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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 that are gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin types.
Our top picks for the best Korean sunscreens in 2024
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, we combed through countless customer reviews to find the 13 best Korean sunscreens on the market. We analyzed each on its list of included ingredients and reported ability to absorb into the skin while creating a seamless finish. From luxurious natural formulas to affordable drugstore finds, keep reading to shop top-rated options for every skin type and budget.
Pros
- Matte finish
Cons
- Can get flaky
The milky texture of this formula glides onto and quickly absorbs into the skin, providing a double layer of UV protection. Those with oily complexions will also love its natural matte finish.
Key ingredients: Aloe barbadensis leaf extract
Size: 2.36 fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
An Amazon reviewer says: “It’s lightweight, so no thick white residue on your face, and absorbs easily into skin like a daily moisturizer. Great coverage and long lasting.”
Pros
- No white cast
Cons
- May not layer well underneath makeup
Opt for a deeply hydrating sunscreen that’s suitable for all skin types. Offering both necessary UVA and UVB protection, this formula has a creamy, gel-like consistency that’s designed to penetrate the skin without leaving behind a white cast.
Key ingredients: N/A
Size: 2.1 fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
An Amazon reviewer says: “I like it. My skin looks shiny and not sticky. It’s great for Asian skin.”
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Pros
- Soothes skin
Cons
- Scented
The key ingredient in this gentle oil-free sunscreen is green apple extract, which soothes and protects. It's suitable for all skin types but is an especially great option for those with sensitive and/or oily complexions.
Key ingredients: Apple water extract
Size: 1.35 fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
An Amazon reviewer says: “The best sunscreen, I will rebuy forever. Keeps my skin matte, doesn’t have a white cast, and protects my skin.”
Pros
- Lightweight and non-oily
Cons
- Small size
Pack this Korean sunscreen in your makeup case to shield your skin from UVA/UVB rays and maintain a balanced complexion. It stars rice extract to nourish and probiotics to support the skin’s natural barrier. Per reviewers, it offers a second-skin finish.
Key ingredients: Rice extract, grain derived probiotics
Size: 2 fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
A reviewer says: “This is my new favorite sunscreen! It goes on clear and soaks into the skin pretty quickly, leaving no film or residue. My skin responds really nicely to rice-based products, so I will definitely be buying this again!”
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Pros
- No white cast
Cons
- Strong scent
This water-based formula is lightweight and gentle on the skin while providing protection against UV rays. Featuring nourishing sunflower seed oil and anti-inflammatory green tea, it also works to minimize the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
Key ingredients: Green tea, sunflower seed oil, cica
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
SPF: 36
An Amazon reviewer says: “I've used this for months and it never broke me out. It plays well with my makeup/skincare, blends in so easily, and leaves no white cast. My skin is so dewy.”
Pros
- Aloe calms the skin
Cons
- Strong scent
Formulated with soothing aloe, this sunscreen is made to feel like a moisturizer and is ultra-lightweight for easy application. According to many shoppers, it seamlessly blends into the skin without leaving behind a white cast.
Key ingredients: Aloe
Size: 50 mL
SPF: 50+
A reviewer says: “This is my favorite face sunscreen. I love that it’s a moisturizer, too. It’s great year round but especially for winter months when I need extra moisture. I can feel it soothe my skin when I apply.”
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Pros
- Lightweight, non-oily finish
Cons
- Some may prefer a mineral sunscreen
This Korean gel sunscreen simultaneously moisturizes and protects the skin without feeling oily or sticky—making it great to layer underneath makeup. According to the brand, it’s also clinically proven to be safe for even those with reactive skin.
Key ingredients: Fructan, bamboo water, city proof complex, lespedeza capitata leaf extract
Size: 2.53 fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
An Amazon reviewer says: “I really enjoy using this sunblock. It’s moisturizing (which is great for my dry skin), provides ample sun protection, and doesn’t feel heavy or sticky. It has a light fragrance which is pleasant and not overbearing.”
Pros
- Helps to improve impurities
Cons
- Strong scent
This sunscreen combines the best of chemical and physical sunscreen with its airy formula to address a variety of skin concerns, including age spots, fine wrinkles, blemishes, and elasticity. It’s also free of synthetic fragrances and shouldn’t leave behind a white cast.
Key ingredients: Damask rose, aloe vera, raspberry, avocado baobab, purslane, yarrow, arnica montana
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
An Amazon reviewer says: “This sunscreen absorbs into the skin very well and did not leave my skin oily unlike previous sunscreens I’ve used. There is no white cast, and the bottle makes it easy to apply onto the skin.”
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Pros
- Moisturizing
Cons
- May leave behind a white cast
This mineral-based and reef-safe sunscreen uses clean ingredients to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays. A best-seller for the brand, it provides a natural, non-greasy finish.
Key ingredients: Non-nano zinc oxide, blue phytoplankton, and microalgae
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
SPF: 32
An Ulta reviewer says: “Reliable and effortless SPF, doesn’t feel like you are wearing anything. I always feel like such a skin superstar when I put this on.”
Pros
- Contains skin-loving ingredients
Cons
- Leaves a white cast
This sunscreen utilizes a combination of chemical and mineral ingredients to combat ultraviolet-A and ultraviolet-B rays which contribute to premature aging. It’s suitable for all skin types and reviewers say it offers an easy-to-blend, non-sticky texture.
Key ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
An Amazon reviewer says: “I love this sunscreen! I wear it everyday. It has such nice coverage that I often opt to wear this as my makeup. It brightens my skin, and it slightly covers the red spots and unevenness on my cheeks.”
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Pros
- No white cast
Cons
- On the pricier side
Not only does this formula protect against UVA and UVB rays, but it’s also hydrating and helps repair the skin barrier, thanks to ingredients like aloe leaf extract.
Key ingredients: Portulaca oleracea, lime, and aloe leaf
Size: 40mL
SPF: 50
A reviewer says: “Thank You Farmer SPF 50 Light Sun Essence is a game changer when it comes to sunscreen. It’s not sticky, tacky, or greasy. It’s so lightweight and doesn’t leave any residue or stain with water or sweat.”
Pros
- Super affordable
Cons
- Not best for dry skin
An Amazon favorite, this sunscreen boasts a milky formula and contains 100 percent mineral ingredients that protect the skin from UV rays. It’s especially great for those with combination and oily skin, as it offers a super airy texture that dries down quickly.
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, and Barbados cherry
Size: 1.76 fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
An Amazon reviewer says: “It leaves a silky natural matte finish, though not too matte that I can’t wear it during winter months. It wears flawlessly under makeup and doesn’t irritate my eyes if I happen rub them shortly after applying."
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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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Casey Clark is a freelance writer from New York City who specializes in beauty, fashion, and mental health. She has written for Allure, StyleCaster, The Wall Street Journal, Forbes, and numerous other online publications. For this story, she spoke with experts and used her extensive knowledge on sunscreen to congregate the best Korean sunscreens.
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Casey Clark
Contributor
Casey Clark is a freelance journalist who specializes in beauty, health, and style-related commerce content. She graduated from Hofstra University with a degree in journalism. Her work has been published in Women's Health, Forbes, Better Homes & Gardens, and more.