Many experts, influencers, and those who cover beauty industry news agree that Korean sunscreens are superior and more popular in the market compared to sunscreens produced in other countries, including the United States.
According to the Saed News Family Magazine, what are the best Korean sunscreens? What makes these beauty products so popular?
For oily skin, the best Korean sunscreens include:
Some By Mi
Tokobo Stick Sunscreen
Honeysoul
Derma 101
For dry skin, the best choices are:
COSRX Aloe Vera Sunscreen
Beauty of Joseon
Centella Sunscreen
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen
For all skin types, top picks include:
Abib Stick Sunscreen
Etude House Soon Jung
Round Lab
Anua
Korean sunscreens are favored over American and European sunscreens due to their lightweight texture, fast absorption, high SPF protection, hydrating effects without clogging pores, plant-based ingredients, and non-sticky, non-heavy feel on the skin.
1. Tokobo Stick Sunscreen – The Best Korean Sunscreen
If you want to stay trendy and are looking for the best stick sunscreen, Tokobo is a great choice for people with oily and combination skin. Its formula includes four plant-based complexes and cottonseed extract, which have anti-inflammatory properties that protect the skin from free radicals, keep it moisturized, control sebum, and prevent skin problems.
Key Features:
Hydrating, thanks to hyaluronic acid and niacinamide
Free of allergens
Anti-acne and blemish control
Matte finish
Soothes skin inflammation
Prevents dark spots and aging
2. Centella Hyalu-Cica Skin 1004 – A Powerful Hydrating & Protective Korean Sunscreen
This sunscreen has a lightweight texture that provides both hydration and strong UV protection. With ingredients like green tea extract, camellia japonica, hyaluronic acid, Centella Asiatica extract, broccoli sprouts, and wheat, it deeply moisturizes and soothes irritated skin.
Key Features:
Antimicrobial properties
Helps natural ceramide production in the skin
Aids in wound healing
Prevents acne, rosacea, and atopic dermatitis
3. Centella Sunscreen – The Ideal Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
With its silky texture and high SPF50 and PA++++, this sunscreen calms the skin while preventing excess sweat and oil buildup.
Key Features:
No white cast or heavy residue
Soothes and controls skin oiliness
Removes dead skin cells
4. Some By Mi – The Most Powerful Anti-Aging Sunscreen
Some By Mi is a non-drying, soothing sunscreen with a matte finish. It prevents wrinkles and sun damage, making it a strong anti-aging sunscreen. It’s ideal for oily, combination, and acne-prone skin, with ingredients like tea tree extract, aloe vera, madecassoside, Turcica extract, and zinc, which soothe the skin, improve scars and acne marks, and protect against UV rays.
Key Features:
SPF50 protection
Lightweight and smooth texture
Moisturizing
Free from artificial fragrances, dyes, and harmful chemicals
5. Anua – A Soothing & Hydrating Sunscreen from Korea
This lightweight, soft-textured sunscreen is an excellent choice for pre-makeup application. It works well for oily, dry, and combination skin types.
6. Etude House Soon Jung – A Hydrating Korean Sunscreen
Formulated with panthenol, Centella, and madecassoside, it absorbs easily and soothes the skin. It is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, making it a great choice for damaged skin.
7. Storyderm Super Ultra Nutrition – A Multi-Purpose Sunscreen
This Korean sunscreen offers SPF50, PA++++, and high-level physical and chemical UV filters. It protects the skin while boosting its vitality.
Key Features:
Contains Vitamins A & E and antioxidants
Reduces skin temperature
Hydrating and soothing
Protects collagen, prevents dark spots, and reduces inflammation
Anti-aging & wrinkle prevention
8. Honeysoul – The Best Korean Sunscreen for Skin Protection
A lightweight and soft sunscreen for normal to oily skin, containing traditional Korean herbal extracts and white truffle. It deeply nourishes the skin and protects against aging.
Key Features:
SPF50 & PA++++
Absorbs easily without a greasy feel
Can be reapplied multiple times without heaviness
9. Round Lab – The Best-Selling Korean Sunscreen
This sunscreen has SPF50 and helps the skin resist sun damage. It contains niacinamide, silver birch water, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, and pine tree extract, which hydrate, brighten, and protect against inflammation, redness, and wrinkles.
10. COSRX Aloe Vera Sunscreen – Ideal for Dry Skin
This oil-free, fast-absorbing sunscreen is highly concentrated with aloe vera extract, making it an excellent choice for dry and sensitive skin. It hydrates and soothes while providing SPF50 UV protection.
11. Abib Stick Sunscreen – Strengthens the Skin Barrier
A non-comedogenic sunscreen that does not clog pores or cause excess oil production. Its matte finish makes it ideal for oily skin. Ingredients like aloe vera, acacia peptides, and Centella Asiatica enhance hydration and soothing effects.
12. Beauty of Joseon – An Organic, Natural Korean Sunscreen
Made with tea tree extract, rice extract, and probiotics, this sunscreen is anti-inflammatory, hydrating, and nourishing. It also prevents infections and breakouts.
Key Features:
Ideal for dry and sensitive skin
Balances sebum production
Anti-acne & breakout prevention
Free from harmful chemicals (benzophenone and octinoxate)
13. Derma 101 – The Best Collagen-Boosting Sunscreen
Enriched with adenosine, Moss Marine complex, and hydrolyzed collagen, this sunscreen is great for combination to oily skin.
Key Features:
Controls oil production
Boosts collagen
Prevents dehydration
Fights dark spots and wrinkles
14. Beauty of Joseon Stick Sunscreen – Controls Oily Skin
This oil-free sunscreen contains silica powder to control oil and mugwort extract for a cooling effect. It is also rich in minerals, vitamins A & C, and green tea extract for hydration.
15. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen – The Best Hydrating Sunscreen
With eight types of hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen is perfect for dry and sensitive skin.
Key Features:
Lightweight and fast-absorbing
Oil control
Anti-acne, anti-inflammatory, and anti-redness
Promotes youthful skin
4 Key Features to Look for in the Best Korean Sunscreen
PA Rating System (PA+ to PA++++)
SPF Protection (Between SPF 15–100)
Skin Type Considerations:
Hydrating formulas for dry skin
Lightweight gel/serum textures for oily skin
Chemical Filters (Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide, Octinoxate, and Octocrylene)
Final Thoughts: The Best Korean Sunscreen for Every Skin Type
Choose a sunscreen based on your skin type. Some By Mi and Tokobo Stick are great for oily skin, while COSRX Aloe Vera, Centella, and Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Sunscreen work best for dry and sensitive skin.
If you have used any of these products, share your experience with us!
