#SkinSchool: The best Korean SPFs—and why they should be on your radar

Experts agree that the very best sun protection—whether it is sun creams for body or SPF for face—are the ones you love wearing, but there is no denying that some sunscreens are simply a cut above the rest. If Australian sunscreens are superior due to strict formulation regulations down under, Korean ones are revered for being trailblazers when it comes to elegant textures, and the Western world is only just catching up.

Bazaar's favourite Korean sunscreens

Best for combination skin: COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA++, £25.99 (₹2,870)

Best for dry skin: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF30, £22 (₹2,429)

Best for everyday: Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50, £22 (₹2,429)

Best tinted sunscreen: Dr. Jart+ BB Premium Beauty Balm SPF50, £37 (₹4,085)

Best for travel: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick SPF30, £27 (₹2,981)

What makes Korean SPFs different?

Rather than a heavy cream, K-Beauty SPF formulas are often milkier and more liquid in texture.

"Korean sunscreens incorporate innovative newer generation chemical filters such as Tinosorb S, Tinosorb M, and Uvinul A Plus, which provide broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays," says Dr Jinah Yoo, consultant dermatologist at Maylin x Jinah Yoo Dermatology. "These filters are known for their stability and effectiveness, which provide high protection while maintaining a lightweight texture that gives a natural finish with no white cast."

The formulas also often combine both chemical and physical filters to maximise protection.

What are the benefits of Korean SPFs?

The EU and UK has strict sunscreen regulations, so anything available here is technically effective when it comes to shielding the skin. Which means no matter what sunblock you use, the most important thing is that you are using the right amount and re-applying them every single day.

The benefit of Korean SPFs lie in its elegant textures, which makes application (and re-application) a pleasant experience. The silky formula sinks instantly into skin and wears just like a moisturiser - no heavy, chalky feel here.

Adds Dr Yoo, "Many Korean SPFs incorporate centella asiatica for soothing, niacinamide for brightening or hyaluronic acid for hydration. These ingredients not only protect the skin from UV damage but also enhance overall skin health by tackling issues such as inflammation and hyperpigmentation."

How inclusive are Korean SPFs?

Clear formulas will suit all skin tones as they are known to provide an invisible veil of protection. However, tinted Korean SPFs do skew much lighter and are often available in a limited shade range. As Korean sunscreens continue to make their mark globally, we hope to see much-needed improvement with its tinted offering.

Ahead, the very best Korean SPFs for every skin type:

Best for combination skin

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++

The silky liquid texture of this sunscreen wears like second skin and leaves no white cast behind. Combination skin types will appreciate how the formula will not clog pores or appear greasy by midday. The gentle scent of aloe feels refreshing in warm weather, too.

Best for dry skin

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF30

Unless you are sensitive to scents in skincare, this formula performs beautifully for reactive skin types as it contains soothing cica and green tea. The hydrating formula leaves the complexion looking radiant and feeling comfortable.

Best for everyday

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF50

This K-Beauty brand prioritises a healthy skin barrier, so it comes as no surprise that its sunscreen (key for defending the dermis from the elements) is a pleasure to use. The elegant texture melts seamlessly into skin, imbuing it with plenty of glow and hydration alongside factor 50 protection.

Best tinted sunscreen

Dr Jart+ BB Premium Beauty Balm SPF50

For days where you need just a gentle amount of coverage, try Dr Jart+'s all-in-one tinted SPF. It blurs blemishes and evens out the complexion, and feels especially lovely on drier skin types (those who are oily may need some powder to mattify). The downside is its limited shade range, but the sheer finish is flexible for many skin tones.

We would always recommend using a separate sunscreen before applying an SPF-infused make-up base in order to be fully protected.

Best for travel

Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Balm Sunscreen Stick SPF30

A stick sunscreen is always handy to apply while travelling. This clear stick by Korean-American brand Glow Recipe glides on smoothly and is completely invisible on skin. It's useful for applying onto the delicate lip area, too, and the packaging is light enough to throw into every bag.

Best for dry and sensitive skin

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+

If it's a nourishing formula you're after, this social media-sensation will do the job. The creamy texture goes on like a dream on parched complexions and it contains rice extract to calm any irritation and niacinamide to encourage hydration.

Lead image credit: The brands 

This article originally appeared in Harper's Bazaar/UK in August 2024 

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