K-Beauty Sunscreen Favorites
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Korean sunscreens are making waves due to their ultra-light and enjoyable texture. Today, I'll guide you through my top choices in each category. I've experimented with a wide variety of sunscreens and with many of you moving into summer, I thought it would be fitting to share my favorite Korean chemical, physical, hybrid, lightweight, and stick sunscreens.
Nourishing Ingredients in Korean Sunscreens
Korean sunscreens are hailed for their lightweight feel, making them perfect for daily use. They offer an appealing texture and blend seamlessly under makeup. So, let's dive into my favorite sunscreen category - chemical sunscreens. Here, my top pick is the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun + Probiotic, which came as no surprise upon trying it.
This instantly became my favorite chemical sunscreen the instant I tried it. It features four innovative chemical filters that have been in use since the early 2000s. These molecules are larger in size, making them less likely to penetrate the skin. Kolmar has been developing numerous sunscreens for various Korean brands, based on this core formula, and they're all fantastic.
My skin oscillates between normal and dry and is highly prone to dehydration. This sunscreen offers just the right amount of emolliency, it hydrates and replenishes my skin. It features a balanced blend of moisturizing oils and humectants, providing both oil and water to my skin without becoming sticky or greasy. It seems to work well for a vast number of people, not just me, and applying the correct amount is a breeze.
The application does not feel like I'm just moving liquid around on my face, which is a common issue with many lightweight sunscreens. It has a creamy-gel texture and applies smoothly. Some users have found it a bit shiny, but I think it really depends on your skin type. For me, it gives a radiant glow, particularly under makeup. It does not give that excessive shiny, greasy look often associated with sunscreens. It is also hydrating enough on its own under makeup, so I don't need to layer a hydrating toner underneath, and it stays quite even throughout the day.
This product is free of fragrance and alcohol, which is beneficial if you have sensitivities. This family of sunscreens contains niacinamide and adenosine, ingredients commonly found in Korean cosmetics for their brightening and anti-wrinkle properties. This particular sunscreen includes rice extracts, beneficial for hydrating and soothing sensitive skin.
Light as Air: The Skin 104 Hyaluronic Acid Water Fit Sun Serum
Another product within this range is the Skin 104 Hyaluronic Acid Water Fit Sun Serum. This is the lightest version available. While some find the Beauty of Joseon sunscreens to be somewhat heavy, I find them suitable, particularly since my skin has been dry of late, due to using retinoids. This sunscreen, however, leaves a barely-there feeling while still providing hydration. Ideal for those seeking a super lightweight product or those with oily skin, or for use in hot and humid climates. It also provides a subtle dewy look, and its flat pump top tube design makes it perfect for on-the-go usage.It also includes a variety of plant extracts, including centella and hyaluronic acid.
Benton Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream: The Best for Mineral Sunscreen Seekers
As for mineral sunscreens, which are also known as physical or inorganic sunscreens, they primarily use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for sun protection. These are perfect if you are allergic to common chemical sunscreen ingredients or prefer a matte finish.
They often appear white upon application, which can help create an even skin tone effect, akin to a tinted moisturizer. However, on my skin, it seems a bit off. I generally haven't found mineral sunscreens to work well for me, but for those who were seeking recommendations, the Benton Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream has been the best so far. I was pleasantly surprised by how well it applied to my skin. Initially, the white cast was a little alarming, but it mostly faded away after about 10 minutes. There were a few residual white patches, easily blended in. Application was a breeze. This sunscreen uses zinc oxide and an SPF booster, butyloctyl salicylate, so it could be considered a hybrid sunscreen. It has a refreshing minty herbal scent. One reason I prefer this mineral sunscreen is due to its dewy, smooth finish, unlike most mineral sunscreens that feel more like a thin clay mask. This texture normally makes it challenging to blend out any white patches that might appear during the day. However, Benton's sunscreen was easy to blend due to its smooth texture. After a few hours, I noticed it had settled slightly into my pores, but less so than other mineral sunscreens. I believe a more hydrating serum underneath would make this less noticeable.
Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen: A Hybrid Pick
Moving onto my preferred hybrid sunscreen, the Jumiso Waterfull Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen. Hybrid sunscreens are the third category and sit between chemical and physical. They combine both types of sunscreen actives, so their features are somewhat of a mix. Some may think that a hybrid sunscreen offers superior protection than just a chemical or just a physical sunscreen, but this is a myth. The level of protection you achieve is indicated by the SPF on the label.
The choice of sunscreen often boils down to personal preference, and many factors can impact this decision. A standout for me is this unexpected favorite with a blend of modern chemical filters that are known to cause fewer reactions, complemented by titanium dioxide. This inorganic filter, powerful in its UV absorption properties, surpasses zinc oxide and results in leaner formulations, thus creating a lighter texture. An excellent pick for those who are sensitive to older chemical or organic filters.
This product leaves less of a white cast than most mineral sunscreens, and it's not excessively drying either. Its feather-light formula had me forgetting I even had it applied, leading me to nearly doubling up on products.
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The Convenience of Sunscreen Sticks
I must mention my top choice for sunscreen sticks - the Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick. While sunscreen sticks aren't ideal for full coverage, they're perfect for touch-ups, especially when you're not exerting much, like a day at the office. They're convenient for topping up over makeup without smudging, and their compact size makes them perfect for on-the-go.
Sunscreen sticks have also been a lifesaver in situations where I might have otherwise skipped sunscreen application, such as on the backs of my hands. They’ve also been my go-to when I've already dressed and noticed an exposed area. Applying lotion might stain the clothing, but a stick provides a more precise application without the risk. They're also excellent for application around the eyes if your regular sunscreen causes discomfort.
The Tocobo stick stands out with its smooth application and matte finish. Its chemical formulation leaves no white residue, and it has a pleasant cotton scent reminiscent of clean laundry. The stick's size ensures quick application, with the narrowness allowing for accuracy around areas like the nose.
That concludes my favorites list. I'm keen to hear your thoughts if you've tried these or if there are other Korean sunscreens I should check out.
About the Author: Caolan
With over a decade of international experience, Caolan's passion lies in simplifying the complex. His innovative thinking and audience-first approach have made significant impacts across the creative industries. Now, as the founder of But More Importantly, he applies these talents to the world of cosmetics, aiming to unmask marketing hype and provide readers with the truth about beauty products. His mission: to help you make informed choices and discover what truly enhances your beauty routine.
