14 Best Korean Sunscreens for a Transparent, Glassy Finish

Type: Hybrid (has both chemical and mineral filters) | Key Ingredients: Cica, bamboo water, sunflower seed oil, hollyhock root | Who It's For: Normal, dry skin

Most TikTok-Viral Find: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF50+ PA++++

Why It's Worth It: If you're on beauty TikTok, chances are you've seen Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF50+ PA++++ all over your FYP. The viral sensation is one of the best sunscreens we've tried in recent years, partly due to its glowy and healthy-looking finish. Chock-full of nourishing ingredients such as niacinamide, rice extract, and grain-derived probiotics, this chemical-free, cast-free formula might just make you look forward to applying sunscreen every single day. Sarah Han, an Allure commerce editor who has combination skin, says that Relief Sun is her moisturizing SPF of choice. "It gives me a generous glow without feeling heavy," she says, adding that she definitely doesn't need to use moisturizer beforehand.

Editor Tip: This product may feel too heavy for oily skin, but conversely, it may not be moisturizing enough for drier skin. If you have extremely dry skin, you'll want to apply moisturizer beforehand.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Rice extract, niacinamide, pumpkin ferment extract, green tea, ginseng | Who It's For: Normal, combination, and dry skin

Allure Best of Beauty Winner: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36

Why It's Worth It: Innisfree's award-winning Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 is lightweight, hydrating, and refreshing, so you'll find yourself counting the minutes to your next reapplication. "This was the first Korean sunscreen I ever got my hands on, and I wouldn't wish a life without this product on my worst enemy," contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman tells Allure. "Innisfree isn't messing around when it says 'no white cast.' It goes on clear, feels soft on my skin, and the bottle is a perfectly portable shape and size."

Editor Tip: As this formula is very emollient, it might take an extra second to rub in fully. It may also feel a bit heavy on oily skin, so test out the "two-finger rule" and see how it feels.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Cica, green tea extract, sunflower seed oil | Who It's For: Normal, dry skin

Best for Sensitive Skin: Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen

Why It's Worth It: Ever since it was featured in the Allure Beauty Box, market shopping editor Angela Trakoshis hasn't been able to get enough of the Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen, especially since the nongreasy formula is so divine it encourages her to remember daily SPF application. "It's got zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier that's safe for sensitive skin, and it dries down glowy without leaving a Casper-like cast," she says. "Whether I'm going on my daily walk or sitting by the window with my laptop, I'll never be tempted to skip sunscreen again."

Editor Tip: It is slightly scented (thought it has less than 1% synthetic fragrance), so keep that in mind if you have super sensitive skin. It's also not sweat- or water-resistant, so perhaps not the best option for active people.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, orange oil | Who It's For: People who prefer a matte mineral sunscreen

Best Under Makeup: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30 PA+++

Why It's Worth It: Isntree's Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30 PA+++ is a must-try, according to Jenny Liu, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She says this chemical sunscreen is one of her all-time favorites, K-beauty or otherwise, and is "super lightweight, elegant, and great under makeup." Not only does this lightweight gel-like lotion contain 10 (!) types of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, cica, and heartleaf, but this formula also contains adenosine, which relaxes the appearance of wrinkles over time.

(Important note: This is a slightly updated formula from the one Dr. Liu originally recommended but it's very similar, outside of a slightly lower SPF rating, 30 vs. 50.)

Editor Tip: If you prefer mineral sunscreens, have sensitive skin, and are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, try Instree's Hyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream SPF 50 PA++++, which is also infused with 10 types of hyaluronic acid, as well as panthenol, and betaine for intense hydration and a glowy finish.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, cica, ceramide NP, glycerin, heartleaf | Who It's For: Everyone

Best for Dry Skin: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++

Why It's Worth It: Round Lab's Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream can readily replace your moisturizer if you want to shave off a morning skin-care step. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, amino acids, and birch tree sap deeply hydrate skin, prevent moisture loss, and minimize inflammation. This sunscreen is also gently fragranced with chamomile flower oil, gujju pine tree leaf oil, and artemisia wormwood extract. "This formula is so moisturizing and juicy that I find myself skipping my daytime moisturizer whenever I reach for this — so good," Han says of the TikTok-viral product.

Editor Tip: Round Lab offers a suite of birch juice goodness, from a moisturizing cleanser to nourishing cream, which Han is a fan of.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, amino acids, and birch tree sap | Who It's For: All skin types

Best Sweat-Resistant: Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++

Why It's Worth It: Missha's All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA+++ has long been a favorite for its soft-matte mineral formula, which is sweat- and water-resistant and quickly dries to a barely-there, non-greasy finish. Helichrysum flower water calms heat-induced redness and irritation, while glycerin strengthens the skin's barrier. Shoutout to the formula's aloe vera for its hydration abilities, and the anti-inflammatory powers of ingredients like quinine bark oil, curry plant, and abronia villosa leaf.

Editor Tip: You can use this on your entire body, but wherever you put it, give the bottle a few hearty shakes before dispensing the product.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, Helichrysum flower water, antozone rose | Who It's For: People with active or busy lifestyles

Best for Minimizing Shine: Neogen Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF 50/PA+++

Why It's Worth It: For Zion Ko Lamm, MD—a Charlotte-based internal medicine doctor who combines Korean skin care with wellness—the Neogen Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF50/PA+++ checked all the boxes. Now, meet the latest iteration of the fan-favorite formula: Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen. Whereas the original was known as a hybrid formula, Airy only uses chemical UV filters, so it has an elegant, semi-matte finish that spreads easily and absorbs quickly.

Editor Tip: Thanks to evening primrose, giant pine leaf, Ulmus davidiana, and Pueraria lobata root extracts, this sunscreen leaves a silky finish that minimizes sebum and shine. It has a somewhat noticeable citrus scent due to many plant extracts (including orange peel oil and lime oil), which is something to keep in mind if you're sensitive to fragrances.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Octocrylene, homosalate, avobenzone, vitamin E, 20 plant extracts including aloe, hibiscus, etc. | Who It's For: People concerned with excess sebum or shine throughout the day

Best for Brightening: d'Alba Waterfull Essence Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++

Why It's Worth It: Another Allure Korea Best of Beauty Award winner on our list is d'Alba's Waterfull Essence Sun Cream. Its clear, barely-there texture and combination of moisturizing and soothing ingredients, such as niacinamide (which can also protect skin from blue light) and white truffle, won the hearts of our Seoul-based counterparts.

Editor Tip: Like many of the options found on this list, d'Alba also offers a mineral sunscreen with the same UVA and UVB ratings, as well as white truffle, cica, and an added dose of anti-inflammatory madecassoside.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: White truffle, niacinamide, cica, heartleaf, turmeric, vitamin E | Who It's For: All skin types, especially dry skin

Best for Acne-Prone Skin: Some by Mi v10 Hyal Airgit Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Why It's Worth It: You'll want a little more than some of Some by Mi's V10 Hyal Airfit Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50—well, OK, at least two fingers' worth (but we couldn't resist). This Korean sunscreen essential soothes acne and excess sebum using niacinamide and hydrates skin with hyaluronic acid. Of course, it features anti-UV go-to's like homosalate and octocrylene, but it's also jam-packed with vitamins like B3, C, and E, as well as anti-inflammatory cica extract and skin barrier-supporting ceramides. It goes on as a moist, white cream but leaves behind zero cast for low-key wear and high-key protection.

Editor Tip: If you dread putting sunscreen on because of migration to your eyes that causes serious stinging and tearing, this option is eye-irritation tested for comfortable, pain-free wear.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Homosalate, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica extract, tocopherol | Who It's For: People with acne-prone skin

Best Sunscreen Serum: Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++

Why It's Worth It: All aboard the TikTok hype train. Skin1004's Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++ has taken over our feeds with its impossibly lightweight, serum-like formula that leaves skin looking dewy and fresh. According to the brand, this sunscreen uses next-generation, photostable chemical UV filters such as Tinosorb M, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, and Iscotrizinol. How's that for innovation?

Editor Tip: Skin1004's Centella Air-Fit Sun Cream Light SPF 30 PA++++ is just as soothing and lovely for those who prefer physical sunscreens.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, cica, arugula leaf, green tea, and broccoli extracts | Who It's For: People looking for a super lightweight sunscreen

Best for Oily Skin: Cosrx Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+

Why It's Worth It: People with oiliness-prone skin, meet Cosrx's Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+, formulated with silica and cotton extract to keep excess sebum under control, so you don't end up with a greasy T-zone by lunch. For a dose of moisture (because, yes, oily skin needs it), you can count on antioxidant vitamin E and cocoa extract to keep skin feeling soft and nourished.

Editor Tip: Unless you have dry skin, it may become a little greasy after a few hours of wear—but nothing too slick or bothersome.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Vitamin E, silica, cotton extract, cocoa extract | Who It's For: People with oily-prone skin

Best Portable: Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+ PA++++

Why It's Worth It: The Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50 earned a spot on this list for its ease of use (shoutout to the bar's curved shape) and multifaceted formula. The octocrylene and homosalate provide UV protection, while skin-soothing ingredients like ecotin, camellia japonica seed oil, and allantoin reinforce the skin barrier. This water-resistant formula (for up to 80 minutes) has a lightweight, natural finish that never leaves behind a white cast or residual stickiness, and it even applies smoothly and seamlessly over makeup for touchups throughout the day.

Editor Tip: It's best to reapply every two hours for peak protection.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Homosalate, octocrylene, ecotin, allantoin, sunflower seed oil, camellia japonica seed oil | Who It's For: People looking for a portable option

Best for Redness: Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun SPF 50+ PA++++

Why It's Worth It: Back in 2020, Allure Korea editors awarded the ultra-light Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun SPF50+ PA++++ a Best of Beauty Award for those with sensitive skin. The longtime favorite is free of fragrance but rich in soothing cica and heartleaf. Although it's made of 100% zinc oxide, the sunscreen still suits every skin tone. "It doesn't smell or feel like a traditional facial sunscreen, which is great for my sensitive skin," associate digital beauty director Sarah Kinonen, who helped select the winner, said. "The lotion blends into skin easily and doesn't leave any sort of white cast."

Editor Tip: Pycnogenol is an ingredient extracted from the bark of European pine trees that protects skin against external aggressors like fine dust and smoke.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, hyaluronic acid, cica, vitamin E, heartleaf, pycnogenol | Who It's For: People with sensitive skin who want a fragrance-free sunscreen

Frequently Asked Questions

One of the key differences between Western sunscreens and Korean sunscreens is their role in our perception of skin care, as Zion Ko Lamm, MD, a board-certified internal medicine doctor based in Charlotte, North Carolina, points out. Korean sunscreens are part of a skin-care lifestyle, defending against a broader range of long-term effects of the sun and promoting general skin health. On the other hand, Western sunscreens are formulated with necessity in mind, beginning and ending with sun protection.

Another difference is that no matter how much zinc oxide they contain, Korean mineral sunscreens are transparent on all skin tones, free of the telltale white cast that we often experience with non-Korean sunscreens. Plus, both chemical and mineral Korean sunscreens feature ingredients found in your favorite serums and moisturizers, like Centella asiatica (known as cica for short), allantoin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. So when you apply Korean sunscreen to your face, you protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays and work in a layer of hydrating, brightening, and smoothing benefits.

Depends on who you ask, but many would say yes. Why? "It's not that South Korea has something specifically unique that allows them to create better sunscreens," Toronto-based cosmetic chemist Stephen Ko previously told Allure. "They just have access to more sunscreen ingredients to work with."

Because the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies sunscreen as a drug, its chemicals and components must undergo lengthy, formal drug approval processes, which results in limitations to the ingredients in Western formulas. In fact, "there hasn't been a new [chemical or mineral] approved for use in sunscreens in the U.S. since 1999," says Ko. This also allows Korean brands to incorporate SPF and skin care innovations into their formulas more swiftly, allowing for more state-of-the-art, sophisticated formulations (active ingredients include Tinosorb S, Uvinul A Plus, and Uvinul T 150).

In short, the U.S. is "terribly behind the rest of the world in approving sunscreens that are superior to those we have," Vivian Bucay, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based at the Bucay Center for Dermatology and Aesthetics in San Antonio, Texas, previously told Allure. Even Congresswoman Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez agrees. If you're passionate about sunscreens like we are, she encourages people to contact their congressperson (especially if they sit on the Energy and Commerce Committee) and call upon them to "break through some of the regulatory barriers at the FDA" and "fund public research so that we can all enjoy the filters that develop out of the scientific process."

A lot of this depends on your personal preferences, just like it would with any sunscreen produced in the U.S., Europe, Asia, etc. But if you look at Korean sunscreen packaging, you'll notice "PA" next to the SPF grades. While SPF measures the degree of UVB light protection, PA (Protection Grade of UVA) is all about UVA light and your protection from developing pigmentation, says Dr. Ko Lamm. She equates PA+++ to SPF 30 and recommends seeking out sunscreens with a minimum of each.

"PA is based on the PPD test or the persistent pigmentation darkening test. It measures the multiple increases of UVA a person can theoretically be exposed to without tanning or darkening of the skin," Dr. Ko Lamm adds. "The PA system ranges from PA+ to PA++++; the maximum rating means it has a PPD value of 16." This means that while wearing PA++++ sunscreen, your skin can withstand 16x times more UVA radiation than it would without the sunscreen. So, until you exceed that hypothetical 16x UVA level, you won't start to tan or burn.

When Allure tests a product, our editors look at it from every angle in an effort to best serve you. We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies. In addition to testing each and every product that’s included in each and every review, we rely on experts who shape their fields, including dermatology, cosmetic chemistry, and medicine, to help us vet the ingredients and formulas.

For our list of the best Korean sunscreens, we considered each product’s performance across five primary categories: product ingredients, efficacy, product wear, and benefits. Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from dermatologists. To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our complete reviews process and methodology page.

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After all, can we really say a skin-care product is the "best" for people over 50 if the only testers we’ve solicited opinions from folks who have yet to hit 30? Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if it’s never been tested on curls? We’re proud that our staff spans a wide range of ages, skin tones, hair textures, genders, and backgrounds, which means that we are able to fairly assess any beauty product that comes into the beauty closet.

Can't get enough of Korean skin care? Keep reading:

• 27 Best Korean Skin-Care Products, According to an Obsessive Beauty Editor
• 16 Best Korean Moisturizers for a Glass-Like Glow
• 14 Best Korean Eye Creams for Hydrated, Firmer Undereyes

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