beauty
From Round Lab and Abib to Innisfree
By Jenny Jin
•
Published Jun 28, 2024
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K-beauty is a leader within the skincare space and has been for many years now, thanks to its use of advanced ingredients and innovative textures. (Gel creams, cushion compacts and jelly cleansers? You can thank our friends in Seoul for that.)
That said, if I had to choose just one category where they absolutely excel, it would be sunscreen. If you have an aversion to sunscreen from past childhood memories of being slathered in thick white paste or are wary that the stuff might break you out, a Korean sunscreen can be an absolute game-changer for you.
Depending on your skin type and preferences, there are plenty of options. I streamlined it down to 15 of the best Korean sunscreens for you to shop ahead.
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The Best Korean Sunscreens at a Glance
3
Best for All Skin Tones
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++
read more
5
Best for All-Over Use
Make P:rem Defense Me Daily Sun Fluid Sunscreen Sunblock SPF 50+ PA++++
read more
$30 at Amazon
7
Best for Light Coverage
AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
read more
$68 at Amazon
9
Best for Dry Skin
Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen SPF 50
read more
$32 at Amazon
10
Best for Sensitive Skin
Pyunkang Yul Ato Mild Sun Cream
read more
Show More
How I Chose the Best Korean Sunscreen
To select the following Korean sunscreens, I started with a few I've personally tested and loved throughout the years. Additionally, I combed through data and reviews on platforms like Google Trends and Reddit to ascertain the most popular and best-performing products. Ultimately, I considered dozens of Korean sunscreens before narrowing it down to the 15 you see below, based on the following criteria: efficacy, price, ease of application and wear.
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Editor's Pick
1. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
What We Like
- very moisturizing
- layers well underneath makeup
What We Don't Like
- can be a bit shiny for those with oily skin
Round Lab
After hearing a lot of buzz about this sunscreen during my most recent trip to Korea, I picked up a tube and it's since become one of my favorite formulas because it's an absolute delight to apply. It's everything you want in a sunscreen: lightweight, hydrating, easy-to-blend and it doesn't sting, smell or leave a chalky cast on your skin. You can read more about why I love it in my full review here.
Fast Facts
- Protection: SPF50+ PA++++
- Finish: satin, semi-glowy
Fan Favorite
2. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36
What We Like
- budget-friendly
- has a lightweight texture
- no oxybenzone
What We Don't Like
- not fragrance-free
Innisfree
If you’re looking for a relatively affordable, no frills option, I’d point you to this cult favorite sunscreen from Innisfree. (For context, of the nearly 3,000 reviews on Sephora, 90 percent of users give their stamp of approval on it.) Rave reviewers point to how the water-based formula is “extremely lightweight” and “spreads easily” over your skin without feeling sticky or greasy. And despite the palm-sized packaging, each tube lasts a surprisingly long time (which is good, because you should ideally be using the stuff every day).
Fast Facts
- Protection: broad spectrum SPF 36
- Finish: satin
Best for All Skin Tones
3. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++
What We Like
- feels refreshing on skin
- zero white cast
What We Don't Like
- can sting if it gets into your eyes
Isntree
With an SPF 50 and PA++++ rating, this refreshing sunscreen protects your skin against UVA and UVB rays without leaving any telltale streaks behind (unless you’re counting the glow). Infused with multi-molecular hyaluronic acid, plus soothing centella asiatica extract and ceramides, it keeps your skin smooth and hydrated to boot.
Fast Facts
- Protection: broad spectrum SPF50+ PA++++
- Finish: soft satin
Best Scent
4. Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
What We Like
- smells fresh
- mineral formula
- good for oily skin
What We Don't Like
- a bit pricey
Dr. Jart
You know the telltale sunscreen smell? The one you associate with the gloppy stuff your mom used to smear all over you at the beach? This lightweight formula from Dr. Jart smells more like a walk through a citrus grove. That’s not the only thing I like about it though; with a mineral SPF 50+, it's ideal for sensitive, oily skin types due to its calming properties and added powder that absorbs excess sebum.
Fast Facts
- Protection: broad spectrum SPF50+
- Finish: matte
Amazon
Best for All-Over Use
5. Make P:rem Defense Me Daily Sun Fluid Sunscreen Sunblock SPF 50+ PA++++
What We Like
- has a lightweight texture
- comes in a larger bottle
- can be used all over
What We Don't Like
- has a slight white cast at first (but it dissipates as you blend it into your skin)
make p:rem
For tip-to-toe coverage, opt for this generously sized sunscreen by make p:rem. It's formulated with both chemical and mineral blockers so you get optimal protection from the elements. Bambusa vulgaris water and nymphaea alba flower extract add a cooling effect, and the featherweight texture applies seamlessly to larger surface areas like your legs and back.
Fast Facts
- Protection: SPF 50+ PA++++
- Finish: natural
$30 at Amazon
Best for Reapplication
6. Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+
What We Like
- water resistant for 80 minutes
- has a portable and ergonomic design
What We Don't Like
- can run out quickly
Abib
Need extra protection throughout the day? Let me point you to this lightweight dream of a sunscreen stick. It has a smooth, airy texture that instantly absorbs into your skin as you swipe it on, and doesn't leave behind any sticky residue so you don't have to worry about pilling upon reapplying.
Fast Facts
- Protection: broad spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++
- Finish: semi-matte
Amazon
Best for Light Coverage
7. AmorePacific Color Control Cushion Compact Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
What We Like
- gives good coverage
- easy to pack and use
What We Don't Like
- limited color range
- pricey
Amorepacific
With hydrating ingredients like bamboo sap and green tea—and a hefty SPF of 50—this multitasking makeup does it all. Using the enclosed sponge, press down on the cushion top to release the product before tapping it onto your face for dewy coverage. Though the price tag is certainly steep, it comes with a refill and fresh sponge so it lasts you twice as long.
Fast Facts
- Protection: broad spectrum SPF 50+
- Finish: natural to slightly dewy
$68 at Amazon
Most Lightweight
8. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence
What We Like
- absorbs well
- slender tube makes it easy to pack
What We Don't Like
- can look a little greasy for those with oily skin
Thank You Farmer
A consistent best seller for many years, this broad-spectrum sunscreen absorbs quickly into your skin, while leaving behind the subtlest apricot scent. Those who have naturally oilier skin will like its semi-matte finish, and most people will appreciate the slim tube because it slips into your bag easily for midday touch ups.
Fast Facts
- Protection: SPF 50+ PA+++
- Finish: semi-matte
Amazon
Best for Dry Skin
9. Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen SPF 50
What We Like
- has hyaluronic acid, plus rose and raspberry extracts
- non-comedogenic
- is silicone-free
What We Don't Like
- tube is small compared to price
Neogen Dermalogy
For my friends with dry skin (or those who live in more arid climates),this bestselleris a bit more emollient than the others on the list. A closer look at the ingredients and you’ll see rose and raspberry extracts for added hydration and beta-glucan—which is a lesser-known but possibly better humectant thanhyaluronic acid—to lock moisture in. The silicone-free formula contains both chemical and mineral filters to deliver broad-spectrum protection and all-day hydration.
Fast Facts
- Protection: broad spectrum SPF 50+
- Finish: satin
$32 at Amazon
Best for Sensitive Skin
10. Pyunkang Yul Ato Mild Sun Cream
What We Like
- has a lightweight texture
- gentle enough for sensitive skin
- no scent
What We Don't Like
- leaves a slight residue
- might not be suited for darker skin
Pyunkang Yul
Developed by the renownedPyunkang Oriental Medicine Clinicin Korea, this super gentle formula contains EWG certified ingredients like honeysuckle extract and mugwort extract to keep your skin nourished and soothed, while broad-spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ fends off UV rays and free radicals. The lightweight formula is also scent-free and is a safe bet for anyone whose skin is easily irritated.
Fast Facts
- Protection: SPF 50+ PA++++
- Finish: satin to semi-matte
Best for Redness
11. Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
What We Like
- neutralizes redness
- moisturizing formula
- can be used in place of makeup
What We Don't Like
- pricey
- one shade (which can be too pale for some)
Dr. Jart+
An all-time favorite of PureWow Fashion Editor Abby Hepworth, this multitasking formula has all but replaced her makeup routine. As she explains, “It feels more like a lightweightface creamand the greenish tint adjusts to match your skin tone as you blend it in, neutralizing redness and giving you coverage similar to that of a tinted moisturizer.” Add to that SPF 30 and the magical healing properties oftiger grass, and you’ve got yourself a sunscreen, moisturizer and color corrector in one jar.
Fast Facts
- Protection: broad spectrum SPF 30
- Finish: natural
Best for Combination Skin
12. Missha All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++
What We Like
- budget-friendly
- has a lightweight texture
- absorbs nicely
What We Don't Like
- can sting if it gets near your eyes
Missha
Sun milk is an accurate way to describe the texture of this fluid formula. It’s thin and lightweight and absorbs pretty much as soon as you pat it over your skin. That said, it’s notasmoisturizing as some of the others on this list, but that’s also what makes it ideal for oily tocombination skin types. You can wear it all day long without having to worry about any sticky residue, excess shine or breakouts. Just give the bottle a good shake beforehand and apply it generously over your face and neck before you head outside.
Fast Facts
- Protection: SPF 50+ PA+++
- Finish: soft matte
Best for Coverage
What We Like
- primer, SPF and makeup in one
- has good coverage
What We Don't Like
- a bit pricey
- limited shade range
Cle Cosmetics
If you like a little more coverage, try this all-in-one primer and foundation byCle Cosmeticsthat also contains SPF 50 PA+++. It wears similarly to a BB or CC cream but uses a microcapsule technology that basically separates the skincare ingredients (like hyaluronic acid) from the foundation pigments until you rub it onto your skin, so you get optimal coverage and hydration with every application. The results are satiny, smooth and not in the least bit cakey.
Fast Facts
- Protection: SPF 30-50 PA+++ (depending on shade)
- Finish: satin
Best for Makeup Prep
14. Heimish Artless Glow Base SPF 50+ PA +++
What We Like
- gives your skin a flattering sheen
- doubles as highlighter
What We Don't Like
- can look greasy if you apply too much
Heimish
Calling allglass skinfans: This protective base delivers ample UVA and UVB coverage, while brightening up your complexion with botanical extracts and a pearly, light-reflective shimmer that makes your face look downright luminous. It wears nicely on its own but is especially flattering underneath any makeup, as it acts almost like a highlighter.
Fast Facts
- Protection: SPF 50+ PA+++
- Finish: pearlescent
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
15. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA +++
What We Like
- has soothing ingredients like aloe leaf extract
- absorbs quickly
What We Don't Like
- feels a bit thicker than some other formulas on this list
COSRX
If you’re experiencing more breakouts than usual, this soothing formula is going to be your skin’s best friend (especially as we head into warmer weather). With the consistency of a lightweight moisturizer, it absorbs quickly and evenly without leaving any white cast, and thanks to aloe leaf extract in the formula, it quells any irritation.
Fast Facts
- Protection: SPF 50+ PA +++
- Finish: natural to semi-matte
What Is Korean Sunscreen?
As implied, Korean sunscreen is sunscreen made in Korea, but there's more to it than that. For starters, there are a lot more sunscreen options available in Korea. That’s mainly due to the difference in regulations there (and in Europe), as compared to here in the United States.
In the U.S., sunscreens are considered a drug under the FDA, so any chemicals that are used in a sunscreen need to go through a formal approval process. As such, the list of approved SPF ingredients is limited and hasn’t been updated much in the last two decades.
How Is Korean Sunscreen Different from Others?
In Korea, sunscreens are categorized as “functional cosmetics,” which consist of any cosmetic product that helps to brighten or firm your skin, reduce wrinkles or protect against UV radiation. Though the approval process for functional cosmetics is rigorous, it’s streamlined so it takes less time for brands to test and bring new formulas to market.
Another key difference is how they’re rated. Korean sunscreens often use the PA (Protection Grade of UVA rays) system, which measures UVA exposure, as well as SPF, which measures UVB exposure.
As you see in the shopping guide above, some Korean sunscreens will say “PA” with a number of “+” signs following it. The PA number is based on the PPD or “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. For reference, a sunscreen can have anywhere between one to four plus signs, and theoretically, the more plus signs, the higher the protection from UVA rays.
The takeaway: For the most comprehensive protection, always look for the words “broad-spectrum,” or SPF and PA on a label, so you’re accounting for both UVA and UVB exposure.
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Jenny Jin
Beauty Director
- Oversees all beauty content at PureWow
- Has over a decade of experience in writing and editing, both in print and digital media
- Produces 'Youngish' newsletter, a guide to beauty in your 30s and beyond
read full bio
