Finding the Best Korean Sunscreens
One of the best things about Korean sunscreens? Most of the vetted products are SPF50 or higher and have a PA+++ rating or higher. (SPF, or sun protection factor, measures a product’s protection against UVB rays, or rays that cause skin to burn. PA, or protection grade of UVA, measures a product’s protection against UVA rays, or rays that can lead to skin cancer.) This means you can rest easy knowing your skin is well protected, no matter the brand you choose.
On the other hand, Korean sunscreens can vary significantly in their sunscreen filters, finishes and white cast. Learn more about choosing a sunscreen based on these factors and more below.
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Korean Sunscreens
SPF Rating
A sunscreen’s SPF rating, or sun protection factor, can help you assess the product’s potency against UVB rays. Dr. Bradley Glodny, M.D., board-certified dermatologist in New York City, previously told Us that a minimum SPF of 30 is best for protecting your skin against harmful UV rays. Fortunately, most vetted Korean sunscreens have an SPF of 50 or higher.
UVA Rating (PA)
U.S. sunscreens don’t typically have a PA rating, but most Korean sunscreens do. A PA rating can help you determine how protective a product is against UVB rays, and the rating is indicated with one to four plus signs (+). Generally, we recommend using a sunscreen that has at least a PA+++ rating.
Sunscreen Filters
Korean sunscreens often include many of the chemical (also called organic) and mineral (also called inorganic) sunscreen filters we are already familiar with, including octinoxate, octocrylene, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. However, they also include many filters that you won’t find in U.S. products, including diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, ethylhexyl triazone and methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol. This is because the U.S. has yet to approve new sunscreen filters in American products. While these new sunscreen filters don’t have the same bodies of research behind them, they tend to be lightweight and easily absorbed into the skin.
Finish
A sunscreen’s finish refers to how the product sits on the skin once it is fully dry. Korean sunscreens have a variety of finishes, including matte, natural, satin (or glowy) and dewy. Note that most Korean sunscreens have a natural to dewy finish, and a product can look more natural or more dewy depending on your skin type and skin care routine.
As a result, you may struggle to find an ideal Korean sunscreen if you have oily skin, because a dewy finish can often turn shiny. We made sure to recommend several products that work well on oily skin, though you may still need to apply a mattifying powder on top.
White Cast
While a great many Korean sunscreens use chemical UVA and UVB filters, several contain mineral filters. Any hybrid or purely mineral sunscreen has the potential to leave a mild to moderate white cast on medium to dark skin tones. So, we made sure to include several products that work well for medium to dark skin tones.
What Are the Different Types of Korean Sunscreens?
Chemical
Chemical sunscreens, also called organic sunscreens, are those that contain only chemical sunscreen filters. These filters are absorbed by the skin, where they sit and convert UV rays into heat and release them back out of the body.
Chemical sunscreens are well tolerated and easy to wear, and they don’t leave a white cast. However, studies have shown that they may be a health concern. These ingredients tend to linger in the body and may have the potential to cause cancer or harm the endocrine system. More research is needed to prove the safety or the dangers of using chemical sunscreens.
Mineral
Mineral sunscreens, also called inorganic sunscreens, are those that use physical filters to block the sun’s rays. These include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
While zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are generally considered safe by the FDA, they may pose safety risks in certain forms. They are also usually more difficult to wear, as they tend to feel heavy and create a white cast.
Hybrid
Hybrid sunscreens contain both organic and inorganic sunscreen filters. These products do an excellent job of protecting your skin against both UVA and UVB rays, and they are generally well tolerated by all skin types. Note that some hybrid Korean sunscreens may still leave a white cast.
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