K-Beauty Sunscreens: The Science & Are They Worth The Hype?
Korean beauty products, or K-beauty, have taken the skincare world by storm. One category that has especially gained traction is sunscreens. With US sunscreens lagging behind in technology and innovation, let's explore K-beauty sunscreens and see if they truly live up to the hype.
Why are US sunscreens behind?
Before diving into K-beauty sunscreens, it's essential to understand why US sunscreens are considered outdated. US sunscreens are regulated as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, meaning stricter regulations and testing are needed before hitting the market. While this has its benefits, it also means that the last time a new UV filter was approved in the US was in 1999.
Moreover, for a new UV filter to be approved, companies need to invest money and time without any guarantee that their new ingredients will pass regulations. As a result, other countries like South Korea, Australia, and Europe have surged ahead with more innovative and effective sunscreens.
Evaluating Sunscreens: K-Beauty vs US
The most significant difference between K-beauty sunscreens and US sunscreens is how they measure sun protection. In the US, we use Sun Protection Factor (SPF), which offers a single rating for protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the longer it takes for your skin to show redness or burn when exposed to the sun.
On the other hand, K-beauty sunscreens separate UVB and UVA protection ratings. SPF still measures UVB protection (responsible for sunburns), but they use a different rating system called the PA scale for UVA protection (responsible for skin aging). The PA scale ranges from PA+ to PA++++, with each "+" representing a higher level of UVA protection.
This separation of UVB and UVA protection means K-beauty sunscreens offer more accurate information on the level of protection you're getting. Plus, K-beauty sunscreens typically use more advanced and effective UV filters than those available in the US.
Are K-Beauty Sunscreens Worth The Hype?
Based on their advanced technology and separate ratings for UVA and UVB protection, K-beauty sunscreens live up to the hype. They offer better and more specific protection for your skin, preventing both short-term sunburns and long-term aging effects.
Moreover, K-beauty sunscreens are often lightweight, fast-absorbing, and leave little to no white cast on the skin, making them more cosmetically elegant than many US alternatives. As a result, people are more inclined to consistently wear sunscreen, leading to better overall sun protection.
However, it's crucial to choose a K-beauty sunscreen that aligns with your skin type and specific needs, taking into consideration factors like water resistance, texture, and additional skincare benefits. Pay attention to SPF and PA ratings to ensure the sunscreen provides both adequate UVB and UVA protection.
Recommended Products
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotic SPF50+
I absolutely love the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen. Not only does it provide broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, but its lightweight texture is incredibly smooth and non-irritating to your eyes. It also has great hydrating properties, making it suitable for both oily and dry skin types - so you don't need an additional moisturizer underneath. Additionally, it contains four unique filters such as Tinosorb M and Iscotrisinal (also known as Diathlhexylbutametal Triazone) for water resistancy and long-lasting protection. Niacinamide is also included to help strengthen the skin barrier. I'm sure you'll love it as much as I do.
The Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen is a must-have for your skincare routine. With an SPF 50+ rating and PA4+, it provides comprehensive protection against harmful UVA and UVB rays. This sunscreen contains both chemical and physical filters, including Tinosorb M and Exohexal Triazone, offering you exceptional photostability and coverage. Along with Titanium Dioxide, a classic physical filter used in the U.S., this product also includes Centella Asiatica to soothe your skin and Medicago Sativa for antioxidant benefits. With its smooth texture and non-greasy finish, you won't be left with a white cast. Retailing for just $21, this sunscreen is an excellent choice for those with dry skin.
Purito's The Daily Soft Touch sunscreen is the preferred option if you have oily skin, with a unique combination of three filters covering the entire UVA and UVB spectrum. It also contains ceramides which help to protect your skin barrier. You'll be amazed at how fast it dries, leaving your skin feeling soft instead of greasy.
The next sunscreen that we are going to be discussing is a chemical sunscreen with an SPF 50 and PA++++ rating. This high-level protection comes from five different filters, including some US-based filters like avobenzone, octocrylene, octisalate, and octinoxate. Additionally, this sunscreen features an added UVB filter called Tinosorb S, which is not available in the United States. This product has a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving behind any white cast. It's perfect for those with sensitive skin because it doesn't cause irritation around the eyes. With its high-level protection and lightweight feel, this sunscreen is an ideal choice for anyone who wants superior protection without sacrificing comfort.
Next up is Biore's UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel and many people seem to like it. Disclaimer here: Biore is a Japanese brand, not Korean, but it often gets lumped into K-Beauty conversations and as this product is so popular, we did want to cover it here. This sunscreen is 10 dollars, PA4+ and contains four different filters, including Octinoxate plus three filters not approved in the US. It also has Glycerin, Arginine - an amino acid which is a primary building block for collagen - and a vast number of Hyaluronic Acids. Though this sunscreen isn't my favorite, it does not leave an oily residue and can be found at a number of different retailers, so if you’re in a pinch it’s still a decent go to.
The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50 has become incredibly popular on social media in the past year, in part because it retails for less than 30 bucks. However, as someone who isn't exactly an advocate of hyaluronic acid-based skincare products, I want to explain why I wouldn’t purchase this myself. When it comes to low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, the research suggests that it can actually be pro-inflammatory for some skin types. This means that those with rosacea may find their skin more irritated when using this product. That said, I will admit that this particular product is extremely well formulated and is incredibly smooth on the skin - so it may be worth using if you want to give it a try. Plus, there's no added scent which I think is great. All in all, the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50 is worth considering if you're looking for a chemical sunscreen and your skin isn’t sensitive or prone to irritation.
With superior UVB coverage at a price of only 21 dollars, this sunscreen offers top-of-the-line protection from harmful ultraviolet rays. It contains four different filters which provide UVB coverage from 290 to approximately 320 nanometers. Additionally, this sunscreen contains niacinamide as well as berberis vulgaris root extract which helps reduce acne. Lightweight and fragrance free, Klair's All Day Airy Sunscreen is fast-absorbing, leaves no white cast and does its job efficiently.
Next up we have an interesting one known as Tocobo Bio Watery Sunscreen, which retails for $20. What makes this sunscreen interesting is that it contains a UV filter called mexoryl. This UV filter was originally proprietary to L'Oréal, meaning that they were the first company to push forward its approval, back in 1989, and because their patent has since run out, other companies are now able to use this filter in their products. Popular K-Beauty brands are now using this UV filter, and Tocobo uses both mexoryl and another filter called tinosorb s - meaning that it offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It's also very lightweight, making it ideal for those with oily skin, as it glides on and disappears completely. Plus, it contains special antibacterial ingredients such as Scutellaria baicalensis root extract and Philodendron. All in all, this is a great sunscreen to check out due to its inclusion of the now widely available mexoryl filter - making it an excellent option for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.
If you live in a city and find yourself frequently on the go, sun protection is essential. I'm a big fan of using sun sticks and powder for an easy touch-up or light reapplication throughout the day. If you're wearing makeup while out and about, my favorite sunscreen stick to use is also from Tocobo – it has a lightweight formula with SPF 50 that's easy to apply, and it contains natural ingredients like green tea and licorice root for an added boost. Plus, it only takes a few swipes to get good coverage. It retails between $10-$14, so it's definitely worth trying out.
Lastly, we have VT which looks like a very pretty and elegant makeup product. It's not a powder but more of a cream-like consistency that feels silky smooth. But be aware that it contains zinc oxide, so you might get a slight white or blue cast on your skin when using it. Our advice is to lightly reapply on the high points of your face (where we are more likely to get skin cancer) throughout the day. This product retails for $14.20.
Conclusion
In conclusion, K-beauty sunscreens surpass their US counterparts when it comes to sun protection and product formulation. Whether you're a skincare enthusiast or just looking for a consistently enjoyable sunscreen experience, consider making the switch to K-beauty sunscreens. Embrace the science and innovation behind these sunscreens and experience the difference for yourself.
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