At this point, you're probably well aware of the importance of wearing SPF every day—yep, even in the winter. But just to make sure we're on the same page, it's a must for keeping your skin healthy and preventing sun damage, which can lead to fine lines, discoloration, dark spots, and even skin cancer. "A great sunscreen is one that someone wants to apply generously every single day and reapply when needed," confirms Claudia Christin, MBBS, Ph.D., a skincare content creator and medical advisor at K-beauty retailer Picky.
As you may already know, Korean skincare is taking the Western cosmetics world by storm. While it dominates many categories, K-beauty really shines when it comes to sunscreen. Whether you haven't found the right one yet or are a sunscreen stan and want to expand your horizons, we're confident that there's a K-beauty option that'll strike your fancy. From multitasking products with soothing and hydrating ingredients to gels, sticks, and creams, there's something for everyone.
To compile this list, we spent hours researching the best Korean sunscreens on the market, evaluating their active ingredients, sunscreen type, and SPF rating. We also scoured reviews from customers and consulted experts to get their recommendations. After considering dozens of formulas, we landed on these top-rated picks.
Our Top Picks
Best Budget:
Best for Oily Skin:
Best for Sensitive Skin:
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ at Yesstyle.com$15
Best for Dry Skin:
Best Stick:
Best for Body:
What We Like
Lightweight
Absorbs fast
Wears well under makeup
No white cast
What to Consider
Can make the skin shiny throughout the day
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Aloe arborescens leaf extract, titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
For an all-around amazing sunscreen that works on most skin types, reach for Cosrx's Aloe Soothing Sun Cream. The creamy, moisturizing-yet-lightweight texture absorbs quickly into your skin. Christin is a fan of Cosrx's sunscreens, and we can see why. The hydrating formula provides optimal broad spectrum protection and can be used on its own or under makeup. And thanks to an ample dose of aloe vera, it soothes irritation and protects the skin from environmental damage.
Who It’s For
This is a great formula for virtually anyone, but the fact that it doesn’t leave a white cast makes it a winner for deeper skin tones. We love the consistency, hydration, and the high SPF protection it offers.
What We Like
Lightweight
Sweat-resistant
Great for sensitive skin
What to Consider
Can leave a white cast on darker skin tones
Type: Chemical and mineral hybrid | Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, octinoxate | SPF: 50 |Size: 2.4 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No
Korean sunscreens aren't usually exorbitantly expensive, but Missha's Soft Finish Sun Milk is $10 to $20 cheaper than most other options we reviewed. As the name suggests, this SPF 50 formula has a milky texture and a lightweight finish, making it perfect for those who live in hot, humid environments where perspiration makes thicker formulas feel unpleasant. Oily skin types will jive with this formula as well, as it won't increase shininess throughout the day. Another benefit: It's water and sweat-resistant. Our one criticism is that it can leave a white cast on deeper skin tones.
Who It’s For
Those in search of an effective Korean sunscreen that’s on the cheaper end of the price spectrum will love this product. It’s also got a milky consistency which will appeal to anyone who prefers lightweight sunscreen formulas.
What We Like
Formulated with eight types of hyaluronic acid
No white cast on all skin tones
Absorbs quickly
What to Consider
May be too shiny for oily skin types
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Ethylhexyl salicylate, homosalate, hyaluronic acid | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
In case you’re not familiar, chemical sunscreens contain UV filters that safely absorb the sun’s rays and turn them into heat. Unlike mineral sunscreens, which sit on top of the skin and deflect UV rays, chemical sunscreens tend to be more transparent and lightweight. Korean beauty expert and YouTube personality Kelly Driscoll recommends this formula from Isntree for those who prefer chemical formulas. "This has a texture that's easy to spread and dries down quickly so you can apply your makeup over it easily in the morning, and it doesn't leave any white cast on the skin," she says. That said, this sunscreen can leave a shiny finish—something to keep in mind if you prefer a matte base.
It's also a personal favorite of Byrdie's editor-in-chief and GM Hallie Gould, who loves the sunscreen's soothing and moisturizing properties. "It feels lightweight and offers a beautiful glowy finish, she says. "I also love that it incorporates all my favorite skincare ingredients—centella asiatica, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid—for a formula that feels good on my face while it protects from the sun."
Who It’s For
If you prefer the feel and look of a chemical sunscreen (aka lightweight and cast-free), this expert-approved formula is a top option.
Best for Oily Skin
Suntique I'M PURE Perfect Cica Suncream
What We Like
Lightweight
Absorbs quickly
Matte finish
What to Consider
Has an unpleasant scent
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, centella asiatica | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No
Folks with oily skin may get frustrated with how many shine-inducing sunscreens there are on the market today. But Suntique's I'm Pure is different— it’s non-sticky, fast-absorbing, and delivers a matte finish. It also contains cica (better known as centella asiatica), a natural ingredient with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.The only downside is it does have a strong, unpleasant scent when first applying—but it does fade once the product has absorbed.
Who It’s For
If your skin tends to be oily and you're always looking for mattifying products, this fast-absorbing formula will help keep that unwanted sheen under control.
Best for Sensitive Skin
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
What We Like
Won't cause irritation
Hydrating formula that leaves the skin glowy
Doesn’t leave a white cast on any skin tones
What to Consider
Can make the skin shiny throughout the day
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Rice extract, niacinamide, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150 | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This soothing, protective sunscreen is made with sensitive skin types in mind. The broad-spectrum SPF 50 formula contains rice extract (a popular ingredient used to reduce sun damage) and fermented grains (great for delivering probiotics to the skin). These ingredients are also rich in antioxidants to calm and further protect your skin. We love that it has absolutely no white cast as well as soothing and hydrating properties.
Who It’s For
If your skin tends to be reactive, this gentle formula designed for sensitive skin will help soothe as it protects.
Best for Dry Skin
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen
What We Like
No white cast on all skin tones
Creamy consistency
Doesn't irritate acne-prone skin
What to Consider
Might be too rich for oily skin types
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avebenzone, homosalate, octisalate | SPF: 36 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No
While some sunscreens may feel too heavy, dry skin types definitely want a creamier formula that can still add hydration. This option from Innisfree is the best of both worlds—it's silky like a moisturizer but absorbs quickly without leaving a residue on the skin. Don't let the texture fool you though—this one doesn't leave any white cast on all skin tones even though it's a little bit thicker. We love that it's formulated with plenty of skin-soothing ingredients like green tea and cica, making it perfect for everyday wear.
Who It's For
If you like using your sunscreen as your daytime moisturizer, you'll love this hydrating formula from Innisfree. It has a creamy texture that still feels light on the skin.
Best for Combination Skin
Thank You Farmer Sun Cream
What We Like
Hydrating and soothing formula
Doesn't make the skin shiny
Lightweight texture
What to Consider
Strong scent, could irritate sensitive skin types
Type: Chemical and mineral hybrid | Key Ingredients: Homosalate, ethylhexyl salicylate, titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.75 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you have combination skin (i.e. your t-zone is oily but your cheeks are dry), then a water-based sunscreen like this one will help prevent clogged pores and breakouts. It subtly hydrates with African walnut oil and bamboo extracts while calming aloe vera and hollyhock root help reduce inflammation. The formula goes on super smooth without a sticky feel and won't leave a white cast, creating a great base for makeup.
Who It’s For
If your skin is a little dry and a little oily, this sunscreen formula can help. It absorbs easily, delivering light hydration without any greasiness.
What We Like
Easy to re-apply over makeup
Travel-friendly
Matte finish
What to Consider
Smaller size than other options
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Patented UV IR Block, phyto protect complex, homosalate | SPF: 50 |Size: 0.74 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
SPF sticks are great for tattoos, touch-ups, and on-the-go applications, and this little guy from AHC won't disappoint. It’s enriched with white willow bark extract (a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient) and scutellaria baicalensis (a plant popular in Chinese medicine for naturally protecting the skin from the sun). One major plus is that it can be applied over or under makeup, and we love that a little goes a long way. Just turn the dial to release a few millimeters of product, and gently work it around your face, neck, chest, and anywhere else as needed.
Who It’s For
If you prefer the targeted application of a sunscreen stick to a cream or spray, this creamy formula will become your new go-to.
Best for Face
Neogen Dermalogy Protection Sunscreen SPF 50/PA+++
What We Like
Moisturizing
Wears well under makeup
Full of nourishing plant-based ingredients
What to Consider
May be too rich for oily skin types
Type: Chemical and mineral hybrid | Key Ingredients: Octinoxate, zinc oxide, rose extract, raspberry extract | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.65 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No
When it comes to facial sunscreens, Neogen's Day-Light Protection is hard to beat. The notably light, silicone-free formula moisturizes dry skin without clogging pores or causing breakouts. The formula boasts 20 types of plant extracts, including moisturizing aloe vera, soothing hibiscus flower, and evening primrose oil, which helps keep sebum (the skin’s natural oil) in check. Wear it solo, layer it over your favorite daily moisturizer, or apply it underneath your makeup for seamless UV protection.
Who It’s For
This nourishing sunscreen moisturizes while controlling the skin’s sebum levels, making it our favorite formula for everyday wear on the face.
What We Like
Generous amount of product
Can use all over body
Works on all skin types
What to Consider
May leave a white cast
Type: Chemical and mineral hybrid | Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150 | SPF: 50 |Size: 5.07 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that provides moisturizing full-body coverage, UV Defense Me is the way to go. This Korean hybrid sunblock offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection by incorporating both chemical and mineral ingredients, creating a moisture-rich UV barrier without any stickiness. You'll get almost 7 ounces of product per bottle, which you can slather on your arms, legs, feet, hands, belly, chest, neck, and even your face.
Who It’s For
This sunscreen is suitable for all skin types and gentle enough for kids, too. We love it for full-body sun defense because you get a good amount of product for the price.
Best Mattifying
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen
What We Like
Won't irritate sensitive skin types
Leaves a matte finish
Smooth, lightweight consistency that's easy to apply
What to Consider
Can leave a white cast on deep skin tones
Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No
A smooth, matte base can definitely be the key to a seamless makeup look—and many sunscreens on the market can sometimes add an oily sheen instead. If you hate that greasy look on your skin and it prevents you from wearing sunscreen at all, we recommend trying this mattifying pick from Dr. Jart. The mineral formula has broad spectrum protection and has a weightless finish that won't irritate sensitive skin types. Some sunscreens can leave a tacky feel and take a minute to dry down, but this one sinks into the skin easily and smoothly. For an even better base, the brand recommends applying this after using a richer moisturizer.
Who It's For
If you wear makeup daily and need a sunscreen that won't pill under your foundation, this formula is a great choice. It provides the perfect base for makeup application.
What We Like
Broad spectrum protection
Prevents skin damage from free radicals with vitamin E
Smooth and hydrating texture
What to Consider
Overpowering floral fragrance
Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Trisiloxane, tocopherol, cotton | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Mature skin types might be more on the lookout for sun damage or already have some existing spots, so consistent sunscreen use is a must for a healthier complexion. This formula from Cosrx is super-charged with tocopherol (more commonly known as vitamin E), which is popular for its healing and protective properties. The antioxidant ingredient can also protect the skin from free radicals in the environment, which can cause damage and accelerate skin aging. This formula has a creamy but lightweight texture, and it's hydrating without causing irritation. We also love that it contains cotton extract and silica to balance the oil and sebum levels in the skin.
Who It's For
We love this pick for anti-aging, as it contains vitamin E to protect the skin from free radical damage.
What to Look For in a Korean Sunscreen
- SPF/PA rating: Perhaps the most important thing to look for in a Korean sunscreen (or any sunscreen) is SPF. This tells you how well the formula will protect your skin from the sun's rays. Christin says to look for products with a minimum of SPF 30 with broad spectrum protection. "Broad-spectrum covers protection from both UVA (the rays that cause aging) and UVB (the rays that cause sun burn and skin cancer)," she says. Luckily, most K-beauty options offer high SPF protection, but what do all the pluses mean? "One of the nice things about Asian sunscreens is that, in addition to the SPF rating, they include a PA rating," explains Driscoll, referencing the system developed to show the level of UVA protection on a scale of PA+ (low) to PA++++ (very high). "UVA rays are the rays most responsible for the aging of the skin."
- Chemical vs. physical: As we mentioned, physical sunscreens create an instant physical barrier between your skin and the sun's UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, take about 15 minutes to activate and work by converting UV rays into heat to protect your skin from damage. "We always suggest people look for a hybrid sunscreen that has both organic (chemical) and inorganic (physical) filters," says Christin.
- Ingredients: Beyond minerals and chemicals that protect your skin from UV light, many Korean sunscreens are formulated with other complexion-benefiting components. "I also like to see niacinamide on the ingredients list," adds Driscoll. "There is some interesting research that shows niacinamide (in combination with UV filters) can help protect the skin from UV damage." Other ingredients to look out for include aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, breakout-preventing tea tree oil, centella asiatica, honey, royal jelly, and anti-inflammatory hollyhock root.
- Texture: When choosing a sunscreen, texture is critical—it can make you hate a product so much you'll never wear it or love it so much you commit to applying it every day. "A texture that feels comfortable is the key for someone to apply an appropriate amount of sunscreen," says Christin. If you're turned off by tacky, sticky finishes, look for a smooth, lightweight option.
FAQ
Do Korean sunscreens work?
Korean sunscreens work as well as any other brand. K-beauty sunscreens come in a range of SPF ratings, and many are broad-spectrum, which means they protect against UVA and UVB rays.
Is Korean sunscreen better?
Korean sunscreen is not necessarily better, although Korean brands often provide additional skin care benefits. For instance, you can find a wide range of varieties for specific skin types or concerns, such as sensitive, dry, or oily skin. Many products contain extracts and ingredients that can help nourish, calm, and protect the complexion.
Is CosRX sunscreen effective?
CosRX sunscreen is effective and well-loved by reviewers. Reviews for CosRX sunscreens are overwhelmingly positive regarding effectiveness. COSRX's Aloe Soothing Sun Cream provides an SPF of 50, is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and wears well under makeup.
Why Trust Byrdie
This roundup was written by Theresa Holland, a commerce writer specializing in skincare and makeup. As a growing fan of K-beauty, she's read Charlotte Cho's The Little Book of Skin Care: Korean Beauty Secrets for Healthy, Glowing Skin from front to back and has tried several products on this list. She consulted these experts for their recommendations of top-rated picks:
- Claudia Christin, medical advisor at Picky and content creator
- Kelly Driscoll, skincare and Korean beauty YouTuber