12 Best Korean Sunscreens Dermatologists Love in 2023

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Protect your skin this summer with these dermatologist–approved sunscreens.

Whether you’re swimming in the ocean, hiking in national parks, or having a picnic in your neighborhood, skin needs protection against harmful UV rays. And wearing sunscreen not only protects skin from skin cancer and damage, but it can also help fight signs of aging. If you’re looking for SPF with nourishing ingredients and maximum protection, Korean sunscreen may be what you’ve been missing.

"K-beauty sunscreens are known for maximum sun protection with no chalkiness or a white cast," says Eunice E. Park, M.D., M.P.H., dual-board certified facial plastic surgeon and reconstructive surgeon, and the founder of AIREM Modern Beauty Rituals. "It blends in flawlessly with the skin."

Korean skincare products have taken the Western beauty world by storm. With typical SPF levels around 50+ and skin-rejuvenating ingredients, we can see why. "Korean sunscreens tend to have other ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides anti-oxidants, peptides, etc., that can do some multi-tasking and further enhance one's appearance so patients are getting multiple benefits," says Jane Yoo, M.D., M.P.P., dermatologist, clinical assistant professor, and owner of Jane Yoo MD Dermatology.

Meet the experts: Eunice E. Park, M.D., M.P.H., dual board certified facial plastic surgeon and reconstructive surgeon, and the founder of AIREM Modern Beauty Rituals; Jane Yoo, M.D., M.P.P., dermatologist, clinical assistant professor, and owner of Jane Yoo MD Dermatology; Shannon Marks, licensed esthetician and owner of Shannon Lee Esthetics; and Soyoki Abo, licensed esthetician, certified beautician, and owner of Abo Soyoki.

Korean sunscreens are available in a variety of forms: serums, lotions, gels, sticks, and more. Ahead, find expert-recommended K-beauty SPFs to add to your beauty bag this summer and beyond.

Between cellphones, computers, and televisions, we’re all exposed to blue light throughout the day. This Korean sunscreen kills two birds with one stone by protecting your skin from light damage and pollution, which is one of the reasons Abo recommends it. "This is physical sunscreen and great for sensitive skin," Abo says. "It has 360-degree omnidirectional shielding that protects against blue light as well." Even better, this sunscreen is reef-safe and environmentally friendly.

What reviewers say: "This is my favorite sunscreen," one reviewer wrote. "I’ve tried so many. My skin is dry and I suffer from acne. This sunscreen does not close my pores, it truly protects my face and the texture is so nice and light. I recommend it to everyone I know."

This Korean sunscreen took TikTok by storm with people loving its affordable price, lightweight finish, and hydrating ingredients. I personally use this sunscreen every morning, and my favorite part about the product is it includes probiotics (studies show that probiotics can help with eczema, acne, and inflammation). The rice extract moisturizes skin and calms irritation, which makes this a suitable option for people with sensitive and dry skin.

What reviewers say: "This sunscreen has been receiving mass popularity from Tiktok and all over social media and I think it meets the hype and expectation," one reviewer raved. "It applies really easily and overall leaves no white cast, however, for darker skin tones, people have said that it does leave a white cast for them, so I would be cautious of that."

This is another sunscreen stick from AHC, but it's more suitable for oily skin as it has a lighter feel. It's full of ingredients that replenish collagen, hydrate the skin, and smooth skin texture. "This sun stick has a weightless finish for easy application all over the face and body," Dr. Park says. "I’ve been getting an increasing number of requests to treat sun spots on the hands and arms. Sun sticks are the perfect way to apply sunscreen on these areas to prevent fine lines and wrinkles on the hands."

What reviewers say: "I love how easy it is to apply and travel with," one reviewer wrote. "I keep it in my purse. Really comes in clutch! Hasn't broken me out and it's so lightweight that it almost makes me question if I put enough on!"

Dealing with sensitive skin? This sunscreen from Korean skincare brand Dr. Jart+ contains gentle ingredients and is non-greasy. "Daily staple of mine," Dr. Yoo says. "I prefer mineral sunscreen because my skin is prone to react to different ingredients."

What reviewers say: "I’m on my third purchase of this product," one reviewer raved. "If you are acne prone or oily, this will be your best friend. Sinks into my skin beautifully and marries well with all my foundations. Doesn't make me shiny or break me out. I will keep repurchasing!"

Everyone loves sunscreen sticks for on-the-go UV protection, and Abo says these products are popular. "[This sunscreen] is very easy to use and convenient to apply without hands," Abo says. "It contains natural origin ingredients to nourish your skin while protecting your skin from UVA / UVB." Those natural ingredients include Tahiti vanilla bean extract and water lily extract to soothe and hydrate your skin all day long.

What reviewers say: "This is an extremely moisturizing sunscreen stick," one reviewer wrote. "I have oily skin, but it doesn't make my skin too oily. I reapply my sunscreen in the middle of the day, and it works well. It doesn't run when you sweat, and it does a good job of keeping my face protected even when I am sitting in direct sunlight. Definitely recommend!"

If you have oily skin and are looking for a mattifying product, this mineral sunscreen powder is a great on-the-go option. "It's easy to reapply over makeup and [provides] excellent coverage for pores, irregularities, and texture," Abo says. The powder will absorb oil and create a blurring effect to cover pores. Meanwhile,the fresh green tea and panthenol will lock in moisture and ensure skin remains hydrated.

What reviewers say: "Okay I absolutely love it," one reviewer said. "Covers my acne scars and pores very well. Lasts for a long time."

This Korean sunscreen from Etude House is vegan, meaning it's made without animal byproducts. The non-nano mineral filter physically reflects sunlight while its other ingredients work to restore the skin's barrier. "It is a hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic sunscreen that contains panthenol and madecassoside to soothe and strengthen skin," Abo says. Overall, it's a great choice for people looking for a gentle sunscreen.

What reviewers say: "This sunscreen is absolutely perfect," one reviewer wrote. "It doesn't break me out, works amazing with my makeup and moisturizer and isn't making me look greasy. I love it."

Cities are full of pollutants that are not only harmful to the environment but also to our skin. This sunscreen from a Seoul-based brand provides strong protection against UVA and UVB rays, blue light, infrared rays, and air pollutants. Dr. Park recommends this multi-tasking sunscreen because it "targets UV protection, wrinkling, and brightening."

What reviewers say: "It is very spreadable, absorbs easily and quickly, has that hybrid sunscreen feeling to it, as in not overly matte like some physical sunscreens, making this a great fall and winter spf," one review on Reddit said. "It leaves a lightly hydrated skin expression that is perfect for applying makeup afterward."

This Korean sunscreen is filled with ceramides and peptides to lock in moisture and repair your skin's barrier to help you look and feel fresh. It keeps skin moisturized without a sticky feel or shine," Abo says. "It contains pastel pink color to make the skin tone brighten."

What reviewers say: "This product is amazing! It leaves a glowing film on the skin, without being greasy," one review says. "It has a pink appearance, Which leaves a really healthy look on skin."

This foundation is long-lasting and has a high SPF. This is a great option if you’re looking for a sunscreen to reapply throughout the day over your makeup, but studies recommend using liquid sunscreen underneath foundation with SPF. According to the Cleveland Clinic, the amount of sunscreen you need to apply for adequate protection is much greater than the amount of makeup people use. "For a day by the pool or the beach, reapplying sunscreen is essential," Dr. Park says. "K-beauty cushion compacts make it so easy to reapply every 2-3 hours as recommended." The small and compact design makes it easy to toss in your purse or beach bag!

What reviewers say: "Sulwhasoo makes the best cushion, hands down, and I have tried them all. High quality and stays clean and smooth all day. I’ll note that the cushion, as with most I’d say, goes on and stays on best with a good layer of moisturizer underneath. Easy to control how much coverage you have based on your personal preference."

Dr. Park also loves this makeup-meets-SPF product for its versatility. This option comes in five shades, evens out skin tone, gives a radiant finish, and offers buildable coverage. Its ingredient list boasts antioxidants that provide protection against environmental stressors while the high SPF protects skin from UV rays.

What reviewers say: "Love this product!" one reviewer raved. "Goes on smoothly and not heavy. It really helps to hide fine lines and even skin tone."

Great for daily use under makeup, but low in SPF, this option is great for those that remember to reapply. Dr. Yoo recommends this sunscreen because it is "lightweight and easy to use on the go." The green tea and sunflower seed oil provide light moisture for glowing skin without that greasy feeling.

What reviewers say: "I have been using this product for almost a year now and I absolutely love it," one reviewer raved. "It is nice and buildable, and works well under makeup from personal use. I have oily/ acne prone skin and most sunscreens break me out due to scent and thickness. Oily girls don't sleep on this!"

The best Korean sunscreen is the one you will use consistently and reapply throughout the day. Otherwise, it's all up to personal preference for skin concerns and the strength of protection you’re looking for. Here are a few more tips to follow when you’re choosing a Korean sunscreen:

Look at the Protection Grade of UVA rays rating: Korean sunscreens typically list the SPF and PA rating, which lets you know the protection level against UVB and UVA rays. PA ratings range from PA to PA++++. If you’re looking for maximum protection, opt for a high SPF and high PA rating for protection against the full broad spectrum of UV rays.

Consider a lotion sunscreen: The key to protecting your skin from sun damage is applying an adequate amount of sunscreen, and the best way to do that is with a lotion. Stick sunscreens and compact cushions are great for on-the-go reapplications throughout the day, but it's more difficult to gauge whether you put on enough sunscreen or not. A good rule of thumb to follow is to squeeze sunscreen lotion along your pointer and index finger before applying it to your face.

Check the ingredient list: Some Korean sunscreens use different chemicals as UV filters than Western brands. One of these chemicals, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, provides stronger UV protection, but it is not approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA). However, the chemical is approved in Europe and Asian countries as well as marketed in products around the world. Transparency with ingredients is key, so you can choose sunscreens based on what you feel most comfortable with.

Korean sunscreens work the same way all sunscreens work. "Any broad-spectrum sunscreen does the job to protect from harmful UV rays," Abo says. According to the MD Anderson Cancer Center, sunscreen uses physical blockers to reflect UV rays or chemical absorbers to soak up the UV radiation before it hits your skin. Both are effective at protecting skin from UV damage, so using physical or chemical sunscreen is all about personal preference. Studies show that ingredients in chemical sunscreens can damage coral reefs, so if you are looking for an ocean-friendly option, you may want to opt for a mineral-based sunscreen.

Abo says she likes sunscreens from Korean and U.S. brands, but explains the brightening effects, lighter finishes, and easier applicators are some of the reasons why many people love Korean sunscreens. "And most Korean sunscreens use much gentler formulas, natural, unique and harsh-free ingredients," she says. "Many of them incorporate skincare benefits such as hydration, brightening, evening tone etc.

One thing to keep in mind is some Korean sunscreens contain Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, which is a UV filter with a high UVA absorption to provide stronger protection. This chemical is not approved by the U.S. Federal Drug Administration (FDA), so it is not present in American sunscreens, but it was approved to be safe by Europe and countries in Asia.One difference you may notice right on the bottles is they list a PA rating, which stands for Protection Grade of UVA rays. "PA rating takes into account the degree of protection the sunscreen [has] against UVA rays and development of skin pigmentation with PA++++ conferring the highest level of UVA protection," Dr. Park says. American sunscreens traditionally only list the SPF, which Dr. Park explains only measures how effective a sunscreen is at protecting skin from UVB rays. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the difference between UVA rays and UVB rays is simple; UVA rays have a longer wavelength and are associated with aging and wrinkles, while UVB rays are shorter and can cause sunburn. Knowing the SPF and PA rating of your sunscreen can give you some peace of mind knowing you have both of your bases covered.

The best option is entirely up to preference and your skin concerns. "The best sunscreen is the one that the patient will use consistently on a day to day basis," Dr. Yoo says. If you want a bit of tint and a mattifying effect, opt for a powdered Korean sunscreen. If you’re looking for an easy, on-the-go application, then a stick sunscreen may be the one for you. No matter what sunscreen you choose to buy, the most important thing to remember is to reapply and use an adequate amount. "A good rule of thumb is the amount of a shot glass for your body and the size of a nickel or two finger length, index and middle, for your face," says Shannon Marks, licensed esthetician and owner of Shannon Lee Esthetics.

"Wearing proper sun protection can prevent sunburns, which are not only painful but harmful to the skin," Marks says. "It can also help to maintain an even skin tone and the overall skin health. Sunburns and excessive sun exposure can compromise the skin's natural barrier which may lead to dryness, irritation and other skin conditions."

We consulted Eunice E. Park, M.D., M.P.H., dual board certified facial plastic surgeon and reconstructive surgeon, and the founder of AIREM Modern Beauty Rituals; Jane Yoo, M.D., M.P.P., dermatologist, clinical assistant professor, and owner of Jane Yoo MD Dermatology; Shannon Marks, licensed esthetician and owner of Shannon Lee Esthetics; and Soyoki Abo, licensed esthetician, certified beautician, and owner of Abo Soyoki. We also conducted our own research and sifted through customer testimonials to find the best Korean sunscreens.

For more than 70 years, Prevention has been a leading provider of trustworthy health information, empowering readers with practical strategies to improve their physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Our editors interview medical experts to help guide our health-focused product selections. Additionally, Prevention also examines hundreds of reviews—and often conducts personal testing done by our staff—to help you make informed decisions.

Isabella Cavallo is a freelance editorial assistant at Prevention. She graduated from Binghamton University with a bachelor's degree in English: Literature & Rhetoric. Isabella gained a passion for health journalism after a rare cancer diagnosis and treatment. When she's not writing, you can find her listening to music, playing Bananagrams, or running through Central Park.

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