You need to be wearing a sunscreen every day. If you’re not apply it daily, start today! Korean SPFs are currently high on our radar because of their sophisticated formulations and high sun protection factors. Bonus points because they come with an affordable price tag too!
What makes Korean sunscreen different?
Korean beauty is the creme de la creme of the skincare world. Topping that list are Korean sunscreens. Korean SPFs are fantastic because they are elegant formulations. And what do we mean by that? It is: formulas that sit well under make-up, leave no eye-sting or sensitivity, leave no extreme white cast, no pilling, aren’t too greasy, aren’t heavily fragranced, are affordable, and leave that typical dewy Korean finish. Most of the formulations now also user UV filters which are even better at delivering sun protection.
With the long list of positives about Korean sunscreens, there has to be some negatives, correct? And there is. Korean sunscreens are formulated expertly to be worn well under make-up, and on days when you are primarily indoors or in the office. As a result, Korean sunscreens are typically not water resistant. Keeping that in mind, if you’re going to have a longer day outdoors in the sun, you may want to use another sunscreen that is formulated to be water-resistant.
Also, and more importantly, realise that the best sun protection of all, is staying out of the sun completely.
Here are some of our favourite Korean SPFs that are a joy to use! You will begin to look forward to applying and re-applying your sunscreen daily, with these products.
HYBRID SPFs: formulated with a mix of chemical and physical filters
Physical sunscreens are suitable for people with sensitive skins but tend to have a white cast. While chemical sunscreens have a lighter and more sophisticated texture, they can cause some sensitivity. Therefore, hybrid sunscreens offer the best of both worlds, and can work really well.
PURITO
Daily Go-To Sunscreen
Broad Spectrum UVA/UVB Protection SPF 50+ PA++++
UV Filters: Tinosorb S, Uvinul T 150, Titanium Dioxide, Uvinul A Plus
After the Purito sunscreen scandal, Purito has really come out tops again with their re-formulated sunscreen. They have published their in-vivo testing verifying their SPF claims so you can be assured that you are getting adequate sun protection.
What we love about PURITO sunscreen:
- leaves a healthy, dewy hydrating finish
- leaves no pilling, or stinging on the eyes, and no white cast
- no noticeable fragrance
- has a light gel-cream texture, but feels like a light lotion
- suitable for all skin types, but sensitive skin type will really love this for it’s soothing cica that calms irritation
isntree
Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
UVA/UVB Protection SPF 50+ PA++++
UV Filters: Parsol SLX, Homosalate, Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, Uvinul A Plus, Ethylhexyl Salicylate
Manufacturer: Kolmar Korea
BUY HERE: YESSTYLE, OLIVEYOUNG
Moisturises the skin like a daily moisturiser due to the 8 types of hyaluronic acid in the formula.
What we love about isntree sunscreen:
- a medium-weight watery lotion texture that glides easily
- leaves skin looking healthy and dewy
- doesn’t sting the eye, and doesn’t leave a white cast
- not sticky or greasy
- feels hydrating on the skin due to the humectants present in the formula
Beauty of Joseon
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
SPF 50+ PA++++
UV Filters: Uvinul A Plus , Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, Iscotrizinol
Manufacturer: Kolmar Korea
BUY HERE: YESSTYLE, OLIVEYOUNG, BOJ
The biggest Korean sunscreen of 2022!! Those in know, know. It’s truly the best!
What we love about Beauty of Joseon sunscreen:
- suitable for all skin types
- contains new generation UV filters
- leaves skin looking healthy and dewy
- doesn’t sting the eye, and doesn’t leave a white cast
- not sticky or greasy, spreads very easily and absorbs quickly
- brightens your complexion due to niacinamide
CHEMICAL SUNSCREENS
Round Lab
BIRCH JUICE Moisturising Sunscreen
SPF 50+ PA++++
UV Filters: Uvinul A Plus , Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, Iscotrizinol
Manufacturer: Kolmar Korea
BUY HERE: OLIVEYOUNG
A hidden favourite of many Koreans, Round Lab is a multiple award winning moisturising sunscreen.
What we love about Round Labs sunscreen:
- suitable for all skin types
- contains birth juice and mugwort which is great for anti-ageing, brightening, soothing and moisturising
- no pilling, no white cast, no eye-sting
- absorbs quickly and feels just like a regular moisturiser
THANK YOU FARMER
Sun Project Water Sun Cream
SPF 50+ PA++++
UV Filters: Uvinul A Plus , Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, Iscotrizinol
Manufacturer: Kolmar Korea
BUY HERE: YESSTYLE, Thank You Farmer
Another winner from the excellent manufacturers Kolmar Korea. Their formulations are truly terrific, providing excellent coverage, usability and affordability.
What we love about Thank You Farmer sunscreen:
- suitable for all skin types
- no pilling, white cast or eye-sting
- rich consistency that feels very moisturising and hydrating.
- absorbs very quickly and leaves a dewy, glowy and hydrated finish.
BENTON
AIR FIT UV DEFENSE SUN CREAM
SPF 50+ PA++++
UV Filters: Uvinul A Plus , Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, Iscotrizinol
Manufacturer: Kolmar Korea
BUY HERE: YESSTYLE
The green hued SPF that delivers brightening and moisturising with expert sun protection.
What we love about Benton sunscreen:
- suitable for all skin types, but drier types might need to add an additional moisturising step.
- no pilling, no white cast, no eye-sting
- light moisturiser, that leaves a glowy, hydrated finish.
MADAGASCAR CENTELLA SKIN1004
HYALU CICA WATER-FIT SUN SERUM
SPF 50+ PA++++
UV Filters: Uvinul A Plus , Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, Iscotrizinol
Manufacturer: Kolmar Korea
BUY HERE: YESSTYLE, OLIVEYOUNG
What we love about SKIN1004 sunscreen:
- suitable for all skin types, but drier types might need to add an additional moisturising step.
- no pilling, no white cast, no eye-sting
- light moisturiser, that leaves a glowy, hydrated finish.
- no greasiness or stickiness in this korean spf
- pump formula makes for easy use
