The wonders of K-beauty are nothing new to beauty obsessives. When it comes to makeup, skin, and hair care products coming out of South Korea, the textures are more innovative, the ingredients more advanced, and the technology always ahead of what brands are working with stateside. Korean sunscreen is no exception—in fact, it's likely the most advanced sun protection in the world. We asked Alicia Yoon (opens in new tab), founder of K-beauty curator Peach & Lily (opens in new tab), to break down why you should be wearing Korean sunscreen this summer (and all year round).
Korean sunscreens offer more options.
"It depends on the formula, but Korean sunscreens offer much more variety," says Yoon. "The Korean FDA (and the EU regulators!) have approved many more kinds of SPF filters than what is approved in the U.S., and Korea is always pushing the boundaries on texture innovations and formula stability as the market is hyper-competitive and demanding." This is especially important for women of color seeking sunscreen formulas that won't leave a chalky white cast on the skin.
The SPF rating on U.S. sunscreens is obviously important, but the Korean system goes the extra mile to ensure your formulas are doing the work. Yoon notes that the PPD and PA rating system grades the strength of the UVA protection in more nuanced ways compared to the U.S.'s Broad Spectrum test.
"The Broad Spectrum rating system is a pass or fail system. As long as ninety percent of the UV absorption falls under a set measurement, the SPF can be labeled as broad spectrum. There is no way to tell how high or low that broad spectrum or UVA protection is," says Yoon.
In Asia, the process is more extensive. "The PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) rating system is used for UVA rays," explains Yoon. The amount of time it takes for skin to tan is compared to unprotected skin. If there is a PPD rating of 20, similarly to the SPF rating, it means that the skin takes about twenty times longer to tan compared to unprotected skin."
Following? Good. And in Korea and Japan, the process—the PA, or Protection Grade of UVA—is more simplified, but no less accurate.
"There are 4 grades in the PA system: PA+, PA++, PA+++, PA++++ and each plus sign covers a range of the PPD test. The highest number of +'s offers the most UVA protection." So while you're shopping, look out for sunscreen bottles with as many plus signs as possible," she says.
Korean sunscreen ingredients are more advanced.
According to Yoon, the U.S. is seriously behind on updating its toolkit for healthy sunscreens. "They haven't updated the list of FDA-approved filters for more than 20 years, so I'm really excited for the day that more SPF filters get approved so that we can have more access to delightful textures and SPF that truly doesn't leave a white cast," she says.
In the meantime, read on to find a silky, effective Korean sunscreen that will kick your sun protection routine up a notch.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++
This cult-y Korean skincare brand is known for its super-effective snail essence (opens in new tab)(!!!), 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.
The Pure Lotus Botanical Sun Cream
It’s rare to find a sunscreen with SPF 50+ that feels lighter than air, but this formula is one of those rare unicorns. Plus, it has niacinamide to help even skin tone, as well as green tea, aloe vera, and rice extracts for added hydration.
Neogen Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF 50/PA+++
With both mineral and chemical sun-blocking ingredients (true story: There’s no rule that says you can’t have both), this formula is the best of both worlds. Lightweight yet non-greasy and protective, it’s sheer and wears great under makeup.
Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk
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 tone and dark spots as you wear it.
Suntique I'm Pure Cica Suncream
For a mineral sunscreen, this one blends in remarkably well, and is never sticky or greasy. Plus, those with oily skin will love the matte finish, which leaves skin prepped and ready for the day (and makeup).
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
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 acne.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery 50 g Sunscreen SPF 50 + / PA ++++
The sheer number of five-star Amazon reviews (opens in new tab) 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.
innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36
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.
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream
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.
IOPE UV Shield Sun Protector XP SPF 50+ PA++++
Iope is known for its sensitive skincare, and this UV-protector is no different. The liquid strengthens skin on contact without adding stickiness to a (probably) already sweaty face.
MAKEP:REM UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
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.
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ / PA+++
Another Amazon darling, this milk contains 100 percent mineral ingredients, including soothing mistletoe and aloe vera and Barbados cherry to strengthen the skin. And come on...dropping less than $15 on a hi-tech formula like this is a no-brainer.
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++
This is beach day protection if we've ever seen it: Its watery texture means it sinks into skin almost instantly, and feels totally weightless even on your sweatiest days.
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