9 Luxe Korean Sunblocks To Protect Your Skin in 2024
Enjoy the sun and protect your skin with these top Korean sunscreen products.
In the last year, the buzz around Korean skincare and Korean sunblock has skyrocketed, making them viral sensations across the globe. Beauty lovers have been drawn in by the proven results of Korean beauty and skincare products, their cutting-edge innovations, and the fact that influencers and celebs have embraced these skincare rituals.
In particular, Korean sunblock has emerged as a standout product category within the skincare industry. People are finally understanding how crucial it is to shield their skin from the sun to avoid aging too fast and lower skin cancer risks. They want sunblocks that feel light, not sticky, and protect against all kinds of UV rays. Korean brands are nailing it with sunscreens that check all these boxes – they're high in SPF, feel great on the skin, and work with any skin type, even under makeup.
Dermatologist Alok Vij explained more to The Cleveland Clinic on why Korean sunscreen is beating out U.S. products in every aspect.
“The FDA is notoriously slow when it comes to approving sunscreens,” Dr. Vij said. “In the U.S., we’re still living on products that have were approved 20 to 30 years ago. And we haven’t made a lot of progress in new approvals.” Meanwhile, Asian countries are continually trying and producing new suncare products, including SPF++++.
L'OFFICIEL has rounded up some of the best and most efficient Korean sunsblocks for you to purchase this season.
Discover the secret to protected, hydrated skin with this silky SPF 40 sunscreen. Infused with nourishing Korean herbs, this cream shields you from UV damage while enhancing skin health. Its quick-absorb formula leaves a smooth finish, perfect for layering makeup. Make it the final touch of your morning skincare routine. Just squeeze, apply evenly, and glow.
UV Daily Cream, $60, Sulwhasoo
Dive into the comfort of Relief Sun, an organic Korean sunblock that feels as light and hydrating as your favorite moisturizer. With a creamy texture that's never sticky, it applies smoothly and offers a dewy finish, perfect for reapplication throughout the day. Packed with 30% rice extract and nourishing grain fermented extracts, it's a treat for your skin, providing essential moisture and a soothing touch. This sunscreen promises a natural glow without any white residue, ensuring your makeup stays flawless. Plus, with rigorous SPF and PA testing in Korea and Spain, your skin will be well-protected and pampered.
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, $18, Beauty of Joseon
Experience the ultimate defense with this Cosrx Korean sunblock that doesn't just block UV rays but also keeps oil and sebum in check. With no white cast, enjoy this invisible protection that lets your natural skin shine.
Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+, $23, Cosrx
Embrace gentle protection with this sunscreen, infused with an essence formula that's kind to your skin. It's boosted with hyaluronic acid and vitamin D to hydrate and nourish with every application. A key feature is the 6-layer defense against mask irritation, blue light, infrared, fine dust, and harmful UVA and UVB rays.
Dr. G Green Mild Up Sun Essence, $28, Dr. G
Shield and soothe your sensitive skin with this K-beauty sunblock, offering the broadest UV protection while gently caring for your skin with its light-reflecting properties. With nutrient-rich protection including amino acids, minerals, and birch sap vitamins, this sunscreen creates a hydrating barrier, safeguarding against dryness and locking in moisture.
Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50, $28, RoundLab
Use this newly formulated sunscreen for your skin's daily shield offering SPF50+. Infused with panthenol, glacial water, and a blend of seven plant extracts to calm and cool sun-stressed skin, enjoy the instant soothing and hydrating essence of this Scinic sunscreen.
Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence, $10, YesStyle
This cruelty-free and vegan-certified Korean sunblock is kind to the skin with a gentle formula with naturally derived ingredients for a comfortable skin feel. With maximum defense, no white cast, and moisture-rich, try out Tocobo's sunscreen.
Bio Watery Sun Cream SPF50 PA++++, $22, Tocobo.
This eight-layer hyaluronic acid moisture-cooling gel is clinically proven to be nonirritating, as well as giving off a sheer, dewy texture that will keep you feeling moisturized all day. If you have dry or sensitive skin, this is the perfect Korean sunblock for you.
Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel, SPF 50+ PA++++, $24, ISNtree
