Ranking of the best Korean sunscreens for 2024

A beautiful, even tan without peeling and redness is not an advertising slogan, but a reality available to everyone when using the right sunscreen. Modern sunscreens provide maximum protection from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation while sunbathing, leaving you with only a beautiful golden complexion. Below we will talk about Korean sunscreens.

What you need to know about sunscreen to choose the right one

Before choosing a remedy for solar radiation, let's figure out what it is and why it harms us. All solar radiation is divided into 3 types of rays: A, B and C. C-rays are absorbed by the ozone layer and do not affect us. B-rays affect the surface layer of the skin, causing it to redden, and with prolonged exposure even burns. Most dangerous during periods of minimum cloud cover. It is thanks to them that a tan is formed. A-rays are the most insidious - there are no obstacles for them, they penetrate through clouds, clothes. Their danger lies in the fact that they affect deeper layers, causing cellular aging, the formation of wrinkles, allergic reactions, and in the worst case, skin cancer. Dangerous all year round. Therefore, when choosing sunscreen products, one must consider their ability to protect against both types of rays.

So, in order to ensure your skin is as safe as possible in the sun and at the same time not harm it, when buying a sunscreen, it is important to consider the following points:

• phototype.

Depending on this characteristic, the degree of protection is selected. The figure clearly shows 6 phototypes according to Fitzpatrick: characteristic color of skin, hair, eyes.

The closer your phototype is to one, the more you need to protect yourself from the sun.

• SPF (Sun Protection Factor) - sun protection factor. It is responsible for the rays of the B spectrum (UVB).

The SPF digital index shows how long the cream will protect you from sunburn. For example, without special products, your skin turns red in the sun after 5 minutes. When using a cream with SPF10 +, redness should not appear within 50 minutes. There are products on sale with a solar protection factor from 2 to 50. Of course, these indicators are largely arbitrary and depend on your phototype. The lighter the skin, the higher the index is needed. The SPF level is also selected taking into account the strength of the sun, the duration of being under its rays. It's important to remember that SPF only protects against type B rays.

• PA (Protection Grade of UVA) - an indicator of protection against A spectrum rays (UVA).

This indicator is used by Asian manufacturers. The more pluses (maximum 4) there are near the index, the more you are shielded from the A rays. For European manufacturers, UVA protection is designated by the abbreviation PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) or IPD (Immediate Pigment Darkening).

• filters.

Sanskrins acquire their protective properties thanks to the filters included in the composition. They are physical and chemical.

Physical filters act as a kind of shield and reflect UVA and UVB. The most commonly encountered are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They are not absorbed and therefore do not cause any harmful effects. They act immediately after application. Products based on them are suitable for children and people with sensitive skin. Of their disadvantages, whitening of tone can be distinguished because of their dense structure, as well as non-water resistance.

Chemical filters, unlike previous ones, absorb UV radiation and prevent it from penetrating deep. Manufacturers use a huge number of different chemical filters, each of which affects the skin to one degree or another. Of the advantages, it is worth highlighting a high degree of protection, water resistance, light consistency, no smell. Of the most important drawbacks, it is worth highlighting that one filter cannot protect against both types of rays, you need to choose a combination of them. The next disadvantage is that they can cause allergic reactions, clogged pores. They begin to act only 20-30 minutes after application. The most common ones, in order of the safest, are: butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane, benzophenone, Oxybenzone, homosalate, OCTISALATE, Octylmethoxycinnamate.

At the same time, you need to know what a combination of physical and chemical filters fully protects from harmful solar radiation.

• water resistance.

An irreplaceable parameter, especially for active recreation on the water.

• composition.

In addition to the filters included in the composition, it is worth paying attention to other components. Ideally, there should be no silicones, alcohol, parabens. The presence of plant extracts is encouraged, which will have a caring effect: moisturize, relieve inflammation and irritation. Some manufacturers include collagen and hyaluronic acid for a smoothing effect.

Today in our ranking we take a look at the best sunscreens from the most popular Korean manufacturers. We divided all the products considered below into 2 groups: for the face and those that can be used for the face and body. For convenience, we have arranged them in ascending order of price, although this is not a factor in determining product quality.

Best sunscreens for face

3W Clinic UV Snail Day Sun Cream

The manufacturer positions this sanskrin not only as an effective product against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (protection degree SPF 50+ PA +++), but also as a care product. Thanks to the extracts of medicinal plants and snail secretion included in the composition, the cream moisturizes, soothes irritations, promotes the production of collagen and smooths the microrelief. A combination of physical and chemical filters provides protection from the negative effects of solar radiation: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. The cream has a dense consistency, but despite this it is easy to apply without leaving a very noticeable oily sheen and the feeling of a mask on the face. Visibly evens and brightens the complexion.

Volume - 70 ml.

Cost - from 490 rubles.

• foil membrane for tamper evident;
• it contains a lot of plant extracts, shea butter, as well as snail secret;
• contains panthenol;
• dries up rashes and small acne;
• effectively protects against UV.

• individual components can cause allergies, so it is necessary to test the cream in a small area;
• obsessive characteristic smell of tanning products.

The Saem Eco Earth Power Tone Up Sun Cream

Sunscreen from the Eco Earth Power series from the popular Korean brand The Saem. It is SPF 50+ PA ++++ and offers full protection against UV A and UV B rays. A distinctive feature of this Sanskrin is the presence in the composition of only physical filters - zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, due to which a whitening effect is achieved. The light texture of the cream ensures its even application and distribution.It behaves great under makeup - it does not flow. At the same time, not only protects the skin from the sun, but also mattifies it, evening out the tone. Zinc oxide has an antiseptic effect, preventing breakouts.

Volume - 50 ml.

Cost - from 730 rubles.

• contains only physical (natural) filters;
• suitable for children;
• has antiseptic properties;
• waterproof;
• provides an even tan without redness and burning;
• has a matting effect;
• after application, there is no sticky or oily film on the face;
• a large number of plant components in the composition.

• no foil membrane to control the first opening;
• whitens, which is not suitable for owners of dark skin (there will be a clear contrast between the face and body);
• some of the components can cause clogged pores and dryness;
• small volume.

Missha All Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun SPF 50

The company offers the buyer a series of sunscreens - All Around Safe Block Sun, which not only protect the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays, but also moisturize it. They are all water resistant. From this we chose a cream with the highest protection SPF 50+ PA +++, which is provided by titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Like all previous products, this is packaged in a plastic tube with a long spout for economical consumption and convenient dispensing. The consistency is quite dense and oily, but when applied, it spreads easily and is quickly absorbed. A little shine remains at the finish. Does not conflict with decorative cosmetics and perfectly mattes with powder. The composition contains a large number of plant extracts that have a caring effect.

Owners of oily skin should pay attention to the All Around Safe Block Sebum Zero Sun SPF50 + / PA +++ cream from the same series. It is lighter and does not leave a greasy finish.

Volume - 50 ml.

Cost - from 1490 rubles.

• maximum protection from the sun;
• only physical filters;
• suitable for children;
• waterproof;
• a lot of plant components in the composition;
• fits well under cosmetics;
• suitable for outdoor activities on the water;
• pleasant floral scent.

• oily sheen;
• some of the components may be allergenic.

Blithe airy sunscreen

Light and airy sunscreen with high protection SPF 50+ PA ++++. Safe physical filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide protect against ultraviolet A and B rays. The cream brightens the skin, evens out its tone. The herbal ingredients (bergamot, lavender, geranium, basil, orange peel, etc.) soothe irritations, control sebum production, and tone up. Panthenol is a component responsible for additional hydration and regeneration. The consistency of the product is very light, reminiscent of milk. Thanks to this, it spreads well and is quickly absorbed.

Volume - 50 ml.

Cost - from 2400 rubles.

• only physical filters;
• can be used to protect baby skin;
• rich composition of plant components;
• contains panthenol;
• light texture does not leave a greasy and sticky mask;
• moisturized and velvety skin after applying the product;
• as a result of application, an even tone is obtained, which does not require the use of additional tinting agents.

• the composition contains components that can cause clogged pores and an allergic reaction;
• expensive.

As a conclusion, we note that in order for the sun to bring only a beautiful light tan and not cause any harm, you must always use a sunscreen, even if you are not going to the beach. Consider your phototype, features of solar activity in your region, carefully read the composition - all this, and our rating will help you make the right choice.

Best sunscreens for face and body

Farmstay aloe vera perfect

The cream is packed in a plastic tube with a tapered spout. Thanks to the soft plastic and the shape of the spout, it is convenient to squeeze and dispense. There is a foil-clad membrane as protection against tampering.From the description given by the manufacturer, the following can be distinguished: protects against the effects of UV A and B types, moisturizes and soothes the skin, maintains its firmness and elasticity. It contains aloe extract that fights inflammation and irritation while toning and smoothing the skin. The cream is labeled SPF 50+ and PA +++, which indicates the maximum degree of protection against the negative effects of the sun. Combines physical (titanium dioxide) and chemical (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) filters.

Volume - 70 ml.

Cost - from 335 rubles.

• light milk-like texture;
• absorbed without leaving a greasy film feeling;
• does not cause eye irritation;
• pleasant unobtrusive smell;
• visibly moisturizes;
• regular use helps to avoid the appearance of pigmentation;
• herbal ingredients in the composition;
• optimal price / quality ratio.

• exaggerated anti-aging effect;
• some components of the composition can cause an allergic reaction.

Deoproce Defense

Sunscreen with light toning effect from Deoproce. The manufacturer guarantees not only full sun protection (SPF 50+ PA +++), but also contributes to the production of collagen, increases the firmness and elasticity of the skin, its faster recovery and renewal. Also prevents the appearance of freckles and other pigmentation. Titanium dioxide is used as a physical filter, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate acts as a chemical filter. The product is packaged in a flat plastic tube with a long spout for easy dispensing. The cream has a light texture and differs from others in its beige tone, i.e. also serves as a BB cream, leveling the tone.

Volume - 70 ml.

Cost - from 445 rubles.

• evens out and brightens the tone;
• easy to distribute;
• contains vegetable oils and extracts (macadamia, jojoba);
• fits well under tone-leveling products;
• effectively protects against the negative effects of exposure to the sun;
• prevents the appearance of pigmentation.

• leaves shine and greasy film;
• obsessive smell;
• not the safest composition.

TONY MOLY UV Master

Cream with a high protection factor against UV rays of both types (SPF 50+ PA +++), which is achieved by the action of two physical and two chemical filters. Has a milky consistency. Thanks to this, it is well distributed. The light and airy texture of the cream spreads perfectly without clogging the pores or leaving a sticky and greasy finish. In addition, this sunscreen is waterproof and perfect for outdoor activities on the water. Packaged in a flat tube made of soft matte plastic. The special composition not only protects against the negative effects of the sun, but also prevents the appearance of age spots, relieves inflammation and promotes early regeneration. Some cooling effect is noted.

Volume 50 ml.

Cost - from 1095 rubles.

• complete UV protection thanks to the combination of two types of filters;
• waterproof;
• suitable for long outdoor activities even in strong sun;
• no stickiness and noticeable fat content after absorption;
• moisturizes, relieves inflammation, promotes rapid regeneration.

• chemical filters in the composition can cause an allergic reaction;
• may leak into the cover.

Holika Holika Aloe Waterproof

Holika Holika Sunscreen is a gel with maximum UV protection (SPF 50+ PA ++++), which is achieved through physical and chemical filters in the composition. In addition, it contains extracts of aloe, sunflower, grapes and other plants that have a moisturizing, toning and soothing effect. Like the above products, this cream-gel is packaged in a flat plastic tube with a thin nose. The custom creamy-gel texture ensures easy application and quick distribution of the cream on the skin. Doesn't conflict with makeup and behaves well under makeup.

Volume - 100 ml.

Cost - from 1290 rubles.

• there is a foil membrane to control the first opening;
• tangible moisturizing effect;
• economical consumption;
• unusual gel-like consistency is well distributed and absorbed quickly without leaving stickiness;
• large volume;
• suitable for face and body.

• noticeable shine after application;
• some ingredients may not be suitable for sensitive skin.

The choice of a Korean sunscreen must be made based on your phototype, the tendency of the skin to be oily, as well as the conditions where the product will be used.