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Comparison Table of The Best Korean Sunscreens
Before we go any further, these are the best Korean sunscreens recommended by our editors. Full list and details of the top 10 are below if you continue reading down this page.
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Why Korean and Not Western Sunscreens?
Since the invention of the first commercial sunscreen in 1936, sunscreens have evolved and improved over time. As a result, modern sunscreens are water-resistant and are included in almost every skincare product today.
The leading producers of sunscreen today are the Koreans. Korean sunscreen has many advantages when compared to its Western counterpart. Korean sunscreens are more affordable, have an innovative texture, contain more advanced ingredients, and have lots of options to select from. However, the market is competitive, and Koreans are unwilling to give in but rather stabilize and improve their formulas. The general notion is that Western countries produce their sunscreen as a quick fix to the immediate effects of the sun. In contrast, Korean sunscreens focus on the short and long-term effects of the sun.
In this article, we’ll learn how to apply sunscreen correctly and a buying guide to follow if you plan on getting one. Next, we’ll look at the review of the best Korean sunscreens in the market, and lastly, some frequently asked questions that you may find helpful.
Which Korean Sunscreen is the best? Review of the 10 best Korean Sunscreen
Finding the right Korean sunscreen can be annoying and time-consuming, so we have surfed the web and created an authentic list of the best Korean sunscreen.
#1. Soft Finish SunMilk by Misha
Pros
- Utilizes double layer technology, offering lasting and strong UV protection
- Comes at a moderate price
- Does not irritate the skin
- It may help regulate skin tone and texture
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#2. KAO Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
KAO Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence is a water-proof sunscreen rated as high as PA ++++. This lightweight product is non-sticky or chalky and also protects the skin, leaving no white cast.
Pros
- It leaves the skin soft and fresh
- Not oily
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Budget friendly /affordable
- The manufacturers accept refunds
Cons
- It contains fragrance
- Has an alcoholic smell.
#3. Missha Essence Sunscreen 50ml
Pros
- Made of botanical ingredients and extracts
- Does not contain alcohol
- It is sweat and water-proof
Cons
- Customers complained of the size of the product
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#4. THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Light Sun Essence
Pros
- This product is composed of natural ingredients
- Is suitable for sensitive skin
- May tackle sunburn
- Is cruelty-free
- It is broad spectrum and offers protection against UVA and UVB rays
Cons
- It is not waterproof
- Leaves a slight white cast
- The scent is pretty high
- It may irritate the eyes.
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#5. GOONNBE Creamy Sun Cushion K-beauty 100% Physical Sunscreen
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#6: ACWELL UV CUT NATURAL SUN CUSHION
GOONGBE Creamy Sun Cushion SPF40 PA+++ 12g K-beauty 100% Physical Sunscreen Cushion is a natural Korean Sunscreen that is compatible with all types of skin. This product gives a soft, gentle, and fresh look on the skin. In addition, it is certified PA ++++, so it offers high protection against UV rays.
Pros
- It is suitable for sensitive skins
- Produced with 90% natural ingredients
- Protects the skin against the harmful effects of UV rays
- Compatible for all types of skin
Cons
- Limited customer reviews
- It is relatively expensive
- No information on if it’s waterproof
7. IOPE UV Shield Sun Protector
IOPE UV Shield Sun Protector is a good sunscreen with good PA +++ and SPF50 rating. It offers great protection against UV rays and ultra-fine dust. This light sunscreen leaves the skin healthy, soft, fresh without any trace of white cast.
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- It keeps the skin fresh, healthy, and light
- Provides strong protection against UV rays
- Smells nice.
Cons
- It may cause skin reactions like breakouts
Click Here to Buy it On Amazon
#8. Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun Plus
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Dr.G is a 100% natural sunscreen that provides solid protection against UV rays. This product is safe and mild for sensitive skin. It also keeps the skin safe from blue lights from electronic appliances like smartphones and monitors. It is available on Amazon.
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Non-greasy
- 100% organic
- Compatible with sensitive skin
- It offers good UV protection
- Also offers protection against blue light from electronic appliances like smartphone and monitors
- Leaves the skin healthy, fresh, and soft with no white cast
- Suitable for children skin
Cons
- People may be allergic to some of the ingredients
- May not be suitable for oily skin
- It dries out quickly.
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#9. Suntique I’m Pure Cica Suncream, Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Looking for a product that is mild on the skin but gives strong effects? Suntique I’m Pure Cica Suncream, Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin is the real deal. It contains natural ingredients like Galactomyces and Centella Asiatica. This product is compatible with extremely sensitive skins. It spreads quickly and hardly sticks to the skin. It gives the skin a comfortable and refreshing feeling.
Pros
- It is less sticky
- Spreads easily
- Leaves the skin comfortable and refreshed
- Strongly blocks UV rays
- Compatible with extremely sensitive skin
- Composed of natural ingredients
- Contains minerals and vitamins to nourish the skin.
Cons
- Customers complained that the sample product is better than the full size
- Not suitable for dark skins
- It smells not so nice
Click here to Buy it on Amazon
#10. PAPA RECIPE Bombee Honey Moist Sun Essence
Pros
- Offers solid protection against UV rays.
- Composed of natural ingredients like honey
- Gives no scent
- It is suitable for oily skin
- Doesn’t leave a white cast on the skin
Cons
- It is expensive
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ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk
Do you want a mild, lighter, gentle Korean sunscreen? Etude House is your sure bet. This product leaves no sticky white cast on your skin. It is a powerful sunscreen composed of 100% natural ingredients like Aloe Vera, root extract, and portulaca oleracea extract to nourish the skin.
Pros
- Compatible with sensitive skin
- It is composed of 100% natural ingredients
- Free from sebum, and many artificial ingredients
- It is a powerful sunscreen
Cons
- This product may trigger irritation
- Reapplication on the skin leaves a cement-like texture
- It may be highly drying.
If it is not available, we recommend you check out [ELROEL] Korean Sunblock Cushion
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Korean Sunscreen buying guide. What to look for in a Korean Sunscreen?
The numerous Korean sunscreens in the market make it difficult for customers to make a choice. In addition, these products have varying manufacturers, ingredients, ratings, and quality.
We’ve researched many factors that you ought to consider before buying any Korean Sunscreen. They are:
- SPE/PA rating
This is the first and vital feature that you should consider when buying a Korean Sunscreen. The SPE tells you the extent to which the formula will protect you from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Some dermatologists suggest getting products with at least 30 SPE. The product should also contain a broad spectrum covering protection against the two types of the Sun’s Ultraviolet rays, UVA and UVB. In addition, PA rating tells how much the product protects you from UVA. This ray is responsible for aging. Therefore, going for a product with as much 50 SPE or ++++ PA rating is recommended. Finally, select a water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 and above and protect against all types of the sun’s Ultraviolet rays.
- Ingredients
While most Korean Sunscreen contains minerals and chemicals that keep the skin safe from Ultraviolet rays from the sunlight, many of these products are equipped with natural, botanical ingredients like Aloe Vera, hyaluronic acid, honey, and a lot of others. If you want to buy Korean sunscreen, ensure you check the ingredients lists in the product. It will save you the bother of having any skin reactions.
- Texture
Although it seems unimportant, it does influence your love for the product. Dermatologists recommend that you go for a texture that you find comfortable using. Most people will run away from sticky or tacky sunscreens because it just makes them feel upset. Instead, go for Korean sunscreen with a smooth texture that feels good on your skin. The texture doesn’t affect the product’s effectiveness, so you don’t have to worry about legitimacy.
- Physical and Chemical properties
The significant types of sunscreen are physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens produce a layer on the skin that protects from the harmful effects of the sun’s UV rays.
Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, requires 15 minutes before it starts working. It works by reacting with the skin to convert the sun’s ultra rays into heat to keep the skin safe from damages. Dermatologists usually recommend a combination of the two to get the best results.
Also Read: 09 Best Foundation for large pores
How To Apply Sunscreen Correctly? [VIDEO]
One problem most customers face is getting good sunscreen, and another one is applying it correctly. Unfortunately, both go hand in hand. However, learning how to use sunscreens correctly will be instrumental in enabling you to get the best results from top Korean sunscreens. Here are some tips from certified dermatologists on how to apply sunscreen correctly:
- Apply sunscreen before leaving your house
The average time it takes for your skin to absorb the sunscreen and keep you safe is 15 minutes. So, if you step out of your house or wait until you are in the sun before applying it, you won’t find the product effective. And you may end up experiencing sunburn.
- Apply sufficient sunscreen
Many adults require approximately 1 ounce, equivalent to filling a shot glass, to cover their body adequately. Then, apply the sunscreen totally to your skin.
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Apply sunscreen to all areas of your skin not covered by clothing
Don’t forget your neck, face, ears, tops of your feet and legs. For areas like your back, you find difficult to reach, plead with someone to give you a hand, or even get a spray sunscreen. If you are experiencing thinning hair, you can apply the sunscreen to your scalp or put on a wide hat. To keep your lips safe, make sure you apply a lip balm and ensure the lip balm has at least 15 SPF.
To stay protected when outside, ensure that you reapply sunscreen every 120 minutes. If you went swimming or indulged in exercises that enabled you to sweat profusely, apply immediately.
The reason why many people get sunburned even after applying sunscreen is that they don’t apply enough. Another reason is that they didn’t reapply after being outside for a long time. Therefore, ensure that you check the expiry date of any sunburn product that you purchase. Contrary to popular belief, you need to apply sunscreen on winter or cloudy days, irrespective of the weather you find yourself in. This is because the Sun’s UV rays are harmful every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
During writing this article, we picked out questions that most customers ask. We hope you find answers to your questions!
1. What is Korean sunscreen, and how is it different from others?
Korean sunscreens are functional cosmetics that helps lighten up, reduce wrinkles, and protect the skin against the Ultraviolet harmful effects of the ray from the sun. Korean beauty products are different from others due to their high quality, advanced technology, and innovative textures. In addition, many Korean sunscreens protect the skin against all kinds of Ultraviolet radiation.
2. What does PA +++ mean?
PA +++ is a rating system that shows the degree of protection that sunscreens offer against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. The plus sign indicates the degree. PA + indicates the product offers some protection. PA ++ indicates the product offers moderate protection. PA +++ indicates that the product provides the best protection. Though, there is a surge of PA ++++ in some countries.
3. Which goes on first? Moisturizer or sunscreen?
The answer to this question depends on the type of sunscreen you want to apply. Chemical sunscreen needs to be used first as it penetrates the skin before it offers protection. However, physical sunscreen should be applied after moisturizers.
4. Can I skip moisturizer and use sunscreen? Can I just use sunscreen without moisturizer?
No, both perform different functions. For example, moisturizing helps keep the skin hydrated, and sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV rays from the sun. So it’d be beneficial to use both.
Conclusion
The benefits of sunscreen outweigh every misconception about them. These benefits include protecting the skin against dangerous UV radiations, reducing the risk of contracting skin cancer, preventing premature aging, and keeping the skin tone even. Korean sunscreens have established themselves as the best in the market. However, before you get any sunscreen product, seek counsel from a doctor to avoid getting bad skin reactions. Also, always follow every manufacturer’s instructions to get the best results.
We’ve outlined a list of Korean sunscreen products that we hope you will like! We also outlined factors you should consider before getting one. If you follow them, you will probably be proud of yourself! We hope you find this article useful!.
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