Invest in your sun (& skin) care with these K-beauty SPFs that are worth the hype!
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K-beauty has absolutely burst onto the social media scene as of late. With a focus on high-quality natural ingredients and an emphasis on hydration, it’s not hard to see why.
K-beauty stands for Korean beauty and encompasses the beauty philosophies stemming from South Korea. It’s all about multi-step routines that focus on maintaining healthy-looking, glowy skin by preventing problems, rather than just treating them. Essentially, if you want to look as luminous as possible, you need to get on board with this super-hot trend.
As for Korean sunscreen in particular, well, a daily SPF is an essential part of a K-beauty (or really any) skincare routine. Packed with plant-based ingredients and lightweight formulas, lots of Korean sunscreens are also super great for your skin.
Here we’ve curated some of the most popular K-beauty SPFs in the game right now…
Best hydrating Korean sunscreen:
Cosrx Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 Aloe
• Size: 50ml
Formulated with aloe leaf extract, this nourishing sunscreen from Cosrx is ultra lightweight and oh-so moisturising – plus it doesn’t leave any white cast! Coming in a sleek 50ml tube, it’s also travel friendly, so pop it in your bag to apply sun protection anytime, anywhere.
Best everyday Korean sunscreen:
Laneige Hydro UV Defence Ex SPF50
• Size: 50ml
Hit of hydration? Check. Invisible finish? Check. Powerful protection? Double check. Created with a kind-to-skin formula, this daily SPF is set to be your next BFF. Designed to protect skin from harmful UVA and UVBs while soothing it too, it’s a must for your everyday beauty bag!
Best tinted Korean sunscreen:
Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF30
• Size: 50ml
Looking for a little bit of coverage with your SPF? This Tinted Fluid Sunscreen from Beauty of Joseon gives you just that. Available in 12 flexible shades designed to blend seamlessly with most skin tones, this is a sunscreen that protects, enhances and lets your skin shine.
Best Korean sun stick:
Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50
• Size: 19g
• Vegan*
Perfect for SPF touch-ups when you’re out and about, this soft matte stick delivers sun protection while soothing and hydrating skin. With an easy application and non-sticky, non-greasy, lightweight finish, it’s a win all round if you ask us! Simply twist, apply and go!
Best Korean sunscreen for sensitive skin:
Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen SPF50+
• Size: 50ml
A real fan-fave for a reason, this moisturising sunscreen offers protection from harmful UV rays while replenishing and nourishing skin. Not to mention it’s got a gorgeous creamy, soft texture and leaves no white cast! And the best bit? It’s suitable for all skin types – even sensitive!
Best calming Korean sunscreen:
Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream SPF50
• Size: 50ml
Silky by name, silky by nature, this lightweight SPF from Anua protects and soothes sensitive skin. Infused with heartleaf extract, it’s great for those who may need a little helping hand in calming any redness.
Best lightweight Korean sunscreen:
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+
• Size: 50ml
A chemical sunscreen with SPF50+, this sun gel is infused with hyaluronic acid to really ramp up the hydration. It’s also ultra-light, non-sticky and applies evenly, which makes it the perfect final step of your daily skincare routine.
Best Korean body sunscreen:
Thank You Farmer Safe Sun Age 0880 Body + Face SPF50+
• Size: 100ml
Designed with skin-cooling technology, this mineral sunscreen helps to reduce the skin’s surface temperature by 4 degrees, so you can stay cool and comfortable all day long. It’s also infused with natural ingredients, including lotus water, soy lipids and purslane extracts, to keep skin nourished and protected.
Best chemical Korean sunscreen:
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+
• Size: 50ml
• Vegan*
This chemical sunscreen from SKIN1004 has a serum-like texture but is also super lightweight and hydrating. Not to mention it’ll leave you with a gorgeous (non-greasy) dewy finish. Ideal for applying all over!
Best mineral Korean sunscreen:
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
• Size: 50ml
• Vegan*
High sun protection meets colour correction with this mineral sunscreen. Enriched with eight types of hyaluronic acid to keep skin moisturised, it also contains cica (or centella asiatica) to help soothe your skin and leave you with a more even complexion.
So, there you have it, a complete run-down of all our fave Korean sunscreens. Which one will you be reaching for this summer (and beyond)?
