Korean Sunscreen: Which One Suits Your Skin? 16 SPF 50+ Compared

Korean sunscreen is the reason many people start with K-Beauty in the first place: SPF 50+ that feels like a day cream, leaves no white cast and disappears under make-up. But which one is the best? There is no single one. There is the right texture and the right filter for your skin. Here are 16 Korean sunscreens, sun serums, tone-ups and sticks from our range, sorted by texture and skin type – with what makes each one different.

What SPF 50+ and PA++++ mean

SPF (in Austria also called LSF) measures protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. PA with plus signs is the Korean and Japanese scale for UVA protection – the rays responsible for pigment spots and skin aging. PA++++ is the highest level. Almost all products here have SPF 50+ and PA++++, the exceptions are marked.

Chemical, mineral or hybrid: what the difference is

Chemical filters absorb into the skin and convert UV radiation into heat. They are the reason for the light Korean textures without a white film. Mineral filters – zinc oxide and titanium dioxide – sit on the skin and reflect; they are considered a gentler entry point for reactive skin, but often leave a slight haze. Hybrids combine both. Most products in this list are chemical, one is mineral and has its own section.

Sun Cream: the classic texture

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-fresh Rice + B5 SPF 50+ PA++++

The best-selling sunscreen at Korean Eden. 30 % rice water, panthenol and ceramides hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. Light, fast-absorbing gel texture, no white film, fresh skin feel. For all skin types. Vegan.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++

The sister product with 30 % fermented rice and grain extract. Light, creamy texture without white residue and a naturally radiant finish. If you want a bit more care and glow than the Aqua-fresh, take this one. Also over make-up. Vegan.

Round Lab Birch Juice Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

Chemical sunscreen with birch juice, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, light and hydrating, without white residue. Also formulated for sensitive skin and free of ingredients known to be harmful to marine life. Vegan.

PURITO Wonder Releaf Centella Daily Sun Lotion SPF50+ PA++++

Made for sensitive skin: centella soothes, several hyaluronic acids hydrate, brown algae extract protects against fine dust. Light, cream-like lotion without a white film and without sticky residue. Vegan.

PURITO Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Silky, ultra-light texture with a matte finish and no white cast. Ceramides support the skin barrier, centella soothes. For combination, oily and blemish-prone skin that is still sensitive.

Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Ultra-light, semi-matte velvet finish, no white cast and no fragrance. Black rice as an antioxidant, plus niacinamide, ceramides and adenosine. Hypoallergenic formula, for sensitive skin that does not want a glossy finish. Vegan.

DermaNique Dual Barrier Fit Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

Developed for sensitive skin, with the Dermatest rating "Excellent" according to the manufacturer. Fragrance-free, not sticky, with a subtle tone-up for an awake look without a mask effect. Long-lasting hydration. Vegan.

Sun Gel and Sun Serum: for everyone who does not want to feel SPF

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sungel SPF50+ PA++++

As hydrating as a face cream: eight types of hyaluronic acid, centella and ceramides, no white or greasy film, even when you reapply. Ideal under make-up and for dry, sensitive skin. Also available as a double pack if you need it daily. Vegan.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++

Sun protection in a serum texture: feather-light, with hyaluron for hydration and centella for sensitive skin. Fresh water-fit finish without stickiness, without a white film. For dehydrated, sensitive skin and everyone who wears sunscreen like a care serum. Vegan.

Benton Cica Gel Sunscreen Serum SPF50+ PA++++

Refreshing gel serum with centella, hyaluronic acid and panthenol: hydrates, soothes and absorbs without a white film. For sensitive and dry skin that wants a light, non-sticky finish. Vegan.

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++

30 % ginseng extract and 2 % niacinamide in a serum texture with a fresh, dewy finish. No white cast, no stickiness, no greasy film, no surfactants. For dry and mature skin that wants care and protection in one. Vegan.

Tone-up: sun protection with a fresh-look effect

COSRX Aloe 54.2 Aqua Tone-Up Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

54.2 % aloe, hyaluron and vitamin E, plus a subtle tone-up that instantly makes the complexion look fresher and more even. Light, not greasy, not sticky and fragrance-free. For everyone who wants sun protection and make-up base in one in the morning. Vegan.

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Tone Brightening Tone-Up Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Light peach tone, hydration and madecassoside from centella: instantly gives the complexion more brightness and a more even appearance. Light texture without a heavy, greasy feel. Vegan.

Mineral: for reactive skin

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus SPF50+ PA++++

Mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, 35.8 % centella and a matte air-fit finish. For sensitive and problem skin that reacts to chemical filters. Vegan.

Sun Stick: for reapplying on the go

Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camellia SPF 50+

Matte, smooth finish without shine, with soothing mugwort and camellia extract. The stick regulates sebum production and can also be applied over make-up. For oily and combination skin, and for every handbag. Vegan.

Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++

Mattifying, soft finish like cotton, practical on the go. Reduces excess shine and makes reapplying clean and easy. For combination and oily skin. Vegan.

The short version

• Sensitive skin: Round Lab Birch Juice, PURITO Centella Daily Sun Lotion, SKIN1004 Water-Fit Sun Serum or DermaNique Dual Barrier Fit
• Reactive to chemical filters: SKIN1004 Air-Fit Suncream Plus (mineral)
• Dry skin: Isntree Watery Sungel, Benton Cica Gel Sunscreen Serum or Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum
• Oily skin, combination skin: PURITO Daily Soft Touch, Haruharu Black Rice Airyfit or a sun stick
• Fragrance-free: Haruharu Black Rice Airyfit, COSRX Aloe 54.2 Tone-Up or DermaNique
• Fresh complexion without make-up: COSRX Aloe 54.2 Tone-Up or SKIN1004 Tone-Up
• On the go, over make-up: Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick or Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick
• All skin types, first purchase: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-fresh

How to apply Korean sunscreen correctly

In the morning as the last step of your skincare, after the moisturizer and before make-up. The amount is where most people skimp: for face and neck you need about two finger lengths, as much as fits on your index and middle finger – around 2 grams. Give the sunscreen a few minutes to absorb, ideally 15 minutes before going out. In the sun outdoors, after sweating or swimming, reapply every two hours – that is what the stick is for, because it also works over make-up.

Sun protection in fall and winter

UVA rays, which PA++++ protects against, are there all year round, even under an overcast sky and through window glass. If you work with vitamin C, acid exfoliators or retinol in fall, you need sun protection all the more: these actives make the skin more sensitive to light, and without SPF pigment spots come back. In winter a nourishing texture like the Isntree Watery Sungel or the Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics works over your cream. Which cream fits underneath is shown in our guide Best Korean moisturizer.

Frequently asked questions

Which Korean sunscreen is the best for sensitive skin?

The ones with centella and without fragrance: PURITO Wonder Releaf Centella Daily Sun Lotion, SKIN1004 Water-Fit Sun Serum, Haruharu Black Rice Airyfit or DermaNique Dual Barrier Fit. If your skin reacts to chemical filters, the mineral SKIN1004 Air-Fit Suncream Plus is the gentlest entry point.

Chemical or mineral sunscreen?

Chemical filters absorb and leave no white cast, which is the reason for the light textures. Mineral filters sit on the skin and are the choice when chemical filters sting or trigger redness. Both protect equally well at SPF 50+ and PA++++.

Does Korean sunscreen make sense in winter too?

Yes. UVA radiation is there all year round. The light textures make it easy to stick with it, and in winter the sunscreen can sit over a richer cream.

Is sunscreen alone enough, without moisturizer?

For normal and oily skin often yes – Isntree Watery Sungel and the Relief Sun are so hydrating that they can replace the cream in the morning. Dry skin needs the cream underneath.

Can I reapply sunscreen over make-up?

With a stick, yes: Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick and Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick are made for that. A cream over make-up shifts the foundation.

What is a tone-up?

A sunscreen with a light, skin-colored or peach tone that instantly makes the complexion look fresher and more even, without being make-up. For everyone who wears only sunscreen during the day and still wants to look awake.

You can find all 16 and more in our collection Korean Sunscreen. If you want to build your complete routine: in the Skincare Set Builder you choose your products yourself and automatically get a discount from 5 products. Shipping from Vienna across Austria, free from €60.