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The 8 best Korean SPFs and what makes them a cut above the rest
K-beauty has long been a trailblazer in beauty innovation, and the sunscreens are no exception. Here's why you should consider them in your daily routine.
Since the very best sun protection – be that sun cream for body or SPF for face – is the one you love wearing, Korean formulas have long been designed to be a lovely experience; to feel pleasant on application and as they sink into the skin. If Australian sunscreens are superior due to strict formulation regulations down under, their Korean counterparts are revered for being trailblazers when it comes to innovative, elegant textures, and the Western world is only just catching up.
The best tried and tested Korean sunscreens
What makes Korean SPFs different?
Rather than a heavy cream, K-Beauty SPF formulas are often milkier and more fluid in texture.
"Korean sunscreens often incorporate newer generation chemical filters such as Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, and Uvinul A Plus, which provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays," says Dr Jinah Yoo, consultant dermatologist at Maylin x Jinah Yoo Dermatology. "These filters are known for their stability and effectiveness, which provide high protection while maintaining a lightweight texture that gives a natural finish with no white cast."
The formulas also often combine both chemical and mineral filters to maximise protection.
What are the benefits of Korean SPFs?
The EU and UK have strict sunscreen regulations, so anything available here is effective and safe when it comes to shielding the skin. This means no matter what sunblock you choose, the most important thing is that you are using the right amount and re-applying it throughout day. A minimum of SPF30 is recommended all year round, too.
The benefits of Korean SPF lie in its well-considered textures and calming formulas, which make application (and re-application) a pleasant experience. The silky cream sinks instantly into skin and wears just like a moisturiser with SPF – no heavy, chalky feel here. It's a great option if you're looking for sunscreens for oily skin types, too.
Adds Dr Yoo: "Many Korean SPFs incorporate centella asiatica for soothing, niacinamide for brightening or hyaluronic acid for hydration. These ingredients not only protect the skin from UV damage but also enhance overall skin health by tackling issues such as inflammation and hyperpigmentation."
How we test the best Korean SPFs
When trialling each sunscreen, we factored in how the texture feels on different skin types, how quickly it absorbs, how visible it is on skin and how well it wears under make-up. Each SPF is also worn under different weather conditions to ensure it keeps the skin sunburn-free.
Ahead, the very best Korean SPFs for every skin type
Laneige has made bouncy skin their signature through formulas that deliver intense hydration and, therefore, plumpness. This sunscreen is the icing on the cake, promising SPF50 protection while cocooning the skin in moisturising and soothing ingredients such as glycerin, cica, aloe vera and vitamin E. The milk-cream texture remains lightweight and doesn't clog pores or feel heavy.
- Type: Chemical
- Texture: Cream
- SPF: 50
- Additional ingredients: Cica, glycerin
A relatively new export to the UK, Tocobo's refined, milky texture imparts a luminous glow to the complexion without aggravating or congesting oily skin types. Despite the glass-skin effect, it feels invisible and feels comfortable through warm days. The addition of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid keeps the skin in balance, while plant extracts help soothe any sensitivities.
- Type: Chemical
- Texture: Water cream
- SPF: 50
- Additional ingredients: Niacinamide, hyaluronic acid
Bazaar beauty editors flock to Dr. Jart+ for its skin-calming, nourishing formulas. This SPF delivers exactly that, in a cooling, solid stick format that glides on and appears invisible on skin. It contains hyaluronic acid, oat extracts and flaxseed oil to deliver enough hydration for dry skin without feeling greasy on oilier complexions. It's safe for sensitive skin, too.
- Type: Chemical
- Texture: Gel stick
- SPF: 30
- Additional ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, oat extracts
The silky liquid texture of this sunscreen wears like second skin and leaves no white cast behind. Combination skin types will appreciate how the formula doesn't clog pores or appear greasy by midday, and the gentle scent of aloe feels refreshing in warm weather, too.
- Type: Chemical
- Texture: Water-cream
- SPF: 50
- Additional ingredients: Aloe vera, glycerin
Unless you are sensitive to scents in skincare (which this SPF has), this formula performs beautifully for reactive skin types as it contains soothing cica and green tea. The hydrating formula leaves the complexion looking radiant and feeling comfortable, too.
- Type: Chemical
- Texture: Cream
- SPF: 30
- Additional ingredients: Cica, tea extracts
This K-Beauty brand prioritises a healthy skin barrier, so it comes as no surprise that its sunscreen is as good for the skin as it is a pleasure to use. The elegant texture melts in seamlessly, imbuing the complexion with plenty of glow and hydration alongside factor 50 protection.
- Type: Chemical
- Texture: Cream
- SPF: 50
- Additional ingredients: Cica, soybean lipids
Having taken social media by storm thanks to its luxurious textures, this K-Beauty brand is one to know. And texture-wise, the new tinted sunscreen sets the bar high, with 12 stretchy shades to cover every skin tone. The silky, milky fluid offers the gentlest whisper of coverage while delivering sun protection.
- Type: Mineral
- Texture: Milky
- SPF: 30
- Additional ingredients: Coconut derivatives
A stick sunscreen is always handy for application on the move. This clear stick by Korean-American brand Glow Recipe glides on smoothly and is completely invisible on skin. It's useful for applying onto the delicate lip area, too, and the packaging is light enough to throw into the smallest of handbags.
- Type: Chemical
- Texture: Stick
- SPF: 30
- Additional ingredients: Squalane, watermelon seed oil
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