TOP 12 Korean Sunscreens for Every Season

You probably know by now that SPF is important for all seasons. To be sure that we are on the same page, SPF is essential for maintaining healthy skin and protecting it from sun damage. This can cause skin discoloration, fine lines, skin cancer, and dark spots. Claudia Christin, MBBS in dermatology, Picky’s medical advisor, says that a great sunscreen is one that people want to use generously every day and reapply as needed.

COSRX Aloe Soothing sun cream SPF50 PA+++ is our favorite choice due to its moisturizing formula and superior sun protection. Etude House Soon Jung Mild Defense Sun Cream is a great budget option for those with sensitive skin types.

Korean skincare is taking over the Western cosmetics industry, as you may have noticed. Although it is dominant in many categories, K-beauty shines when it involves sunscreen. Which one is the best? We’re sure there’s a Kbeauty product that will suit your needs, whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned sunscreen fan who wants to broaden your horizons. There are many options for everyone, from multitasking products that contain soothing and hydrating ingredients to creams, gels, and sticks to creams.

These are the top Korean sunscreens that suit every skin type and budget.

Best Overall: COSRX Aloe Soothing sun cream SPF50 +++

COSRX’s Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is an amazing sunscreen that can be used on all skin types. It is creamy, moisturizing and lightweight so it absorbs quickly. We can see why Christin loves COSRX sunscreens. It can be used alone or under makeup and provides SPF 50 protection. It soothes irritation and evens out skin tone thanks to the high amount of aloe verde.

Etude House Soon Jung Mild Defense Sun Cream is the best value

Korean sunscreens don’t tend to be very expensive. However, Etude House’s Soon Jung can be purchased for $10-20 less than other options. It is not comedogenic so it won’t clog pores or cause breakouts. The formula has a low pH which aids in skin dryness and sensitive.

Best Oil-Free: IPKN Big Apple Sun Cream SPF 50

Chelsea Scott, a K-beauty expert who co-founded The Beauty Spy, says that IPKN Big Apple Sun Cream is her go-to. It’s oil-free so it won’t clog pores. The zinc oxide in the cream protects your skin and helps to color-correct your skin. The apple water extract is an antioxidant and feels cool on the skin.

Best for Oily Skin: Suntique I’m Pure Cica Suncream

For people with oily skin, it can be difficult to find a sunscreen that isn’t greasy. Suntique’s I’m Pure, which is fast-absorbing and non-sticky, has a matte finish. It also contains cica, which is short for centella asiatica, a natural ingredient that has antibacterial, healing and anti-inflammatory properties.

Best for dry skin: Bombee Honey Moist Skin Essence SPF50+ PA+++

Bombee Honey is an absolute godsend for those with dry skin. It’s light and super hydrating thanks to ingredients such as honey and royal jelly extract. It glides on your skin easily without leaving behind a white residue or greasy film. It also has broad-spectrum SPF50, which means it protects your skin against UVA and UVB rays.

Best for Acne-Prone skin: Dr. Oracle 21. STAY A-Thera SPF 50

Dr. Oracle can help you if you are averse to sunscreen because it may clog your pores or cause breakouts. This lightweight gel-cream absorbs quickly and leaves a matte finish.

Acwell UV Cut 50+ PA Mild Sun Oil is the best for sensitive skin

This protective, soothing sunscreen was designed for sensitive skin types. Broad-spectrum SPF50 protects, calms, and repairs skin damage. It doesn’t contain any sulfates or parabens, dyes artificial fragrances or mineral oils, so it is unlikely to cause irritation.

Best for Combination Skin: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream

This sunscreen with SPF 50 protects skin from sun damage, oily, dry, sensitive and other conditions. Sun Project moisturizes the skin using African walnut oil, bamboo extracts, and calms it with aloe verde and hollyhock root. It doesn’t stick to the skin and won’t leave any white marks.

AHC Natural Perfection Double-Sheld Sun Stick, SPF50+ PA is the best stick

Sticks of SPF are great for tattoos and touch-ups. This little guy from ACH will not disappoint. It can be used over or under your makeup. Simply turn the dial to release a few micrometers. Then, gently apply it all over your face, neck, and chest.

Best Chemical Formula: IsNtree Hydruronic Acid Watery Sungel

Kelly Driscoll, a YouTube beauty expert from Korea, recommends IsNtree Watery Sun gel for those who don’t like chemical formulas. It absorbs quickly without the use of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide and doesn’t leave any chalky residue. Driscoll tells that this product has a smooth texture and can be spread quickly. It also dries quickly, so it’s easy to apply makeup on top.

Best for Face: NEOGEN Day-Light Protection Sunscreen, SPF 50/PA+++

NEOGEN’s Day Light Protection facial sunscreen is unbeatable. It moisturizes dry skin with a light, silicone-free formula that does not clog pores or cause breakouts. Zinc oxide offers SPF 50 protection and can be used on all skin types. You can wear it alone, layer it on top of your favorite moisturizer, or use it under your makeup.

Best for the Body: Make up UV Defence Me. Blue Ray Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++

UV Defense Me provides full-body coverage. This Korean sunblock provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays with a broad-spectrum SPF50. The product weighs almost 7 ounces and can be used on your arms, legs or feet. It is suitable for all skin types, and gentle enough to be used by children.

Final Verdict

COSRX’s Aloe Soothing Sun Cream PA+++ is a good place to start if you are new to Korean sunscreens. It is lightweight, soothing, non-greasy and suitable for all skin types. NEOGEN Dermalogy’s Day Light Protection Sunscreen SPF50+/PA +++ is a great option if you are willing to spend a bit more on an A+ or should we say A formula.