Getty ImagesThe beauty world hasn’t been able to stop talking about Korean beauty since it first entered the Western skincare and makeup market several years ago — and for a good reason.
Their formulas, ingredient lists, and packaging were seen as innovative that’s inspired many Western brands to incorporate K-beauty practices.
However, perhaps the most famous K-beauty export is sunscreen. Korean sunscreens are often seen as the gold standard for SPF for several reasons.
Are Korean sunscreens really better than Western sunscreens?
While it’s totally personal preference, many would argue that the answer is yes. That’s the general consensus because K-beauty’s advanced formulas are touted as the best. But why?
Due to differing regulatory guidelines, there is often more innovation in the Korean sunscreen space. This allows for advanced formulations that, for example, don’t leave behind white casts (regardless of skin tone) and have a unique lightweight, airy feel.
Korean sunscreens are also infused with skin-loving ingredients — think niacinamide, rice extracts, and cica. So K-beauty sunscreens don’t just protect your skin from the sun, they also deliver additional skincare benefits.
Ultimately, if you haven’t tried a Korean sunscreen, you’re missing out.
That’s why we rounded up 10 of the best ones to help you choose which K-beauty SPF is right for you, including many that are tested and loved by our team, from Beauty of Joseon, mixsoon, COSRX, and more.
TL;DR
Best Korean chemical sunscreen: ROUND LAB Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 45, $19.78
Best Korean mineral sunscreen: Innisfree Daily UV Defense SPF 36, $18
Best Korean sunscreen stick: Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Invisible Korean Sunscreen Stick SPF 40, $28.50
Best Korean tinted sunscreen: Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen, $20
ROUND LAB Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 45
I was so sad when I ran out of this sunscreen that I immediately bought another. This new-to-me brand gave me everything I wanted in an SPF: quick absorption, a hint of hydration, and no pilling beneath foundation.
Reviewers say: “I love this sunscreen! I wear a full face of makeup, and whether I use cushion foundations or a thicker liquid foundation my makeup never pills or clumps up with this sunscreen.”
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Invisible Korean Sunscreen Stick SPF 40
This sunscreen stick makes reapplying throughout the day easy. Just toss it in your bag and you have SPF at the ready when you need it. Made with hyaluronic acid, it mattifies and blurs pores (oily skin girlies rejoice)!
Reviewers say: “I was looking for an easy-to-use sunscreen that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy, and this sheer stick sunscreen is perfect. It glides on smoothly and blends into my skin without leaving any white cast.”
Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen
E! e-commerce writer Camila Quimper says this tinted SPF, “makes skin look extra bouncy and glowy.” “The formula melts in like skincare, feels weightless, and leaves behind a subtle tint that adapts to your tone as it sets,” she continued.
Reviewers say: “I recently tried this tinted sunscreen and absolutely loved it! The texture is super soft and silky — it glides smoothly on the skin and blends in effortlessly. It gives a light coverage that evens out my skin tone without feeling heavy or cakey.”
Innisfree Daily UV Defense SPF 36
People have been reaving about this sunscreen for years, and it’s easy to see why. It leaves behind no white cast, feels moisturizing, and leaves behind a dewy finish.
Reviewers say: “I have hormonal acne around my chin, and get regular acne every now and then. Using this sunscreen has not irritated my skin or caused additional breakouts in the slightest. I am also dark skinned and when I apply this I never have a white cast which is super important to me.”
Beauty of Joseon Day Dew Sunscreen Lightweight SPF 50
If you’re a fan of the OG Beauty of Joseon sunscreen, you need to try this new addition. The lightweight formula contains hydrating hyaluronic acid and brightening niacinamide, leaving behind a healthy glow that looks amazing beneath makeup.
Reviewers say: “I’m obsessed with my BOJ sunscreens, and this one is no different! I love the light, dewy formula that sits beautifully under my makeup. I have acne-prone skin and have had no issues with Day Dew!”
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen
This sunscreen is packed with skin-loving ingredients, including hydrating rice oil, barrier-strengthening ceramides, and niacinamide to brighten. It’s non-greasy and boasts a velvety finish.
Reviewers say: “I have very pale, sensitive skin and am always on the lookout for good facial sunscreens that are PA++++. This is one of the very best I’ve tried. Zero greasiness, is very thick and soft, and goes on perfectly underneath makeup. Leaves a slight glowy glass-skin finish as well while still mattifying underneath foundation. It is my second time purchasing and I will do so again!!”
Anua Zero-Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen SPF 50
This brand has been making the rounds in the beauty space (Gia Giudice is a fan of their serum). I predict the brand’s non-sticky, invisible sunscreen is going to go viral. It’s made with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to help skin retain moisture.
Reviewers say: “I recently bought the Anua cleansing oil and face wash, and both worked really well for my skin. That’s why I decided to try this sunscreen — and I’m so glad I did! It feels super comfortable, not greasy at all, no white cast, and absorbs quickly like a lightweight moisturizer. It also sits beautifully under makeup with no caking.”
mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50
This silky, feathery light SPF effortlessly blends into the skin, leaves no white cast, and gives skin a glowy finish. If you need any more reason to buy it, it’s currently 60% off.
Reviewers say: “This sunscreen has become an essential part of my daily routine. It has a light texture that absorbs super fast, doesn’t leave your skin white or sticky, and the best part is that it doesn’t clog pores. I wear it under makeup without problems, and my skin stays protected and hydrated all day.”
COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Face Sunscreen SPF 50
From the brand that made snail mucin an “It Girl” skincare ingredient comes this highly-rated sunscreen, which is made with nourishing vitamin E and has a semi-matte finish.
Reviewers say: “Love, love, love this sunscreen! It goes on so smooth and feels more like a lightweight moisturizer than a typical SPF. No white cast at all, and it blends in perfectly with my skin. I have sensitive skin and this didn’t break me out or cause any irritation—just left my face feeling hydrated and protected.”
LANEIGE Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
Formulated with soothing centella asiatica, this sunscreen quickly absorbs into the skin, hydrates, and leaves a glowy finish that looks great beneath makeup.
Reviewers say: “I have combo skin and this by far the Best sunscreen I’ve tried compared to other several brands I used! No white cast and no grease! Keeps my skin hydrated all day and afternoon.”
Want to shop more viral K-beauty? These fan-favorite snail mucin toning pads are a fan-favorite (and on sale).
