After Testing Them All, I Can Confirm Sunscreen Doesn't Come Better Than These Korean Formulas
Korean sunscreen is having a moment this summer. No, this isn't a new skincare trend, but with more and more of us understanding the importance of wearing the best facial SPF on a daily basis, there is certainly an increased appetite for effective sunscreens that don't feel greasy or oily on the skin.
Enter, the best Korean sunscreens on the market. These formulas are incredible when it comes to delivering lightweight sun protection alongside a whole host of skincare benefits. As someone with a big interest in Korean skincare, I've been busy testing some of the most popular sunscreens, from tinted SPF formulas to sunscreen sticks and more. Plus, I've spoken to a range of experts to find out what makes these formulas so good. You're welcome.
I've been testing the best Korean sunscreens.
Is Korean Sunscreen Better Than Western Sunscreen?First things first, I wanted to explore why Korean sunscreen formulas are so popular. This could definitely be put down to the importance of SPF becoming more prevalent within the beauty community, but one question that I have been getting asked a lot as a beauty editor is whether Korean sunscreen is actually better than Western sunscreen. While this totally comes down to personal preference, I was keen to get expert opinions on whether Korean sunscreens can be considered "better" than other sunscreen formulas.
"Korean sunscreen filters are so advanced, it hardly feels like a traditional sunscreen texture as they are often weightless, hydrating and provide a natural finish," says Charlotte Cho, esthetician and co-founder of Korean skincare brand Then I Met You.
Yes, Korean sunscreen formulas are a cut above the rest, but there's no denying that Western sunscreens have come a long way in recent years. Because of this, it's hard to say whether the answer lies just in the products themselves.
According to Sumin Lee, founder of bestselling Korean skincare brand Beauty of Joseon, it's also the attitude towards sunscreen that differs. "The difference between Korean and Western sunscreens lies less in the UV filters and more in the way sun protection is integrated into daily skincare," explains Lee. "In Korea, sunscreen is widely viewed as a natural extension of one’s skincare routine—used year-round, every day and expected to deliver not just protection but also comfort. While sun protection has traditionally been treated as a more functional category in some Western markets, there’s a growing trend toward formulas that emphasise skincare benefits, wearability, and daily use. The beauty philosophies of East and West continue to influence one another, and it’s exciting to see this cross-pollination driving innovation on both sides."
If you want to give a Korean sunscreen a go, I thought it would be handy to ask the experts what to look out for in an effective formula. As explained to me by Lee, when it comes to Korean sunscreens, you are generally in good hands, but there are a few things you can keep an eye on.
"When shopping for a good Korean sunscreen, [you want to] make sure the sunscreen has broad spectrum protection [against] UVA and UVB," says Cho. "Look for Korean sunscreens that also feature extra [skincare] benefits such as cica for soothing and calming the skin."
As mentioned above, Korean suncreen formulas are usually super lightweight, but Lee recommends going for a chemical suncreen if you want that signature breathable feel. "Physical (mineral) sunscreen formulas tend to be less dominant in this market," she explains.
Finally, Lee says to always check for clinical backing on the listed SPF and PA ratings. "Good brands will be transparent about their testing data."
Can You Buy Korean Sunscreen in the UK?If, like me, you're pretty excited about trying a Korean sunscreen out, the best news is that a lot of brands are now available at major retailers around the UK. I was lucky enough to get my hands on some of the most popular formulas, so keep on scrolling to see how I got on when testing Korean sunscreens myself.
The Best Korean Sunscreen, Tried & TestedAt Who What Wear UK, we know that beauty isn’t one-size-fits-all. Our editors have tested thousands of products, including skincare, makeup, hair and nails, over the years and work closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, make-up artists and leading industry insiders—to ensure every guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver, whether they’re affordable favourites or luxury investments. Our product selection is based on tangible results, ingredient know-how and what we’d truly recommend to a friend.
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