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9 Best Korean Sunscreens I’ve Tested, Starting From £14
Your Korean Sunscreen FAQs, Answered:
What’s the difference between Korean sunscreens and UK & US sunscreens?
Some of the most popular K-beauty sunscreens have the advantage of using UV filters we don’t have access to in the UK or US. “Korean sunscreen filters are remarkably advanced, offering a weightless, hydrating, and natural finish that sets them apart from traditional sunscreens,” says Charlotte Cho, a licensed aesthetician. So, why aren’t they available the UK brands? “Sunscreen testing and approval processes vary globally,” says Dr. Chang. “In the US,” for example, “sunscreens are considered a drug that undergoes strict FDA testing and regulation.”
The FDA’s short list of approved sunscreen filters, which hasn’t been updated since 1999, includes ingredients like titanium dioxide or octinoxate but excludes many of the options available in other countries. To keep products on store shelves in the UK or US, many Korean skincare brands have reformulated their products with FDA-compliant filters to be sold over-the-counter (OTC) in the States. Pair them with Korean skin-care products you can always find in American retailers, like the best Korean moisturisers, retinols, and best CosRx products.
Do dermatologists recommend Korean sunscreens?
Yes, dermatologists we spoke with recommend Korean sunscreen, though the SPF of 30 or higher, ideally SPF 50 is most important. Choosing the right sunscreen also depends on your skin type, according to Rachel Nazarian, MD and board-certified dermatologist at Schweiger Dermatology. If you have oily skin, Dr. Nazarian says to look out for formulas that are oil-free and noncomedogenic, while dry skin types will benefit most from formulas with hyaluronic acid or ceramides.
“For people who have sensitive skin (including babies, children, or those with rosacea or allergies to the ingredients in chemical sunscreens), I love to recommend mineral sunscreens,” she adds. These formulas are typically tinted (and may sometimes leave a cast behind) but are good for people wanting to block visible light from sun exposure.
While Dr. Chang and Cho recognise the appeal of Korean sunscreen SPF filters, there are still plenty of great FDA-approved K-beauty sunscreen brands. Dr. Chang says that these formulas offer the “multifunctional” benefits K-beauty is known for, “combining UV-blocking ingredients with active ingredients that have other skin benefits, like moisturising, brightening, free radical fighting, and anti-ageing properties.” They also feature broad-spectrum protection, meaning they protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Rest assured, this list still features formulas that feel light and easy to wear, no matter your skin type.