Among the many Korean skincare products that have become popular in the U.S., sunscreens stand out. The best Korean sunscreens outperform their American counterparts in several ways: they are often more pleasant to apply and wear, and they also measure protection against UVA rays. This is largely due to their advanced sunscreen filters, which are more numerous and innovative than those available in the U.S.
Vogue’s Favorite Korean Sunscreens:
Best Overall
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun
$18 at YESSTYLE
Best Chemical
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
$28 ($21 with 25% off) at AMAZON
Best for Dry Skin
Laneige Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+
$30 at AMAZON
These sunscreens offer clear benefits. UVA rays cause signs of aging like fine lines and dark spots, while UVB rays cause sunburns and skin cancer. The U.S. SPF rating only measures UVB protection, and although “broad-spectrum” indicates some UVA protection, it doesn’t specify the level. Korean sunscreens, however, often include a PA rating to show UVA protection strength.
Korean beauty products are also known for their innovative ingredients, and sunscreens are no exception. With staples like rice extract and popular additions like various forms of hyaluronic acid, these formulas offer more than just sun protection. Here are some top options for different skin types and preferences.
In This Story:
– Are Korean sunscreens worth it?
– What’s unique about Korean sunscreen?
– What to Look for in a Korean Sunscreen
– Are Korean sunscreens better than American sunscreens?
– Meet the Experts
Best Overall: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++
$18 at YESSTYLE
Why We Love It: This chemical sunscreen is a favorite for its lightweight feel. It leaves no white cast and is moisturizing, making it ideal for daily use. Dr. Claire Chang, a board-certified dermatologist, notes its soothing ingredients like rice extract, probiotics, and niacinamide. Dr. Michelle Park appreciates its easy-to-blend texture and the PA++++ rating for strong UVA protection.
SPF Level: 50
Texture: Lightweight cream
Type: Chemical
Size: 50 mL
Best For: Most skin types
Love It
– Hydrating but not greasy
– No white cast
Leave It
– Not mattifying
Best for Dry Skin: Laneige Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+
$30 at AMAZON
Why We Love It: Known for its popular lip mask, Laneige’s sunscreen is now available in the U.S. Despite its rich appearance, it applies clearly without chalkiness. It contains centella asiatica, mineral water, and glycerin to hydrate and soothe, though it leaves a dewy finish rather than matte.
Key Ingredients: Centella asiatica, glycerin, mineral water
SPF Level: 50
Texture: Cushiony cream
Type: Chemical
Best For: Normal to dry skin
Size: 50 ml
Love It
– Leaves a dewy sheen
– No white cast
Leave It
– May look greasy if not rubbed in well
– Might not be gentle enough for very sensitive skin
Best Mineral: Aestura Derma UV365 Barrier Hydro Mineral Sunscreen
$28 at OLIVEYOUNG, $21 at YESSTYLE
Why We Love It: Mineral sunscreens tend to…This sunscreen is a rare find in the K-beauty world. It’s fragrance-free and uses zinc oxide for sun protection, yet it blends in surprisingly easily. Dr. Chang also likes that it includes hyaluronic acid and ceramides to hydrate the skin. While it may not have the same cosmetic elegance as chemical sunscreens, it’s less likely to cause irritation—a great trade-off for sensitive skin.
SPF Level: 50
Texture: Lightweight cream
Type: Physical (zinc oxide)
Size: 40 mL
Best For: Sensitive skin
Love It: Undetectable finish, moisturizing feel
Leave It: Takes a few minutes to absorb, small size
—
Best Chemical: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden tested this sunscreen.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
$28 → $21 (25% off) at AMAZON
Why We Love It: Both Dr. Chang and Dr. Park recommend this sunscreen. Dr. Park praises its smooth, moisturizing texture that feels neutral on the skin. It’s packed with botanicals like allantoin and birch tree sap, which is rich in Natural Moisturizing Factor—a blend of amino acids and lactic acid that helps support the skin barrier.
SPF Level: 50
Texture: Lightweight lotion
Type: Chemical (Ethylhexyl triazone, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, diethylhexyl butamido triazone, methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol)
Size: 50 mL
Best For: Dry or combination skin
Love It: Doesn’t pill under makeup, radiant finish
Leave It: Birch juice may be an allergen for some
—
Best Hybrid: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream
$25 → $20 (20% off) at AMAZON
Why We Love It: This formula combines mineral and chemical filters, avoiding the white cast of mineral sunscreens and the potential irritation of chemical ones. The lotion is weightless, appears transparent on the skin, and gives a dewy glow. It has a light scent that fades quickly.
SPF Level: 50
Texture: Lightweight lotion
Type: Chemical (Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate 6.80%, homosalate 6.00%, ethylhexyl salicylate 4.50%, octocrylene 2.50%, titanium dioxide 1.40%)
Best For: Oily skin types
Size: 50 mL
Love It: No white cast, dewy finish
Leave It: Only PA+++ (maximum is PA++++), may be too rich for oily skin
—
Best Lightweight: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Shield SPF 30
Vogue’s senior beauty shopping writer Kiana Murden tested this sunscreen.
Glow Recipe Dew Shield SPF 30
$35 at AMAZON
Why We Love It: This sunscreen turns a routine task into a pleasant experience. Inspired by Korean formulas, it’s one of the few U.S.-made sunscreens with PA++++ protection against UVA rays. It hydrates, protects, and gives a radiant glow. The serum-like texture includes glycerin, watermelon-seed oil, and vitamin E for moisture, while niacinamide offers brightening benefits. The delicate watermelon scent makes it a joy to apply.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, rice extract, watermelon seed oil, glycerin
SPF Level: 30
Texture: Light serum-lotion
Type: Chemical (Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate)
Best For: Dull skin, all skin types
Size: 50 mL
Love It: Doesn’t pill, layers well under makeup, leaves skin radiant
Leave It: Relatively low SPF, though it meets dermatologist recommendations
—
Best for Oily Skin: Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen
$14 at AMAZON
Why We Love It: The best sunscreen is one you barely notice, and this lightweight SPF does just that. Though it comes out as a white lotion, it blends in seamlessly.Appears almost instantly on all skin tones, moisturizing with a blend of antioxidant-rich rice bran oil, ceramides, and heartleaf extract. It leaves skin with a velvety finish—not overly matte—revealing a fresh, natural glow.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, heartleaf extract, rice bran oil, ceramides
SPF Level: 50
Texture: Sheer lotion
Chemical or Physical: Chemical (Terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, ethylhexyl triazone, bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine)
Best For: Normal to oily skin, acne-prone skin
Size: 50 mL
Love It:
– Imparts a matte finish
– Blends into skin quickly
Leave It:
– Might be too lightweight for very dry skin
Best for Sensitive Skin: CosRx Ultra Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50
Price: $16 at YESSTYLE
Why We Love It: Designed to feel like a hydrating face serum with the protection of a heavy-duty sunscreen, this formula is sheer, weightless, and fast-absorbing. Dr. Chang is a fan, noting that the soothing formula includes aloe and niacinamide to calm the skin. The brand also submitted it for irritation testing, proving it won’t irritate sensitive skin or eyes.
Key Ingredients: Witch hazel extract, aloe leaf water, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide
SPF Level: 50
Texture: Lightweight serum
Chemical or Physical: Chemical (Drometrizole trisiloxane, ethylhexyl triazone, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, terephthalylidene dicamphor sulfonic acid, ethylhexylglycerin)
Best For: Dry skin, sensitive skin
Size: 50 mL
Love It:
– Has a natural finish—neither matte nor shiny
– Won’t sting your eyes
Leave It:
– Prone to pilling if you apply other products too quickly
Everything You Need to Know:
Are Korean sunscreens worth it?
Despite discussions about tariffs and reformulations (likely to meet U.S. guidelines), Korean sunscreens are still worth trying for their elegant textures, fast absorption, and innovative UV filters, says Dr. Chang. Many patients, especially those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, prefer the lightweight, non-greasy feel of Korean formulas. Even with potential price increases, if a Korean sunscreen helps you stick to a daily routine, it’s absolutely worth using.
What’s unique about Korean sunscreen?
Korean sunscreens often outperform American versions in several ways. Dr. Chang notes they apply more easily, with lighter textures and minimal white cast. They’re also often formulated with additional skincare ingredients that provide hydration, brightening, or calming benefits.
According to dermatologist Dr. David Kim, Korean formulas have access to more chemical filters than those in the U.S., allowing for different combinations that feel lightweight and less sticky. Additionally, Korean sunscreens use the PA rating system to measure UVA protection, ranging from PA+ to PA+++ (highest). In the U.S., “broad-spectrum” indicates coverage against both UVA and UVB rays, but the exact level of UVA protection isn’t specified.
What to Look for in a Korean Sunscreen:
SPF Level:
Sunscreen protection factor (SPF) is the same in Korea as in the U.S., where it ranges from 15 to 100.”Factors are typically labeled,” explains Dr. Chang. In Korea, sunscreens often exceed SPF 50, though brands usually don’t specify the exact number—instead, they’re marked as SPF 50+. (Note that the American Academy of Dermatology recommends at least SPF 30, so this isn’t a cause for concern.)
Chemical vs. Mineral Filters
Chemical filters absorb into the skin, where they convert UV energy into heat that eventually dissipates. “Most Korean sunscreens are chemical-based, and they’re safe and effective,” says Dr. Kim. These contribute to the lightweight, invisible finish Korean sunscreens are known for.
Mineral filters, on the other hand, sit on the skin’s surface and physically block or reflect UV rays. Dr. Kim recommends these for hyperpigmentation and for patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or undergoing fertility treatments, as they aren’t absorbed.
Texture
Korean sunscreens generally share a lightweight, airy feel, but there are still variations to consider based on skin type. “Some textures are more hydrating and better for dry skin,” notes Dr. Kim. For oily or acne-prone skin, lightweight gel or serum-like options that absorb quickly may be preferable.
Are Korean Sunscreens Better Than American Ones?
Not necessarily. While Korean sunscreens offer benefits like the PA rating system—which measures UVA protection (linked to aging), whereas SPF only covers UVB (linked to sunburn and skin cancer)—they aren’t inherently superior.
Korean sunscreens are praised for their lightweight, blendable formulas, but they often lack mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which many dermatologists prefer for sensitive skin. Additionally, sunscreens are more strictly regulated in the U.S. “In the U.S., sunscreens are classified as drugs by the FDA and must undergo rigorous testing and approval,” says Dr. Chang. “Some ingredients approved in Korea may not be approved here.”
While some argue this limits innovation, stricter oversight ensures that U.S. sunscreens must have testing to support their labeled SPF, guaranteeing efficacy.
Meet the Experts
– Dr. Claire Chang, MD: Board-certified dermatologist at Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City.
– Dr. David Kim, MD: Board-certified dermatologist and founder of the skincare brand Lightsaver.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Sunscreens
Beginner Questions
1 What makes Korean sunscreens different from others
Korean sunscreens often focus on lightweight textures high protection and added skincare benefits like hydration or brightening making them feel more like a moisturizer than traditional sunscreens
2 Are Korean sunscreens better for sensitive skin
Many are formulated to be gentle fragrancefree and noncomedogenic making them suitable for sensitive or acneprone skin but always check the ingredients list for individual sensitivities
3 How do I choose the right Korean sunscreen for my skin type
Look for labels for oily skin often means oilfree or matte finish for dry skin includes hydrating ingredients and for sensitive skin avoids common irritants
4 Do Korean sunscreens leave a white cast
Most modern formulas are designed to be transparent or have minimal white cast especially chemical sunscreens but some physical options might still have a slight cast depending on your skin tone
5 Are they affordable and easy to buy
Yes many are reasonably priced and available online through retailers like YesStyle Stylevana or Amazon though shipping times may vary
Advanced Questions
6 What advanced ingredients are common in Korean sunscreens
Many include modern UV filters like Tinosorb S or Uvinul A Plus for broadspectrum protection plus additives like niacinamide hyaluronic acid or centella asiatica for extra skincare benefits
7 How do Korean sunscreens achieve such a lightweight feel
They use advanced emulsion technology and water or gelbased formulas that absorb quickly without heaviness or greasiness
8 Can I use Korean sunscreen under makeup
Absolutelytheir lightweight nongreasy texture makes them excellent primers and they often help makeup apply smoothly without pilling
9 Do they provide enough protection for intense sun exposure
Yes many offer high SPF and PA ratings indicating strong UVA and UVB protection but reapplication every 2 hours is key for extended exposure
10 Are there any downsides to Korean sunscreens
Some may contain alcohol