The Best Korean Sunscreens

How we chose: we read Google’s first page for “korean sunscreen” and “best korean sunscreen”, the Reddit threads it ranks, Consumer Reports’ 2026 test, and the current US labels of 54 sunscreens from Korean brands, mostly on DailyMed, the National Library of Medicine’s database of FDA labels. We kept Broad Spectrum SPF 30 or higher, no fragrance and no drying alcohol, and left out the formulas Consumer Reports measured far below their label. We did not test them on skin. Our method

The best Korean sunscreen for your face, by skin type

• Everyday, most skin types: Medicube Collagen Glow, SPF 50.
• Oily or combination skin: Anua Invisible Matte Finish, water-free and matte.
• Dry skin: Fully Rice Ceramide Moisture or Medicube Collagen Glow.
• Sensitive skin: AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical, zinc oxide only.
• Redness: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral, a green-tinted zinc oxide.
• A light serum or gel: Innisfree Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum or Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel.
• Under makeup: Anua Invisible Matte Finish, which Anua says works as a makeup base, or Innisfree Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum.
• Reapplying over makeup, or swimming: Abib Airy Sunstick, water resistant for 80 minutes.

Best overall: Medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50

Best overall

Check price at Amazon: Medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)

2.7% avobenzone, 13.6% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate and 9% octocrylene, SPF 50, with ceramide NP, squalane and niacinamide. No fragrance and no drying alcohol.

• Chemical only
• SPF 50
• Untinted
• No added fragrance

Good for: Medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50

• Everyday wear, alone or under makeup
• Normal to dry skin
• A US formula made in Korea

Skip it if: Medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50

• You swim or sweat: it is not water resistant
• You want less homosalate: it has 13.6%

Label facts for Medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50

UV filters

Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 13.6%, octisalate 4.5% and octocrylene 9%

Filter type

Chemical only

SPF

50, as the name states

Tint

Untinted

Water resistant

No

Added fragrance

None listed

Drying alcohol

None listed

Supporting

Ceramides, niacinamide, squalane, centella, hyaluronic acid and peptides

Cruelty-free certified

No

Read from the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. US sunscreens print each UV filter’s percentage; their other ingredients may be listed alphabetically, so these label facts report only whether something is there. Formulas change; check your box. Cruelty-free certification: the Leaping Bunny and Cruelty Free International directories on October 6, 2026.

Why we picked it: Medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50

The US carton prints four FDA-listed filters, SPF 50 and “Made in Korea”; the 34-ingredient list behind them adds ceramide NP, squalane, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Medicube sells it as “No Cast Just Glow”, and Allure picked it in July 2026 as its plumping Korean sunscreen.

It is not one of the US formulas Consumer Reports tested (below), and like every pick here its SPF is the brand’s own test. Its homosalate, 13.6%, is close to the 15% the FDA allows (FDA).

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50

• 13.6% homosalate, near the US limit.
• Not water resistant.

Medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50

Check price at Amazon: Medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)

Medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50 ingredients (full list of 34, UV filters marked)

Active ingredients: Homosalate 13.6%, Octocrylene 9.0%, Octisalate 4.5%, Avobenzone 2.7%

Inactive ingredients: WATER, BUTYLOCTYL SALICYLATE, PROPANEDIOL, SILICA, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, CAPRYLYL METHICONE, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, POLYGLYCERYL-3 DISTEARATE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, POLY C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE, TROMETHAMINE, POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, SODIUM STEAROYL GLUTAMATE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERYL STEARATE CITRATE, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, XANTHAN GUM, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, CYANOCOBALAMIN, NIACINAMIDE, CERAMIDE NP, SQUALANE, TOCOPHEROL, HYDROLYZED COLLAGEN, ASIATICOSIDE, MADECASSIC ACID, ASIATIC ACID, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, HYALURONIC ACID, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, SOLUBLE COLLAGEN, ACETYL HEXAPEPTIDE-8

As printed on the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. The list printed on your box is the one that counts.

Best Korean sunscreen for oily skin: Anua Invisible Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50

Best Korean sunscreen for oily skin

Check price at Amazon: Anua Invisible Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)

2.7% avobenzone, 6.6% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate and 5% octocrylene, SPF 50, in a water-free silicone and oil base. No fragrance and no drying alcohol.

• Chemical only
• SPF 50
• Untinted
• No added fragrance

Good for: Anua Invisible Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50

• Oily or combination skin
• A matte finish, or a base under makeup
• Shine control through the day

Skip it if: Anua Invisible Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50

• Dry skin
• You swim or sweat: it is not water resistant

Label facts for Anua Invisible Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50

UV filters

Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 6.6%, octisalate 4.5% and octocrylene 5%

Filter type

Chemical only

SPF

50, as the name states

Tint

Untinted

Water resistant

No

Added fragrance

None listed

Drying alcohol

None listed

Supporting

Centella and vitamin E

Cruelty-free certified

No

Read from the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. US sunscreens print each UV filter’s percentage; their other ingredients may be listed alphabetically, so these label facts report only whether something is there. Formulas change; check your box. Cruelty-free certification: the Leaping Bunny and Cruelty Free International directories on October 6, 2026.

Why we picked it: Anua Invisible Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50

The list starts with isododecane, a light, fast-evaporating oil, and has no water at all; polymethylsilsesquioxane, a silicone powder, is there to soak up shine. Anua says it works as a makeup base (Anua).

Its carton says made in Korea by Cosmax, a company that makes products for many brands. Anua’s Zero-Cast is a different story: its US carton says made in the USA (below).

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Anua Invisible Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50

• Made to mattify, so it may feel dry on dry skin.
• Not water resistant.

Anua Invisible Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50

Check price at Amazon: Anua Invisible Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)

Anua Invisible Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50 ingredients (full list of 18, UV filters marked)

Active ingredients: Avobenzone 2.7%, Homosalate 6.6%, Octisalate 4.5%, Octocrylene 5.0%

Inactive ingredients: Isododecane, Isopropyl Palmitate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Polyamide-8, Isohexadecane, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Benzotriazolyl Dodecyl p-Cresol, Dextrin Palmitate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Polyamide-3, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Tocopherol, Asiaticoside, Madecassic Acid, Asiatic Acid

As printed on the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. The list printed on your box is the one that counts.

Best Korean sunscreen for dry skin: Fully Rice Ceramide Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50

Best Korean sunscreen for dry skin

Check price at Amazon: Fully Rice Ceramide Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)

2.7% avobenzone, 13.6% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate and 9% octocrylene, SPF 50, with ceramide NP, rice bran oil and panthenol. No fragrance and no drying alcohol.

• Chemical only
• SPF 50
• Untinted
• No added fragrance

Good for: Fully Rice Ceramide Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50

• Dry or dehydrated skin
• A moisturizer-like cream
• A vegan formula (a mark on its carton)

Skip it if: Fully Rice Ceramide Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50

• Oily skin that wants matte
• You want less homosalate: it has 13.6%

Label facts for Fully Rice Ceramide Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50

UV filters

Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 13.6%, octisalate 4.5% and octocrylene 9%

Filter type

Chemical only

SPF

50, as the name states

Tint

Untinted

Water resistant

No

Added fragrance

None listed

Drying alcohol

None listed

Supporting

Ceramides, panthenol and vitamin E

Cruelty-free certified

No

Read from the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. US sunscreens print each UV filter’s percentage; their other ingredients may be listed alphabetically, so these label facts report only whether something is there. Formulas change; check your box. Cruelty-free certification: the Leaping Bunny and Cruelty Free International directories on October 6, 2026.

Why we picked it: Fully Rice Ceramide Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50

A moisturizing base: ceramide NP, rice bran oil and panthenol, with no fragrance and no drying alcohol. Its four filters match, percentage for percentage, those of SKIN1004’s US Water-Fit Sun Serum, the US version of the Korean sunscreen Reddit users praise most (see also considered).

Fully is a Seoul brand (Adapt Inc.); its carton says made in Korea.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Fully Rice Ceramide Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50

• 13.6% homosalate, near the US limit.
• Not water resistant.

Fully Rice Ceramide Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50

Check price at Amazon: Fully Rice Ceramide Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)

Fully Rice Ceramide Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50 ingredients (full list of 26, UV filters marked)

Active ingredients: Avobenzone 2.7%, Homosalate 13.6%, Octisalate 4.5%, Octocrylene 9.0%

Inactive ingredients: WATER, BUTYLOCTYL SALICYLATE, PROPANEDIOL, C20-22 ALKYL PHOSPHATE, SILICA, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, C20-22 ALCOHOLS, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, PENTYLENE GLYCOL, PANTHENOL, METHYL TRIMETHICONE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, GLYCERYL STEARATE, VP/EICOSENE COPOLYMER, TROMETHAMINE, POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, METHYLPROPANEDIOL, POLYETHER-1, CERAMIDE NP, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN OIL, TOCOPHEROL, ORYZA SATIVA (RICE) BRAN WATER, BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1

As printed on the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. The list printed on your box is the one that counts.

Best Korean mineral sunscreen: AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver.3 SPF 50+

Best Korean mineral sunscreen

Check price at Amazon: AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver.3 SPF 50+ (paid link, opens in a new tab)

17% zinc oxide as the only filter, SPF 50+, with niacinamide and squalane. No fragrance and no drying alcohol.

• Mineral only
• SPF 50+
• Untinted
• No added fragrance

Good for: AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver.3 SPF 50+

• Sensitive skin
• Mineral filters only
• Skin that reacts to chemical filters

Skip it if: AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver.3 SPF 50+

• Deep skin tones: zinc oxide can leave a white cast
• You swim or sweat: it is not water resistant

Label facts for AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver.3 SPF 50+

UV filters

Zinc oxide 17%

Filter type

Mineral only

SPF

50+, as the name states

Tint

Untinted

Water resistant

No

Added fragrance

None listed

Drying alcohol

None listed

Supporting

Niacinamide, glycerin, squalane, allantoin, hyaluronic acid and peptides

Cruelty-free certified

No

Read from the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. US sunscreens print each UV filter’s percentage; their other ingredients may be listed alphabetically, so these label facts report only whether something is there. Formulas change; check your box. Cruelty-free certification: the Leaping Bunny and Cruelty Free International directories on October 6, 2026.

Why we picked it: AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver.3 SPF 50+

Zinc oxide alone, which the AAD says dermatologists recommend for sensitive skin. Niacinamide, squalane and allantoin are on the list; chamomile appears only as a flower water.

Its US label prints PA++++ beside Broad Spectrum SPF 50+, and its carton says made in Korea by Kolmar Korea, another company that makes products for many brands. The carton warns it may stain some fabrics. For more zinc oxide sunscreens, see our mineral sunscreen picks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver.3 SPF 50+

• Zinc oxide can leave a white cast.
• May stain fabrics (its carton says so).

AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver.3 SPF 50+

Check price at Amazon: AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver.3 SPF 50+ (paid link, opens in a new tab)

AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver.3 SPF 50+ ingredients (full list of 37, UV filters marked)

Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 17.0%

Inactive ingredients: Water, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dipropylene Glycol, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Propanediol, Isododecane, Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Propylheptyl Caprylate, Niacinamide, Diphenylsiloxy Phenyl Trimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Methyl Trimethicone, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Magnesium Sulfate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, 1,2-Hexanediol, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Lauryl Polyglyceryl-3 Polydimethylsiloxyethyl Dimethicone, Synthetic Fluorophlogopite, Glyceryl Caprylate, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Squalane, Allantoin, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Water, Artemisia Capillaris Flower Extract, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Extract

As printed on the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. The list printed on your box is the one that counts.

Best Korean sunscreen for redness: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, Color-Correcting

Best Korean sunscreen for redness

Check price at Amazon: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, Color-Correcting (paid link, opens in a new tab)

17% zinc oxide, SPF 45, tinted green to tone down redness, with ceramide NP and squalane. No fragrance and no drying alcohol.

• Mineral only
• SPF 45
• Green tint
• No added fragrance

Good for: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, Color-Correcting

• Redness you want to tone down
• Mineral filters only
• A satin finish (Innisfree's word)

Skip it if: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, Color-Correcting

• You want a clear finish: it is tinted green
• You want SPF 50

Label facts for Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, Color-Correcting

UV filters

Zinc oxide 17%

Filter type

Mineral only

SPF

45, as the name states

Tint

Green tint (chromium oxide greens), no iron oxides

Water resistant

No

Added fragrance

None listed

Drying alcohol

None listed

Supporting

Ceramides, niacinamide, panthenol, squalane, centella and hyaluronic acid

Cruelty-free certified

No

Read from the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. US sunscreens print each UV filter’s percentage; their other ingredients may be listed alphabetically, so these label facts report only whether something is there. Formulas change; check your box. Cruelty-free certification: the Leaping Bunny and Cruelty Free International directories on October 6, 2026.

Why we picked it: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, Color-Correcting

The green comes from chromium oxide greens (CI 77288), the color-correcting pigment that cancels red, with mica alongside. Allure says this mineral Daily UV Defense won a 2025 Best of Beauty award.

It is not the Innisfree sunscreen Consumer Reports tested: that was the chemical Daily UV Defense SPF 36 (below). For a tint with iron oxides, which help against visible light, see our tinted sunscreen picks.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, Color-Correcting

• SPF 45.
• Lists mica, a shimmer pigment.

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, Color-Correcting

Check price at Amazon: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, Color-Correcting (paid link, opens in a new tab)

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, Color-Correcting ingredients (full list of 44, UV filters marked)

Active ingredients: Zinc Oxide 17%

Inactive ingredients: WATER / AQUA / EAU, PROPYLHEPTYL CAPRYLATE, BUTYLOCTYL SALICYLATE, PROPANEDIOL, CAPRYLYL METHICONE, DISILOXANE, POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, POLYMETHYLSILSESQUIOXANE, POLYGLYCERYL-2 DIPOLYHYDROXYSTEARATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, MAGNESIUM SULFATE, TRIETHOXYCAPRYLYLSILANE, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, SILICA, LAURYL POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYDIMETHYLSILOXYETHYL DIMETHICONE, SYNTHETIC FLUORPHLOGOPITE, DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, GLYCERYL CAPRYLATE, CHROMIUM OXIDE GREENS (CI 77288), MICA, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM HYALURONATE, TOCOPHEROL, SQUALANE, CERAMIDE NP, NIACINAMIDE, HYDROLYZED SODIUM HYALURONATE, PANTHENOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, CENTELLA ASIATICA EXTRACT, CENTELLA ASIATICA LEAF EXTRACT, SACCHAROMYCES FERMENT, CENTELLA ASIATICA ROOT EXTRACT, HYDROXYPROPYLTRIMONIUM HYALURONATE, ASIATICOSIDE, MADECASSOSIDE, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, SODIUM ACETYLATED HYALURONATE, HYALURONIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE CROSSPOLYMER, POTASSIUM HYALURONATE, ASIATIC ACID, MADECASSIC ACID

As printed on the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. The list printed on your box is the one that counts.

Best Korean sunscreen serum: Innisfree Daily UV Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum SPF 47

Best Korean sunscreen serum

Check price at Amazon: Innisfree Daily UV Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum SPF 47 (paid link, opens in a new tab)

2.5% avobenzone, 5% homosalate and 4.5% octisalate, SPF 47, in a glycerin serum with no octocrylene. No fragrance and no drying alcohol.

• Chemical only
• SPF 47
• Untinted
• No added fragrance

Good for: Innisfree Daily UV Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum SPF 47

• A light, fluid texture
• Avoiding octocrylene
• Layering under makeup

Skip it if: Innisfree Daily UV Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum SPF 47

• You want SPF 50
• You swim or sweat: it is not water resistant

Label facts for Innisfree Daily UV Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum SPF 47

UV filters

Avobenzone 2.5%, homosalate 5% and octisalate 4.5%

Filter type

Chemical only

SPF

47, as the name states

Tint

Untinted

Water resistant

No

Added fragrance

None listed

Drying alcohol

None listed

Supporting

Niacinamide, glycerin, panthenol, centella, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E

Cruelty-free certified

No

Read from the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. US sunscreens print each UV filter’s percentage; their other ingredients may be listed alphabetically, so these label facts report only whether something is there. Formulas change; check your box. Cruelty-free certification: the Leaping Bunny and Cruelty Free International directories on October 6, 2026.

Why we picked it: Innisfree Daily UV Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum SPF 47

The lightest filter load of our chemical picks: three filters, the least homosalate (5%) and no octocrylene. Glycerin comes second on the list, with niacinamide and two forms of hyaluronic acid further down.

Its carton prints SPF 47 PA+++ and says made in Korea.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Innisfree Daily UV Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum SPF 47

• SPF 47, not 50.
• Not water resistant.

Innisfree Daily UV Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum SPF 47

Check price at Amazon: Innisfree Daily UV Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum SPF 47 (paid link, opens in a new tab)

Innisfree Daily UV Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum SPF 47 ingredients (full list of 33, UV filters marked)

Active ingredients: Avobenzone 2.5%, Homosalate 5.0%, Octisalate 4.5%

Inactive ingredients: Water / Aqua / Eau, Glycerin, Ethylhexyl Methoxycrylene, Phenyl Trimethicone, Caprylyl Methicone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Behenyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Panthenol, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Arachidyl Alcohol, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylyl Glycol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Arachidyl Glucoside, Niacinamide, Tocopherol, Sodium Metaphosphate, Madecassoside, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Cetyl-PG Hydroxyethyl Palmitamide, Glyceryl Oleate, Tromethamine, Lecithin, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Myristyl Glucoside, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Flower Extract, Xanthan Gum

As printed on the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. The list printed on your box is the one that counts.

Best Korean sunscreen stick: Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+

Best Korean sunscreen stick

Check price at Amazon: Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+ (paid link, opens in a new tab)

3% avobenzone, 9.5% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate and 5% octocrylene, SPF 50+, water resistant for 80 minutes, in a clear wax stick. No fragrance and no drying alcohol.

• Chemical only
• SPF 50+
• Untinted
• No added fragrance

Good for: Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+

• Reapplying over makeup
• Swimming and sports: water resistant for 80 minutes
• Travel

Skip it if: Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+

• You want it as your only sunscreen: a stick goes on thin
• You avoid octocrylene

Label facts for Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+

UV filters

Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 9.5%, octisalate 4.5% and octocrylene 5%

Filter type

Chemical only

SPF

50+, as the name states

Tint

Untinted

Water resistant

80 minutes, as the label states

Added fragrance

None listed

Drying alcohol

None listed

Supporting

Allantoin

Cruelty-free certified

No

Read from the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. US sunscreens print each UV filter’s percentage; their other ingredients may be listed alphabetically, so these label facts report only whether something is there. Formulas change; check your box. Cruelty-free certification: the Leaping Bunny and Cruelty Free International directories on October 6, 2026.

Why we picked it: Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+

The only pick that is water resistant, and Allure’s pick among Korean sticks. The list has no water: dimethicone, wax and silica carry the four filters, with ectoin and allantoin near the end.

A stick is best for topping up: chemist Michelle Wong calls sticks “not really suitable as a primary sunscreen” (Lab Muffin). Made in Korea by Cosmax.

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+

• May stain fabrics (its carton says so).
• Goes on thin: several passes per area.

Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+

Check price at Amazon: Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+ (paid link, opens in a new tab)

Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+ ingredients (full list of 26, UV filters marked)

Active ingredients: Homosalate 9.50%, Octocrylene 5.00%, Octisalate 4.50%, Avobenzone 3.00%

Inactive ingredients: Dimethicone, Synthetic Wax, Silica, Isoeicosane, Phenylpropyldimethylsiloxysilicate, Isopropyl Palmitate, Diisostearyl Malate, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Isononyl Isononanoate, Phenethyl Benzoate, Diethylhexyl Carbonate, Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil, Synthetic Fluorphlogopite, Polyethylene, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Bis-Behenyl/Isostearyl/Phytosteryl Dimer Dilinoleyl Dimer Dilinoleate, Ethylene/Propylene Copolymer, Camellia Japonica Seed Oil, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil Unsaponifiables, Silica Dimethyl Silylate, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Vinyl Dimethicone/Methicone Silsesquioxane Crosspolymer, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Allantoin, Ectoin

As printed on the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. The list printed on your box is the one that counts.

Best lightweight Korean sunscreen gel: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30

Best lightweight Korean sunscreen gel

Check price at Amazon: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30 (paid link, opens in a new tab)

2.7% avobenzone, 9% homosalate and 4.5% octisalate, SPF 30, in a water gel with 10 forms of hyaluronic acid. No fragrance and no drying alcohol.

• Chemical only
• SPF 30
• Untinted
• No added fragrance

Good for: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30

• A light gel for normal to dry skin
• Hyaluronic acid in your sunscreen
• Avoiding octocrylene

Skip it if: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30

• You want SPF 50
• You swim or sweat: it is not water resistant

Label facts for Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30

UV filters

Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 9% and octisalate 4.5%

Filter type

Chemical only

SPF

30, as the name states

Tint

Untinted

Water resistant

No

Added fragrance

None listed

Drying alcohol

None listed

Supporting

Niacinamide, glycerin, centella, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E

Cruelty-free certified

No

Read from the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. US sunscreens print each UV filter’s percentage; their other ingredients may be listed alphabetically, so these label facts report only whether something is there. Formulas change; check your box. Cruelty-free certification: the Leaping Bunny and Cruelty Free International directories on October 6, 2026.

Why we picked it: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30

Byrdie’s pick for sensitive skin. The carton promises 10 types of hyaluronic acid, and the list has ten entries that are one; ectoin and centella are on it too, and octocrylene is not.

It is a different product from Isntree’s Watery Sun Gel, which Reddit users rate highly in its Korean-market version (one such thread).

Flaws but not dealbreakers: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30

• SPF 30, the AAD's minimum.
• Not water resistant.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30

Check price at Amazon: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30 (paid link, opens in a new tab)

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30 ingredients (full list of 42, UV filters marked)

Active ingredients: Avobenzone 2.7%, Homosalate 9%, Octisalate 4.5%

Inactive ingredients: Water, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Butylene Glycol, Diethylhexyl 2,6-Naphthalate, Niacinamide, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, C20-22 Alcohols, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentylene Glycol, Acrylates Copolymer, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Cetyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate, Silica, Tromethamine, Propanediol, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Xanthan Gum, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Houttuynia Cordata Extract, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethylsilanol Hyaluronate, Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Potassium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Crosspolymer, Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate, Sodium Hyaluronate Dimethylsilanol, Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Ectoin, Dipropylene Glycol, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Glycerin, Beta-Glucan, Nymphaea Alba Flower Extract

As printed on the US Drug Facts label on DailyMed on October 6, 2026. The list printed on your box is the one that counts.

Every pick, side by side

What each US label shows, with where its carton says it is made

Pick	UV filters	Type	SPF	Tint	Water resistant	Added fragrance	Made in	Where to buy
Medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50Best overall	Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 13.6%, octisalate 4.5% and octocrylene 9%	Chemical only	50	Untinted	No	None listed	Korea	Check price at Amazon: Medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)
Anua Invisible Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50Best Korean sunscreen for oily skin	Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 6.6%, octisalate 4.5% and octocrylene 5%	Chemical only	50	Untinted	No	None listed	Korea (Cosmax)	Check price at Amazon: Anua Invisible Matte Finish Sunscreen SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)
Fully Rice Ceramide Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50Best Korean sunscreen for dry skin	Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 13.6%, octisalate 4.5% and octocrylene 9%	Chemical only	50	Untinted	No	None listed	Korea	Check price at Amazon: Fully Rice Ceramide Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)
AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver.3 SPF 50+Best Korean mineral sunscreen	Zinc oxide 17%	Mineral only	50+	Untinted	No	None listed	Korea (Kolmar Korea)	Check price at Amazon: AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen Ver.3 SPF 50+ (paid link, opens in a new tab)
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, Color-CorrectingBest Korean sunscreen for redness	Zinc oxide 17%	Mineral only	45	Green tint	No	None listed	Korea	Check price at Amazon: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen SPF 45, Color-Correcting (paid link, opens in a new tab)
Innisfree Daily UV Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum SPF 47Best Korean sunscreen serum	Avobenzone 2.5%, homosalate 5% and octisalate 4.5%	Chemical only	47	Untinted	No	None listed	Korea	Check price at Amazon: Innisfree Daily UV Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum SPF 47 (paid link, opens in a new tab)
Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+Best Korean sunscreen stick	Avobenzone 3%, homosalate 9.5%, octisalate 4.5% and octocrylene 5%	Chemical only	50+	Untinted	80 minutes	None listed	Korea (Cosmax)	Check price at Amazon: Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF 50+ (paid link, opens in a new tab)
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30Best lightweight Korean sunscreen gel	Avobenzone 2.7%, homosalate 9% and octisalate 4.5%	Chemical only	30	Untinted	No	None listed	Korea	Check price at Amazon: Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30 (paid link, opens in a new tab)

Korean sunscreen in the US: two versions of the same name

In Korea a sunscreen is a cosmetic; in the US it is an over-the-counter drug, and it must meet the FDA’s sunscreen monograph, the rules every US sunscreen follows (FDA). Since August 9, 2026, its list has 17 filters. The newest is bemotrizinol, allowed at up to 6%: the first new filter added to the list since the late 1990s (FDA). Two old ones, PABA and trolamine salicylate, leave the list in September 2027 (FDA). The Korean-market formulas people rave about lean on filters that are still not on it, such as ethylhexyl triazone and diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate. Our guide to mineral and chemical filters explains what each one does.

So Korean brands sell a separate US version: same name, new formula, built from the US list. Several brands reformulated or pulled their US sunscreens in 2025 (Korea JoongAng Daily); no new law banned anything, since a sunscreen with filters off the US list has long counted as an unapproved drug.

Bemotrizinol may narrow the gap. The first US products with it came from Ultra Violette and Neutrogena (PR Newswire, Dermatology Times). We found none from a Korean brand yet; Kolmar Korea, a maker of Korean sunscreens, expects them to arrive in earnest in the second half of 2027.

Consumer Reports’ test: the US versions measured SPF 16 to 19

In July 2026, Consumer Reports tested the Korean and US versions from three Korean brands that went viral on social media and sell both versions. Every Korean version beat its US version:

It is a small test, three people per product, adapted from the FDA’s method, and the Korean versions also measured below their SPF 50+. But it is the only independent test of these US versions we found, so we left all three out, along with two that share Day Dew’s formula (below). None of our picks has been tested that way: their SPF is the brand’s own. On Reddit, people who had tried both versions mostly preferred the Korean one (one thread).

One formula, several brands

Read the labels side by side and some US versions turn out to be the same base. Beauty of Joseon Day Dew, Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen and Anua Zero-Cast print the same four filters at the same percentages (3% avobenzone, 7% homosalate, 5% octisalate and 5% octocrylene), and their inactive lists open with the same 16 ingredients, in the same order except for two that Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen swaps. At least two more US labels on DailyMed, Numbuzin’s No.9 and Melixir’s Airfit, print the same filters over the same opening ingredients. Anua’s Zero-Cast carton says “Manufactured by Englewood Lab, Inc.” and “Made in USA”.

Day Dew is the formula Consumer Reports measured at SPF 19. A shared base does not mean the same SPF, since the rest of each formula differs, but it was reason enough for us to pick from other formulas.

PA++++ and Broad Spectrum: two ways to rate UVA

PA is Korea’s UVA grade, from PA+ to PA++++, based on how much a sunscreen delays tanning; PA++++ became the top grade in 2016 (Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety). The US uses Broad Spectrum instead: a pass-or-fail lab test of how far into UVA a sunscreen reaches (21 CFR 201.327). Every pick here passes it. Some Korean brands print PA on their US labels as well: AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical says PA++++ and Innisfree Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum PA+++, so PA on the box does not mean you are holding the Korean version (some Reddit advice treats PA alone as the sign).

How to tell which version you are buying: six checks

• A Drug Facts box with Active ingredients and percentages. That is a US sunscreen. A Korean-market version lists its filters inside one ingredient list, by names such as ethylhexyl triazone or diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate.
• Broad Spectrum SPF 30 or higher. Two of the three things the AAD asks for; Broad Spectrum is the US test for UVA (21 CFR 201.327).
• Not the PA rating alone. Some US labels print it too: AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical says PA++++, Innisfree Invisible Barrier Sunscreen Serum PA+++.
• Who sells it. The brand’s own store on Amazon, or Amazon itself. Every store button on this page goes to one of the two.
• Water Resistant (40 or 80 minutes). The third thing the AAD asks for, and a must if you swim or sweat. Only one of our picks says it; nothing may say waterproof (21 CFR 201.327).
• No fragrance. Look for fragrance or parfum, and scented oils such as lavender, in the inactive list.

Buying the Korean version abroad is not a way around it: the FDA says importing a drug that is approved in another country but not in the US is generally illegal (FDA).

How to apply Korean sunscreen

1. At least a teaspoon for the face, about enough to cover the length of your index and middle fingers (AAD); the AAD says many people put on only 20% to 50% of the amount the SPF is tested at.
2. Reapply every two hours outdoors, and right after swimming or sweating. Only Abib Airy Sunstick is water resistant (80 minutes); the other picks’ directions say to use a water-resistant sunscreen for that.
3. Use a stick to top up, going over each area several times, rather than as your only sunscreen.
4. Put it on last in your morning routine, before makeup.

Also considered

• 

  Beauty of Joseon Day Dew Sunscreen SPF 50

  Beauty of Joseon’s best-known US sunscreen, not its famous Korean Relief Sun (Beauty of Joseon). Consumer Reports measured it at SPF 19 against the 50 on its label. Beauty of Joseon sells no listing of it on Amazon.

• 

  Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+

  Allure’s pick for dry skin, and Byrdie’s budget pick in its SPF 36 version. The current SPF 50+ lists fragrance, limonene and linalool, and the same three filters at the same percentages as the SPF 36 label Consumer Reports measured at SPF 16.

  Check price at Amazon: Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50+ (paid link, opens in a new tab)
• 

  Round Lab Birch Juice Mild-Up UVLock Sunscreen SPF 50+

  The US Round Lab sunscreen Consumer Reports tested, Birch Juice Mild-Up UVLock, is a 17% zinc oxide formula; it measured SPF 16 against SPF 50+, and its list has chamomile and pine leaf oils.

  Check price at Amazon: Round Lab Birch Juice Mild-Up UVLock Sunscreen SPF 50+ (paid link, opens in a new tab)
• 

  Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50

  Allure’s best chemical Korean sunscreen overall. Its US label is the Day Dew base (above), and DailyMed has no label for it; we read mixsoon.us and a retailer’s copy of its Drug Facts.

  Check price at Amazon: Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)
• 

  Anua Zero-Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen SPF 50

  Water resistant for 80 minutes, but its US carton says made in the USA by Englewood Lab, and its list is the Day Dew base.

  Check price at Amazon: Anua Zero-Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)
• 

  COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+

  Byrdie’s top pick. Two US labels sell under one name: the newer one (shown) has no fragrance; the older one, and cosrx.com, list fragrance. Check the box for “Fragrance”.

  Check price at Amazon: COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ (paid link, opens in a new tab)
• 

  Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+

  Byrdie’s runner-up. It lists lavender oil, linalool and limonene, and alcohol denat. 3rd on its list.

  Check price at Amazon: Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Sun Fluid SPF 50+ (paid link, opens in a new tab)
• 

  Laneige Hydro UV Defense EX Sunscreen SPF 50+

  Byrdie’s pick for combination skin, but its US label lists fragrance.

  Check price at Amazon: Laneige Hydro UV Defense EX Sunscreen SPF 50+ (paid link, opens in a new tab)
• 

  Manyo Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50

  Allure’s pick for combination skin. It lists cedar bark, rosemary leaf and clary sage oils. Medicube PDRN Hydrating UV Serum has the same four filters at the same percentages without them.

  Check price at Amazon: Manyo Air Light Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)
• 

  Medicube PDRN Hydrating UV Serum SPF 50

  Passes every check: 5% homosalate, 4.5% octisalate, 5% octocrylene and 2.5% ensulizole, SPF 50, no fragrance. We picked Medicube’s Collagen Glow instead, the one Allure recommends.

  Check price at Amazon: Medicube PDRN Hydrating UV Serum SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)
• 

  SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum UV SPF 50

  The US version of the Korean sunscreen Reddit users praise most. It is a separate formula with four FDA-listed filters, and Reddit users who compared the two found the US one thicker, with more white cast (one thread).

  Check price at Amazon: SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum UV SPF 50 (paid link, opens in a new tab)

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