Best Korean Sunscreens
Korean sunscreens have become increasingly popular among international beauty enthusiasts, and for good reason—the formulations tend to prioritize lightweight textures and invisible finishes that work well under makeup. We’ve compiled this roundup by aggregating customer ratings from Olive Young and Daiso, two of Korea’s largest beauty retailers, to identify the sunscreens that resonate most with Korean shoppers. Whether you’re looking for a daily facial sunscreen or a product for specific skin types, these highly-rated options offer a range of textures and ingredients to consider.
How we ranked: every pick below is a product we reviewed individually, ordered by its aggregated rating from real Korean shoppers across Olive Young, Daiso and Glowpick, then filtered for relevance to this concern. Prices are current retailer listings.
1. Purito Seoul Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen 60ml Double Pack (+Cleanser 30ml) — ★ 4.91
Lightweight, non-sticky daily sunscreen with SPF50+ PA++++ that prioritizes texture over intensive protection—solid for routine wear, not sport. $29.70 at Olive Young — read the full review →
2. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum 50ml Triple Set — ★ 4.9
This SKIN1004 sunscreen serum offers a lightweight, non-irritating feel with no white cast, making it a strong daily SPF choice, though it may feel oily on some skin types. $35.00 at Olive Young — read the full review →
3. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum Twin Pack — ★ 4.9
The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum Twin Pack offers lightweight, hydrating protection with no white cast, though oily skin may find it heavy in humidity. $23.30 at Olive Young — read the full review →
4. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum 50mL*2ea (Twin pack) — ★ 4.9
Lightweight hydrating sunscreen that prioritizes dewy skin and makeup compatibility over matte finish or standalone reapplication. $23.80 at Olive Young — read the full review →
5. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++) Double Pack 50mL*2ea — ★ 4.9
Reliable daily SPF50+ PA++++ with a lightweight, non-greasy finish; the double pack offers solid value for regular sunscreen users. $25.47 at Olive Young — read the full review →
6. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum 100mL — ★ 4.9
Lightweight SPF50+ serum that hydrates without stickiness—strong for dehydrated skin, but Korean reviewers lean promotional. $22.10 at Olive Young — read the full review →
7. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh Rice+B5 50ml*2ea — ★ 4.9
Lightweight hydrating sunscreen with strong absorption; best for dry skin seeking moisture without greasiness. $25.47 at Olive Young — read the full review →
8. Purito Seoul Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ 60mL — ★ 4.9
Solid mid-range daily SPF with waterproof claims and a lightweight feel; worth it if you need activity-ready protection over cosmetic elegance. $17.60 at Olive Young — read the full review →
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for when choosing a Korean sunscreen for daily use?
Look for sunscreens with lightweight, non-greasy formulations that blend easily into skin and won't interfere with makeup application. Key ingredients to consider include water-resistant formulas, hydrating components like hyaluronic acid or centella asiatica, and a sun protection factor suitable for your climate and daily sun exposure. The Purito Seoul Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen is designed specifically for everyday wear with a comfortable texture.
Are Korean sunscreens suitable for sensitive or reactive skin?
Many Korean sunscreens are formulated with gentle, skin-soothing ingredients that cater to sensitive skin types. Products like the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum incorporate centella asiatica, known for its calming properties, while the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun combines rice and probiotics for a mild, nourishing approach. If you have persistent skin concerns, consult a dermatologist to find the best option for your individual needs.
Do these Korean sunscreens work well under makeup or with other skincare products?
Korean sunscreens are typically formulated to layer smoothly with other products and sit comfortably under makeup without pilling or shifting throughout the day. Water-fit and serum-type sunscreens, like the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella options, absorb quickly into skin and create a clean base for foundation application. Test application with your full skincare routine to ensure compatibility with your existing products.
Why do some of these sunscreens come in multi-packs or sets with cleansers?
Multi-packs and bundled sets offer better value for overseas shoppers by reducing per-unit costs and shipping efficiency, while also providing convenience for establishing a complete sun protection routine. Bundle options like the Purito Seoul set that includes a cleanser encourage proper skincare habits, as cleansing is essential before applying sunscreen. Larger quantities also reduce the need for frequent reordering when purchasing from international retailers.