“As a child of Korean immigrants, I learned the importance of sunscreen early on,” says Carol Lee, ELLE.com associate beauty e-commerce writer. “From watching my relatives, I internalized the fact that SPF was a non-negotiable, especially if you were going to spend any extended period of time outside.” She reports that as a teenager, she began applying sunscreen to her face every single day, rain or shine. Western sunscreen formulations back then were nothing like they are now, so she always opted for ones from Korean skin care brands, which boasted higher levels of protection and more cosmetically elegant formulas at drugstore-level price points.
Even now, Korean sunscreens are often lightyears ahead of the rest of the world, thanks to the fierce competition between Korean beauty companies and their prioritization of innovation. They often feel thinner, absorb better, and are more suitable for sensitive skin. “With mature and constantly evolving technology and formulation techniques, we’ve developed effective sunscreens infused with skin care benefits like hydration, soothing [properties], and additional antioxidant protection,” says Michelle Shieh, the scientific communications manager at Amorepacific US. “We also make sure the texture is super comfortable with minimal to no white cast.”
Our top picks for the best Korean sunscreens in 2024
Here’s the main takeaway: If you haven’t found a comfortable sunscreen that won’t pill or break you out, your answer is probably in a Korean sunscreen. We asked our expert, laid out our own top picks, and researched customer-favorite options online to bring you this list of the 12 best Korean sunscreens you can get delivered straight to your home.
Pros
Slim, travel-friendly tube- No white cast
- Hydrating
Cons
- May not be suitable for very acne-prone skin
“I’m madly in love with this chemical SPF,” says Lee. “The creamy texture melts into the skin and looks and feels practically invisible, no matter how much I apply. If I had to only choose one sunscreen to use for the rest of my life, this would be it.” The formula is also supercharged with beetroot extract, which is packed with antioxidants and protects the skin against wrinkle- and dark spot-causing free radicals. If you hate sunscreen, it’s because you haven’t tried this one.
Key ingredients: Beetroot extract
Size: 1.7 fl. oz.
SPF: 40+
Amazon rating: 4.5/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I’ve tried so many sunscreens (high-end and drugstore), and this is the best one I’ve ever tried! I have dry/combination skin with mild acne. This applies as a second moisturizer and does not leave a white cast at all (I have a medium skin tone). This is easy to reapply, and the tube lasts a while. I use it every day and I only have to buy it every few months.”
Best for All Skin Tones
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36
Pros
- No white cast, so it works on deeper skin
Cons
- Strong scent
This water-based formula is lightweight and gentle on the skin while providing protection against UV rays. Featuring nourishing sunflower seed oil and anti-inflammatory green tea, it also works to minimize the appearance of fine lines and hyperpigmentation.
Key ingredients: Green tea, sunflower seed oil, cica
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
SPF: 36
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I've used this for months and it never broke me out. It plays well with my makeup/skin care, blends in so easily, and leaves no white cast. My skin is so dewy.”
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Pros
- Non-comedogenic
- Suitable for all skin types
Cons
- Can sting eyes
Most people would probably agree that Beauty of Joseon is the most popular sunscreen brand on TikTok. The original Relief Sun sunscreen became a viral sensation a few years ago, and it seemed like anybody who tried it loved it. However, counterfeit ones soon began popping up all over the place. “Additionally, since some of the advanced filters used in Korean sunscreens don’t comply with the FDA’s (outdated) regulations, Beauty of Joseon wasn’t able to directly sell via American retailers,” Lee says. However, the brand has finally formulated a U.S.-exclusive sunscreen that retains the beloved qualities of the original—like its lightweight hydration, non-comedogenic formula, and lack of white cast—while being FDA-approved.
Size: 1.69 fl. oz.
SPF: 40
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This sunscreen has worked great for my olive-toned skin. It leaves no white cast and is lightweight. I love that I can apply this sunscreen over my moisturizers without experiencing any peeling. I can apply makeup over this sunscreen without having to deal with any white cast or peeling. I will definitely be repurchasing this!”
Pros
- Works well underneath makeup
Cons
- Not best for dry skin
An Amazon favorite, this sunscreen boasts a milky formula and contains 100 percent mineral ingredients that protect the skin from UV rays. It’s especially great for those with combination and oily skin, as it offers a super airy texture that dries down quickly.
Key ingredients: Aloe vera, Barbados cherry
Size: 1.76 fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “It leaves a silky natural matte finish, though not too matte that I can’t wear it during winter months. It wears flawlessly under makeup and doesn’t irritate my eyes if I happen rub them shortly after applying."
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Pros
- Travel-friendly
- Convenient, hands-free application
Cons
- May run out relatively quickly
“Because I have to test so many formulas for my job, I often hop from sunscreen to sunscreen and have a bunch of them open at once,” says Lee. “So if I actually finish a sunscreen, I know that I like it, and this is one of the lucky few. The stick format makes it incredibly easy to apply just the right amount to every inch of your face, and it’s nice and compact for travel—it was the one sunscreen I brought on multiple trips last year. The formula also feels like nothing on the skin yet leaves it with a slight glow.”
Key ingredients: Birch tree extra, aloe, kelp extract, hyaluronic acid, peptides, niacinamide
Size: 1.97 oz fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
Yesstyle rating: 4.2/5 stars
A Yesstyle reviewer says: “If you’re Black and want to use Korean sunscreens, you have to buy this! It leaves no white cast, and it gives you the protection you need from the sun. This is my second purchase. I have acne, and my skin is either oily or combination.”
Pros
- Buildable coverage
- Acne-prone skin-friendly
Cons
- Some may dislike scent
- Limited shade range
This product is the epitome of convenience—it’s essentially a moisturizer, sunscreen, and foundation all rolled into one. “I’ve written about this BB cream so many times, and it only seems to get more popular,” says Lee. “I like its smooth, hydrating texture and the fact that I don’t have to wear any complexion makeup products when I wear it.”
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, botanical extracts
Size: 1.69 oz fl. oz.
SPF: 42+
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “Since wearing this daily, I’ve been getting many compliments at work on how clear my skin is looking. I tell them it’s a new foundation, and they seem surprised and say it looks like naturally good skin. I normally wear foundation every day, but I don’t ever get comments, so this is probably going to replace my foundation, even though I have to mix shades every time. If so many people are noticing the improvement, it’s probably worth the hassle!”
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Pros
- Non-greasy
- Fragrance-free
Cons
- Can sting eyes
Those with sensitive, acne-prone skin may hesitate to use sunscreen on their faces for fear of breaking out. Anua’s ultra-gentle sunscreen actually soothes irritation instead of causing it with calming heartleaf extract and hydrating hyaluronic acid.
Key ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, ceramides, botanical extracts
Size: 1.69 oz fl. oz.
SPF: 42+
Amazon rating: 4.3/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is by far my favorite face sunscreen! The formula has a refreshing lightweight feel but still offers amazing coverage. Also, it doesn’t make me break out, which is amazing and rare considering how sensitive my skin is. 10/10 recommend!”
Pros
- Lightweight, non-oily finish
Cons
- Some may prefer a mineral sunscreen
This Korean gel sunscreen simultaneously moisturizes and protects the skin without feeling oily or sticky—making it great to layer underneath makeup. According to the brand, it’s also clinically proven to be safe for even those with reactive skin.
Key ingredients: Fructan, bamboo water, city proof complex, lespedeza capitata leaf extract
Size: 2.53 fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I really enjoy using this sunblock. It’s moisturizing (which is great for my dry skin), provides ample sun protection, and doesn’t feel heavy or sticky. It has a light fragrance which is pleasant and not overbearing.”
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Best for Under Makeup
Cosrx Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
Pros
- No white cast
- Deeply hydrating
Cons
- May not be suitable for acne-prone skin
“I hate when you apply your foundation or concealer over sunscreen and everything starts peeling,” says Lee. “This one won’t do that, plus it’s a chemical SPF that won’t give you a white cast.” The vitamin E inside the formula also combats free-radicals, which can come from the sun’s rays and cause premature signs of aging like fine lines, hyperpigmentation, and sagging.
Key ingredients: Fructan, bamboo water, city proof complex, lespedeza capitata leaf extract
Size: 2.53 fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I wish that I would have found this product sooner. I have very fair skin, and I get sunburned very easily. This sunscreen gives me the coverage that I need to avoid getting sunburned. I usually don’t like putting sunscreens on my face because they make my skin oily. This product doesn’t do that. My skin feels super smooth after each use.”
Pros
- Has a glowy finish
Cons
- May not be suitable for darker skin tones
Offering both necessary UVA and UVB protection, this Korean formula has a creamy, gel-like consistency that’s designed to leave behind a glowy, slightly brightening finish. The sunscreen also includes ceramides to give your skin barrier a boost.
Key ingredients: Ceramides
Size: 2 fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
Amazon rating: 4.2/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “I ordered this three times already. It has a healthy, glowy, not glittery finish.”
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Pros
- Lightweight and non-oily
Cons
- Small size
Pack this Korean sunscreen in your makeup case to shield your skin from UVA/UVB rays and maintain a balanced complexion. It stars rice extract to nourish and probiotics to support the skin’s natural barrier. Per reviewers, it offers a second-skin finish.
Key ingredients: Rice extract, grain derived probiotics
Size: 2 fl. oz.
SPF: 50+
Amazon rating: 4.4/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is my new favorite sunscreen! It goes on clear and soaks into the skin pretty quickly, leaving no film or residue. My skin responds really nicely to rice-based products, so I will definitely be buying this again!”
Pros
- No white cast
Cons
- May feel too heavy for some
Not only does this formula protect against UVA and UVB rays, but it’s also hydrating and helps repair the skin barrier, thanks to ingredients like aloe leaf extract.
Key ingredients: Portulaca oleracea, lime, and aloe leaf
Size: 40mL
SPF: 50
Amazon rating: 4.6/5 stars
An Amazon reviewer says: “This is hands down my favorite sunscreen, and I’ve trialed a LOT over the last ten years while delving into Korean skin care as a hobby. This sunscreen is so emollient and moisturizing that you can get away with not applying anything else underneath if you're in a hurry or just planning to go outside without bothering to put on a full face of makeup. It’s very flattering.”
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You should know...
K-beauty prioritizes sunscreen.
What is the essential step in the K-beauty skin care regimen? The application of sunscreen. “In Asia, the concept of daily usage of sunscreen dates way back,” Shieh explains. “Daily sunscreen wear has been a prevalent practice that has been passed down for many generations already. It’s been considered to be more as a part of the skin care routine to prevent sun damage rather than an extra step for outdoor occasions to prevent sunburn.”
Korean sunscreens are comparable to skin care.
Thanks to advanced technology and ingredients, Korean sunscreen has a similar texture and feel to regular skin care products. “When compared to traditional western sunscreens, K-beauty sunscreen formulations are a lot more lightweight and more like skin care,” Shieh says. “It’s also common for users to carry around a cushion compact for easy reapplication of sunscreen (or a foundation with SPF) throughout the day.”
Korean sunscreens offer more coverage.
When it comes to the broad spectrum rating system, Korea differs from the U.S. “SPF value indicates the level of UVB protection, which is responsible for causing sunburn on the skin, while UVA penetrates deeper into the skin and causes damage that leads to extrinsic aging,” Shieh explains. “Both Korea and the U.S. use the same SPF numbering system to indicate UVB protection level. However, when it comes to the UVA protection level, Korea uses the P.A. system. So when you look at a sunscreen sold in Korea, you need to make sure that both SPF and P.A. levels are indicated to know that the sunscreen protects the skin against both (SPF 50+/PA ++++).”
The U.S. doesn’t follow the P.A. system for UVA. “If a sunscreen covers both UVB and UVA protection, it would be labeled as ‘broad spectrum’ along with the SPF value,” Shieh adds.
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Why Trust ELLE Beauty>
As a leading publisher of fashion, lifestyle, and beauty content, ELLE.com is committed to highlighting the best products in various categories by personally testing the latest and most innovative products, interviewing countless experts, and vetting customer-loved items. For this story, freelance writer Casey Clark and beauty writer Carol Lee spoke with experts, researched popular products, and used their extensive knowledge on sunscreen to gather the best Korean sunscreens available today.
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