Over the past year, Korean sunscreens have taken over TikTok and the beauty industry, and they’re a staple in every effective K-Beauty routine. Whether you’re chasing glass skin or simply want to protect your complexion, an SPF is non-negotiable, check out all the reasons to wear SPF if you still need convincing.
Unlike some traditional formulas, Korean skincare SPFs provide high-level protection (SPF 50+) without the dreaded white cast. Packed with hydrating, soothing, and skin-loving ingredients, these sunscreens offer more than just protection—they treat your skin, too. Read on for the best Korean sunscreens for every skin type, concern, and routine.
Why Are Korean Sunscreens So Good?
The K-Beauty philosophy places SPF at the heart of any daytime skincare routine. Korean sunscreens are lightweight, effective, and often double up as skincare treatments. Traditional ingredients like centella asiatica, snail mucin, and heartleaf frequently make an appearance, tackling hydration, redness, and blemishes while protecting against harmful UVA/UVB rays.
Plus, they’re loved for their silky, non-greasy textures that absorb beautifully and leave no white cast—making them a game-changer for all skin types. Find out why these SPFs are considered some of the best Korean skincare products around…
The Best Korean Sunscreens for Everyday Use
Your daily SPF routine shouldn’t feel like a chore. Whether you’re going makeup-free or heading to the gym, these Korean SPFs make sun protection simple.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Best For: Sensitive and dry skin types
The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun went viral for all the right reasons. With SPF 50+ protection, it shields your skin from UV rays while probiotics and rice extract nourish and strengthen your skin barrier. The silky texture absorbs quickly, hydrates deeply, and leaves no greasy residue—making it the perfect base for makeup. It even doubles up as moisturiser, so you can tackle two skincare steps in one. We’ve actually named it one of the best Korean moisturisers too, a must-try.
haurharu wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Sunscreen
Best For: All skin types
There’s so much to love about haruharu wonder’s Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Sunscreen. Not only does it protect against UVA and UVB rays, but it also shields your skin from harmful blue light – perfect for those of us glued to our screens. Packed with antioxidants from black rice extract, this standout Korean sunscreen also nourishes and soothes the skin barrier with heartleaf and ceramides, while niacinamide brightens your complexion. Apply it daily for skin that looks glowing and feels protected.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++
Best For: Sensitive and dry skin types
A soothing everyday staple, COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream combines SPF 50 protection with hydrating aloe extract to calm irritation and keep skin moisturised. Its lightweight formula feels like a moisturiser and absorbs effortlessly without leaving a white cast or tacky feel.
The Best Korean Sunscreens for Oily Skin
If you have oily skin, these formulas mattify, regulate sebum, and keep shine under control, while still offering top-tier protection.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick
Best For: Sensitive and oily skin types
The SKIN1004 Silky-Fit Sun Stick glides on effortlessly, providing SPF 50+ protection without heaviness or residue. Formulated with centella asiatica and blue algae, it soothes sensitive skin while balancing oil. Its sweat-resistant, mattifying formula makes it perfect for active lifestyles or on-the-go touch-ups.
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camelia
Best For: Oily skin
Need midday shine control? The Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick is your go-to. Formulated with SPF 50+, it mattifies oily skin while soothing inflammation with mugwort and green tea extract. Perfect for reapplication throughout the day—even over makeup—without disrupting your base.
The Best Korean Sunscreens for Dry Skin
Dry skin types, rejoice! These hydrating Korean SPFs ensure your skin stays plump, dewy, and protected all day long.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun
Best For: Sensitive, dry, and dehydrated skin types
The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun SPF 50+ sunscreen combines centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid to calm irritation, deeply hydrate, and leave your skin with a dewy glow. Its serum-like texture glides on smoothly without stickiness, making it the perfect pick for dry, thirsty skin.
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+
Best For: Dry skin
The Thank You Farmer Water Sun Cream delivers SPF 50 protection while doubling as a hydrating day cream. With a lightweight, non-sticky formula, it smooths skin texture, boosts moisture, and leaves a radiant, glowing finish. It works beautifully under makeup for an added glow, or on its own.
The Best Korean Sunscreens for Acne-Prone Skin
If you struggle with breakouts, choose Korean SPFs designed with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial ingredients to calm and protect. You can still protect your skin from sun damage without causing an SPF-induced breakout.
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF 50+
Best For: Sensitive, blemish-prone, and oily skin types
Cooling aloe extract makes the Light Sun Essence a dream for inflamed, acne-prone skin. With SPF 50 protection, this non-greasy formula soothes irritation, reduces redness, and keeps skin hydrated—without clogging pores.
COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
Best For: Sensitive and blemish-prone skin types
The COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen is infused with vitamin E, a powerful anti-inflammatory ingredient. This SPF 50+ sunscreen calms inflammation, brightens acne scars, and provides antioxidant protection. It also regulates oil production to keep your skin balanced and breakout-free.
The Best Mineral Korean Sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens (AKA physical sunscreens) create a barrier on the skin’s surface with active ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which in turn reflect the sun’s rays. Some people find mineral sunscreens to be gentler on their skin, which can be helpful if you suffer from eczema or very sensitive skin.
innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
Best For: Dry and sensitive skin types
The innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 neutralises redness and evens out your complexion with its green tint. Enriched with eight types of hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica, it hydrates, soothes, and leaves a satin finish—making it perfect for makeup-free days, whilst still keeping your skin well protected.
Dr.Jart+ Cicapair™ Tiger Grass Camo Drops SPF 35
Best For: Dry and sensitive skin types.
The Camo Drops transform from green to beige, adapting to your skin tone to neutralise redness while delivering SPF 35 protection. Packed with tiger grass (known as centella asiatica), skin-boosting herbs, and niacinamide, it calms, hydrates, and leaves skin with a natural, dewy finish. As it is a slightly lower protection than most other Korean SPFs, it’s a good idea to reapply throughout the day.
Korean sunscreens are a must for every K-Beauty routine—and trust us, your skin will thank you for it. Whether you need a mattifying sun stick, a glow-boosting cream, or a soothing mineral SPF, we’ve got the perfect match for you.
