Rebecca Claire Beauty

I have a secret. I didn’t always wear sunscreen. In fact, it probably wasn’t until my mid-20s after I graduated from cosmetology school that I made it a daily habit. This seems to be the consensus among my fellow millennials. While we knew sun damage was bad we didn’t seem to understand just how bad. Sun damage was this vague concern that felt far enough off into the future that I would worry about it later. Fast forward to a decade later and a melanoma scare and I wear it every day, no matter the season, rain or shine. 

I think I speak for most when I say that the main reason my generation never cared to make sun protection a daily habit was due to the mediocre options we have here in America. Between the heavy, greasy feeling they leave on the skin, clogged pores and pimples, and the thick white cast that leaves even the palest of us looking like a ghost, American sunscreens just don’t seem to cut it.

These days, mostly thanks to social media and exposure to products from all over the world, Asian sunscreens have given many of us the enthusiasm we need to wear sunscreen every day. Known for their sensitive-skin friendly and lightweight formulas, Asian sunscreens such as those from Korea and Japan, use formulas that focus on hydration, soothing inflammation, and protection against future skin damage. In addition, they also have more comfortable formulas that are lightweight, non-greasy, and leave little to no white cast.

The secret to Korean Sunscreens is their UV filters which are more advanced and up-to-date than those in the states. Asian sunscreens such as those from Korea use newer, more photostable UVA and UVB filters like Tinosorb S (bemotrizinol), Tinosorb M (bisoctrizole), Uvinul A Plus (diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate), and Uvinul T 150 (octyl triazone). These filters provide broad-spectrum protection and better stability that allow for a more lightweight and non-greasy formula without sacrificing sun protection.

Korean sunscreens are often formulated with protective antioxidant plant extracts popular in Asia such as Green Tea and Centella known to help prevent photoaging, soothe inflammation, and improve moisture levels within the skin. They also use more common ingredients known in America such as Niacinamide to fight acne without drying out the skin and Aloe Vera leaf hydrate without clogging pores. Korean sunscreens also wear well under makeup and can even be used in place of makeup primers.

As an esthetician whose job is to recommend skincare products to others, I like to try the products that I preach first, and I’ve definitely tried my share of Korean sunscreens over the past few years. While some are more suited for my skin than others, I’ve yet to try one I can honestly say I didn’t like. Below, I’ll share my top 5 favorite Korean sunscreens and who they’re best suited for.

Skin1004 Hyau Cica Sun Serum SPF50+ PA+++

All Skin Types Including Dry and Sensitive, Fragrance-free

To start our list of best Korean sunscreens for 2024 we have the Hya Cica Sun Serum from Skin1004. With a fragrance-free and hypoallergenic formula that’s full of botanical extracts such as Green tea and Centella, it’s the quintessential Korean sunscreen. For those with normal to oily skin, its lightweight, hydrating formula makes it suitable to use as both your moisturizer and sunscreen. For those who lean towards being dry and sensitive, it seamlessly layers on top of your favorite moisturizer without feeling too heavy or greasy throughout the day and makes a good makeup primer for dry skin.

Isntree Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA+++

Normal, Acne-prone, and Oily Skin, Fragrance-free

If your skin leans towards being oily, then I recommend Isntree Watery Sun Gel. This Korean sunscreen is particularly unique in that it has a lightweight gel consistency that hydrates and binds moisture to the skin making it ideal for those who are prone to acne and clogged pores. The Isntree Watery Sun Gel Korean sunscreen is fragrance-free and contains Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramides to bind and replenish moisture to the skin, and Astaxanthin, a popular Korean skincare ingredient that has been shown to reduce inflammation and redness caused by UV exposure. With no white cast thanks to its gel texture, it’s one of the best Korean sunscreens for all skin tones.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++

Dry to Normal Skin, Lightly Fragranced

For those with dry to normal skin who want a moisturizer and sunscreen in one, the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream protects against UV exposure while hydrating and soothing the skin. Its ingredients include Aloe Leaf extract and Glycerin that bind moisture to the skin long after it’s been applied without feeling heavy or leaving a white cast. With a light fragrance that disappears after it’s been absorbed, the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is a good Korean sunscreen to start with for those new to Asian sunscreens. It’s natural and slightly dewy finish also makes for a great primer under makeup. 

Beauty of Joseon – Relief Sun SPF 50+ PA++++ 

Sensitive, Dry, Acne-prone, and Normal Skin, Fragrance-free

Sensitive skin prone to acne and redness is probably the trickiest skin type and can be difficult to treat. If this sounds like you, I recommend the fragrance-free Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+ PA++++. While it’s a great Korean sunscreen for all skin types, it’s especially suited for those with skin sensitivities such as flakiness, dryness, and irritation that’s prone to breakouts. Its star ingredient is an infusion of 30% Rice extract that’s rich in natural probiotics to help soothe acne-prone skin while keeping it hydrated.  This lightweight Korean sunscreen is formulated with EWG-certified ingredients and has a non-greasy texture that leaves no white cast.

MISSHA – All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF45 PA+++

Normal, Oily, and Acne-prone Skin, Lightly Fragranced

Last on our list is the MISSHA – All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF45 PA+++, another good Korean sunscreen to start with for those new to sun protection. Rich in natural antioxidants derived from plants, it contains Apricot, Lotus, Chrysanthemum, and Camellia flower extracts that nourish and protect against cellular damage from UV exposure. It’s also formulated with Thanaka extract that has a unique cooling effect when applied. With a natural, glowy finish, MISSHA Safe Block Essence Korean Sunscreen can be used as a makeup primer.

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