The 12 Best Korean Sunscreens for Every Skin Type

The warmer months have arrived so it’s time to transform your skincare routine just like the sun rays are transforming our mood for the better. While it’s important to wear sunscreen year round, no matter the weather, with the sun coming out more people are searching for the right sunscreen for their skin. 

Our hearts were stolen by Korean sunscreens a long time ago, with high-quality ingredients and innovative formulas, we can confidently say that we prefer Korean sunscreens to Western brands. However, with so many different types of sunscreen on the market it can be challenging to know which one to choose. That’s why we have created a little sunscreen guide with some of the best Korean sunscreens for every skin type.

Sunscreen for oily skin

A lightweight sunscreen is essential for oily and acne-prone skin types. The struggle of balancing your sebum production gets real when the summer months hit and the weather gets hotter. Niacinamide is the perfect ingredient to opt for in your sunscreen since it minimizes redness, balances sebum production, and improves skin texture. Look for a lightweight, non-comedogenic, and oil-free sunscreen that won’t clog the pores. Korean sunscreens also have amazing moisturizing benefits, minimizing the amount of skincare products needed to take care of your skin during the hot weather. Our go-to's for oily skin are the iUNIK Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ and Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++.

Sunscreen for combination skin

Combination types struggle with both oily and dry areas. A lightweight, yet moisturizing sunscreen is a great go-to for these skin types. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin,and squalane are some amazing hydrating ingredients to be on the lookout for. Despite the dryness, combination skin also has to watch out for pore-clogging ingredients, so opt for a non-comedogenic Korean sunscreen. One of our favorites it the Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen. A hydrating sun stick, like the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ is a great option for touch-ups throughout the day without the heaviness. 

Sunscreen for dry skin

Dry skin is known for producing too little oils, that’s why moisturizing ingredients are your best friend. Thankfully Korean sunscreens are a gem when it comes to caring for the skin and protecting it at the same time. The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++ and Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF50+ PA++++ are both amazingly hydrating choices for the dry skin. Using sunscreen daily is essential if you have dry skin, since sun rays and sun damage will dry your skin out even more. 

Sunscreen for sensitive skin

It can be tricky to find the right sunscreen for sensitive skin. Overall, dermatologists recommend a mineral-only sunscreen rather than a chemical one. A great mineral-only sunscreen is the Thank You Farmer Safe Sun Fluid Age 0880 SPF50+ PA++++. Sunscreens with mineral filters have a smaller chance of causing irritation and are safer for people that tend to have allergies, including sun allergies. It’s also important to stick to SPF50+ to ensure the best protection, and go fragrance-free. For all-day protection, throw a sunstick in your bag, like the Benton Mineral Sun Stick so you are sure your skin is protected anywhere you go. 

Sunscreen for darker skin

Darker skin colors are naturally more prone to dark spots. To protect your skin from sun damage and increased hyperpigmentation spots a sunscreen is a must-have in the skincare routine. Protecting your skin should not mean walking around with a white cast all day, and there are some amazing Korean sunscreens that won’t leave a white cast and have amazing caring benefits. Our top choices for are some of the best known sunscreens from Korea like the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ and Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++.

Sunscreen for mature skin

Using sunscreen is one of the best anti-aging skincare strategies! Protecting your skin from sun rays all year long will protect it from dehydration, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and early signs of aging. Some of the best Korean sunscreens combine ingredients that work anti-aging, hydrate the skin and deliver antioxidants all at the same time. Our recommendations for mature skin are the Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ and Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++.