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The 7 Best Korean Sunscreens to Protect and Hydrate the Skin, According to Testers
You’ll look forward to your daily application.
Byrdie
TL;DR
Our favorite Korean sunscreen is the Cosrx Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+. It hydrates the skin while protecting, leaving a radiant finish behind. For a pick under $20, we love the Innisfree Daily UV Defense SPF 36. It dries clear on all skin tones and absorbs quickly.
You’ve heard it time and time again—using sunscreen every single day is the best way to keep the skin feeling healthy and looking youthful. It’s also your strongest line of defense against sun damage and skin cancer. Applying it each morning can be easier said than done; however, many formulas tend to be difficult to blend or leave a white cast. If you’re looking for the ideal formula, we recommend trying a Korean sunscreen. They’re popular with dermatologists and skincare enthusiasts because they defy the stereotype of a chalky, heavy sunscreen. “Korean sunscreens are known for their lightweight and easy-to-absorb texture,” says board-certified dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., FAAD. “They may also incorporate sunscreen filters that are not available in the U.S., especially those targeting UVA [the UV rays responsible for signs of aging].”
To determine the best Korean sunscreens, we spent over 200 hours testing top options at home. Testers considered multiple factors, including the consistency, feel, ingredients, finish, and more. After considering multiple options and consulting with experts, we compiled this list of the best Korean sunscreens for every skin type.
Top Picks
Cosrx Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen at Amazon$23
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Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+ for Face at Amazon$45$30
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Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen at Amazon$18
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Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream at Amazon$28$18
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Laneige Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen at Amazon$30
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Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30 at Amazon$20$13
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Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence at Beautybay.com
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Best Overall
Cosrx Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen
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Creamy texture absorbs quickly
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Provides antioxidant protection
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Hydrating, dewy finish
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Slightly greasy upon initial application
Key Ingredients: Homosalate, octocrylene, tocopherol, cacao extract | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
After a month of testing, this antioxidant-rich sunscreen from Cosrx came out on top. Our tester, Bianca, was obsessed with the gentle, hydrating formula that blended in completely clear onto her complexion. With vitamin E in the formula, it keeps the skin protected from free radicals and other environmental stressors, while chemical filters provide broad-spectrum, SPF 50 protection. Bianca loved its creamy consistency that absorbed with minimal effort, and the dewy finish looked great under makeup. It has silica to reduce the appearance of pores, and it has never caused irritation or congestion. While it may be a little too glowy for oily skin types, it’s still an excellent formula all-around.
Bianca, tester with combination skin: “I loved that it had a high SPF and didn’t leave a white cast on my brown skin. The formula glided on with ease.”
Best Overall, Runner-Up
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Fluid Sunscreen SPF 50+ for Face
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Nongreasy and lightweight
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Gentle, doesn’t irritate sensitive or acne-prone skin
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Refreshing scent
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Can make the eyes sting
Key Ingredients: Homosalate, octocrylene, lavender oil, silica | Size: 3.38 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
This hydrating pick from Dr. Jart+ also ranked high with another tester, who loved the liquid formula that had a light, fluid texture. She has combination skin with an oily T-zone, and she noted that it was able to add lightweight moisture without clogging her pores or triggering breakouts. The sunscreen is packed with skin-nourishing ingredients, like vitamin E, lavender oil, and glycerin to keep the complexion balanced and soft, and it’s gentle on all skin types. Some sunscreens can pill when applied under makeup, but this one didn’t—she said it acted as a primer for her base coverage. Some online reviewers mentioned that it can cause stinging in the eyes, but our tester didn’t have that problem.
Evangelina, tester with combination skin: “I like that this sunscreen is lightweight, which will be great for humid weather. It’s hydrating, but it doesn’t feel like it’s clogging my pores.”
Best for Acne-Prone Skin
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen
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Soothing, won’t clog pores
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Creamy and gentle
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Provides lightweight hydration
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Small amount of product for daily use
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, cica, green tea | Size: 1.69 oz| Cruelty-Free: Yes
Some chemical sunscreen filters can aggravate acne-prone skin types, leading to an irritated complexion. You won’t see that with this ultrasmooth formula from Innisfree; it uses chemical blockers alongside calming, noncomedogenic ingredients (like cica and green tea) to balance the skin instead of clogging pores. It absorbs quickly upon initial application, and it leaves a glow, not greasy, finish without leaving a heavy residue on the skin. The sunscreen dries clear on all skin tones, and it adds much-needed moisture to dry and combination skin types.
Austen, tester with normal skin: “I would recommend this to anyone who needs a lightweight daily sunscreen, especially for the beach or no-makeup days.”
Best for Dry Skin
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream
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Moisturizing and softening
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Blends into the skin quickly
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Doesn’t leave a white cast
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Feels a bit heavy on the skin
Key Ingredients: Homosalate, octisalate,niacinamide,glycerin| Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Reaching for sunscreen might not be the first solution that comes to mind when seeking relief for severely dehydrated skin, but this pick from Round Lab can provide intense hydration that soothes dryness. With hyaluronic acid, glycerin, allantoin, and more, it provides a long-lasting boost of moisture. It has a thicker texture meant to nourish and comfort drier complexions, so it can feel a bit heavy on oilier skin types. Nevertheless, our tester loved that the sunscreen blended easily and added a healthy-looking glow to the skin. Another plus is it’s reef-safe and oil-free, making it perfect for a day at the beach.
Candice, tester with combination skin: “Due to the thickness of the cream, I do feel like I am adding an layer of protection on my skin.”
Best for Combination Skin
Laneige Hydro UV Defense Sunscreen
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Adds lightweight hydration without being feeling too rich
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Natural finish, wears well under makeup
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Fragrance-free
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Should be used with a moisturizer for dehydrated skin types
Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, octocrylene, centella, glycerin | Size: 1.6 oz | Cruelty-Free: No
Combination skin needs a sunscreen that hydrates without feeling greasy—and this one from Laneige delivers. Its lightweight, creamy texture absorbs easily, leaving skin smooth, balanced, and shine-free. Infused with centella, mineral water, and aloe vera, it soothes and refreshes the complexion. Our tester noted it wore well under makeup with no pilling or patchiness. While it’s not the most intensely moisturizing option, it’s a great lightweight choice for warmer weather.
Leona, tester with combination skin: “I highly recommend this product. I think it would work well with most skin types as it’s creamy but lightweight.”
Best for Sensitive Skin
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30
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Soothes and hydrates irritated skin
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Leaves a dewy finish
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Creamy, blendable texture
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Can pill under makeup
Key Ingredients: Homosalate, niacinamide, centella, sodium hyaluronate | Size: 1.69 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
This soothing pick from Isntree is a match made in heaven for sensitive skin types. Formulated with centella, beta-glucan, and 10 forms of hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen left our tester’s skin feeling more soothed and hydrated than usual. Its flexible consistency didn’t require a lot of effort to blend in, nor did it cause any irritation or redness. She also loved the luminous glow it left behind. If sunscreens often aggravate your skin or leave it red and tingly, we recommend trying this option.
Katie, tester with normal skin: “This just feels like a nice moisturizer, but it’s a sunscreen! The blendability is fantastic.”
Best Lightweight
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence
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Light, thin texture
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Feels cooling on the skin
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Hydrating, luminous finish
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Floral fragrance
Key Ingredients: Homosalate, glycerin,tocopherol, aloe | Size: 4.22 oz | Cruelty-Free: Yes
Hate the feeling of SPF on your face? You’re definitely not alone. We recommend this light and nongreasy formula from Thank You Farmer that feels weightless and breathable on the skin, according to our tester, Karla. She loved that it had a subtle cooling effect and a delicate scent that didn’t irritate her sensitive complexion, and it left a dewy, bright finish with no white cast in sight. It blended in quickly and easily, and she was able to reapply without it feeling heavy or becoming greasy. She was a fan of the fresh smell, but it’s something to consider if you’re sensitive to fragrance.
Karla, tester with dry skin: “I don’t feel or look greasy, and it doesn’t feel heavy. I also love when a product gives both hydration and glow.”
What to Look for in a Korean Sunscreen
- Level of Protection: Not all sunscreens are made equal, and you’ll want to ensure that you’re getting optimal protection. “Look for broad-spectrum coverage against UVA and UVB and at least SPF 30 coverage,” says Dr. Garshick. You’ll find both mineral (physically blocks UV rays) and chemical (absorbs UV rays and then expels them) options on the market, but either is fine as long as they meet the above requirements. Dr. Garshick recommends looking for PA++++ listed on the label, meaning it has particularly high protection against UVA rays.
- Consistency: A lightweight, easily blendable consistency is key to a great sunscreen—you might not be excited for your daily application if the formula doesn’t absorb into the skin well. “A texture that feels comfortable is key for someone to apply an appropriate amount of sunscreen,” says skincare content creator Claudia Christin. The majority of Korean sunscreens feel light on the skin, but look for liquid or essence-like options if you hate the feeling of creams on your face.
- Ingredients: Look for formulas with ingredients that help you reach your skin goals, such as anti-aging ingredients if you’re treating wrinkles or brightening ingredients if you’re dealing with hyperpigmentation. Plenty of options also have soothing, hydrating components—a must since chemical filters can often cause irritation to sensitive skin. “Some key ingredients that may be included are hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate and nourish the skin, and centella asiatica, which is known for its soothing properties,” says Dr. Garshick.
How We Tested Korean Sunscreens
We believe in using the products we recommend, so we prioritize testing them in real-life settings. For this story, we asked testers to use these sunscreens for a month and provide in-depth insights.
- Number of Korean Sunscreens Tested: 8
- Testing Period: Four weeks
- Methodology: Our testers used their Korean sunscreens once daily for a month. Each formula was tested on different skin types, and the testers kept track of their results by taking before-and-after photos, videos, and provided written insights.
- Factors Considered: Consistency, feel, active and inactive ingredients, SPF level, finish
Meet Our Experts
To determine what to look for in a Korean sunscreen and which options are worth the money, we consulted the following experts:
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, M.D., FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist. She has offices in New York and New Jersey, and she is a member of Byrdie’s Beauty & Wellness Review Board.
- Claudia Christin has an MBBS and Ph.D in dermatology and is a skincare content creator.
Why Trust Byrdie
Shannon Stubbs is a writer at Byrdie, where she covers skincare, makeup, and more. She almost exclusively uses Korean sunscreens and is a big fan of the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen. To write this story, she gathered insights from testers and consulted experts to determine the best options available.
Shauna Beni-Haynes
Source URL: https://www.byrdie.com/best-korean-sunscreens-4801000