Featherlight textures, skin-loving ingredients, and cutting-edge UV filters that do more than just protect— they nourish and revitalize your skin. Explore our curated selection of Korean sunscreens, designed for daily sun protection that feels effortless and leaves no white cast.
It is important that you know the different types of sunscreens. To understand what type of sunscreen we are dealing with; we will always check the product label. These are the three types of sunscreens:
Physical Sunscreens
Quemical Sunscreens
Eco Sunscreens
Hybrid Sunscreens
Physical sunscreen
Deflect UVA and UVB rays with mineral-based protection that forms an invisible shield on the skin.
Paraben- and sulphate-free, avoiding preservatives or additives harmful to skin and the environment.
Particles remain on the surface, creating a mirror-like barrier against UV radiation.
Ideal for sensitive skin or conditions such as rosacea and acne.
May leave a slight white cast from zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, though modern formulas use finer or tinted particles to reduce this.
Rich, creamy textures provide deep hydration and nourishment, making them perfect for dry or dehydrated skin.
These formulas absorb UV radiation and convert it into harmless thermal energy, protecting skin without leaving any trace.
Invisible finish – no chalky residue.
Feather-light textures that absorb quickly.
Ideal for layering under make-up.
Favoured for sports and water activities.
Require more frequent reapplication than physical sunscreens.
Suitable for both face and body thanks to their fluid consistency.
Nombre
Filtros
SPF
Imágen
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++
Químico
50
Mimitika Face Sunscreen Brush 50SPF
Químico
50
THANK YOU FARMER Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
Químico
50
Suntique I'm Tone Up Multi Base SPF 50+ PA++++
Químico
50
Protectores Solares Ecológicos
100% natural and made with certified organic, skin-safe ingredients to reduce the risk of irritation or allergies.
Ocean-friendly – free from chemicals that damage marine life and coral reefs.
Biodegradable, breaking down naturally without polluting.
Free from parabens, sulphates and harsh preservatives.
Designed for those who want effective sun protection while minimising environmental impact.
Nombre
Filtros
SPF
Imágen
Torriden Dive-In Watery Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
Ecológico
50
Barr Centella Soothing Sun Essence
Ecológico
50
Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+ PA++++
Ecológico
50
Hybrid Sunscreens
The best of both worlds – hybrids blend mineral and chemical filters for broad-spectrum UVA/UVB defence without the drawbacks of either.
Lightweight textures with no white residue.
Gentler on the skin as chemical concentration is reduced.
Improved stability under sunlight for long-lasting protection.
Loved by make-up wearers as they create a smooth, flawless base.
Nombre
Filtros
SPF
Imágen
Accoje Protective No Sebum Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++
Híbrido
50
COSRX Aloe Soothing SPF50 PA+++
Híbrido
50
KAINE Green Fit Pro Sun SPF50+
Híbrido
50
How to Choose Your Sunscreen: Textures & Applications
It is also important you get some other information about each sunscreen you use; such as the textures and what sort of skin it is aimed for,
Sun creams
Sunscreen Essences
Sunscreen Gels
Tinted SPF
Sun Serums
Sun Creams: Deep Hydration & Lasting Protection
Creams like Suntique I’m Medi 100% Zinc Sun SPF 50+ offer a rich, nourishing texture that not only shields skin from harmful UV rays but also delivers intense hydration for dry or dehydrated skin.
Sunscreen Essences: Weightless Protection with a Silky Touch
Beyond their fluid feel, essences bring comfort and elegance to your daily skincare ritual. Perfect for wearing under make-up, they offer invisible, breathable coverage. Try the best-selling Korean essence sunscreen, Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen SPF50+.
Advanced sun protection with a hint of colour to even skin tone and blur imperfections. The d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Tone-up Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++, is a must-have for days when you want coverage without a full face of make-up.
Sun Serums: Concentrated Care with Full-Spectrum Protection
Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, sunscreen sticks are designed for quick, targeted application to areas like the nose, ears, neck, shoulders, and the backs of the hands. An essential for beach days, poolside, or travel.
Top-Selling Sunscreen Sticks at Korean Beauty Shop EU
Perfect for on-the-go touch-ups, sunscreen sticks are designed for quick, targeted application to areas like the nose, ears, neck, shoulders, and the backs of the hands. An essential for beach days, poolside, or travel.
Prepare, protect, and recover – intelligent suncare doesn’t end when the sun sets. Restore and soothe your skin after sun exposure with Korean after-sun gels and lotions that calm and replenish.
Sunburn Relief: Cool & Repair
Got sunburn? Ease irritation withYadah Cactus Soothing Gel and Aromatica Organic Aloe Vera Gel. Both offer instant relief and a refreshing sensation.Pro tip: keep them in the fridge for a cooling burst that amplifies comfort and speeds recovery.
Preguntas Frecuentes FAQ
Right amount – use roughly two milligrams of sunscreen per square centimetre of skin.
Full coverage – don’t skip ears, feet, backs of knees, and the tops of your hands. These areas also suffer sun damage.
Reapply regularly – every two hours and/or after swimming or sweating, as long as you remain exposed to the sun.
For the face, use two lines of sunscreen along the length of two fingers – this ensures full coverage.
For the rest of the body, a good rule of thumb is the amount that fits into a shot glass, roughly two tablespoons (30 ml). This guarantees adequate protection for all skin areas directly exposed to the sun.
💡 Watch Neogen’s video tutorial for a clear visual guide on how much sunscreen to apply for optimal protection.
Check for broad-spectrum protection – make sure it shields against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning). Look for the words broad spectrum or trusted seals such as the Skin Cancer Foundation.
SPF matters – for daily use, choose at least SPF 30. For outdoor activities or prolonged sun exposure, go for SPF 50 or higher.
Know your active ingredients – if you have sensitive skin, opt for mineral filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Use chemical filters with care, as they can sometimes cause irritation.
Water resistance counts – if you’re swimming or playing sport, pick a water-resistant formula and check how long it maintains protection in wet conditions.
Check the expiry date – expired sunscreen loses effectiveness and won’t protect your skin properly.
Read reviews – choose products with positive feedback on skin feel, finish, and real-world performance.
Look for dermatologist approval – endorsements or certifications from recognised health institutions ensure the formula meets high protection standards.
💡 Follow these steps and you’ll find a sunscreen that’s not only effective, but perfectly suited to your skin and lifestyle.
It’s important to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially during summer or whenever you’re continuously exposed to sunlight.
If you swim or sweat, you should reapply it every 40 minutes to maintain full protection.
Sunscreen should be applied as the final step in your morning skincare routine, immediately after your moisturiser. This ensures it forms a protective barrier against UV rays while allowing your skincare products to work effectively underneath.
No – they’re not. While BB creams can boost protection against the sun’s harmful effects, the amount you typically apply is unlikely to deliver optimal coverage.
A BB cream enhances your natural beauty and evens out skin tone, but a dedicated sunscreen creates a strong, reliable barrier against UVA and UVB rays – especially on days with high sun exposure.
A tinted sunscreen is formulated primarily to protect against UVA and UVB rays. The added tint helps even out skin tone and offers light coverage to blur minor imperfections.
A BB cream (Blemish Balm or Beauty Balm), on the other hand, is a multi-tasking product – it hydrates, evens out skin tone, provides light coverage, and includes some SPF. However, its sun protection is generally less intensive than that of a dedicated sunscreen.
In short: if you want skin-perfecting benefits with light hydration and a touch of SPF, go for a BB cream. If your priority is serious sun protection with a subtle tone-evening effect, a tinted sunscreen is the better choice.
Applying a sunscreen stick is quick and easy – just follow these steps:
Cleanse – make sure your skin is clean and dry before application.
Direct application – glide the stick gently over all areas exposed to the sun. For the face, start in the centre and work outwards, covering the forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Don’t forget ears, neck, shoulders, and the backs of your hands.
Even coverage – use your fingers to blend and smooth the product, ensuring complete and even protection, especially around contours like the nose and eye area.
Reapply – ideal for quick touch-ups during the day. Reapply every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.
Storage – keep your sunscreen stick in a cool, dry place to maintain effectiveness and extend its shelf life.
💡 For a step-by-step visual guide, check out the video below
Reading a sunscreen label is key to understanding the UV protection it offers. Here are the main elements you’ll find:
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) – measures protection against UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn. Higher SPF means greater protection.
Broad spectrum – indicates protection against both UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays.
Active ingredients – can be physical filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) or chemical filters (avobenzone, octinoxate) that block or absorb UV radiation.
Water resistance – if stated, the label will indicate how long the protection lasts in water (usually 40 or 80 minutes).
Understanding PA+ ratings (common in Asian sunscreens):
PA+ – some UVA protection.
PA++ – moderate UVA protection.
PA+++ – high UVA protection.
PA++++ – the highest UVA protection available.
Each “+” signals greater UVA defence, helping you choose the right level of protection – especially important for anti-ageing skincare or if you live in areas with strong sun exposure.
I hope this mini guide will help you understand a little bit better what types of Korean SPF you can buy and how to use them correctly.
Ultimately, the secret to healthy, radiant skin lies in choosing the right sun protection. With a curated collection of premium formulas tailored to every skin type, protecting yourself year-round – not just in summer – becomes second nature.
Explore the best of Korean suncare at Korean Beauty Shop and step into the sun with confidence, style, and skin that’s truly cared for.