From sheet masks to toner pads, K-Beauty beauty products have taken over our skincare routines – and now they’re stealing the spotlight in the sunscreen category too. Korean sunscreens are known for their cutting-edge formulations that are effective, aesthetically pleasing, and (typically) don’t break the bank, so it’s no surprise they’re gaining popularity.
Best Korean sunscreens for your skin type:
“I use Korean sunscreens 90 per cent of the time,” says dermatologist Dr. Andrew Park. “A big part of this is because I’m Korean-American and want to support Korean brands, but the fact of the matter is that Korean sunscreens are generally just so much better due to their more advanced UV filters and refined textures,” Dr. Park explains.
Why are Korean sunscreens so good?
There are so many reasons why K-beauty sunscreens have rightfully earned their place in our skincare routines – and not just ours, celebrities and experts alike. As Dr. Park already said, Korean sunscreens use more advanced UV filters (like Uvinul A Plus and Uvinul T 150) to provide even, broad-spectrum protection.
Just because they are powerful doesn’t mean they compromise on texture, either. Most K-beauty sunscreens are formulated to feel beautifully lightweight and serum-like on the skin (not like the thick, streaky creams of old) while lending a glowing finish. They’re also formulated with hydrating ingredients – think: hyaluronic acid, panthenol and niacinamide – to ensure your skin stays nourished throughout the day. Why wouldn’t you buy one?
Below, we rounded up the best Korean sunscreens to try right now, according to months of editor-testing. There’s an option for every skin type and concern, and not one of these picks feels greasy, sticky, or leaves behind an unwanted white cast on skin.
The best K-Beauty sunscreens to shop in 2026
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5
Pros
- Feels cooling and refreshing on the skin
- Moisturises and doesn’t leave a greasy finish
Cons
- Those with oily skin may find the finish too glowy
Features At A Glance
| Format | Lotion |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 50 |
Skin type? Best for dry skin
Why we love it: This lightweight sunscreen is packed with hydrating skincare ingredients, making this a great player for anyone with dry or dehydrated skin. Featuring one of our fave humectants panthenol (an ingredient that retains moisture), alongside brightening rice seed water, it seamlessly blends into the skin to equally hydrate and protect.
Cosmo editor review: “I’ve been put off by many thick and streaky SPF formulas in my time – and it was this, Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh, that restored my faith. It has a fluid, lotion texture that absorbs into the skin leaving a hydrated and radiant touch that feels more like a moisturising serum than a sunscreen. It layers seamlessly under makeup and will keep your skin protected thanks to SPF 50+.” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer.
Round Lab Birch Moisturising Sun Stick SPF 50+
Round Lab Birch Moisturising Sun Stick SPF 50+
Pros
- Great for on-the-go
- Nourishing formula
Cons
- Some reviewers said the stick can break off
Features At A Glance
| Format | Stick |
|---|---|
| SPF level | SPF+ 50 |
Skin type? Best for oily/combination skin
Why we love it: The secret behind this stick SPF is silver birch tree sap from Inje, a rural county in South Korea. The miracle worker is loaded with minerals, enzymes, proteins, and antioxidants that lower inflammation, purify, and moisturise. It’s hydrating enough to double as a moisturiser, is infused with 12 peptides to aid elasticity, and has a lightweight texture.
Cosmo editor review: “This goes on super smooth – not too oily or drying – and it never feels sticky either. Despite having a lightweight finish, it feels nice and moisturising when I reapply throughout the day.” – Kara Miller, Senior Designer.
SOME BY MI V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen
Pros
- Airy texture
- Safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin
Cons
- Mild citrus scent can be polarising
Skin type? Best for acne-prone skin
Why we love it: The hypoallergenic formula makes it safe for sensitive skin and even those with acne thanks to centella which helps calm inflammation and breakouts. It’s also loaded with 10 different vitamins to counter the effects of photo damage from the sun damage, particularly melasma, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation, as well as hyaluronic acid for moisture.
Cosmo editor review: “When I first squirted this out, I was wowed by the cloud-like texture – and even more impressed when it completely disappeared into my skin. As someone prone to breakouts, I appreciate that it’s meant to prevent them, and it even felt light on a super-hot day.” – Celia Shatzman, Contributing Beauty Writer.
Beauty of Joseon Dayscreen 2-in-1 SPF 30 Moisturizer
Beauty of Joseon Dayscreen 2-in-1 SPF 30 Moisturizer
Pros
- Doubles as a moisturiser
- Infused with green tea
Cons
- Some reviewers with very dry skin said it wasn’t hydrating enough
Skin type? Best for sensitive skin
Why we love it: Save yourself a step with this twofer that doubles as a face moisturiser and SPF. Green tea is a popular K-beauty ingredient for good reason: It delivers antioxidants, soothes, and hydrates, and this formula is chock full of it, along with ceramides to boost the barrier and help skin hang on to moisture.
Cosmo editor review: “I just got back from a trip from Seoul which entailed strolling the aisles of Olive Young for hours on end in search of the best Korean sunscreens. This formula blends into the skin so seamlessly, and I love its green tea properties for calming my redness-prone skin.” – Jasmine Hyman, Assistant Beauty Editor
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen
Pros
- Has a silky texture
- Feels nourishing and moisturising to wear
Cons
- Can feel a little heavy for those with sensitive skin
Features At A Glance
| Format | Cream |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 50 |
Skin type? Best all-rounder
Why we love it: Coming to you from one of our favourite K-beauty brands, Haruharu Wonder, this velvety-soft sunscreen is a brilliant all-rounder to introduce into your routine. It provides high protection against both UV and UVB rays, while keeping your skin nourished and hydrated. What more could you need?
Cosmo editor review:“This is the K-beauty sunscreen I’d repurchase 1000 times over. Formulated with black rice extract and hyaluronic acid (the former strengthens the skin barrier and the latter hydrates) it glides over the skin with a silky texture that doesn’t leave behind an oily finish or white cast. I also love how fresh it feels on the skin, which is a welcome treat on tired and groggy mornings,” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer.
Anua Zero-Cast Sunscreen
Anua Zero-Cast Sunscreen
Pros
- Doesn’t leave streaks or a white cast
- Has a hydrated finish
Cons
- Can feel greasy on oily skin types
Features At A Glance
| Format | Cream |
|---|---|
| Sunscreen type | Chemical |
| SPF level | 50 |
Why we love it: Nothing feels more disappointing than an SPF that leaves behind a white cast or noticeable streaks. If this feeling is all too familiar, turn to Anua’s Zero-Cast Moisturising Finish Sunscreen (clue’s in the name, right?). The uber-lightweight, gentle cream feels more like a moisturiser, as opposed to a traditional sunscreen, so it won’t block your pores or cause any irritation. Oh, and did we mention it’s water-resistant?
Cosmo editor review: “This is undoubtedly one of the most lightweight formulas I’ve come across. It’s crammed with hydrating ingredients (read: hyaluronic acid and panthenol) to ensure your skin stays nourished, but it quickly absorbs and doesn’t leave behind a greasy slick. If you have oily or combination skin, I think you’ll love this,” – Clare Stephenson, Senior Fashion and Beauty Ecommerce Writer.
Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen
Medicube No Cast Just Glow Collagen Sunscreen
Pros
- Infused with skincare ingredients
- Leaves skin with natural glow that gives a glass-like effect
Cons
- Some reviewers said it can sting eyes
Features At A Glance
| Format | Cream |
|---|---|
| SPF level | SPF 50 |
Why we love it: The name doesn’t lie – it leaves skin glowing. Putting the skincare into suncare, it’s loaded with nourishing ingredients, including collagen and peptides to firm, cica and niacinamide to hydrate, and hyaluronic acid and ceramides to boost the skin barrier.
Cosmo editor review: “There are a lot of things to love about this formula, namely the skin health-boosting ingredients, but I was especially impressed with how it gives the perfect glow – it’s not too shiny or matte. It blends into skin seamlessly without a trace and looks totally natural.” – Celia Shatzman, Contributing Beauty Writer.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Shield SPF 30
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Dew Shield SPF 30
Pros
- Hydrating
- Great texture
- Leaves a soft glow
Cons
- Watermelon scent can be polarising
Why we love it: Think of how hydrating watermelon is and that’s exactly what this fruit-forward SPF does for your skin. Clinically shown to boost moisture instantly and over time courtesy of watermelon seed oil, there’s also glycerin and vitamin E to nourish, plus niacinamide to minimise the appearance of sun damage and hyperpigmentation.
Cosmo editor review: “The sweet watermelon scent makes it feel like summer, no matter what time of year you wear this sunscreen, which makes me happy. Super smooth and light, it instantly absorbs without any tackiness and leaves a soft glow. It layers well with other skincare products and under makeup. As someone who struggles with hyperpigmentation, I appreciate that it has niacinamide to treat current dark spots and prevent future ones.” — Celia Shatzman, Contributing Beauty Writer.
FAQ
Which K-beauty sunscreen is best?
“The best K-beauty sunscreen is the one that has an SPF rating of at least 30 and a PA rating of minimum +++ (three pluses), and most importantly one that you enjoy wearing every single day,” Dr. Park says.
“As a dermatologist, I tell my patients to keep shopping around until you find a sunscreen that you love to wear. If you don’t know where to start looking, I encourage you to think about the following: 1) How light or heavy do you want it to feel? 2) How ‘visible’ do you want it to be? Do you want it invisible or do you want it to resemble a light foundation? 3) How water-resistant do you need it to be? 4) How shiny or matte would you like it to be? These questions will help you narrow down which sunscreens will be appropriate for you.”
What is the best Korean sunscreen recommended by dermatologists?
“I personally have slightly oilier skin, so I prefer sunscreens that are lightweight and feel like I’m wearing nothing. (By the way, most Korean sunscreens fall into this lightweight, clear, serum-like, non-greasy category.),” Dr. Park says.
“My current daily roster includes the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum. I’ve also used the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen before, but I find it more moisturising and therefore use it more in the winter months or when my skin feels drier.”
How are Korean sunscreens different from other sunscreens?
“Korean sunscreens shine in their utilisation of advanced UV filters, so you’ll find active ingredients like Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, Uvinul A Plus, or Uvinul T 150 that aren’t commonly found in other sunscreens. (These ingredients also have other names that are often listed on ingredient labels.),” Dr. Park says. “They’re almost always non-greasy, very lightweight, and easy for all-day use and reapplication. I’m also aware that they layer very well under makeup, which is one reason they’ve become so globally popular.”
Meet the expert:
- Dr. Andrew Park, is a board-certified dermatologist at Dermatology Associates Beverly Hills.
Why trust Cosmopolitan?
Celia Shatzman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based journalist who has covered beauty for two decades and considers daily SPF her anti-aging secret.
Celia Shatzman (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor who has penned stories on topics ranging from beauty to fashion, travel, celebrities, health, entertainment, finance and more. A graduate of the Medill School of Journalism at Northwestern University, she is a beauty and style contributor at Forbes and her work has appeared in New York, Cosmopolitan, WWD, ELLE, Conde Nast Traveler, Afar, Travel + Leisure, Women’s Health, Marie Claire, Byrdie, Refinery29 and NYLON, among others.
Clare Stephenson is the Senior Fashion and Beauty E-commerce Writer for Cosmopolitan, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar. She has been an e-commerce writer since 2022, creating matter-of-fact reviews and shopping pages filled with her favourite products for every budget and need – whether that’s a glow-giving foundation, a high-tech LED face mask or the perfect wear-with-everything blazer.
Alongside writing, Clare loves to be in front of the camera creating shopping content, putting viral products to the test to see which ones are truly worth the hype. Through her work, she has interviewed leading dermatologists, makeup artists and industry experts to bring readers trusted advice and product recommendations.
Clare has contributed to titles across the Hearst UK portfolio, including Women’s Health, Good Housekeeping, Red and Prima. Prior to joining Hearst, she earned a BA in Multimedia Journalism from Bournemouth University, focusing her studies on magazines and editorial. She later worked as an editorial assistant at Voir Fashion Magazine, covering events including Fashion Week and interviewing notable brand founders.
Outside of work? You can find Clare strolling through London’s Columbia Road Market, pouring her fourth coffee of the day or heading to a Pilates class.
Follow Clare on Instagram @clarefrancesstephenson.
