Korean sunscreens contain lightweight, gentle formulas enriched with skin-loving ingredients, which leave no or minimal white cast on the skin. These are fantastic alternatives to their western counterparts. These sunscreens come in a variety of textures as well. Check out the top 15 Korean sunscreens that suit every budget and skin type.

How Is Korean Sunscreen Different From Other Sunscreens?

Forget the goopy, opaque sunscreens that you used earlier! Korean sunscreens have officially changed the game, and both dermatologists and beauty experts trust them! But, how is it different from the traditional sunscreens? Here are the reasons:

Difference In Classification

In the United States, sunscreens are considered a drug under the FDA. The product has to go through rigorous testing to ensure its effectiveness in protecting your skin against UA and UVB rays of the sun. However, these rules do not apply to Asian products. However, most manufacturers test all the ingredients used in a particular skin care product to prevent adverse reactions. Regular sunscreens have a limited list of ingredients that hasn’t been updated much over the past few decades. On the contrary, Korean brands are regularly updating the formulation of their sunscreens to offer sun protection while brightening the skin and reducing the signs of aging. In functional cosmetics, the approval process is complicated, but it is streamlined to introduce new and distinctive formulations in the market.

Different Grading System

Another significant factor that makes Korean sunscreens different from others is the way they are rated. In all Korean sunscreens, you will find PA (Protection Grade of the UVA rays) that measures UVA exposure, as well as SPF that measures UVB exposure. Several ‘+’ signs follow the ‘PA.’ The PA number is based on the PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) test, which measures how long it takes for skin to tan or darken when exposed to UVA rays, as compared to unprotected skin. You’ll find that a Korean sunscreen can have anywhere between 1-4 ‘+’ signs, and the more ‘+’ signs, the higher the protection from UVA rays. While buying Korean sunscreen, always look out for both PA and SPF protection that will shield your skin against UVA and UVB rays. In the following section, you’ll find the 15 best Korean Sunscreens that you can try out! Keep reading!

15 Best Korean Sunscreens That You Can Try In Summer

1. Best Overall Korean Sunscreen: COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

If your skin needs a serious boost of hydration along with sun protection, this product has got you covered. The Sun Cream by Cosrx contains aloe vera extracts that keep your skin moisturized, while SPF 50+ PA+++ protects your skin from the harmful UVA and UVB rays. In addition, its gentle, quick-absorbing formula does not leave a white cast on your skin. Click here to check out a detailed personal review of this product. Pros

Contains botanical extracts Lightweight Quick-absorbing formula Hydrates the skin Does not leave a white cast

 Cons

Greasy

2. Best Sunscreen For Outdoors: Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++

4.4 Image: Missha BUY ON AMAZON | $16.5 The Soft Finish Sun Milk’s double layer UV blocking system makes this sunscreen impenetrable against the harmful rays of the sun. It can withstand water and sweat and does not melt in humid weather – making it the perfect sunscreen for outdoors. This sunscreen has a silky and porous powder-like texture that glides smoothly onto your skin. The formula is infused with a Natural Barrier Complex that gives your skin a fresh boost of hydration, while antozone-rose and glycofilm provide skin protection against environmental stressors. The nourishing helichrysum flower water calms the skin, leaving it with a refreshing feeling throughout the day. Here’s a personal review video to help you get a better understanding of the product. Pros

Improves skin tone and texture Lightweight Non-irritating Quick-absorbing formula Non-greasy Cruelty-free

Cons

May irritate the skin

3. Best Drugstore Sunscreen: Etude House Surprise Mild Airy Finish Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA+++

4.3 Image: Etude House BUY ON AMAZON | $12.95 You will be surprised by the way Etude House Surprise Mild Airy Finish Sunscreen feels on your skin. This lightweight sunscreen glides like a breeze on your body and blends effortlessly with your makeup. If you have oily skin, this is the sunscreen for you. The formula is enriched with 20 plant ingredients, including Carex humilis root extract, sunflower seeds, barbados cherry, and acai berry. These ingredients work as natural UV filters to protect the skin from the sun. A combination of Portulaca oleracea, Centella asiatica, and mistletoe soothes the skin while aloe vera, cactus, and hyaluronic acid provide hydration. The mild formula does not cause skin irritation or leave behind a white cast. Watch this video for a thorough understanding of the product. Pros

100% mineral filter Natural ingredients Moisturizes the skin Soothes the skin Does not leave a white cast Non-sticky Non-greasy

Cons

May dry out your skin

4. Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin: A’PIEU Pure Block Daily Sun Cream SPF 45, PA+++

4.4 Image: A’pieu BUY ON AMAZON | $11.0 If you’re looking for a sunblock that does not irritate your sensitive skin, then try out the A’Pieu Pure Block Natural Sun Cream. The SPF 45 PA+++ formula protects your skin from harmful UV rays without triggering irritation or allergies. It has a creamy texture that spreads evenly, leaving your skin with a dewy texture. The formula is enriched aloe leaf extracts that soothe tired skin, a berry blossom complex to restore skin vitality, and desert watermelon extract to offer moisturization. Pros

Lightweight Quick-absorbing formula Does not look cakey Creamy texture Non-comedogenic Non-irritating Non-sticky Non-greasy Can be applied under makeup

Cons

Strong fragrance

5. Best Sunscreen With A Cooling Sensation: Make P: rem UV Defense Me

4.1 BUY ON AMAZON | $27.99 Make P:rem UV Defense Me contains natural ingredients and claims to lower your skin temperature. With SPF 50+ PA+++ and a 100% mineral filter, it offers maximum protection to your skin from harmful UV rays. The formula is enriched with bamboo water because of its soothing and moisturizing properties. Madecassoside protects your skin, and zinc oxide acts as a shield against UV exposure. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin. Pros

No white cast 100% safe ingredients Suitable for all skin types Vegan Cruelty-free Gluten-free Fragrance-free No color additives

Cons None

6. Best Dewy Sunscreen: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence 30

4.5 Image: Thankyou Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence BUY ON AMAZON | $18.94 Don’t prefer a matte look? Then, pick up the Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence with SPF 30 and PA+++ that leaves your skin with a beautiful dewy glow. It contains hydrating and soothing ingredients like aloe leaf extract, African walnut oil, Althaea rosea flower extract, and niacinamide. These ingredients brighten your skin tone and add a nourishing glow to your face. This multipurpose sunscreen works as a makeup primer or a highlighter. Pros

Suitable for all skin types Made with natural ingredients Adds a natural glow Evens out the skin tone Works as a primer or highlighter Hypoallergenic Irritation-free Clinically tested

Cons None

7. Best Moisturizing Sunscreen: Espoir Water Splash Sun Cream 50+

4.4 BUY ON AMAZON | $31.99 Want to add that extra boost of hydration to your skin? The Espoir Water Splash Sun Cream offers ample moisturization to your skin along with a day-long refreshing feeling. Infused with SPF 50+ PA+++, this sunblock offers protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays while adding a dewy finish to your face. It has a lightweight texture that spreads evenly on your face without leaving a white cast. The Espoir Water Splash Sun Cream is also free from eight harmful ingredients. Pros

Lightweight Moisturizes the skin Non-sticky Cruelty-free Vegan Mineral oil-free Talc-free No added colorants

Cons None

8. Best Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin: Cell Fusion C Laser Sunscreen 100 SPF 50+ PA+++

4.4 BUY ON AMAZON | $26.6 Cell Fusion C Laser Sunscreen 100 has a featherlight texture that offers maximum protection against sun damage without clogging your pores or breaking out your skin. The sunscreen combines chemical and mineral-based sun filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that decompose and deflect the UVA and UVB rays. Hydrolyzed collagen prevents premature skin aging and revives dull, dry skin, while acetyl hexapeptide enhances skin elasticity. Plus, lavender extract provides a subtle and refreshing scent. Pros

Lightweight Prevents premature aging Non-comedogenic Paraben-free Sulfate-free Alcohol-free No added color Refreshing scent

Cons None

9. Best Fragrance-Free Sunscreen: G Green Mild Up Sun+ SPF 50 + PA++++

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Finding the correct fragrance-free sunscreen for sensitive skin can be tricky. The Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+ has a mild and hypoallergenic formula with SPF 50 PA+++ that shields sensitive skin from the damaging effects of the UV rays. The smooth and non-sticky formula of this sunscreen glides smoothly on the skin without leaving any white cast. It contains a blend of carefully chosen ingredients like Centella asiatica and fish mint to soothe and moisturize your skin. Pros

Does not leave a white cast Safe for sensitive skin Hypoallergenic Non-sticky Non-greasy No artificial fragrances

Cons None

10. Best Hyaluronic Acid-Based Sunscreen: ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

4.6 BUY ON AMAZON | $25.85 The ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel has a gentle formula that offers long-lasting moisturization. Its SPF 50+ PA+++ provides adequate protection against the harmful effects of the UVA and UVB rays. It is enriched with eight types of hyaluronic acids, which penetrate the layers of your skin to increase firmness and maintains a healthy look. The other ingredients include Centella asiatica extract that soothes irritated skin, while astaxanthin promotes skin elasticity. Ceramides replenish moisture, and fig fruit extract makes the skin silky and smooth. Due to its lotion-like consistency, this sunscreen is easy to apply and gets absorbed into the skin quickly. Pros

Long-lasting moisturization Quick-absorbing formula Increases skin firmness and elasticity Does not leave a white cast PEG-free

Cons

Not suitable for all skin types

11. IPKN Big Apple Sun Cream SPF 50

4.6 Image: Ipkn BUY ON AMAZON | $20 The IpKN Big Apple Sun Cream’s oil-free formula does not clog your pores and controls excess sebum production. It is enriched with antioxidant-rich apple water extract, zinc oxide, niacinamide, and other herbal ingredients that work wonders for your skin. This moisturizing formula with SPF 50+ is a potent multitasker – it smoothens, color-corrects, and protects the skin all day long. Your skin keeps glowing without any greasiness. Pros

Oil-free formula Reduces excess oil production Improves the skin tone Can be used as a color corrector

Cons None

12. IOPE UV Shield Sun Protector XP SPF 50+ PA++++

The IOPE UV Shield Sun Protector XP has a featherlight and non-sticky texture that gets absorbed into the skin quickly. The Micro Filter System it combats external stressors and helps you maintain healthy skin. The VD Booster strengthens the skin and also treats the visible signs of aging. Pros

Lightweight Combats environmental stressors Minimizes the signs of aging Non-sticky

Cons None

13. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++

4.6 BUY ON AMAZON | $19 With SPF 50+/ PA+++, the Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream offers a protective shield against harmful UV rays while keeping your skin hydrated. Ingredients like aloe leaf extract, hollyhock root, and patented Phyto-oligo soothe and protect the skin’s moisture barrier without leaving behind a white cast or stickiness. It targets the signs of aging and keeps your skin hydrated all day long. This combination sunblock contains both chemical and mineral ingredients that deflects harmful UV rays. The quick-absorbing formula leaves a dewy finish on the skin post-application. Pros

Protects the skin’s moisture barrier No white cast Non-sticky Cruelty-free Paraben-free Mineral oil-free No artificial colors

Cons

Strong fragrance

14.  Suntique I’m Pure Cica Suncream

4.1 BUY ON AMAZON | $29 The Suntique I’m Pure Cica Suncream has a non-sticky, non-greasy, fast-absorbing formula that heals and protects your skin. It contains Centella asiatica that restores damaged skin and nutrient-rich galactomyces that moisturize the skin. This mineral-based sunscreen powered by SPF 50 PA +++ protection physically blocks the harmful UV rays. On application, it leaves a matte finish without a white cast. This cream doubles up as a subtle skin tone corrector. Pros

100% physical UV blocker Improves the skin tone Does not leave white cast Safe for sensitive skin Non-sticky Non-greasy Cruelty-free Silicone-free Paraben-free Phthalate-free Oxybenzone-free Avobenzone-free Synthetic fragrances-free Free from chemical UV filters

Cons None

15. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF50+ PA+++

4.5 BUY ON AMAZON | $20.1 Are you on the hunt for a lightweight sunscreen? The Sun Project Light Sun Essence is here to give you the perfect, non-sticky look without leaving any white cast on the skin. It has a hydrating and fast-absorbing formula that contains lotus flower extract, aloe leaf extract, and soybean lipids. It offers a semi-matte finish with a subtle hint of apricot fragrance. The SPF 50+ and PA+++ offer maximum protection from the UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen by Thank You Farmer minimizes pores, moisturizes the skin, and repairs the skin barrier. It is suitable for all skin types.

Pros

Lightweight Hydrates the skin Quick-absorbing formula Semi-matte finish Does not leave a white cast Paraben-free Hypoallergenic No artificial pigments

Cons None That was our list of the top-rated Korean sunscreens that you can buy. However, there are a few factors that you should always keep in mind before buying sunscreen. Check them out below!

What Should You Look For In A Korean Sunscreen?

Before buying sunscreen, you need to have a clear understanding of specific terms. Spot out the difference between SPF, PA, UVA, and UVB. Choose a product with both PA and SPF mentioned on it. This ensures that your skin is protected from the harmful effects of both UVA and UVB rays. Look out for the consistency depending on your skin type. Cream-based formulas work best on dry or normal skin. UV sprays, gel-based, or water-based formulas are ideal for oily skin. Buy a sunscreen that has at least SPF 30. Avoid buying anything lower than that. Sunscreens with SPF 30 can filter 97% of the UVA and UVB rays. When a sunscreen claims to be ‘water-resistant,’ it does not mean that it won’t wash off your skin. Check for the duration for which it lasts. It should be either 40 or 80 minutes. That means water-resistant sunscreen will stay on your skin for 40 or 80 minutes while you sweat or swim. You will then need to reapply for it. When it comes to ingredients, it depends on how your skin reacts to different elements. Some may be allergic to chemical UV blockers, while others may get skin rashes after using physical UV blockers. Which ingredient works best for you depends on how your skin reacts to it. Korean sunscreens are primarily formulated with natural ingredients that are beneficial for your skin.

Sunscreens may not be as effective unless applied correctly. Follow these tips for applying sunscreen to get good results.

How To Use Korean Sunscreens To Get Good Results

Why Trust StyleCraze?

Shiboli Chakraborti, a certified skincare coach, is also a beauty and makeup enthusiast who is passionate about reviewing beauty products across various categories. Her understanding of skin types and how cosmetic products affect them gives her the skills to pick out the best and the safest ones from a wide array of options. After a close look at the formulations of various products and an extensive exploration of user reviews, she has shortlisted the best Korean sunscreens available on the market. The products listed here are excellent sunscreens that are affordable and deliver excellent sun protection. Do Korean sunscreens work? Korean sunscreens are the most trustworthy sunscreens in recent times. They contain superior quality skin-friendly ingredients and good SPF values to protect your skin from UV rays. How long does Korean sunscreen last? Usually, the shelf life of Korean sunscreen products is 12 months from the date of opening them or the expiry date mentioned on the package, whichever is earlier. Why do you have to wait 15 minutes after applying sunscreen? It takes the sunscreen 15-20 minutes to sink into the skin. If the sunscreen is not entirely absorbed, it leaves the skin unprotected and causes sunburns when you step outdoors. What makes Korean sunscreen different? Korean sunscreens are formulated with thick, non-greasy ingredients, and are consistently lighter. They provide superior sun protection. What is the correct amount of sunscreen for the face? Around 1/4 tablespoon of sunscreen is usually enough for the face. How much sunscreen should a person use per day? To achieve sufficient sun protection, you need 1/4 tablespoon of sunscreen for the face and one full shot glass for the whole body. You will need even more if you are sweating or swimming. Do not forget to reapply the product ever 2-3 hours.

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