7 Best Korean Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin (2024), Dermatologist-Approved
These gentle and hypo-allergic formulations are tailor-made to protect sensitive skin.
Patricia Gaile EspinosaMD
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa has 9 years of experience. She is a Diplomate of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and a member of the Philippine Academy of Dermatologic Surgery Foundation Inc, Philippine Society of Venereologists, Inc, Ph... more
shiboli chakrabortiMA (English Literature), Certified Skin Care Coach
Experience: 4 yearsShiboli has a master’s degree in English literature from The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and is a certified skincare coach with four years of experience. As a commerce editor,... more
aditi naskarMA (English Literature), Diploma In Health & Wellness
Experience: 5 yearsAditi Naskar has a postgraduate degree in English literature from Presidency University, Kolkata, a bachelor’s degree in education from WBUTTEPA, Kolkata, and a diploma in health and wellness. She is ... more
arshiya syedaBA (Literature & Psychology), PG Diploma
Experience: 7 yearsArshiya Syeda is a senior editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer and combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articl... more
Image: StyleCraze Design Team
Sunscreen is essential but if you are worried it might be too harsh for skin sensitivity, try getting your hands on the best Korean sunscreen for sensitive skin. Korean skincare is taking the makeup and cosmetics industry by storm for all the right reasons. Enriched with exclusive skin-nourishing secret ingredients and effective sun protection factor or SPF, Korean skincare products seem popular for their miraculous effects. On similar lines, Korean sunscreen formulated for sensitive skin helps protect your skin from sun damage and helps nourish and soothe your skin, giving it a hydrated, polished, and dewy look and finish. The right sunscreen can make a huge difference in how your skin looks and feels over time. If you have not found the right sunscreen for your sensitive skin yet, try getting your hands on one of the 7 best Korean sunscreens enlisted below!
In This Article
7 Best Korean Sunscreens For Sensitive Skin
1. Best Non-Greasy:ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise SPF50+/PA+++
The Sunprise SPF50+/PA+++ is a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 50+. It is an amazing K-beauty product from ETUDE HOUSE that protects your sensitive skin from harmful UV radiation. Its skin-friendly and lightweight formula is mild and glides smoothly on the skin for a clean finish. This Korean sunscreen has a calming effect as it is enriched with 20 ingredients to keep your skin healthy.
This sunscreen with aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and cactus hydrates the skin, and sunflower seeds and dwarf ground sedge extract offer UV-blocking. Acai berries and acerola restore skin vitality. The mistletoe leaves, Centella asiatica extract, and Portulaca oleracea extract soothe and relax the skin. Click here to check out this YouTuber’s detailed review of the sunscreen.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Non-greasy
- Citrusy smell
- Works well under makeup
- No white cast
Cons
- May cause burning in the eyes.
TriviaWhy It’s Worth Buying: Almost 2,240 happy users and reviewers have mentioned the value and quality of this product.
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product has garnered over 2,240 positive reviews on Amazon, and the number continues to grow.
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Medical & Esthetic Dermatology, says, “Some sunscreens contain both physical and chemical sunscreen ingredients. Chemical sunscreens are also known as organic sunscreens because UV filters are carbon-based. Physical sunscreens are often referred to as inorganic sunscreens.”
2. Best Mineral-Based:make prem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Fluid
The UV Defense Me from make prem is a potent Korean formula designed to protect your body and face from harmful UV rays with SPF 50+. The mineral filters in this product block UVA and UVB radiation without making your skin feel sticky. The mineral sunscreen contains EWG-verified safe ingredients to ensure the best skin care benefits.
The botanical ingredients infused in this Korean beauty product soothe irritation and redness. Hyaluronic acid acts as a moisturizing agent, while the marrubium vulgare and panthenol protect your skin’s physical barrier and restore its natural glow. Its non-nano technology reduces the chance of getting absorbed, and PA++++ provides defensive protection against UV rays. The moisturizing sunscreen is not tested on animals and is ideal for anyone looking for an ethical solution. Here’s a personal review video to help you understand the reviewer’s experience with the product and get a better understanding of its benefits.
Pros
- Mineral-based
- Dermatologist-tested
- No white cast
- Non-greasy
- Reef-safe
- Works well with makeup
- Cruelty-free
Cons
- Strong fragrance
- Hard to rinse off.
Dr. Patricia Gaile Espinosa, MD, Medical & Esthetic Dermatology, says, “Physical filters are also known as “mineral” filters. Examples are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical sunscreens are recommended for use for pregnant and breastfeeding women.”
3. Best Quick-Absorbing:Village 11 Factory Hydra Fluid
This sun-blocking cream from Village 11 Factory has SPF 50+ and PA++++ to protect your body from UVA and UVB rays. The lightweight sunscreen has intense moisturizing properties and is infused with natural ingredients that deeply nourish your dehydrated skin and protect it from UV radiation. The key ingredients in this sunscreen are tiger grass extract which soothes irritation, and Houttuynia cordata which improves skin health. Other ingredients like moringa seed and squalene nourish and hydrate the skin without feeling sticky. This oil-drop essence type sunscreen also helps correct your skin tone and reduces wrinkles and is not tested on animals. According to various reviewers on Amazon, it provides visible results in terms of hydrating the skin and providing a subtle glow.
Pros
- No white cast
- Non-greasy
- Lightweight
- Fast-absorbing
- Cruelty-free
- Creamy texture
Cons
- Strong fragrance
"This sunscreen is super easy to use with its pump design. The texture is a gel-cream hybrid that absorbs easily into the skin. It moisturizes the skin without feeling heavy."
4. Best Anti-Aging:HISTOLAB Post Care Sun Block 365 Plus
Image: Histolab The Post Care Sun Block 365 Plus from HISTOLAB is a concentrated K-beauty sunscreen that offers the best protection when you are on a trip with the overhead sun with SPF 50+ and PA+++. This product also has anti-aging benefits and prevents premature aging and skin damage. The tomato extract infused in this sun blocking cream helps rejuvenate your skin. This sunscreen is enriched with grapefruit extract that helps cleanse and tighten your pores and get rid of excess oil. It is recommended to apply the product daily as part of your skin care routine and reapply it whenever needed for optimal protection and visible results.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Non-greasy
- Does not leave residue
- Botanical ingredients
Cons
- Chalky
Trivia5. Best Fragrance-Free:MAXCLINIC Rosy Pink Tone-Up Cream
This Korean sunscreen from MAXCLINIC is perfect for sensitive skin and adds a lovely rosy-pink tone to it. The SPF 50 in the formula provides a shielding effect to your skin against harmful UV radiation. This perfect sunscreen is extremely soothing due to the presence of Centella asiatica extract, also known as tiger grass. The 3-Cica complex, including madecassic acid and asiaticoside, improves skin texture, maintains moisture balance, and enhances skin elasticity. This tone-up sunscreen revitalizes your skin and provides irritation-free UV protection. Make sure to use it daily for visible results.
Pros
- Dermatologist-tested
- Non-sticky
- No white cast
- Artificial colorant-free
- Artificial fragrance-free
Cons
- None
6. Best Sweat-Proof:PENEGREEN All Light Protection Sun Lotion
This mild sunscreen from PENEGREEN is specially formulated for oily and sensitive skin types. Its lightweight texture spreads easily on your skin and provides a perfect dewy finish. This inorganic sunscreen helps fight wrinkles and brightens your skin tone. It offers effective sun protection due to SPF 50 and controls premature aging.
The beta glucan and other herbal extracts in the formula soothe the skin and calm irritation with a cooling sensation. This product also helps in controlling sebum levels and maintaining moisture levels, which are important to ensure healthy skin. Besides offering strong UV protection, this sunblock corrects skin imperfections like saggy skin, freckles, dark spots, and blemishes. In order to experience visible results, use the sunscreen regularly before stepping out in the sun.
Skin Type: Oily,Sensitive
Pros
- Toxic chemical-free
- Hypoallergenic
- Lightweight
- Matte finish
- No white cast
- Sweat-proof
- Water-resistant
Cons
- May irritate acne-prone skin.
7. Best Hypoallergenic:PENEGREEN All Light Protection Sun Cream
This moisturizing sunscreen combines organic and inorganic sunscreens that moisturize your skin without leaving it feeling sticky. This product is formulated without harmful chemicals and helps deal with premature aging, reduces wrinkles, and strengthens the skin’s barrier. It blends seamlessly with your skin due to its non-greasy texture and brightens your skin tone. The cream is allergy-tested and contains hyaluronic acid that nourishes dry skin and makes it supple.
Pros
- Non-sticky
- Mild
- No white cast
- No harmful ingredients
- Hypoallergenic
Cons
None
"This sunscreen is comfortable to wear during long hours outdoors. It offers good protection and I have experienced no redness even after being under the sun for hours. It applies easily and smoothly under makeup."
Infographic: Tips To Apply Sunscreen To Sensitive Skin
The impact of UV rays is manifold more on sensitive skin. The skin concerns like inflammation, redness, irritation, etc. get aggravated fast when you are exposed to sun rays. This is why it is imperative that you use sunscreen the right way. Check out the infographic below to learn more.
Illustration: StyleCraze Design Team
The Bottom Line
Korean skincare products have been trending in recent times. Whether it is sunscreen, cleansers, exfoliators, or essences and serums. They are all enriched with skin-nourishing ingredients to make the skin flawless and healthy. Korean sunscreens are not just effective in blocking the UV rays penetrating the skin, these sunscreens can restore skin vitality, protect the skin barrier, and impart a natural glow. Some of them are also dermatologist-tested and provide visible results. The ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise SPF50+/PA+++ is a lightweight and non-greasy formula that is suitable for everyday use. The make prem UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Fluid is a great option for those looking for a mineral-based formula, while the Village 11 Factory Hydra Fluid is designed with a fast-absorbing formula that helps correct skin tone. However, consider sunscreens with a minimum value of SPF 50 for broad-spectrum protection. And stay away from the sunscreens that irritate acne-prone skin. Also, perform a patch test before applying any new sunscreen on your entire face.
Why Trust Stylecraze?
Being a certified skin care coach, Shiboli Chakraborti has vast experience reviewing products related to skin care. She curated this list of the best Korean sunscreens for sensitive skin after carefully considering the needs of the skin type and researching multiple products available online. She also sifted numerous user reviews online to pick the top choices for the article. The shortlisted sunscreens not only protect you from harmful sun rays, but their nourishing formula keeps your skin healthy, too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of sunscreen is good for sensitive skin?
A mineral or physical sunscreen is the best for sensitive skin. Physical sunscreens are formulated with either zinc oxide or titanium dioxide or both. It forms a protective layer on the skin and does not allow the sun rays to pass through the body.
What type of ingredients in sunscreen should you avoid if you have sensitive skin?
If you have sensitive skin, avoid chemical sunscreens that contain ingredients like oxybenzone, octocrylene, avobenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, cinoxate, dioxybenzone, and ensulizole.
Which is the best Korean sunscreen for sensitive skin that you can use during summer?
The Histolab Post Care Sun Block 365 Plus sunscreen acts as a protective shield against your skin and blocks harmful UV radiation from entering the skin. In addition, it also keeps your skin hydrated while remaining non-greasy and non-sticky. It is a great alternative for summer-time use.
Why are Korean sunscreens better for sensitive skin?
Most Korean sunscreens are formulated with skin-friendly ingredients that are suitable for sensitive skin. These sunscreens prevent harmful rays of the Sun from entering the skin. They even nourish the skin, giving it a hydrated dewy look.
