These innovative, UV-protecting formulas feel more like your favorite lightweight moisturizer than a heavy, oily sunscreen.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: the best Korean sunscreens are better than Western sunscreens. This quote is about innovation. Because sunscreen is considered a drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and its chemicals and ingredients must go through a formal drug approval process, U.S. beauty brands are limited in how they can add fragrance to their formulas. In fact, “no new chemicals or minerals have been approved for use in sunscreen in the U.S. since 1999,” says cosmetic chemist Stephen Ko.
In South Korea, sunscreen formulations are advancing rapidly due to shorter approval times. Their mineral sunscreens, no matter how much zinc oxide they contain, are completely sheer on all skin tones with no noticeable, off-putting thickness. Korean chemical sunscreens feature the same sheer, oil-free properties. Plus, both contain ingredients found in your favorite serums and moisturizers, like Centella asiatica (or centella asiatica for short), allantoin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and more. So when you apply them, you’re not only protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays, but you’re also adding an extra layer of hydration, brightening, and smoothing benefits.
In many of the product names listed below, you’ll notice PA next to SPF. SPF focuses on UVB light (which can burn the skin) and measures how protected you are from sunburn, while PA focuses on UVA light (which can significantly age us) and prevents pigmentation from forming, Dr. Zion Ko Lamm of Charlotte is a physician who combines Korean skin care with health. She equates PA+++ to SPF 30 and recommends using the sunscreen with the lowest SPF of each.
To take this measurement system a step further, Dr. Ko Lamm points out that Western sunscreen was formulated as a necessity by focusing on the direct effects of sunlight. Korean sunscreen, on the other hand, is part of the lifestyle. They protect your skin from the long-term effects of the sun.
If we haven’t proven our point yet, these Korean sun protection tips from Korean beauty experts, dermatologists, and Allure editors in New York and Seoul just might. If you love these formulas as much as we do, maybe you’ll be more likely to use (and reapply) sunscreen.
Best Overall: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++
Why It’s Worth It: You’ll find some well-known and popular ingredients in Thank You Farmer’s Sun Project Water Sunscreen, including soothing aloe vera leaf and hydrating sunflower seed extract. Of particular note is that this sunscreen is a hybrid formula, meaning it contains both minerals and chemical filters (homosalate, octoline, and titanium dioxide, to be precise). “Centella asiatica extract and bamboo water are two key ingredients that soothe and moisturize the skin,” says Eunice Park, MD, a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon in Long Island, New York, and founder of AIREM, noting that moisturizing Sunscreen for normal to dry skin types.
TikTok Viral Pick: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF50+ PA++++
Why it’s worth it: If you’re on beauty TikTok, there’s a good chance you’ve seen “Korean Beauty Soothing Sunscreen: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++” in your FYP. Viral Feel is one of the best sunscreens we’ve tried in recent years, thanks in part to the radiant and healthy results it delivers. Packed with nourishing ingredients like niacinamide, rice extract, and grain probiotics, this chemical-free, cast-free formula may have you looking forward to slathering on sunscreen every day.
Best anti-sweat product: Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++
Why You Need It: This mild matte SPF has long been a favorite of many around the world because its mineral formula is sweat-proof, water-resistant, and dries quickly, leaving a virtually non-existent, non-greasy finish. Helichrysum flower water soothes heat-related redness and irritation, while glycerin strengthens the barrier.
Best for Dry Skin: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++
Why it’s worth it: If you’re looking to save on your morning skincare routine, Round Lab’s Birch Sap Hydrating Sunscreen can easily replace a separate moisturizer. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, amino acids and birch sap work together to deeply hydrate skin, prevent moisture loss and minimize inflammation.
Best of Beauty Winner: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36
Why It’s Worth It: We love a bargain and make sure every year’s Best of Beauty Award winners have a different price range. For example: Our steal category is capped at $15. Innisfree’s award-winning Daily UV Protection Sunscreen is almost $16, but considering how lightweight, hydrating, and refreshing this cream is, you won’t mind spending the extra dollar.
Best for reducing shine: Neogen Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF 50/PA+++
Why it’s worth it: For Dr. Ko Lamm, Neogen Day-Light Protection Sunscreen SPF50/PA+++ ticks all the boxes. Now meet the latest iteration of the fan-favorite formula: Sun Protection Breathable Sunscreen. While the original is billed as a hybrid formula, Airy uses only chemical UV filters, resulting in a smooth, sting-free finish that’s easy to apply and absorbs quickly. As trade editor Sarah Han attests, it also works well under makeup.
Best for Easily-Irritated Skin: Suntique I’m Safe For Sensitive Skin SPF 35 PA+++
Why it’s worth it: Korean plaster-free technology isn’t limited to chemical formulas. For those looking for a mineral sunscreen, whether you have sensitive skin or are pregnant or breastfeeding, Suntique I’m Safe For Sensitive Skin SPF 35 PA+++ is a fragrance-free option that won’t irritate your skin or leave you feeling irritated. Invisibly dry skin.
Best Sunscreen Serum: Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++
Why it’s worth it: Jump on the TikTok hype train. Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Hydrating Sunscreen Serum SPF 50+ PA++++ has taken over our products with its incredibly lightweight, serum-like formula that leaves skin looking hydrated and fresh. According to the brand, this particular sunscreen uses a new generation of light-stable chemical UV filters such as Tinosorb M, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150 and Iscotrizinol. What about innovation?
Best for Redness: Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen
Why it’s worth it: Market Shopping editor Angela Trakoshis has been obsessed with Dr. Dr. since it debuted in Beauty Box. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen , especially because of its non-greasy formula, is great for long-lasting SPF application. “It contains zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to form a physical barrier that’s safe for sensitive skin and dries radiantly without leaving a Casper-like shine,” she says. “Whether I’m taking my daily walk or sitting by the window with my laptop, I’ll never think twice about not wearing sunscreen.”
Best Under Makeup: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA+++
Why it’s worth it: Isntree’s Hyaluronic Acid Water Sunscreen Gel is a must-have, according to Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She says this chemical sunscreen is one of her favorite products, K-beauty or otherwise, because it’s “super lightweight, elegant, and perfect for makeup.”
Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun SPF 50+ PA++++
Why It’s Worth It: For those with sensitive skin, Allure Korea editors awarded Ultra-Light Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun SPF50+ PA++++ a 2020 Best of Beauty Award. A long-time favorite is fragrance-free but packed with calming centella asiatica and sweetheart leaf. Although it’s made from 100% zinc oxide, this sunscreen is suitable for every skin tone. “It doesn’t smell or feel like traditional facial sunscreen, which is great for my sensitive skin,” said Sarah Kinonen, associate director of digital beauty, who helped select the winner. “The lotion blends easily into the skin and leaves no white residue.”
Best Vegan Sunscreen: Espoir Water Splash Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++
Why: As the name suggests, Espoir Water Splash Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++ feels like it’s hydrating your skin. Its watery consistency leaves skin beautifully soothed with a combination of chamomile, centella asiatica, aloe vera and rhododendron bark extracts (which reduce sebum production and minimize pores) while prepping it for makeup base. Available in green and pink shades, it has a calming and brightening effect.
Best Sunscreen Stick: AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
Why it’s worth it: Sometimes you just can’t be bothered to use a tube, especially when you’re packing your bags and not sure if your favorite sunscreen will pass TSA inspection. This is where a sunscreen stick like the AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick comes in handy. “This sunscreen is lightweight and easy to apply to the face and body,” Dr. Parks.
Best for Brightening: d’Alba Waterfull Essence Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++
Why It’s Worth It: Another Allure Best of Korean Beauty winner on this list is none other than d’Alba’s Waterfull Essence Sun Cream. Its sheer, almost non-existent texture and combination of hydrating and soothing ingredients like niacinamide (which also protects skin from blue light) and white truffle won the hearts of our colleagues in Seoul.
Best for Oily Skin: Cosrx Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
Why it’s worth it: People with oily skin gravitate toward Cosrx’s Vitamin E Energizing Sunscreen SPF 50+, which is formulated with silica and cotton extract to control excess sebum, so your T-zone isn’t covered until lunch It will be greasy. For added hydration (because yes, oily skin needs it), count on antioxidants vitamin E and cocoa extract to leave skin feeling soft and moisturized.
Best for City Dwellers: Iope UV Defense Sun Protector EX SPF 39
Why it’s worth it: You may recognize Iope from its award-winning retinol serum or cushion powder, but here’s a reminder not to wear UV Defense Sun Protector EX SPF 39 to bed. It feels soothing on the skin and dries without a plaster, although it may take a while to fully absorb into your skin. It contains fragrance which may bother some people.