Best Korean Sunscreens for Every Skin Type

Choosing the right sunscreen routine can be overwhelming, especially with so many options. Whether you have dry, oily, normal, or combination skin, SPF is essential for healthy, radiant skin. In this blog post, we’ll explain why SPF is crucial and how to find the right product for your skin type.

Discover the key benefits of SPF and the best sunscreens for your skin, ensuring year-round protection and a glowing complexion.

WHY DAILY SPF IS ESSENTIAL FOR HEALTHY SKIN
SPF is more than just protection from sunburn—it’s your defense against long-term skin damage. UV rays penetrate deep into the skin, causing premature aging, increasing the risk of skin cancer, and worsening hyperpigmentation over time. Daily SPF helps:

• Prevent premature aging: shields your skin from fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots
  
• Lower skin cancer risk: regular use reduces the chances of melanoma and other types of skin cancer
  
• Protect against hyperpigmentation: prevents dark spots and uneven tone from worsening

Incorporating SPF daily is a simple yet powerful habit for glowing, healthy skin.

UNDERSTANDING UV RAYS AND PA RATINGS
UV rays come in three types:

• UVA rays: cause aging and penetrate deeply into the skin. These rays are present year-round, even on cloudy days
  
• UVB rays: responsible for sunburns and contribute to skin cancer. They’re stronger in summer
  
• UVC rays: the most dangerous but are blocked by Earth's atmosphere

To fully protect your skin, use broad-spectrum sunscreen to guard against both UVA and UVB rays, preserving your skin’s health and youthful appearance.

DECODING PA RATINGS
In addition to SPF (which measures protection against UVB rays), many Korean sunscreens include a PA rating that reflects the level of protection against UVA rays:

• PA+: basic protection against UVA rays
  
• PA++: moderate protection – great for daily use
  
• PA+++: high protection – ideal for longer outdoor exposure
  
• PA++++: very high protection – perfect for sensitive skin or intense sun conditions

Together, the SPF and PA ratings help you understand how well a product will protect your skin from all angles. Always look for “broad-spectrum” on the label and choose a level of protection that suits your lifestyle, skin needs, and daily sun exposure.

CHEMICAL VS. PHYSICAL SUNSCREENS: KEY DIFFERENCES
When choosing sunscreen, it’s important to understand the two main types of filters:

Chemical sunscreens: They absorb UV rays, preventing them from penetrating the skin. Lightweight, invisible, and perfect for daily use—including under makeup—they typically last around 8 hours, so frequent reapplication isn't necessary. SKIN1004 - Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ is a great example of a chemical sunscreen, offering broad-spectrum protection while providing lightweight hydration and strengthening the skin barrier. Perfect for all skin types, it delivers a non-greasy finish and all-day comfort.

Physical (mineral) sunscreens: They reflect UV rays off the skin using ingredients like titanium dioxide or zinc oxide. Ideal for sensitive skin, they require reapplication every 2 to 3 hours for continuous protection. Dr.G - Green Mild Up Sun+ SPF50+ is a great example of a mineral sunscreen. It contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide optimal protection against UVA and UVB rays. Its gentle, lightweight formula offers long-lasting protection, making it perfect even for sensitive skin.

While Korean physical sunscreens tend to minimize white cast, they’re still more likely to leave white cast compared to Korean chemical sunscreens!

Understanding the difference helps you choose the best sunscreen for your skin type and needs.
 

BEST SPF FOR EVERY SKIN TYPE
Choosing the right SPF for your skin type is essential for optimal protection. Whether you have dry, oily, sensitive, or combination skin, there’s a sunscreen tailored to meet your needs. In the following section, we’ll guide you through the best Korean sunscreen options to keep your skin safe and healthy, no matter your skin type.

DRY SKIN
Beauty of Joseon - Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+)
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun is a moisturising sunscreen to nourish and protect the skin. It provides broad-spectrum UV protection while soothing and brightening, with no white cast perfect for dry skin.

COMBINATION TO OILY SKIN
It also comes with a lighter version Beauty of Joseon - Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 (SPF 50+), for oily and combination skin.

Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF50+
Round Lab Birch Sunscreen offers high UV protection while providing lightweight hydration with a soft, creamy texture. It blends easily with no white cast and enhances your natural glow. Ideal for combination to oily skin, it keeps skin protected, fresh, and shine-free all day.

SENSITIVE AND/OR DEHYDRATED SKIN
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel 
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Sun Gel is a creamy yet lightweight sunscreen that delivers powerful UV protection while deeply hydrating the skin with 8 types of hyaluronic acid. It soothes and strengthens the skin barrier while absorbing easily without white cast, leaving a fresh, dewy finish ideal for sensitive and dehydrated skin.

ACNE-PRONE SKIN
Numbuzin No.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence
Numbuzin No.1 Sun Essence is a lightweight sunscreen that hydrates and soothes the skin while offering strong UV protection. Its lotion texture absorbs quickly and leaves a fresh, radiant finish without clogging pores. It creates a breathable protective layer that keeps the skin moisturised all day. Ideal for acne-prone skin.

ALL SKIN TYPES
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Sunscreen SPF50+
Haruharu Wonder Airyfit Sunscreen offers SPF50+ PA++++ for strong UV protection. Its lightweight formula, enriched with black rice extract, hydrates and provides antioxidant benefits. Suitable for all skin types, it leaves no white cast and ensures smooth, nourished skin.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Daily SPF is essential for healthy, youthful skin. Whether indoors or outdoors, protecting your skin from UV rays prevents premature aging, reduces skin cancer risks, and promotes an even complexion. Choose the right sunscreen for your skin type and apply it daily, even on cloudy days.
Explore our must-have SPF products on SKINOREA and protect your skin year-round for a radiant glow!