The American market is flooded with Korean skincare products, few of which offer anything resembling SPF. The best Korean sunscreens surpass their American counterparts on several levels: Not only are they more beautiful in appearance – meaning they are easier to apply and use – but they also provide quantifiable protection against UVA rays. This is largely due to their next-generation sun protection filters, which are available in far more quantities than in the United States.
Our Top Picks
Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF 50+ PA++++, $18
Best Moisturizer: Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturizer SPF 50 PA++++, $22
Best Matte: Neogen Daylight Protection Breathable Sunscreen, $32
Best Chemical: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen, $28
Best Blend: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream, $19
Best Antioxidant: CosRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+, $23
Best Cream: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 36, $18
These offer clear benefits. UVA rays can cause signs of aging such as fine lines and dark spots. Our SPF rating system, on the other hand, only considers UVB rays, which can cause sunburn and skin cancer. While the term “broad spectrum” covers both UVA and UVB rays, it does not indicate the level of protection against the former.
Plus, Korean beauty products are also known for their cutting-edge ingredients, and sunscreens are no exception. Containing cultural mainstays like rice extract and popular compounds like hyaluronic acid, these formulas offer simple sun protection. So consider these options for every skin type and preference.
in this article:
What is unique about Korean sunscreens?
What to keep in mind when using Korean sunscreen?
Meet the experts
Best Overall: North Korean Beauty Soothing Sunscreen: Rice + Probiotic SPF 50+ PA++++
Why we love it: This chemical sunscreen is a favorite among Korean and American consumers, partly because it feels like nothing on the skin. Best of all, “it leaves no white marks, feels moisturizing on the skin, and is perfect for daily use,” says Claire Chang, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City. “And I love that it’s formulated with soothing ingredients like rice extract, probiotics, and niacinamide.”
SPF: 50
Texture: Light cream
Chemistry or Physics: Chemistry (Ethylhexyltriazinone, Diethylaminohydroxybenzoylhexylbenzoate, Diethylhexylbutanamidetriazinone, Methylenebisbenzotriazolyltetramethylbutylphenol)
Best Moisturiser: Naturium Dew-Glow Moisturiser SPF 50 PA++++
Why we love it: This formula doesn’t just provide sun protection. For one thing, it contains both niacinamide and vitamin C, which provide antioxidant protection; they also work in two different (but complementary) ways to even out skin tone and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Naturium’s sunscreen contains moisturizing ingredients like squalane and argan oil that actively nourish skin, leaving it glowing but not greasy.
SPF: 50
Texture: Velvety Cream
Chemistry or Physics: Chemistry (Homosalate 10.0%, Octisalate 5.0%, Avobenzone 3.0%)
Best Matte: Neogen Daylight Protection Breathable Sunscreen
Why we love it: This lightweight, non-comedogenic cream is the best of both worlds, with its pore-forming powder that reduces excess sebum and balances skin’s natural oils by absorbing them throughout the day. It leaves skin looking matte and refreshed, plus it’s infused with aloe vera and baobab tree to nourish skin and leave it feeling balanced, not dry.
SPF: 50
Texture: Light cream
Chemistry or Physics: (octocrylene, homosalate, avobenzone)
Best Chemical: Round Labs Birch Sap Moisturizing Sunscreen
Why we like it: Dr. Chang recommends this hydrating sunscreen because “it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid to boost moisture and niacinamide to brighten skin and reduce inflammation,” she says. It’s also enriched with botanicals like allantoin and namesake birch sap, and is packed with natural moisturizing factors — a blend of compounds naturally produced by the skin, including amino acids and lactic acid, to support the skin barrier.
SPF: 50
Texture: Light lotion
Chemistry or Physics: Chemistry (Ethylhexyltriazinone, Diethylaminohydroxybenzoylhexylbenzoate, Diethylhexylbutanamidetriazinone, Methylenebisbenzotriazolyltetramethylbutylphenol)
Best Hybrid Product: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sunscreen
Why we love it: A formula that contains both mineral and chemical filters provides a happy medium, avoiding the white spots caused by the former and the potential irritation caused by the latter. That’s certainly the case with this lightweight lotion, which goes on clean on skin and leaves a dewy glow. One thing to note: It does have a slight scent, but it dissipates quickly.
SPF: 50
Texture: Light lotion
Chemistry or Physics: Chemistry (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate 6.80%, Homosalate 6.00%, Ethylhexyl Salicylate 4.50%, Octocrylene 2.50%, Titanium Dioxide 1.40%)
Best Antioxidant: CosRX Vitamin E Revitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
Why we like it: CosRX is the company behind some of our go-to acne patches, so it’s no surprise that the brand has created similarly innovative sunscreen formulas. Its chemical filters work with vitamin E, a powerful (but extremely mild) antioxidant that fights damage caused by free radicals (unstable molecules released by UV exposure). To balance skin, it also uses cotton extract and silica to control oil production to keep pores and skin clear.
SPF: 50
Texture: Velvety Cream
Chemistry or Physics: Chemistry (Homosalate, Octocrylene, Octyl Salicylate, Avobenzone)
Best Cream: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 36
Why we like it: This formula is both a moisturizer and sunscreen, combining chemical filters with nutrient-rich extracts. Green tea provides antioxidants, Centella Asiatica soothes redness, and sunflower oil deeply nourishes the skin. This blend keeps skin hydrated and moisturized, creating ideal conditions for the “glass skin” look desired by Korean beauty enthusiasts.
SPF: 36
Texture: Lotion-like
Chemistry or Physics: Chemistry (Avobenzone 2.5%, Homosalate 7.0%, Octisalicylate 4.3%)
Best Sunscreen Stick: AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick
Why we love it: For quick touch-ups, outdoor activities, and sheer convenience, few can beat this sunscreen stick, which comes in a small, portable twist-off tube that provides at least SPF 50 sun protection. Though the stick looks white, it’s not dingy white. It’s also water resistant and has a patented complex that protects skin from UV rays and the sun’s near-infrared radiation.
SPF: 50
Texture: Solid Gel
Chemistry or Physics: Chemistry (Homosalate 9.0%, Octinoxate 6.50%, Octisalate 4.20%)
Best Serum: Skin1004 Hyalu-CICA Water-Fit Sun Serum
Why we love it: More like a serum than a lotion or cream, this clear formula absorbs into skin almost instantly without any residue or stickiness, instantly hydrating and soothing skin on a local level. (Despite its liquid texture, it should still be used after moisturizing.) It also contains seven bean sprout extracts to help renew and repair skin.
SPF: 50
Texture: Watery Essence
Chemistry or Physics: Chemistry (Diethylaminohydroxybenzoylhexyl benzoate, Ethylhexyltriazine, Methylenebisbenzotriazolitetramethylbutylphenol)
Best Fragrance-Free: [Isntree] Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Sunscreen Gel
Why we love it: Completely fragrance-free, this chemical sunscreen provides long-lasting moisture with not one, not two, but eight molecular sizes of hyaluronic acid, as well as Centella Asiatica, ceramides, and more calming ingredients to strengthen the skin barrier. The range is particularly suitable for sensitive skin, plus, its satin finish layers well under makeup.
SPF: 50
Texture: Watery Cream
Chemistry or Physics: Chemistry
Best Primer: Dr. Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Color Correcting Treatment SPF 30
Why we love it: Dr. Zhang says this choice is because it’s rich in Centella asiatica, or Centella asiatica, which, she says, “can help reduce redness, which is great for those with rosacea or severe skin inflammation”. While it looks green in the jar, the color quickly changes when applied to skin, neutralizing red tones and blending into a versatile, easy-to-blend beige shade, so you use less foundation and concealer to even out skin tone.
SPF: 30
Texture: Thick Cream
Chemistry or Physics: Minerals (titanium dioxide, zinc oxide)
Korean sunscreens are superior to American sunscreens in several ways. First, “I find that Korean sunscreens are generally easier to apply, lighter in texture, and have minimal white flecks,” says Dr. Chang. Plus, she says, they often contain additional skin care ingredients with moisturizing, brightening, or calming benefits.
David Kim, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of skin-care brand Lightsaver, says one reason for this is that Korean sunscreen formulas contain more chemical filters than those in the United States. “They have more options, so they can create different cocktails of chemical UV filters,” he says. “These chemical UV filters can feel lighter and less sticky on the skin.”
Not only that, Korean sunscreens also use a PA rating system, which measures the ability to protect against UVA rays. “PA systems range from PA+ to PA+++, with PA+++ being the highest level of UVA protection,” Dr. Chang said. The United States has no standardized system for this kind of UVA protection, instead classifying it under the term “broad spectrum” to indicate coverage of both UVA and UVB rays; the exact level of protection it provides is unknown;
SPF
The sun protection factor (SPF) in South Korea is similar to that in the United States. However, “in the United States, SPF can range from 15 to 100 and is often labeled with a specific protection factor,” says Dr. Chang. Meanwhile, in Korea, these ratings are usually above SPF 50, although brands don’t always share the exact number, their SPF is labeled 50+; (Remember, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends at least 30 SPF, so no need to worry.)
Chemical Filters vs. Mineral Filters
Chemical filters penetrate the skin and convert UV energy into heat, which is eventually dissipated from the skin. “Most Korean sunscreens are chemical sunscreens, which are safe and effective,” said Dr. Kim. They give Korean sunscreen its famous light texture and invisible, residue-free effect.
Meanwhile, physical or mineral filters remain on the skin’s surface, and they “have the ability to reflect and physically block UV rays,” says Dr. King. He prefers these for treating hyperpigmentation and patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or undergoing fertility treatments because these don’t absorb into the skin.
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The textures of Korean sunscreens vary slightly, partly because they all leave skin feeling light and breathable. However, there are some differences among them that are worth considering for your skin type. “Some textures are more moisturizing and therefore better suited for people with dry skin,” says Dr. Kim. For people with oily or acne-prone skin, consider a lightweight gel or serum that absorbs quickly.
Claire Chang, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City
David Kim, MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of skin-care brand Lightsavers
