Korean sunscreens are all the rage right now, thanks to their elegant textures, reliable sun protection, and skin benefits. But sifting through countless options to find that one perfect Korean sunscreen for your face can be overwhelming. It doesn’t help that each one promises glassy, flawless skin.
That’s where we come in. We’ve done the heavy lifting so you don’t have to–cutting through the noise to find 10 K-beauty sunscreens that actually live up to the hype. Our top pick is Beauty Of Joseon sun cream with rice and probiotics. It has a creamy lightweight texture and is good for all skin types. The Haruharu Black Rice Airyfit sunscreen is a great choice for an oily face. It feels velvety and doesn’t make you shiny or greasy. We have to go with Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing sunscreen as our top option for dry skin. It leaves your face glowing and vibrant, but not too oily.
By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident choosing the best Korean sunscreen for your face, regardless of your skin type. Whether you're looking for a lightweight SPF for daily wear or a formula that can handle sweaty workouts or a day at the beach, there’s something for you here.
Our Top Picks
|
Beauty Of Joseon |
Haruharu Black Rice |
Round Lab Birch Juice |
Skin1004 Madagascar |
Then I Met You Essence |
|
Best Overall for Face |
Best for Oily Face |
Best for Dry Face |
Best for Sensitive Face |
Best Under Makeup |
|
€16,99 |
€18,95 |
€20,85 |
€19,95 |
€32,68 |
The 10 Best Korean Sunscreens for a Radiant, Flawless Face
1. Best Overall Face Sunscreen: Beauty Of Joseon - Sunscreen Cream: Rice + Probiotics
Unlike most TikTok-viral products that end up being a disappointing waste of money, Beauty Of Joseon Rice + Probiotics Sunscreen actually lives up to the buzz. Many K-beauty enthusiasts swear by it. The sunscreen has a creamy texture but is lightweight and doesn’t leave your face sticky or greasy (even in hot humid weather). It absorbs well into your skin and gives you a nice glowy look.
The Beauty Of Joseon sunscreen doesn’t leave a white cast on your face, regardless of your skin tone. You can also use it under makeup without having to worry about pilling.
This organic Korean sunscreen contains 30% rice extract and fermented grains probiotics. Rice has been used in skincare for centuries in different cultures. Scientific literature shows that rice has several cosmetic benefits, including antioxidant properties, similar to Vitamin C. Not only is it moisturizing and hypoallergenic, but it can also slow down skin aging!
2. Best Korean Face Sunscreen for Oily Skin: Haruharu Black Rice Airyfit Sunscreen
If you have an oily face you understand the struggle of finding the right sunscreen. Even with some Korean sunscreens, your face will look like you’ve been dipped in oil after a short while.
Enter the Haruharu Black Rice Airyfit Sunscreen. The best thing about this K-beauty SPF is that it doesn’t go to the opposite extreme of being too matte and drying out your face. It gives you a velvety semi-matte finish without making you all shiny or sweaty.
The Haruharu Korean sunscreen layers well on your face with other skincare products. It’s not heavy or cakey and you can wear it under makeup.
The K-beauty sun cream is made using vegan ingredients and a hypoallergenic formula, with no artificial scents, and is ideal for oily, sensitive skin. It also contains rice bran oil which improves skin elasticity, slows aging, and brightens the skin.
3. Best Korean Face Sun Cream for Dry Skin: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
Round Lab Birch Juice is another TikTok-popular Korean sunscreen that doesn’t disappoint. This might explain why it sells out fast.
The formula is designed to hydrate your face and lock in moisture. It feels like a lotion and sinks nicely into your skin. This sunscreen can double as a moisturizer so you might not need another layer of product. There is no white cast and it’s perfect under makeup. Although we say it’s like a lotion, the Round Lab Birch Juice is anything but heavy. It gives you a healthy glow without making you greasy.
Birch juice has soothing and moisturizing properties. It can repair sensitive skin and reduce redness and irritation, resulting in a youthful, vibrant look. Some people say they realized they are allergic to birch juice. So do a patch test first just to make sure.
4. Best Korean SPF for Sensitive Face: Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
Having sensitive skin means you can’t just put anything on your face. You have to be more thorough in your research and keen when looking at ingredients.
The Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is formulated specifically for dry or sensitive skin. Its key ingredients, including Broccoli sprout extract, actively protect the skin from damage, soothe irritated skin, and promote healing and regeneration. It does not contain artificial fragrances which can irritate sensitive skin. Some users have mentioned it improved their skin texture and reduced redness.
This Asian sunscreen leaves your face feeling moisturized for long periods and gives you a glassy, dewy look. It doesn’t feel sticky.
5. Best K-Beauty Sunscreen Under Makeup: Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen
There are very few things worse than your sunscreen pilling or making your makeup cakey. This is a problem with many American (or Western) sunscreens as they can be a tad too heavy.
Then I Met You Essence Light Korean sunscreen ensures broad spectrum SPF 50 protection for your face. On top of that, it doubles as a nice base for your makeup, without pilling or cakiness. The K-beauty formula is super lightweight and absorbs nicely into your face, you won’t even feel like you’re wearing sunscreen.
Key ingredients like the popular hyaluronic acid give this sunscreen hydrating properties that can make your face appear more vibrant. Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate can reduce hyperpigmentation, brighten your face, and even help with acne. Then I Met You Essence Light doesn’t leave a white cast and is great for all skin types and skin tones.
6. Best Korean Face SPF for Combination Skin: Numbuzin No.1 Clear Filter Sunscreen
With combination skin, you want a K-beauty sunscreen that doesn’t make the dry parts of your face drier, and the oily ones oilier. Numbuzin No. 1 Clear Filter sunscreen does exactly that. Many people with combination skin say it is their holy grail.
This Korean sun cream hydrates your face and locks in moisture, leaving you with a nice dewy look, but not oily. It contains Licorice Root, Centella Asiatica, and Houttuynia Cordata extracts which have soothing properties. Some people have confirmed that it reduces redness. Preliminary studies show that licorice could help in the treatment of psoriasis.
The Numbuzin No.1 Clear Filter has a lightweight texture and blends easily into your face. Even in hot, humid weather it doesn’t feel sticky. You can wear makeup over this sunscreen and layer with other skincare products. It doesn’t pill.
7. Best Sweat-Resistant Asian Sunscreen for Face: Anessa Perfect UV Milk
Some of our most beloved Korean sunscreens are, unfortunately, not water-resistant. This can be disappointing for K-beauty lovers who spend a lot of time outdoors, especially in the hotter months.
Anessa Perfect UV Milk is a Japanese sun milk that provides powerful protection for your face with SPF50+ and PA++++. It is also sweat and water-resistant. In fact, the UV-blocking film is strengthened when it mixes with water, sweat, or humidity. It’s a fantastic formulation for those who spend long hours at the beach, do water activities, or just live in humid climates.
The consistency is like light milk and has a moisturizing effect but it’s not sticky. This sunscreen contains green tea and purple tea extracts as well as glycerin which nourishes your skin and makes it feel softer.
There have been mentions of this sun milk leaving a white cast on some people. Make sure you shake it well before use and pat it onto the skin, instead of rubbing.
8. Best Korean Sunscreen for Acne-Prone Face: Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Wearing sunscreen can help reduce further acne breakouts and fade acne scars. So people with acne-prone skin should not skip this step. However, if you have an acne-prone face you know the wrong sunscreen can cause bad breakouts and set you back in your skincare journey.
Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Korean sunscreen is a holy grail for many people struggling with acne. It has a very light airy texture and blends quickly into your skin. It doesn't leave that annoying heavy, greasy feeling that you get with many sunscreens.
More importantly, this formula is made using clean and safe ingredients that will not break you out. It contains niacinamide which reduces sebum production and helps with acne and hyperpigmentation. It’s vegan and hypoallergenic making it the perfect choice for people with sensitive and acne-prone skin.
9. Best Korean Sun Stick for Face: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick
Sunscreen sticks are a great option for people who need sun protection when on-the-go. They are small and will even fit into your pocket, you can easily reapply onto specific spots, and you don’t need to worry about them spilling.
Instree is not a new name in the Korean beauty scene and their sun stick is a best-seller. The organic formula contains hyaluronic acid which helps with hydration and has remarkable anti-aging benefits. Other ingredients worth mentioning are aloe vera and bamboo water extracts, both known to be soothing and hydrating.
One of the best things about Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick is its shape. It makes it easy to get to tricky places for reapplication, like around your nose. It’s light with no white cast and gives a matte finish.
10. Best Korean Sunscreen Spray for Face: JMsolution Official Pearl Sun Spray
Contrary to what some people may think, sunscreen sprays can work just as well as lotion sunscreens. Even better, you can reapply multiple times a day over your makeup, making them the perfect option for touch-ups.
JMsolution Official Pearl Korean sun spray is a fine mist with intense hydrating properties. It gives you a healthy glow but doesn’t feel heavy or sticky or mess up your makeup. You can reapply multiple times a day and it almost acts as a setting spray.
The sun spray contains pearl extract which has anti-aging properties and can help reduce melanin production, as well as collagen which helps with skin hydration and elasticity.
How to Choose the Right Korean Sunscreen for Your Face
Korean sunscreens are popular and that’s a testament to how good they are. But not every viral K-beauty SPF is going to be right for your face. You have to learn to ignore the noise and focus on the unique needs of your skin.
First, what is your skin type? Is it oily, dry, or a combination? If you have an oily face you want to go for airy formulas that are mattifying, but not drying. A greasy face is annoying but one that is too dry and powdery is no fun either. Opt for SPF that is somewhere in between.
For dry skin types, a nice moisturizing sun cream is ideal and there are many Korean sunscreens with moisturizing properties.
If you have a sensitive or acne-prone face then you know you have to be even more careful. Look at the ingredients and avoid any that are harsh and may cause breakouts. Sunscreens with soothing properties can also help deal with already irritated skin and redness in your face.
You should also consider your climate and everyday activities. If you spend many hours outside in the hot sun you might want a strong, water-resistant sun milk.
More importantly, don’t forget to look at the SPF level because the whole point of sunscreen is efficient sun protection. SPF measures UVB protection while PA measures UVA protection. The higher the rating, the more the protection. Look for a minimum of SPF 30 and PA+++, depending on your daily routine and sun exposure.
Why Korean Sunscreens Are So Popular
After trying out Asian sun creams, many people say they finally love wearing sunscreen.
Korean sunscreens are popular because of their lightweight, elegant texture and natural ingredients that are beneficial to the skin, making them ideal for daily wear.
One of the best things about Asian SPFs is their texture. They are airy, blend smoothly into the skin, and feel quite nice. They layer well with makeup and other skincare products too. For many, it’s a relief to have tons of sunscreen options that don’t leave a white cast on your face.
Korean beauty culture also puts a lot of emphasis on sun protection and complexion protection. Most of their sunscreens are great for wearing daily, with refined formulas and numerous beneficial ingredients.
Lastly, Korean culture in general is widening its reach, especially through K-dramas and K-pop. This has gone a long way into popularizing K-beauty culture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Korean Sunscreens for Face
Do Korean Sunscreens Work?
Yes, Korean sunscreens work well. They offer protection from both UVA and UVB rays–you’ll often notice both SPF and PA ratings on their packaging.
Is Korean Sunscreen Better Than American?
Korean sunscreen is better than American sunscreen in that their formulas are easier and more comfortable to wear. They absorb nicely into the skin and don’t pill or cake under makeup. These sunscreens are also gentle on your face.
Which Korean Sunscreen Is the Best?
The best Korean sunscreen for your face depends on your skin type but, in general, Beauty Of Joseon: Rice + Probiotics is a safe option for all skin types. It’s moisturizing, doesn’t leave a white cast, and your face won’t feel greasy.
Is Korean Sunscreen Strong Enough?
Yes, Korean sunscreen is strong enough to protect your face from the sun. Plus, you can reapply as needed throughout the day even with makeup, thanks to sun sticks and sun sprays.
So, Which Korean Sunscreen Is Best for Your Face?
When choosing the best K-beauty sunscreen for your face, you have to consider your skin type and day-to-day life. Our top pick for the best Korean SPF is Beauty Of Joseon Rice + Probiotics. Its natural ingredients, including rice extract, have moisturizing and anti-aging benefits, just to name a few. While it makes your face glow, it’s not heavy or oily. Anyone can use it.
If you have an oily face you might love Haruharu’s semi-matte velvety finish. It’s super light and you can layer it with your other favorite Korean skincare products. If you have a dry face, Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen is like a light lotion that will leave your face moisturized and supple but not greasy.