hot, dry, or tight. It doesn’t make me breakout at the end of the day. It’s moisturizing enough that I can put it on by itself before a morning workout. It’s silky and has a lovely smell." — Amazon
We get it: Oily skin and sunscreen can be a nerve-wracking concept. Alas, SPF is non-negotiable. Put your worries to rest with this sunscreen, as it’s specifically formulated for oily skin types. Instead of contributing to a greasy-looking complexion, this oil-free sunscreen is actually going to help absorb excess sebum and mattify the skin. That’s just the start of the benefits—the elegant formula is also going to blur imperfections, color correct redness, and most importantly, provide SPF 50 protection.
Pros: Non-comedogenic; Blurring finish; Mattifying
Cons: Too drying for some
Customer Review: "Most sunscreens I've used were very oily and heavy, but this one feels feather-light on my skin with no oil concerns! A thin layer gets the job done unlike most formulas, little to no white cast. It doesn't weigh down or feel like it's been slathered on, rather it feels like a moisturizer with a clean finish. A little goes a long way with this one, 10/10 recommend!" — Amazon
With a PA++++ rating, you can be confident this SPF is protecting you from the maximum amount of UVA rays. It has a 100 percent mineral filter, meaning it’s going to reflect the sun’s rays (not absorb them into the skin like chemical formulas), is ideal for sensitive skin, and safe for children. Take a quick glance at the ingredient list, and this formula only gets better. It has calming centella asiatica (goodbye, redness), hyaluronic acid, vitamin E, and many more gold star ingredients, including white truffle. The latter, interestingly enough, works wonders for skin texture and brightness.
Pros: Redness reducing; Maximum protection; Good for kids
Cons: Might leave a white cast
Customer Review: "I tried this specific sunscreen because it said it was mild and good for sensitive skin. Even though it is a mineral sunscreen, there is absolutely no white cast. It feels super light on my face/skin and doesn't leave any sticky feeling at all. Friends who have tried this sunscreen have all been thoroughly impressed with the no residue and the lightweight texture of the sunscreen! And as an added bonus, there is a very light, fresh citrusy scent to the sunscreen!" — D'Alba
Want multiple benefits with one product? Cell Fusion delivers. Not only is it going to provide great sun protection (it has three plus signs on the PA scale), but it’s also super-powered with anti-aging ingredients. You have both peptides and ceramides to hydrate and plump, along with collagen to firm the face. From a texture perspective, it feels incredibly light and isn’t sticky in the slightest. It rubs in like a lightweight moisturizer and gives a velvety finish to the skin.
Pros: Multi-benefit; Anti-aging; Hydrating; Nice texture
Cons: Leaves a white cast
Customer Review: "I’ve bought this sunscreen four times over now. It is a bit heavier than your normal face sunscreens, and it does leave a white cast that *eventually* fades, but oh my gosh it is the ONLY sunscreen that causes NO reaction to my skin. I have very sensitive, oily, acne-prone skin and I love the benefits of no breakouts or rashes." — Soko Glam
Glow Recipe is a Korean-inspired brand that leverages the soothing effects of watermelon in a handful of its products. While the overnight mask will always be a favorite, don’t underestimate the transformative effects of their SPF. Coupled with the multitude of benefits of niacinamide (read: fights hyperpigmentation, controls oil, smooths skin), this watermelon-infused protector soothes, hydrates, protects, and evens out skin tone. Plus, it can be layered throughout the day without compromising the silky texture.
Pros: Invisible color; Good for oily skin; Wears well with makeup
Cons: Fragrant
Customer Review: "I love it! It didn’t peel on me and I use it on top of a lot of skincare products. It feels so lightweight just like a moisturizer. I’ll be rebuying it for the eternity." — Sephora
This lightweight formula won't disrupt your makeup, so feel free to slather it on. It has a smooth matte finish, contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier from the sun, and is formulated without sulfates, SLS, or SLES, which can cause irritation and breakouts.
Pros: Lightweight; Good for sensitive skin
Cons: Not very hydrating
Customer Review: "I have combination skin and it didn’t leave me feeling too dry or too oily. It has a smooth, lightweight application with no white case unlike all the other mineral sunscreens I’ve tried. It always goes well under makeup." — Sephora
The sheer number of five-star Amazon reviews on this baby are impossible to ignore. It glides on like a silky, dolphin-smooth serum thanks to water capsules filled with hyaluronic acid, royal jelly extract, and citrus. And just because it's comfortable doesn't mean it isn't putting in work. It's truly waterproof and provides 80 minutes of carefree sun defense.
Pros: Extreme protection; Hydrating; Waterproof
Cons: Fragrant
Customer Review: "I really like this sunscreen. It applies very smooth and gets absorbed in a short time. But it's a little pricey for such a small tube." — Walmart
If you're too sensitive for long stretches under the sun, the nurturing ingredients in this option will help keep you comfortable. Green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil reduce signs of irritation like redness and soothe the skin while it's protecting you.
Pros: Very calming; Redness reducing
Cons: Some report clogged pores
Customer Review: "I have been using this product for almost a year now and I absolutely love it. It is nice and buildable, works well under makeup from personal use. I have oily/ acne prone skin and most sunscreens break me out due to scent and thickness. Oily girls don’t sleep on this!" — Sephora
We don’t often consider sunscreens “soothing,” but this lotion is just that. Packed with aloe vera, bamboo extract, and a patented anti-inflammatory ingredient called phyto-oligo, it’s like an extra layer of moisturizer that just happens to have SPF 50 protection.
Pros: Doubles as a moisturizer; Anti-inflammatory
Cons: Very strong scent
Customer Review: "I really like how this feels on my skin - it’s not oily and goes on smoothly. But, the scent is SO strong." — Soko Glam
Meet the Expert
Alicia Yoon is a Korean skincare expert and the founder of Peach & Lily, a leading source and retailer for all things Korean beauty. Her acclaimed Peach & Lily skincare collection is 100% worry-free, non-toxic, and cruelty-free, using clinically-proven ingredients. Alicia travels regularly between New York City and Seoul to find the best products and most innovative skincare, and she has helped make Korean beauty the phenomenon it is in the U.S. today. An esthetician certified by spas in Korea and licensed in New York, Alicia is also a Harvard Business School graduate and an avid sheet-masker. She is on WWD's 25 Most Innovative Beauty Executives list and serves on the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Board of Governors.
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Samantha Holender is the Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and keeps up with the latest trends in the beauty space. She has previously written for Us Weekly, Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Follow her on Instagram @samholender.
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