12 K-Beauty Sunscreens That You'll Want to Apply Every Single Day (2024)

Our Top Picks

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Aloe arborescens leaf extract, titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

For an all-around amazing sunscreen that works on most skin types, reach for Cosrx's Aloe Soothing Sun Cream. The creamy, moisturizing-yet-lightweight texture absorbs quickly into your skin. Christin is a fan of Cosrx's sunscreens, and we can see why. The hydrating formula provides optimal broad spectrum protection and can be used on its own or under makeup. And thanks to an ample dose of aloe vera, it soothes irritation and protects the skin from environmental damage.

Who It’s For

This is a great formula for virtually anyone, but the fact that it doesn’t leave a white cast makes it a winner for deeper skin tones. We love the consistency, hydration, and the high SPF protection it offers.

Type: Chemical and mineral hybrid | Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, octinoxate | SPF: 50 |Size: 2.4 ounces | Water-Resistant: Yes | Cruelty-Free: No

Korean sunscreens aren't usually exorbitantly expensive, but Missha's Soft Finish Sun Milk is $10 to $20 cheaper than most other options we reviewed. As the name suggests, this SPF 50 formula has a milky texture and a lightweight finish, making it perfect for those who live in hot, humid environments where perspiration makes thicker formulas feel unpleasant. Oily skin types will jive with this formula as well, as it won't increase shininess throughout the day. Another benefit: It's water and sweat-resistant. Our one criticism is that it can leave a white cast on deeper skin tones.

Who It’s For

Those in search of an effective Korean sunscreen that’s on the cheaper end of the price spectrum will love this product. It’s also got a milky consistency which will appeal to anyone who prefers lightweight sunscreen formulas.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Ethylhexyl salicylate, hom*osalate, hyaluronic acid | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

In case you’re not familiar, chemical sunscreens contain UV filters that safely absorb the sun’s rays and turn them into heat. Unlike mineral sunscreens, which sit on top of the skin and deflect UV rays, chemical sunscreens tend to be more transparent and lightweight. Korean beauty expert and YouTube personality Kelly Driscoll recommends this formula from Isntree for those who prefer chemical formulas. "This has a texture that's easy to spread and dries down quickly so you can apply your makeup over it easily in the morning, and it doesn't leave any white cast on the skin," she says. That said, this sunscreen can leave a shiny finish—something to keep in mind if you prefer a matte base.

It's also a personal favorite of Byrdie's editor-in-chief and GM Hallie Gould, who loves the sunscreen's soothing and moisturizing properties. "It feels lightweight and offers a beautiful glowy finish, she says. "I also love that it incorporates all my favorite skincare ingredients—centella asiatica, ceramides, and hyaluronic acid—for a formula that feels good on my face while it protects from the sun."

Who It’s For

If you prefer the feel and look of a chemical sunscreen (aka lightweight and cast-free), this expert-approved formula is a top option.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, centella asiatica | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No

Folks with oily skin may get frustrated with how many shine-inducing sunscreens there are on the market today. But Suntique's I'm Pure is different— it’s non-sticky, fast-absorbing, and delivers a matte finish. It also contains cica (better known as centella asiatica), a natural ingredient with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.The only downside is it does have a strong, unpleasant scent when first applying—but it does fade once the product has absorbed.

Who It’s For

If your skin tends to be oily and you're always looking for mattifying products, this fast-absorbing formula will help keep that unwanted sheen under control.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Rice extract, niacinamide, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150 | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Cruelty-Free: Yes

This soothing, protective sunscreen is made with sensitive skin types in mind. The broad-spectrum SPF 50 formula contains rice extract (a popular ingredient used to reduce sun damage) and fermented grains (great for delivering probiotics to the skin). These ingredients are also rich in antioxidants to calm and further protect your skin. We love that it has absolutely no white cast as well as soothing and hydrating properties.

Who It’s For

If your skin tends to be reactive, this gentle formula designed for sensitive skin will help soothe as it protects.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Avebenzone, hom*osalate, octisalate | SPF: 36 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No

While some sunscreens may feel too heavy, dry skin types definitely want a creamier formula that can still add hydration. This option from Innisfree is the best of both worlds—it's silky like a moisturizer but absorbs quickly without leaving a residue on the skin. Don't let the texture fool you though—this one doesn't leave any white cast on all skin tones even though it's a little bit thicker. We love that it's formulated with plenty of skin-soothing ingredients like green tea and cica, making it perfect for everyday wear.

Who It's For

If you like using your sunscreen as your daytime moisturizer, you'll love this hydrating formula from Innisfree. It has a creamy texture that still feels light on the skin.

Type: Chemical and mineral hybrid | Key Ingredients: hom*osalate, ethylhexyl salicylate, titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.75 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you have combination skin (i.e. your t-zone is oily but your cheeks are dry), then a water-based sunscreen like this one will help prevent clogged pores and breakouts. It subtly hydrates with African walnut oil and bamboo extracts while calming aloe vera and hollyhock root help reduce inflammation. The formula goes on super smooth without a sticky feel and won't leave a white cast, creating a great base for makeup.

Who It’s For

If your skin is a little dry and a little oily, this sunscreen formula can help. It absorbs easily, delivering light hydration without any greasiness.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Patented UV IR Block, phyto protect complex, hom*osalate | SPF: 50 |Size: 0.74 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

SPF sticks are great for tattoos, touch-ups, and on-the-go applications, and this little guy from AHC won't disappoint. It’s enriched with white willow bark extract (a natural anti-inflammatory ingredient) and scutellaria baicalensis (a plant popular in Chinese medicine for naturally protecting the skin from the sun). One major plus is that it can be applied over or under makeup, and we love that a little goes a long way. Just turn the dial to release a few millimeters of product, and gently work it around your face, neck, chest, and anywhere else as needed.

Who It’s For

If you prefer the targeted application of a sunscreen stick to a cream or spray, this creamy formula will become your new go-to.

Type: Chemical and mineral hybrid | Key Ingredients: Octinoxate, zinc oxide, rose extract, raspberry extract | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.65 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No

When it comes to facial sunscreens, Neogen's Day-Light Protection is hard to beat. The notably light, silicone-free formula moisturizes dry skin without clogging pores or causing breakouts. The formula boasts 20 types of plant extracts, including moisturizing aloe vera, soothing hibiscus flower, and evening primrose oil, which helps keep sebum (the skin’s natural oil) in check. Wear it solo, layer it over your favorite daily moisturizer, or apply it underneath your makeup for seamless UV protection.

Who It’s For

This nourishing sunscreen moisturizes while controlling the skin’s sebum levels, making it our favorite formula for everyday wear on the face.

Type: Chemical and mineral hybrid | Key Ingredients: Titanium dioxide, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150 | SPF: 50 |Size: 5.07 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

If you’re looking for a sunscreen that provides moisturizing full-body coverage, UV Defense Me is the way to go. This Korean hybrid sunblock offers broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection by incorporating both chemical and mineral ingredients, creating a moisture-rich UV barrier without any stickiness. You'll get almost 7 ounces of product per bottle, which you can slather on your arms, legs, feet, hands, belly, chest, neck, and even your face.

Who It’s For

This sunscreen is suitable for all skin types and gentle enough for kids, too. We love it for full-body sun defense because you get a good amount of product for the price.

Type: Mineral | Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: No

A smooth, matte base can definitely be the key to a seamless makeup look—and many sunscreens on the market can sometimes add an oily sheen instead. If you hate that greasy look on your skin and it prevents you from wearing sunscreen at all, we recommend trying this mattifying pick from Dr. Jart. The mineral formula has broad spectrum protection and has a weightless finish that won't irritate sensitive skin types. Some sunscreens can leave a tacky feel and take a minute to dry down, but this one sinks into the skin easily and smoothly. For an even better base, the brand recommends applying this after using a richer moisturizer.

Who It's For

If you wear makeup daily and need a sunscreen that won't pill under your foundation, this formula is a great choice. It provides the perfect base for makeup application.

Type: Chemical | Key Ingredients: Trisiloxane, tocopherol, cotton | SPF: 50 |Size: 1.69 ounces | Water-Resistant: No | Cruelty-Free: Yes

Mature skin types might be more on the lookout for sun damage or already have some existing spots, so consistent sunscreen use is a must for a healthier complexion. This formula from Cosrx is super-charged with tocopherol (more commonly known as vitamin E), which is popular for its healing and protective properties. The antioxidant ingredient can also protect the skin from free radicals in the environment, which can cause damage and accelerate skin aging. This formula has a creamy but lightweight texture, and it's hydrating without causing irritation. We also love that it contains cotton extract and silica to balance the oil and sebum levels in the skin.

Who It's For

We love this pick for anti-aging, as it contains vitamin E to protect the skin from free radical damage.

FAQ

• Do Korean sunscreens work?

  Korean sunscreens work as well as any other brand. K-beauty sunscreens come in a range of SPF ratings, and many are broad-spectrum, which means they protect against UVA and UVB rays.

• Is Korean sunscreen better?

  Korean sunscreen is not necessarily better, although Korean brands often provide additional skin care benefits. For instance, you can find a wide range of varieties for specific skin types or concerns, such as sensitive, dry, or oily skin. Many products contain extracts and ingredients that can help nourish, calm, and protect the complexion.

• Is CosRX sunscreen effective?

  CosRX sunscreen is effective and well-loved by reviewers. Reviews for CosRX sunscreens are overwhelmingly positive regarding effectiveness. COSRX's Aloe Soothing Sun Cream provides an SPF of 50, is lightweight, fast-absorbing, and wears well under makeup.