11 Best Korean Sunscreens for a Glass Skin Finish, Reviewed and Tested

These elevated formulas are the global standard.

woman in a pool wearing sunscreen
(Image credit: Getty)

We’ve talked time and again about our love for K-beauty. We've waxed poetic about Korean skincare brands like Dr. Jart+, Innisfree, and COSRX, that pull their innovation, technology, and ingredients from South Korea. We've talked extensively about Korean moisturizers that emphasize skin barrier restoration, and obsessed over K-beauty sheet masks that make us glow in a few minutes flat. But we’d be remiss not to do a deep dive into the best Korean sunscreens, as they’re some of the most advanced, elegant formulas in the world.

“Korea is always pushing the boundaries on texture innovations and formula stability as the market is hyper-competitive and demanding,” Alicia Yoon, founder of the online K-beauty retailer Peach & Lily tells Marie Claire. The result of such progressive formulation? Lightweight, glow-giving sunscreens with advanced, UV-blocking filters that don’t leave a chalky white cast on the skin.

Ahead, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to the best Korean sunscreens of 2024, tailored to every skin type and concern—from dull skin craving a moisture boost to sensitive skin needing ultra-nourishing, gentle care. We also consulted with board-certified dermatologists Kristina Collins, M.D., and Mina Amin, M.D., along with Yoon, to break down the top ingredients and sunscreen filters to look for in Korean sunscreens.

Keep scrolling to discover (and shop) the 11 best Korean sunscreens 2024 that Marie Claire editors, dermatologists, and beauty lovers can't stop talking about. And don’t miss the FAQ section at the end, where we answer your biggest questions about Korean sunscreens, including how they differ from U.S. formulas and whether they’re truly "better."

Best Korean Sunscreens of 2024

Marisa using Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen

Marisa loves the Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen for its hydrating benefits and fast-absorbing texture.

(Image credit: MC Editors)

Samantha wearing the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen

Samantha loves the glow-inducing benefits of the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 36 Sunscreen.

(Image credit: MC Editors)

Marisa using COSRX Daily SPF 50 Vitamin E Sunscreen

Marisa likes the semi-matte finish of COSRX's Daily Spf 50 Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen.

(Image credit: MC Editors)

Samantha wearing the Dr.Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

Samantha frequently relies on the Dr.Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ as her makeup base.

(Image credit: MC Editors)

Marisa using Some by Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen

Marisa loves the nourishing texture and radiant finish that the Some by Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen gives her skin.

(Image credit: MC Editors)

Other Korean Sunscreen We Love

What to Look For in Korean Sunscreens

  • SPF 30 or higher

"Just like in the US, sunscreens should have at least SPF 30 and provide protection against both UVB and UVA rays," says Dr. Collins. As a reminder, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends you use a broad-spectrum protection sunscreen daily that's water-resistant and SPF 30 or higher.

  • Comfort

"The sunscreen a person chooses should be wearable enough that they feel comfortable applying it every few hours during sun exposure," Dr. Collins continues. In other words, find a formula you’re excited to use daily. If you prefer a serum texture over a cream, go for that; if you dislike greasiness or heaviness, choose a product with a matte finish or a lightweight feel.

  • PA Sunscreen Rating 

While U.S. sunscreens qualify for the “broad spectrum” label on a pass-fail system, the K-beauty system, a.k.a .the PA system, requires much heavier testing to assess exactly how extensively the formula protects the skin from UVA rays, says Yoon.

“There are four grades in the PA system: PA+, PA++, PA+++, and PA++++,” she continues. “Each plus sign covers a rand of the PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) test. The highest number of the +’s offers the most UVA protection. So while shopping, look out for sunscreen bottles with as many plus signs as possible.”

The Difference Between Korean and US Sunscreens

The biggest difference between Korean sunscreens and US sunscreens comes down to filters. "In the US, sunscreens are classified as over-the-counter medications, while in Korea and most of the rest of the world, they are classified as functional cosmetics," explains Dr. Collins. "As a result of this different classification, it is much harder for sunscreen ingredients to be approved in the US."

"Korean sunscreens have many more approved ingredients, many of which have been created through recent innovation," she continues. "Chemical sunscreens in Korea are effective against UVA and UVB rays with even a single ingredient, whereas chemical sunscreens in the US require multiple active sunscreen ingredients to effectively block both UVB and UVA. As a result, US sunscreens can be less cosmetically elegant."

That means: "In Korea, chemical sunscreens reign supreme, as they are more lightweight and less likely to leave a white cast," Dr. Collins adds. And it’s precisely this innovation that has so many of us scrambling to get our hands on them in the States. After all: "In the US, a new chemical sunscreen ingredient has not been approved by the FDA since the 90s," she concludes.

Are Korean Sunscreens Better?

"In a word, yes," Korean sunscreens are better, says Dr. Collins, and Dr. Amin agrees. "Korean sunscreens are known to be lightweight, cosmetically elegant, less greasy, and easily blendable," Dr. Amin explains, noting that they contain ingredients that make application easier and reduce white cast. Dr. Collins adds "Korean sunscreens have more innovative and elegant active ingredients, all as a result of the extensive, and essentially non-penetrable, red tape for approval of sunscreen ingredients in the US through the FDA."

However, they both still achieve the same essential goal: "adequate sun protection," says Dr. Collins. "Chemical sunscreens in the US require multiple active ingredients to achieve the same broad spectrum coverage of a single active ingredient in more recently developed Korean sunscreens; but yet, US sunscreens are formulated to provide comparable coverage with what we have available."

At the end of the day, both types of sunscreens have their own strengths. "Physical and mineral blockers are excellent for skin protection and provide broad spectrum coverage. US companies have worked hard to reduce the white cast and greasy textures of old school mineral blocks and in many cases they have succeeded in creating products that look and feel amazing on the skin."

Meet the Experts

dermatologist Dr. Kristina Collins
Dr. Kristina Collins

Kristina Collins, MD, is a Harvard-trained and nationally renowned leader in dermatology, celebrity dermatologist, published author of dermatology literature, and frequent international invited speaker on topics related to her expertise in dermatologic surgery, cosmetic dermatology, women’s empowerment, mindfulness, and career motivation. Her relatable yet expert dermatology knowledge has been shared in: The Wall Street Journal, ABC News, Fox News, Cosmopolitan, People, the Zoe Report, Byrdie, Pop Sugar, Women's Health, Glamour, In Style, Livestrong, USA Today, Readers’ Digest, Yahoo, CNN, Well and Good, NY Strategist, Marie Claire, and more. Dr. Collins is double board certified in Dermatology and Micrographic Dermatologic Surgery and resides in Austin, TX where she co-founded her boutique multi-site dermatology practice, Austin Skin. She is also founder and CEO of a national retail skin care and V care line, foy x Dr. Collins, launched with Free People in July 2022. foy x Dr. Collins stands out as the first dermatologist-designed brand to be powered by holistic actives alongside evidence based skincare science. Through foy, Dr. Collins created the first ever fully immersive skin care and meditation ritual worldwide, empowering others to transform their lives through a mindfulness practice during the skin care routine.

Dr. Mina Amin
Dr. Mina Amin

Mina Amin, MD, is a dermatologist in Los Angeles, California and is affiliated with Kaiser Permanente Los Angeles Medical Center. She received her medical degree from University of California and has been in practice between 6-10 years. 

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Alicia Yoon

Alicia Yoon is a Korean skincare expert and the founder of Peach & Lily, a leading source and retailer for all things Korean beauty. Her acclaimed Peach & Lily skincare collection is 100% worry-free, non-toxic, and cruelty-free, using clinically-proven ingredients. Alicia travels regularly between New York City and Seoul to find the best products and most innovative skincare, and she has helped make Korean beauty the phenomenon it is in the U.S. today. An esthetician certified by spas in Korea and licensed in New York, Alicia is also a Harvard Business School graduate and an avid sheet-masker. She is on WWD's 25 Most Innovative Beauty Executives list and serves on the Cosmetic Executive Women (CEW) Board of Governors.

Marisa Petrarca
Freelance Beauty Writer

Marisa Petrarca is a writer and editor based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, specializing in beauty, wellness, fashion, and lifestyle. She previously served as the Senior Beauty and Fashion Editor at Grazia USA and Beauty and Style Editor at Us Weekly. Her expertise spans breaking beauty news, shopping roundups, product reviews, and explainer articles on popular topics in skin, makeup, and aesthetics. Her work has been featured in PS, Cosmopolitan, Allure, NewBeauty, InStyle, and The Zoe Report, among others. Marisa holds a bachelor's degree in English literature from Wagner College. Follow her on Instagram @Marisa Petrarca.