17 Best Korean Sunscreens That Leave a Transparent, Glassy Finish
These innovative, UV-protecting formulas feel more like your favorite lightweight moisturizer than a heavy, oily sunscreen.
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++
You’ll see some familiar, editor-beloved ingredients in Thank You Farmer’s Sun Project Water Sun Cream, including soothing aloe leaf and hydrating sunflower seed extracts. But this hybrid SPF, which means it contains both mineral and chemical filters (homosalate, octorylene, and titanium dioxide, to be exact), is also derm-approved as well. “Centella asiatica extract and bamboo water are two key ingredients that soothe and hydrate the skin,” Eunice Park, MD, a dual board-certified facial plastic surgeon based in Long Island, NY, and founder of AIREM says, noting that this moisturizing sunscreen is ideal for normal to dry skin types.
P.S. Dr. Park also recommends Thank You Farmer’s The Sun Essence, which is one of her favorites during the hot summer months. “It has a light, watery texture with a pearlescent finish that is ideal for normal to oily skin types,” she notes.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++
Round Lab’s Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream can easily replace the need for a separate moisturizer if you’re looking to shave off a morning skin-care step. Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, amino acids, and birch tree sap work together to deeply hydrate skin, prevent moisture loss, and minimize inflammation. “This formula really feels more akin to a lightweight moisturizer than sunscreen and doesn’t leave behind any cast whatsoever,” commerce editor Sarah Han attests.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF50+ PA++++
If you’re on beauty TikTok, chances are you’ve seen Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotic SPF50+ PA++++ all over your FYP. The viral sensation is one of the best sunscreens that we’ve tried in recent years, in part due to the glowy and healthy finish it imparts. Chock-full of nourishing ingredients such as niacinamide, rice extract, and grain-derived probiotics, this chemical, cast-free formula might just make you look forward to applying sunscreen every single day.
Neogen Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF 50/PA+++
For Dr. Ko Lamm, the Neogen Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF50/PA+++ checks all the boxes. Not only does it absorb quickly without leaving skin feeling oily or looking chalky, but it also has no fragrance and hydrates skin like a lightweight lotion. In fact, this SPF is such a hit that the K-beauty brand released the ultra-lightweight Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen, which gives you a glow unlike any other.
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36
The one and only facial sunscreen in former beauty assistant Michella Oré’s skin-care regimen is the Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen. The affordable elixir is often sold out because it’s free of parabens and feels more like a lightweight cream than a heavy, oily sunscreen. For those who wear makeup, you’ll love how Innisfree’s sunscreen doesn’t pill.
Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen
Ever since it was featured in the Allure Beauty Box, senior commerce writer Angela Trakoshis hasn’t been able to get enough of the Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen, especially since the nongreasy formula is so divine that it keeps her accountable for SPF application. “It’s got zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier that’s safe for sensitive skin, and it dries down glowy without leaving a Casper-like cast,” she says. “Whether I’m going on my daily walk or sitting by the window with my laptop, I’ll never be tempted to skip sunscreen again.”
AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++
Sometimes you can’t be bothered with a tube, especially when you’re packing and aren’t sure if your favorite sunscreen will pass the TSA check. That’s where a sunscreen stick, like the AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick, comes in extremely handy. “This sun stick has a weightless finish for easy application all over the face and body,” Dr. Park tells us, making it a versatile formula that’s perfect for targeting areas that need some extra love, like tattoos.
d’Alba Waterfull Essence Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++
Allow us to introduce you to an Allure Korea Best of Beauty Award winner: the d’Alba Waterfull Essence Sun Cream. Its clear, barely-there texture and combination of moisturizing and soothing ingredients, such as niacinamide (which can also protect skin from blue light) and white truffle, won the hearts of our Seoul-based peers.
Sulwhasoo Perfecting Cushion SPF 50+
You shouldn’t need a derm to tell you that sunscreen reapplication is of the utmost importance, especially if you decide to hit the pool or beach, but Dr. Park is here to remind you, nonetheless. Thanks to the accompanying anti-microbial puffs, “K-beauty cushion compacts make it so easy to reapply every two or three hours as recommended,” she notes. “Sulwhasoo’s Perfecting Cushion incorporates a blend of Korean herbs [including lotus and Solomon’s Seal] for a fresh, dewy finish.” (A big downside, however, is this particular formula only comes in six shades best suited for light and light-medium skin tones.)