From sheet masks to toner pads, K-Beauty beauty products have taken over our skincare routines—and now they’re stealing the spotlight in the sunscreen category too. Korean sunscreens are known for their cutting-edge formulations that are effective, aesthetically pleasing, and (typically) don’t break the bank, so it’s no surprise they’re gaining popularity stateside.
“I use Korean sunscreens 90 percent of the time,” says dermatologist Andrew Park, MD. “A big part of this is because I’m Korean-American and want to support Korean brands, but the fact of the matter is that Korean sunscreens are generally just so much better what we currently have available in the United States due to their more advanced UV filters and refined textures,” Dr. Park explains.
Below, we rounded up the best Korean sunscreens to try right now, according to months of editor-testing. There’s an option for every skin type and concern, and not one of these picks feels greasy, sticky, or leaves behind an unwanted white cast on skin.
| Format | Lotion |
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 30 |
Why we love it: Save yourself a step with this twofer that doubles as a face moisturizer and SPF. Green tea is a popular K-beauty ingredient for good reason: It delivers antioxidants, soothes, and hydrates, and this formula is chock full of it, along with ceramides to boost the barrier and help skin hang on to moisture.
Cosmo editor review: “I just got back from a trip from Seoul which entailed strolling the aisles of Olive Young for hours on end in search of the best Korean sunscreens. This formula blends into the skin so seamlessly, and I love its green tea properties for calming my redness-prone skin.” —JASMINE HYMAN, ASSISTANT BEAUTY EDITOR
| Format | Cushion compact |
| Sunscreen type | Mineral/chemical hybrid |
| SPF level | 50 |
Why we love it: When foundation cushion compacts hit the states, they took the beauty world by storm. Now the same technology is here just for sunscreen, taking away every excuse not to touch up throughout the day. The skincare-infused formula contains hyaluronic acid to hydrate, squalane to nourish, and plant extracts chock full of antioxidants, including white ginseng, mulberry complex, and Korean herb extract.
Cosmo editor review: “This is so innovative and actually makes reapplying your SPF fun. It feels just like a foundation cushion compact—squishy and bouncy—and you can simply tap it on over makeup without ruining your base. I love how easy it is to apply, plus the formula is very hydrating and breathable.” —CELIA SHATZMAN, CONTRIBUTING BEAUTY WRITER
| Format | Lotion |
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 50 |
Why we love it: Beta-Glucan takes center stage in the ingredients list; the moisture-binding agent goes deep into skin to minimize redness and irritation while giving the barrier a major boost. This makes it a prize for sensitive and dry skin types. In addition to protecting from UVA and UVB rays, it guards against environmental stressors and blue light. The lightweight formula dries quickly to a soft matte finish.
Cosmo editor review: “My love started for this when I stashed a small sample in an overnight bag, but that quickly turned into me using it even when I was at home. Now, it's one of my go-to summer sunscreens for how lightweight it feels. I love a water-based sunscreen, because then it feels more like a gel-cream than a goopy SPF."— BETH GILLETTE, BEAUTY EDITOR
| Format | Gel |
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 40 |
Why we love it: True to its name, the completely clear gel really is invisible, meaning that it works for all skin tones. Boasting the perfect non-greasy texture, it’s made with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide and glutathione to brighten, plus panthenol and tocopherol to hydrate and soothe.
Cosmo editor review: “As someone with lots of textural issues (enlarged pores and acne scars always haunt me), I was blown away by the blurring power of this SPF. It glides right onto skin and is very comfortable to wear, leaving a soft-focus, matte finish that makes a great base for makeup.” —CS
| Format | Lotion |
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 50 |
Why we love it: Three types of hyaluronic acid lock in moisture for lasting hydration. There’s also real vera from aloe to soothe, panthenol to keep skin refreshed, and phyto collagen from mushrooms to improve skin elasticity.
Cosmo editor review: “Though this comes out super creamy, it’s actually very lightweight and instantly disappears into skin, leaving a semi-matte finish. I love how fresh it feels—no stickiness at all—and works very well to set the stage for makeup.” —CS
| Format | Stick |
| SPF level | Chemical |
| Sunscreen type | 50 |
Why we love it: The secret behind this stick SPF is silver birch tree sap from Inje, a rural county in South Korea. The miracle worker is loaded with minerals, enzymes, proteins, and antioxidants that lower inflammation, purify, and moisturize. It’s hydrating enough to double as a moisturizer, is infused with 12 peptides to aid elasticity, and has a lightweight texture.
Cosmo editor review: “This goes on super smooth—not too oily or drying—and it never feels sticky either. Despite having a lightweight finish, it feels nice and moisturizing when I reapply throughout the day.” —KARA MILLER, SENIOR DESIGNER
| Format | Lotion |
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 50 |
Why we love it: The name doesn’t lie—it leaves skin glowing. Putting the skincare into suncare, it’s loaded with nourishing ingredients, including collagen and peptides to firm, cica and niacinamide to hydrate, and hyaluronic acid and ceramides to boost the skin barrier.
Cosmo editor review: “There are a lot of things to love about this formula, namely the skin health-boosting ingredients, but I was especially impressed with how it gives the perfect glow—it’s not too shiny or matte. It blends into skin seamlessly without a trace and looks totally natural.” —CS
| Format | Lotion |
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 30 |
Why we love it: Think of how hydrating watermelon is and that’s exactly what this fruit-forward SPF does for your skin. Clinically shown to boost moisture instantly and over time courtesy of watermelon seed oil, there’s also glycerin and vitamin E to nourish, plus niacinamide to minimize the appearance of sun damage and hyperpigmentation.
Cosmo editor review: “The sweet watermelon scent makes it feel like summer, no matter what time of year you wear this sunscreen, which makes me happy. Super smooth and light, it instantly absorbs without any tackiness and leaves a soft glow. It layers well with other skincare products and under makeup. As someone who struggles with hyperpigmentation, I appreciate that it has niacinamide to treat current dark spots and prevent future ones.” —CS
| Format | Lotion |
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 50 |
Why we love it: The hypoallergenic formula makes it safe for sensitive skin and even those with acne thanks to centella which helps calm inflammation and breakouts. It’s also loaded with 10 different vitamins to counter the effects of photo damage from the sun damage, particularly melasma, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, as well as hyaluronic acid for moisture.
Cosmo editor review: “When I first squirted this out, I was wowed by the cloud-like texture—and even more impressed when it completely disappeared into my skin. As someone prone to breakouts, I appreciate that it’s meant to prevent them, and it even felt light on a super-hot day.” —CS
FAQ
“The best K-beauty sunscreen is the one that has an SPF rating of at least 30 and a PA rating of minimum +++ (three pluses), and most importantly one that you enjoy wearing every single day,” Dr. Park says. “As a dermatologist, I tell my patients to keep shopping around until you find a sunscreen that you love to wear. If you don’t know where to start looking, I encourage you to think about the following: 1) How light or heavy do you want it to feel? 2) How ‘visible’ do you want it to be? Do you want it invisible or do you want it to resemble a light foundation? 3) How water-resistant do you need it to be? 4) How shiny or matte would you like it to be? These questions will help you narrow down which sunscreens will be appropriate for you.
“I personally have slightly oilier skin, so I prefer sunscreens that are lightweight and feel like I’m wearing nothing. (By the way, most Korean sunscreens fall into this lightweight, clear, serum-like, non-greasy category.),” Dr. Park says. “My current daily roster includes the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum and Sungboon Editor’s sunscreen offerings, which have been gaining attention for their lightweight texture and skin-first formulations. With brands like Sungboon Editor now expanding into the U.S. market through the opening of Olive Young stores and retail presence in America, consumers are going to have even greater access to innovative Korean SPF technology and formulations. I’ve also used the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen before, but I find it more moisturizing and therefore use it more in the winter months or when my skin feels drier.”
“Korean sunscreens shine in their utilization of advanced UV filters, so you’ll find active ingredients like Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, Uvinul A Plus, or Uvinul T 150 that aren’t commonly found in American sunscreens. (These ingredients also have other names that are often listed on ingredient labels.),” Dr. Park says. “They’re almost always non-greasy, very lightweight, and easy for all-day use and reapplication. I’m also aware that they layer very well under makeup, which is one reason they’ve become so globally popular.”
Celia Shatzman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based journalist who has covered beauty for two decades and considers daily SPF her anti-aging secret.
Celia Shatzman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor who has penned stories on topics ranging from beauty to fashion, travel, celebrities, health, entertainment, finance and more. A graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, she is a beauty and style contributor at Forbes and her work has appeared in New York, Cosmopolitan, WWD, ELLE, Conde Nast Traveler, Afar, Travel + Leisure, Women’s Health, Marie Claire, Byrdie, Refinery29 and NYLON, among others.
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