Best 7 Korean Sunscreens for Your Face 2025

Finding the perfect sunscreen can feel impossible. Many sunscreens leave a white cast, feel greasy, or pill under makeup. But Korean sunscreens offer many suitable options. These innovative formulas protect your skin while feeling as light as a moisturizer.

If you're tired of looking all over the place, you're in the right place. Korean sunscreen technology combines capable UV protection with skincare benefits, creating products you'll actually want to wear every day. Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, or sensitive skin, there's a Korean sunscreen that's perfect for you.

In this guide, we'll explore why Korean sunscreens are different, how to choose the right one for your skin type, and review the 7 best Korean sunscreens available in 2025. Let's find your perfect match.

TLDR;

Why Korean Sunscreens Are Superior to American Formulas

Korean sunscreens have earned their reputation as the best in the world for good reason. The difference isn't just marketing—it's science, regulation, and innovation working together.

The Regulatory Advantage

The biggest difference starts with how each country regulates sunscreen. In the United States, the FDA treats sunscreen as an over-the-counter drug. This means any new ingredient requires extensive testing that can take decades. In fact, the FDA hasn't approved a new sunscreen filter since 1999. That's over 25 years of using the same old technology.

Korea takes a different approach. The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) classifies sunscreens as "functional cosmetics." This allows them to approve new, safer ingredients much faster—usually within 4-6 months. Korean brands have access to about 30 different UV filters, while American brands are stuck with only 16 (and effectively just 2 that are considered fully safe).

Next-Generation UV Filters

The ingredients in Korean sunscreens are simply more advanced. American sunscreens rely heavily on old filters like Avobenzone and Oxybenzone, both with serious problems.

Avobenzone is unstable. It breaks down in sunlight, losing up to 50% of its protection in just one hour. It also reacts with iron in makeup and can stain your clothes yellow.

Oxybenzone is even worse. Studies show it absorbs into your bloodstream at levels that concern the FDA. It may disrupt hormones and is so toxic to coral reefs that Hawaii, Key West, and Palau have banned it.

Korean sunscreens use modern filters like:

• Bemotrizinol (Tinosorb S): Extremely stable and doesn't break down in sunlight. Its large molecular size (627 Daltons) means it stays on your skin's surface and never enters your bloodstream.
  
  

• Bisoctrizole (Tinosorb M): A hybrid filter that both absorbs and reflects UV rays. It protects against UVA, UVB, and even blue light from screens.
  
  

• Uvinul A Plus: A photostable replacement for Avobenzone that maintains protection all day without degradation.
  
  

These newer filters follow the "500 Dalton Rule"—they're too large to penetrate healthy skin, so they provide protection without any systemic absorption or health risks.

Better Protection Standards: PA++++ vs. "Broad Spectrum"

American sunscreens use a simple pass/fail system called "Broad Spectrum." If a sunscreen reaches a certain wavelength of protection, it gets the label. But this tells you nothing about how much UVA protection you're actually getting. A barely passing product gets the same label as an excellent one.

Korean sunscreens use the PA system (Protection Grade of UVA), which is graded:

• PA+: Minimal protection (PPD 2-4)

• PA++: Moderate protection (PPD 4-8)

• PA+++: High protection (PPD 8-16)

• PA++++: Extremely high protection (PPD 16+)

When you see PA++++ on a Korean sunscreen, you know it provides at least 16 times more UVA protection than unprotected skin. This transparency helps you make informed choices.

Superior Texture and Feel

Korean brands have achieved "cosmetic elegance"—making sunscreen feel amazing. They use advanced formulation technologies like lamellar liquid crystals that mimic your skin's natural structure. This allows the sunscreen to absorb instantly without greasiness.

Technologies like UV-Duo Plus from Kolmar Korea eliminate white cast by preventing mineral particles from clumping together. The result? Invisible protection that works for all skin tones.

Korean sunscreens also double as skincare. They're packed with beneficial ingredients like niacinamide (brightening), centella asiatica (soothing), hyaluronic acid (hydrating), and probiotics (strengthening skin barrier). You're not just protecting your skin—you're treating it.

The Compliance Factor

The best sunscreen is the one you'll actually wear every day. If your sunscreen feels heavy, looks white, or pills under makeup, you won't use it consistently. Korean sunscreens feel so good that people genuinely enjoy applying them. This daily compliance is what truly prevents sun damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

The recent SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act (signed in 2025) may eventually bring better ingredients to America, but it will take years for US brands to match the formulation expertise Korean manufacturers have developed over two decades.

 

How to Choose the Best Korean Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

Not all Korean sunscreens are created equal. Here's how to find your perfect match based on your skin's needs.

For Oily/Combination Skin

Look for lightweight, gel-based, or "watery" formulas that absorb quickly and leave a matte or natural finish. Chemical sunscreens (organic filters) work best because they're invisible and won't clog pores.

Best ingredients to look for:

• Silica (oil control)

• Niacinamide (pore refinement)

Avoid: Heavy cream textures or products with high oil content.

For more recommendations, check out our complete guide to sunscreen for oily skin.

For Dry/Dehydrated Skin

Choose creamy, moisturizing formulas with hydrating ingredients. Look for sunscreens that double as moisturizers so you can simplify your routine.

Best ingredients to look for:

• Hyaluronic acid (deep hydration)

• Rice extract (nourishing)

• Birch sap (moisture retention)

• Ceramides (barrier repair)

Avoid: Alcohol-heavy formulas or matte-finish products.

For Sensitive/Acne-Prone Skin

Opt for gentle, fragrance-free formulas with soothing ingredients. Mineral-based or hybrid sunscreens are often better tolerated, though modern chemical filters are generally safe for sensitive skin.

Best ingredients to look for:

• Centella asiatica/Cica (calms inflammation)

• Panthenol (soothes irritation)

• Zinc oxide (gentle mineral protection)

• Tea tree or madecassoside (antibacterial)

Avoid: Heavy fragrances, essential oils, or known irritants.

For Darker Skin Tones (White Cast Concerns)

The white cast struggle is real. Look for 100% chemical sunscreens or advanced hybrid formulas that use nano-particles or encapsulation technology.

Best formulas:

• Pure chemical/organic filters (no minerals)

• "Tone-up" formulas specifically designed to enhance, not whiten

• Gel or essence textures

Avoid: Pure mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) unless specifically labeled "no white cast"

Pro tip: Always test sunscreen on your jawline first to check for white cast before applying to your entire face.

Top 7 Korean Sunscreens for Face in 2025

1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Size: 50ml

This is the most popular Korean sunscreen worldwide for good reason. It feels like a lightweight moisturizer, not sunscreen at all.

Texture & Finish: Creamy yet lightweight with a natural, slightly dewy finish. Absorbs in seconds with zero white cast. The consistency is similar to a gel-cream hybrid.

Best For: All skin types, especially combination to dry skin. Perfect for those who want skincare benefits with sun protection.

Where to Buy: Get Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun here

User Reviews Snapshot: "This changed my relationship with sunscreen. I actually look forward to putting it on!" - Verified purchaser

 

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2. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Size: 50ml

If you have dry skin, this is your sunscreen soulmate. It's intensely hydrating without any greasiness.

Texture & Finish: Lightweight milky lotion that melts into skin. Leaves a radiant, healthy glow without looking oily. Feels like you're applying a hydrating essence.

Best For: Dry, dehydrated, or mature skin. Anyone who wants glowing, moisturized skin with sun protection.

Where to Buy: Shop Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen

Expert Take: Dermatologists love this because it encourages compliance—people with dry skin actually want to reapply it.

 

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3. HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Size: 50ml

The ultimate matte sunscreen that doesn't dry out your skin. Perfect for oily skin types.

Texture & Finish: Incredibly airy, almost weightless texture. Absorbs instantly leaving a completely matte, velvety finish. Feels like you're wearing nothing.

Best For: Oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. Perfect for those who hate any shine or greasiness.

Where to Buy: Purchase HaruHaru Wonder Sunscreen

User Reviews Snapshot: "Finally, a sunscreen that controls my oil and doesn't break me out. My makeup stays put all day!" - Oily skin reviewer

 

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4. Dermablock Aqua Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

Size: 35ml

The budget-friendly powerhouse that doesn't compromise on quality.

Texture & Finish: Gel-cream hybrid that feels refreshing and cooling on application. Semi-matte finish that's neither too dewy nor too flat.

Best For: Budget-conscious shoppers, students, or anyone who wants to try Korean sunscreen without a big investment. Great for normal to combination skin.

Where to Buy: Get Dermablock Aqua Sun Cream

Why We Love It: Proves that effective sun protection doesn't have to be expensive. Perfect as a starter Korean sunscreen.

 

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5. Trimay UV Protection Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++

Size: 50ml

The all-rounder that checks every box for most skin types.

Texture & Finish: Smooth, silky texture that spreads easily. Natural finish that looks like healthy skin—not too matte, not too dewy.

Best For: Anyone looking for a straightforward, reliable sunscreen with anti-aging benefits. Especially good for those 30+.

Where to Buy: Shop Trimay UV Protection Sunscreen

Best For: The person who wants effective protection without thinking too much about it. Solid, dependable choice.

 

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6. 9wishes Dermatica Cica Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Size: 50ml

The sensitive skin specialist that soothes while it protects.

Texture & Finish: Lightweight cream texture that's soothing and non-irritating. Slightly dewy finish that calms red, inflamed skin.

Best For: Sensitive, reactive, rosacea-prone, or acne-prone skin. Anyone who struggles with irritation from regular sunscreens.

Where to Buy: Get 9wishes Dermatica Cica Sunscreen

Expert Take: "This is what I recommend to patients with eczema or rosacea who need sun protection without aggravation." - Esthetician review

 

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7. Derma Factory Be Zero Pure Sun Cream SPF42 PA+++

Size: 80g

The clean beauty champion for those who prefer mineral protection.

Texture & Finish: Surprisingly lightweight for a mineral sunscreen. Slight white cast initially but blends out to a natural finish within 30 seconds.

Best For: Sensitive skin, those avoiding chemical filters, children's skin, or anyone preferring mineral protection.

Where to Buy: Shop Derma Factory Be Zero Pure Sunscreen

Why Choose This: If you're concerned about chemical filters absorbing into your bloodstream, this provides peace of mind with solid mineral protection.

 

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How to Apply Korean Sunscreen Correctly

Having great sunscreen is only half the battle. Here's how to apply it properly for maximum protection.

The 2-Finger Rule

Most people don't use enough sunscreen. The gold standard is the "2-finger rule":

1. Squeeze sunscreen along the length of your index and middle fingers

2. This equals approximately 1/4 teaspoon (the recommended amount for face)

3. Don't forget your neck—add another finger length for neck coverage

Yes, it seems like a lot. But using less means getting less protection. An SPF 50 applied too thinly might only give you SPF 15 protection.

Application Technique

Step 1: Apply sunscreen as the last step of your Korean skincare routine. Wait 2-3 minutes after your moisturizer so it can absorb first.

Step 2: Dot the sunscreen on your forehead, both cheeks, nose, and chin. Then spread gently outward in upward motions.

Step 3: Don't forget these commonly missed areas:

• Hairline and temples

• Around eyes (use a gentle patting motion)

• Nose and around nostrils

• Ears

• Neck and décolletage

Step 4: Wait 15 minutes before makeup application for best results (though many Korean sunscreens work fine with makeup immediately).

Reapplication Tips

Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors or after:

• Swimming or heavy sweating

• Toweling your face

• Extended sun exposure

Reapplication over makeup: Use a sun stick, sun cushion, or setting spray with SPF. Or gently pat on more sunscreen with clean fingers.

Layering with Other Skincare

Morning routine order:

1. Cleanser

2. Toner

3. Serum/Essence

4. Eye cream

5. Moisturizer (wait 2-3 minutes)

6. Sunscreen (wait 15 minutes)

7. Makeup

Can you skip moisturizer? If your sunscreen is hydrating (like Round Lab or Beauty of Joseon), you can skip moisturizer in the morning.

Under Makeup Application

Korean sunscreens are designed to work under makeup, but follow these tips:

• Let sunscreen fully absorb (15 minutes ideal)

• Use a hydrating primer if your sunscreen is matte

• Use a mattifying primer if your sunscreen is dewy and you have oily skin

• Pat foundation on rather than rubbing to avoid pilling

Pro tip: Many Korean sunscreens work as excellent makeup primers themselves, saving you a step.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Korean sunscreens safe?

Yes, Korean sunscreens are very safe. They use modern UV filters that have been proven safe in Europe and Asia for over 20 years. Unlike some American sunscreen ingredients (like Oxybenzone) that absorb into your bloodstream, newer Korean filters stay on your skin's surface.

The Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) requires rigorous testing for both safety and efficacy before approval. Many Korean brands now publish their independent lab testing results online for full transparency.

After the 2020 "Purito scandal" (where one brand's SPF tested lower than claimed), the entire Korean sunscreen industry implemented stricter verification protocols. Now, most reputable brands provide double-verified SPF and PA testing results.

Do Korean sunscreens have white cast?

Most chemical Korean sunscreens have zero white cast and are completely invisible on all skin tones. Products like Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, Round Lab Birch Juice, and HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice are 100% transparent.

Mineral-based Korean sunscreens (like Derma Factory Be Zero) may have a slight initial white cast, but modern formulations use advanced encapsulation technology to minimize this significantly compared to American mineral sunscreens.

Rule of thumb: Chemical/organic filters = no white cast. Mineral/physical filters = possible slight white cast.

Can I use Korean sunscreen under makeup?

Absolutely! Korean sunscreens are specifically formulated to work beautifully under makeup. In fact, many makeup artists prefer them because they don't pill, ball up, or interfere with foundation.

Many Korean sunscreens actually work as excellent makeup primers due to their smoothing, pore-blurring effect. The matte formulas (like HaruHaru Wonder) grip makeup for all-day wear, while dewy formulas (like Round Lab) give a radiant, healthy glow.

Pro tip: For best results, wait 15 minutes after sunscreen application before applying makeup.

How often should I reapply?

The dermatologist-recommended rule is every 2 hours when outdoors. However, real-world reapplication depends on your activities:

Reapply every 2 hours if:

• You're spending time outdoors (walking, outdoor lunch, etc.)

• You're near windows with direct sun exposure

• You're swimming or sweating heavily

You can extend to 3-4 hours if:

• You're indoors most of the day with minimal sun exposure

• You're not sweating or touching your face

For most people: One morning application is fine for indoor office work. Reapply if going outside for lunch or errands.

Are Korean sunscreens water-resistant?

Some Korean sunscreens are water-resistant, but many prioritize cosmetic elegance over extreme water resistance. For daily wear, this isn't an issue. For swimming or intense sports, look for products specifically labeled "water-resistant."

For beach or pool days, mineral sunscreens (like Derma Factory Be Zero) tend to be more water-resistant than lightweight chemical formulas.

Check our sunscreen collection for water-resistant options if you need extra staying power.

Why are Korean sunscreens so popular?

Korean sunscreens have become global favorites because they solved the main reason people don't wear sunscreen: they feel terrible.

Traditional sunscreens are heavy, greasy, and leave white casts. Korean formulations feel like lightweight moisturizers or serums. They absorb instantly, leave no residue, work under makeup, and often provide skincare benefits like hydration and brightening.

Additionally, Korean sunscreens use newer, more effective UV filters that aren't available in the US, providing superior protection with better texture. The combination of advanced ingredients, luxurious feel, and affordable prices has made them must-haves for skincare enthusiasts worldwide.

What's the difference between SPF and PA++++?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures protection against UVB rays—the rays that cause sunburn and directly damage DNA, leading to skin cancer. SPF 50 means you can stay in the sun 50 times longer without burning (in theory).

PA (Protection Grade of UVA) measures protection against UVA rays—the rays that penetrate deeper, causing premature aging, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.

• PA+ = Some UVA protection

• PA++ = Moderate UVA protection

• PA+++ = High UVA protection

• PA++++ = Extremely high UVA protection (16x more protection than unprotected skin)

Most quality Korean sunscreens are SPF50+ PA++++, meaning you get maximum protection from both types of UV rays.

Bottom line: SPF protects against burns and cancer. PA protects against aging and pigmentation. You need both for complete protection.

Where can I buy authentic Korean sunscreen?

Buying from authorized retailers ensures you get authentic, fresh products:

Recommended retailers:

• Koreabe - Direct authorized retailer with authentic products

• Official brand websites (Beauty of Joseon, Round Lab, etc.)

• Reputable K-beauty retailers (YesStyle, Olive Young Global, Stylevana)

Red flags for counterfeit products:

• Prices significantly lower than retail (50%+ off)

• Sellers on Amazon/eBay with no reviews or mixed reviews

• Products shipped from unknown locations

• Packaging that looks slightly different from official photos

• No batch codes or expiration dates

Always check: Expiration dates, proper Korean labeling, and authentic packaging. When in doubt, buy directly from authorized retailers like Koreabe to guarantee authenticity.

Browse our complete sunscreen collection to find your perfect match. Your future skin will thank you.

Questions? Our skincare experts are here to help you choose. Reach out anytime.

Protect your skin. Prevent aging. Embrace the Korean sunscreen revolution.