The Top 4 Korean Sunscreens For Every Skin Type
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Are you tired of searching for the perfect sunscreen that suits your skin type? Look no further than the world of Korean skincare. Korean sunscreens come in various textures and formats, making it easy to find one that fits your skin type.
Renowned for their innovative formulas and high performance, Korean sunscreens offer more than just protection from harmful UV rays. They also provide additional benefits like treating dark spots, brightening skin, and soothing irritation.
I’ve dived deep into the world of Korean sunscreens to bring you the best options that truly live up to the hype. Whether you’re looking for a chemical sunscreen like the Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick for your oily skin or a hydrating option like Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream, we’ll explore the four best Korean sunscreens for all skin types.
Plus, these sunscreens tend to be more affordable, making it easier to protect your skin without breaking the bank. We like!
The 4 Best Korean Sunscreens For All Skin Types
Exploring the world of Korean sunscreen can feel overwhelming, but we’ve got you covered! These four Korean sunscreens suit all skin types. Let’s immerse and find your perfect match.
Before we dive into the best sunscreens, I wanted to give a quick heads-up that YesStyle is having a mega sale going on right now with up to 50% off on popular K-Beauty Brands. If you ever wanted to try Korean sunscreen, now is the time! YesStyle’s MEGA Sale is running from July 2nd to July 9th.
Beauty Of Joseon Matte Sun Stick
Beauty Of Joseon
Matte Sun Stick
Those who prefer sun protection in a fuss-free sun stick format will love this version from Beauty of Joseon fitted with SPF50 PA++++. The chemical formula doesn’t leave a greasy finish.
- Matte, non-greasy finish that keeps skin shine-free
- It applies smoothly without clumping or leaving a sticky residue
- Easy-to-use stick format makes reapplication simple
- Mess-free, ideal for on-the-go touch-ups
- It has a cooling effect to it
- It may not work the best under makeup
- It may not be ideal for swimming or heavy sweating activities
Meet the Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camellia—your new best friend if shiny skin drives you nuts. This sunscreen stick, in collaboration with the famous influencer Ramon, features sebum-control silica powder and mugwort extract, ensuring your skin stays matte, smooth, and protected all day. The stick format makes reapplication a breeze, especially if you’re always on the go.
Performance: This little dynamo is perfect for those who despise greasy finishes. Designed as a sunscreen stick, it’s ultra-convenient and perfect for touch-ups on the go. It provides strong SPF50 PA++++ broad-spectrum protection, guarding your lovely visage against both UVA and UVB rays. Expect a matte finish that doesn’t clog your pores—ideal for oily or combination skin.
Ingredients We Love:
- Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract: An Ayurvedic medicinal herb known for its yellowness. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties and might help regulate sebum production and have a brightening effect.
- Artemisia Vulgaris: A traditional Korean Hanbang plant known for its antibacterial, soothing, and anti-inflammatory abilities.
- Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract: A powerful antioxidant with UV protective, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial abilities, useful in treating rosacea, acne, and atopic dermatitis.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Matte Finish: No oily T-zones here! Enjoy a shine-free look.
- Portable: Fits easily into any bag, making it perfect for touch-ups.
- Nourishing Ingredients: Mugwort and green tea extracts keep your skin balanced and hydrated.
| SPF | SPF50 PA++++ |
|---|---|
| Active Type | Chemical |
| Skin Type | Best for combination and oily skin types |
| Water-Resistant | No |
| Texture | Stick |
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
ROUND LAB
Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
This chemical sunscreen, fitted with SPF50+ PA++++, shields skin from UV rays. It’s enriched with birch juice, hyaluronic acid for moisture, and niacinamide to leave the skin glowing.
- It provides great hydration, making it perfect for dry skin
- It contains niacinamide, which helps brighten the skin
- The lightweight texture absorbs quickly without a sticky after-feel
- It makes a good base for makeup and doesn’t peel
- Blends easily into the skin without leaving a white cast
- It might be a little bit runny
- It may not be the best choice for swimming or intense physical activities
- It has a very soft scent, which may not be for everyone
If your skin craves hydration, the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ is your skincare soulmate. The nourishing sunscreen offers SPF 50+ PA++++ sun protection, richly infused with Inje’s Birch extract and Vita hyaluronic acid. It moisturizes your skin while protecting it from strong radiation.
The birch extract, enriched with amino acids and minerals, revitalizes and hydrates your skin. It adheres seamlessly without caking or leaving a white cast and even aids the adherence of foundation or base makeup applied later on.
This sunscreen helps form a vita-moisturized protective film, leaving your dry, flaky skin moisturized for a long time.
Performance: Talk about a tall drink of water for your skin. This hydrating hero infuses skin with birch juice, known for its moisturizing properties, so it doubles as a moisturizer. It not only offers high SPF protection but also brightens your complexion. Say goodbye to dull skin!
Ingredients We Love:
- Niacinamide: Stimulates natural ceramide production and fades hyperpigmentation, leading to firm, even-toned skin.
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E): A crucial, oil-soluble antioxidant in skin care. Protects skin from free radical damage and makes skin more resilient against UV rays.
- Betula Alba Juice (Birch): Rich source of essential trace minerals and contains various amino acids with excellent natural skin hydrating properties.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Deep Hydration: Perfect for dry skin, thanks to birch sap and hyaluronic acid.
- Skin Barrier Repair: Niacinamide helps strengthen your skin and leave it glowing.
- Non-Greasy: Lightweight texture that absorbs quickly without a sticky after-feel.
| SPF | SPF50 PA++++ |
|---|---|
| Active Type | Chemical |
| Skin Type | Best for dry skin but works for all skin types |
| Water-Resistant | No |
| Texture | Cream |
Haruharu WONDER Black Bamboo Daily Soothing Sun Shield
Haruharu WONDER
Black Bamboo Daily Soothing Sun Shield
This sunscreen provides SPF 50+ PA++++ UVA and UVB protection in stick form. It is formulated with patented fermented bamboo shoot extract and more.
- Formulated with fermented bamboo shoot extract and betaine to soothe irritated skin
- It hydrates and nourishes the skin while strengthening the natural barrier
- Absorbs quickly without leaving a sticky residue or white cast
- Controls shine and provide a smooth finish
- Suitable for sensitive skin, free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate
- It may not last you very long with daily use
- It may not be the best choice for swimming or intense physical activities
Haruharu WONDER Black Bamboo Daily Soothing Sun Shield provides SPF 50+ PA++++ UVA and UVB protection that can be simply swiped across the skin in its convenient stick form. The vegan chemical sunscreen has cooling, moisturizing, and smoothing effects on the skin.
Defend your skin from the harmful effects of UV rays with this sunscreen, your ally against sunburn, premature skin aging, and environmental stress. This sunscreen stick offers advanced sun protection, blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays. It is ideal for oily skin with its semi-matte finish that controls shine without leaving a white residue.
Haruharu WONDER Black Bamboo Daily Soothing Sun Shield is more than just a sunscreen stick; it is a comprehensive skincare solution that respects both your health and the environment. Suitable for sensitive skin and free from harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, it is also reef-safe, cruelty-free, and vegan-friendly.
Performance: Sensitive skin warriors, this one’s for you. Packed with black bamboo extracts, this sunscreen soothes irritation while offering solid SPF defense. It absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave a white cast, making it a go-to for daily wear.
Ingredients We Love:
- Fermented Bamboo Shoot Extract: Improves elasticity and deeply nourishes the skin.
- Ectoin: Replenishes and strengthens the skin barrier, enhancing its natural defenses.
- Betaine, Niacinamide, and Adenosine: Work synergistically to hydrate, brighten, and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Calming Effect: Bamboo extract soothes redness and irritation.
- Lightweight: Doesn’t feel heavy or sticky.
- Natural Ingredients: Free from harsh chemicals, ideal for sensitive skin.
| SPF | SPF50 PA++++ |
|---|---|
| Active type | Chemical |
| Skin Type | Best for oily and sensitive skin types. |
| Water-resistant | No |
| Texture | Stick |
MISSHA All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun
MISSHA
All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun
This chemical sunscreen keeps skin soothed and hydrated. The sunscreen blends easily into the skin, leaving a natural matte finish without a white cast.
- Designed not to clog pores, making it suitable for acne-prone skin
- A lightweight texture that keeps skin hydrated and soothed
- The water-based, gel-like texture absorbs quickly, leaving a fresh, non-greasy finish.
- Blends easily into the skin without leaving a white cast
- Immediately cools the skin upon application, making it ideal for hot days
- It may not be the best choice for swimming or intense physical activities
- Avobenzone is not a reef-friendly ingredient and may cause harm to the ocean
MISSHA All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ is fitted with the brand’s Aquaporin Active Formula, which helps increase skin hydration while effectively fending off UV rays.
The organic sunscreen blends easily into the skin, leaving a natural matte finish without a white cast. Its water cream formula contains 75% water essence to keep skin soft and hydrated, providing a cooling, moisture-rich experience that immediately cools the skin without clogging your pores.
Performance: Combination skin juggling act? Solved. This formula strikes the right balance, keeping oily zones in check while moisturizing dry areas. The lightweight texture makes it feel like you’re wearing nothing at all, yet it packs a punch with its sun protection.
Ingredients We Love:
- Avobenzone: A chemical/inorganic sun filter that offers good UVA protection without an estrogenic effect and a low risk of irritation.
- Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract: A powerful antioxidant with UV protective, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial abilities, useful in treating rosacea, acne, and atopic dermatitis.
- Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water: A floral distillate derived from the cornflower, rich in polysaccharides, galacturonic acid, arabinose, glucose, rhamnose, and galactose, with anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Why You’ll Love It:
- High SPF: Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
- Non-Comedogenic: Won’t clog pores, making it ideal for acne-prone skin.
- Water-Based: Light, fresh texture that feels like a splash of hydration.
| SPF | SPF50 PA++++ |
|---|---|
| Active type | Chemical |
| Skin Type | Best for all skin types |
| Water-resistant | No |
| Texture | Cream |
Comparison Of All 4 Sunscreens
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick
✔ Easy stick format for simple reapplication
✔ Mess-free, great for on-the-go
✔ Cooling effect
❌ Less effective for swimming or heavy sweating
Key Ingredients: Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol
Suitable For: Oily and combination skin
SPF Protection: SPF 50+ PA++++
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Sunscreen
✔ Lightweight texture absorbs quickly
✔ Good makeup base, no peeling
✔ Blends easily, no white cast
❌ Soft scent may not suit everyone
Key Ingredients: Birch Juice, Niacinamide
Suitable For: Dry and normal skin
SPF Protection: SPF 50+ PA++++
Haruharu WONDER Sun Shield
✔ Hydrates, nourishes, and strengthens skin barrier
✔ Quick absorption, not sticky or white cast
✔ Controls shine
❌ Not ideal for swimming or intense physical activities
Key Ingredients: Bamboo Extract, Hyaluronic Acid
Suitable For: Oily and Sensitive skin
SPF Protection: SPF 50+ PA++++
MISSHA Safe Block Aqua Sunscreen
✔ Lightweight texture
✔ Absorbs quickly, non-greasy finish
✔ Blends easily, no white cast
❌ Avobenzone not reef-friendly, harmful to ocean
Key Ingredients: Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centaurea Cyanus Flower Water
Suitable For: All skin types
SPF Protection: SPF 50+ PA++++
What To Look For In A Korean Sunscreen
Broad Spectrum Protection
Exposure to UVA rays causes genetic damage to the innermost part of your top layer of skin. Over time, it leads to premature aging and skin cancer. UVB rays burn the outermost layers of the skin, causing sunburns and skin cell damage.
The FDA recommends using sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, ensuring comprehensive sun protection.[1]
SPF
Experts, such as the American Academy of Dermatology, suggest using SPF 30 or higher. These values offer better protection from harmful UV rays during prolonged exposure.[2] Not being able to tan when wearing sunscreen is a myth, so that’s no excuse not to wear SPF!
Active Ingredient Type
Determine if you’re looking for a chemical or mineral sunscreen. Chemical sunscreens, which contain active ingredients like avobenzone and homosalate, absorb UV light efficiently and layer well with other skincare products.
Mineral sunscreens, which use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, reflect UV light but may leave a white cast, especially on medium to dark skin tones. However, they are often more environmentally friendly.
Skin Type
Korean sunscreens are often formulated with skincare ingredients found in moisturizers and serums. For oily or acne-prone skin, look for lightweight, non-greasy sunscreens with oil-absorbing ingredients like silica.
If you have dry skin, look for ingredients like dimethicone, glycerin, and ceramides, which help maintain skin hydration.
Finish
Korean sunscreens have a variety of finishes, such as matte, natural, satin, or glowy and dewy. Most Korean sunscreens have a natural to dewy finish; however, this might not be ideal for oily skin as it can turn shiny. Thankfully, there are matte options available for my oily girls, too!
Is Korean Sunscreen Better Than US Sunscreen?
Korean sunscreens offer unique advantages over American ones. They often double as moisturizers or makeup primers, suiting various skin types, such as dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin.
I’ve noticed that Korean formulas generally feel less greasy and oily, making them more pleasant to apply. Their lightweight textures and ease of absorption improve the overall usage experience.
The absence of FDA-approved chemical UV filters in the US sunscreens means Korean sunscreens often outperform American counterparts on texture and weight. K-sunscreens are usually lightweight, easier to spread, and do not leave a white cast, especially compared to mineral-based formulas in the U.S.
Korean formulations often outshine American ones due to their advanced chemical filters. With over 30 options, Korean brands can create different UV filter combinations.
Korean sunscreens also use the PA rating system for UVA protection. The PA system ranges from PA+ to PA+++, with PA+++ being the highest level of UVA protection.
In contrast, the US relies on the broad-spectrum term, which lacks precise UVA defense levels. Korean sunscreens’ clearer ratings help choose based on specific protection needs.
While Korean sunscreens provide remarkable daily wear benefits, they’re generally not water-resistant. Therefore, American water-resistant sunscreens might be more suitable for swimming or extended outdoor activities.
Where To Buy Korean Sunscreens
Thanks to several accessible platforms, purchasing Korean sunscreens has become super easy. You don’t need to book a flight to Seoul to buy these popular products.
You can shop from YesStyle, a popular and verified retailer, to find a variety of top-rated Korean sunscreens. YesStyle offers a range of brands, making it simple to compare products and choose what suits you best. Another option is ordering directly from each brand’s website.
Don’t forget! YesStyle’s MEGA Sale is running from July 2nd to July 9th. Up to 50% Off on popular K-Beauty Brands.
