Korean sunscreens are the new normal.
We don’t have to tell you again, and again, and again how important SPF is. Sun protection from harmful UV rays that’ll age you can be avoided (at all costs) with Korean beauty sunscreens from the likes of CosRX, a TikTok favourite, Beauty of Joseon, and more. Summertime’s not the only time you should be wearing SPF either. In front of your PC? SPF on, please. Using retinol? SPF on, please. Doing anything basically? SPF on, please.
One *great* thing about skincare and beauty trends on social media is that influencers center their looks, no matter how elaborate or minimal, around skincare essentials. From a wellness perspective, it is refreshing to see the emphasis placed on protecting, nourishing, and hydrating skin before anything else in 2023.
We have also been seeing an uptick in the popularity of K-beauty in the last few years which many swear by. The industry has a unique approach towards skincare and beauty — sun protection in general — which is showcased in the dewy, flawless looks worn by devoted users of Korean sunscreens.
As we prepare to hit the beach (or the pool, your choice 🤷) this sweltering Dubai summer, it is a good time as any to dip your toes into the world of Korean sunscreens. From multitasking formulations to flawless finishes, here are the best Korean sunscreens.
10 of the best Korean sunscreens to beat the summer heat with
The Face Shop
Price: Dhs117, Empress Korea
Why we ❤️ it: Combining the power of sunscreen and a moisturizer, The Face Shop’s Vegan Moisturizing Sun Serum is a true game-changer. It’s broad-spectrum SPF 50+ shields your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, providing an exceptional level of sun protection. As the serum absorbs effortlessly, it leaves behind a lightweight, non-greasy finish that keeps your skin feeling hydrated and refreshed throughout the day.
Purito Daily Go-to Sunscreen
Price: Dhs90, lookfantastic.ae
Why we ❤️ it: This sunscreen is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, with an SPF 50+ for total UV ray defence. It’s got a dope combo of mineral and chemical filters, making it lightweight and easy to blend. No white cast or stickiness, fam. And peep this: it’s got the brand’s centella complex, reducing redness. Rock it solo or under your makeup, and slay all day.
Beauty of Joseon, Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, SPF50+m
Price: Dhs61.54, iherb.com
Why we ❤️ it: It’s light, creamy, and feels super chill on your skin. Even if you slather on a bunch multiple times, it won’t leave you feeling sticky. Instead, it gives you that fresh, moisturized vibe like a light moisturizing cream. Plus, it’s packed with 30% rice extract and grain-fermented extracts, giving your skin all the hydration and nutrients it craves.
Axis-Y Physical Sunscreen SPF 50+
Price: Dhs103.95, mumzworld.com
Why we ❤️ it: Shields your skin from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays while enjoying the rejuvenating benefits of skin-friendly ingredients for a carefree, everyday lifestyle. This sunscreen brings gentle yet powerful sun protection, all packed in a lightweight, hydrating cream.
Pure Beauty Brighten Up Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50
Price: Dhs45, watsons.ae
Why we ❤️ it: Its lightweight formula gives your skin a sheer finish that feels comfy AF. You can wear it solo or as a makeup base, and it keeps your skin moisturized all day long. It’s got the Urban Shield Complex, guarding your skin against nasty environmental stuff. And check this out- the Illuminating Complex, with Glutathione and Niacinamide, tackles dark spots and evens out your skin tone while keeping it moisturized. No parabens, lanolin, or alcohol in this bad boy. Dermatologically tested, so you know it’s legit.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
Price: Dhs57, ae.boots.com
Why we ❤️ it: COSRX is revolutionizing skincare and this aloe vera-infused lightweight sun cream is a great pick for the summer. The Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is a moisturizing formulation that leaves your skin feeling supple and with no white cast. Oh, and it’s SPF 50, up there with some of the best Korean sunscreens.
IPKN Sun Cream SPF 50
Price: Dhs97, revolve.com
Why we ❤️ it: For individuals with oily skin, sunscreen is always a struggle. Nevertheless, as stepping out without protection is just *not* an option, you can reach for the IPKN oil-free sun cream that leaves you with a smooth, matte finish and corrects any red spots on your skin.
Missha Soft Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++
Price: Dhs86, amazon.com
Why we ❤️ it: No list of Korean sunscreens is complete without a Missha item. The Soft Finish Sun Milk is one of the most affordable options in the market which is not its only advantage. Its milky formula allows the user to cover as much surface as possible with little product.
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36
Price: Dhs91, desertcart.ae
Why we ❤️ it: Have sensitive skin that gets irritated quickly in the sun? Here’s a natural sun care alternative that nourishes, replenishes, and hydrates skin with ingredients such as green tea, sunflower oil, and cica. We got you. 🤝
Thank You Farmer Sun Cream SPF50+
Price: Dhs100, cultbeauty.com
Why we ❤️ it: A fave among Korean sunscreens enthusiasts. The Thank You Farmer Sun Cream SPF50+ is packed with aloe vera, African walnut oil, and bamboo extract as it promises to revitalize the skin with its anti-inflammatory ingredient phyto-oligo, and delivers.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen
Price: Dhs132, sephora.ae
Why we ❤️ it: Have you ever wanted to achieve a finish that makes you look like you’re glowing from within? ✨ The Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Sunscreen does exactly that and more with its transformative SPF that soothes and evens out the skin.
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Price: Dhs 98, amazon.com
Why we ❤️ it: Matte, mineral-based, and lightweight. Dr. Jart’s everyday sun protection is what That Girl™ uses under her makeup look to give her a glam finish. The science-backed formulation consists of zinc oxide to protect you from the sun while making sure your makeup stays in place throughout the day.
AHC Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++
Via amazon.com
Price: Dhs100 for a pack of 2, amazon.com
Why we ❤️ it: For those on the go, the AHC Sun Stick is a great Korean sunscreens option as it can be applied on top of a makeup look with everything left just as ~flawless~ as it was. This SPF 50 sunscreen contains bamboo extract and glacier water to heal and refresh skin.
Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ PA+++
Price: Dhs75, amazon.com
Why we ❤️ it: K-beauty powerhouse Etude House introduced a plant-based, sensitive formulation for those with easily irritated skin. The Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk, as the name suggests, is a lightweight mineral sunscreen with aloe vera, acai berry, and other natural ingredients that soothe the skin.
Dr. Oracle 21;STAY A-Thera Sunblock SPF 50
Price: Dhs131, desertcart.ae
Why we ❤️ it: Hypoallergenic and deeply hydrating, the Dr. Oracle sun-block forms a barrier on the skin with the help of zinc oxide to shield it from UV rays without clogging pores. This product is great for oily and acne-prone skin.