Protect your skin without the sticky feel or chalky finish.
When it comes to sunscreen, K-beauty always leads the way in innovation. Whether you’re dealing with dry patches, oily shine, or sensitive skin, the best Korean sunscreens of 2025 offer lightweight protection, hydrating ingredients, and zero white cast making them perfect for everyday wear under makeup or on bare skin.
Here are the top 10 Korean sunscreens that truly deliver on comfort, performance, and cosmetic elegance.
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1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 40
Why it’s a favorite: A viral favorite that continues to impress in 2025, this sunscreen feels like a hydrating moisturizer and melts into the skin with no greasiness or cast. Ideal for daily wear.
Key Ingredients: Rice extract, niacinamide, probiotics, glycerin
Pros:
✓ Silky, lotion-like texture
✓ Hydrating and barrier-supporting
✓ No white cast even on medium to deeper skin tones
✓ Comfortable under makeup
Cons:
✗ Can be too dewy for oily or humid climates
✗ Some find the newer SPF 40 version slightly different in finish from the original SPF 50
Best for: Normal to dry skin, dull or dehydrated complexions
Price: ~$18
Texture: Creamy, moisturizing lotion
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 40
2. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
Why it’s a favorite: This ultra-hydrating gel sunscreen quenches dry skin while offering strong protection.
- Key Ingredients: 8 types of hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, niacinamide
- Pros:
✓ Gel texture sinks in fast
✓ Feels like a hydrating serum
✓ Great under makeup - Cons:
✗ Can feel slippery in humid weather
Best for: Dehydrated or dry-combo skin
Price: ~$19
Texture: Watery gel
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
3. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
Why it’s a favorite: A go-to for sensitive skin, this sunscreen soothes, hydrates, and protects without irritation.
- Key Ingredients: Birch sap, panthenol, niacinamide
- Pros:
✓ Soothing and non-sticky
✓ Great for redness-prone skin
✓ Doesn’t pill under makeup - Cons:
✗ May feel too light for very dry skin types
Best for: Sensitive, combo skin
Price: ~$22
Texture: Lightweight lotion
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
4. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-fit Suncream Plus
Why it’s a favorite: This mineral sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection with a semi-matte, non-greasy finish, perfect for oily and combination skin. It also soothes irritation, thanks to calming Centella-based ingredients.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, Centella asiatica extract, niacinamide, madecassoside
Pros:
✓ Soft-blurring, primer-like finish
✓ Soothes redness and irritation
✓ Fragrance is light and non-irritating for most
✓ No greasy residue or stickiness
Cons:
✗ Slight white cast may appear on deeper skin tones
✗ Pump can be finicky
✗ May feel a bit drying on very dry skin
Best for: Oily, sensitive, or combo skin
Price: ~$13–$14
Texture: Light, creamy-matte lotion
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-fit Suncream Plus
5. ETUDE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA++++
Why it’s a favorite: This 100% mineral sunscreen offers powerful sun protection in a featherlight, matte formula that’s perfect for oily or sensitive skin types. Bonus: no sticky residue, even in hot weather.
Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, aloe vera, acai berry, and centella extract
Pros:
✓ Matte and non-greasy finish
✓ Doesn’t clog pores or sting sensitive skin
✓ Long-lasting and sweat-resistant
✓ Fragrance-free and great under makeup
Cons:
✗ May leave a slight white cast on deeper skin tones
✗ Can feel drying for dry skin types
✗ Smaller size (55ml) compared to some competitors
Best for: Oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin
Price: ~$18
Texture: Lightweight, milk-like fluid with a matte finish
ETUDE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+ PA++++
6. Makeprem UV Defense Me. VEGAN Daily Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
Why it’s a favorite: Known for its skin-barrier-safe formulations, this chemical sunscreen glides on like a light moisturizer and leaves skin feeling soothed, not sticky. Perfect for sensitive or dry skin types.
Key Ingredients: Niacinamide, panthenol, madecassoside, hyaluronic acid
Pros:
✓ Fragrance-free and alcohol-free—ideal for sensitive skin
✓ No white cast
✓ Moisturizing but not greasy
✓ Doesn’t pill or interfere with makeup
Cons:
✗ Not waterproof
✗ Slightly dewy finish may not suit oily skin in humid weather
Best for: Dry, sensitive, or reactive skin
Price: ~$20–$25
Texture: Lightweight, hydrating essence-lotion
Makeprem UV Defense Me. VEGAN Daily Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
7. Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+ SPF 50+ PA++++
Why it’s a favorite: Mineral-based but completely non-chalky, this sunscreen is ideal for ultra-sensitive skin.
- Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, madecassoside, calming botanical extracts
- Pros:
✓ Reef-safe and physical-only
✓ Anti-redness and cooling
✓ Matte, smooth finish - Cons:
✗ Can cling to dry patches if not prepped
Best for: Sensitive or redness-prone skin
Price: ~$18
Texture: Creamy matte
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+ SPF 50+ PA++++
8. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 PA+++
Why it’s a favorite: This budget-friendly pick is beloved for casual, everyday sun protection with no fuss.
- Key Ingredients: Green tea, sunflower seed oil, cica
- Pros:
✓ Easy to apply
✓ Subtle hydration
✓ Great under makeup - Cons:
✗ Lower SPF compared to others on the list
✗ Not water-resistant
Best for: Normal to dry skin on light sun days
Price: ~$18
Texture: Lotion
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 PA+++
9. Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF 50+ PA++++
Why it’s a favorite: Perfect for on the go, this sunstick glides on with a silky finish no mess, no stickiness.
- Key Ingredients: Ceramides, centella, rosemary leaf extract
- Pros:
✓ Compact and travel-friendly
✓ Smooth, invisible finish
✓ Won’t smudge makeup - Cons:
✗ Not ideal as your only layer for full beach days
Best for: Touch ups or sunscreen reapplication
Price: ~$17
Texture: Balm stick
Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar SPF 50+ PA++++
10. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++
Why it’s a favorite: A longtime K-beauty fan favorite, this sunscreen blends hydration and protection with a barely-there feel.
- Key Ingredients: African walnut oil, bamboo water, lotus extract
- Pros:
✓ Soft-focus finish
✓ Excellent under foundation
✓ Great scent (mild) - Cons:
✗ Contains fragrance
✗ May not suit very oily skin
Best for: Dry to normal skin
Price: ~$18
Texture: Watery lotion
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++
Final Thoughts
Korean sunscreens continue to lead in 2025 combining advanced UV filters, hydrating skincare ingredients, and makeup-friendly finishes that put thick, greasy formulas to shame.
Whether you’re after a glowy serum-type, a matte mineral, or a daily multitasker, there’s a perfect K-sunscreen on this list for your skin type and routine.