Our Favorite Korean Sunscreens for Everyday Use
Take this article as your daily reminder to wear sunscreen. Yes, even if you stay inside all day and even if you somehow ended up reading this in the wintertime. Why is sunscreen so important and which are the best sunscreens for everyday use?
Sun protection prevents damages caused by UVA and UVB rays. That includes slowing down aging, but it also reduces the risk of skin cancer—which makes it the most important step of a skincare routine. Doesn’t matter if it is a physical or chemical sunscreen, or if it is a sunblock, just make sure to use it daily all year round. And if you don’t know where to start, here are four of our favorites that we recommend for you to try.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
SPF50+ PA+++
This is a personal favorite of mine that has been a holy grail in my skincare routine for years. Coming from my job and passion for beauty, I do like to test and experiment with products, but I always come back to the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream. It’s effective, good for all skin types, cruelty-free, available worldwide, and affordable. As its name suggests, the key ingredient is aloe—Aloe arborescens leaf extract to be more precise— which makes it a hydrating product perfect for dryer weather, but thanks to its formulation, it absorbs quickly and feels light even during the humid months. It leaves no white cast, which is always an extra point when it comes to sun protection.
MISSHA All-Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel
SPF50+ PA++++
This is a newer discovery on my beauty expedition, but I already finished a full bottle. MISSHA’s sunblock comes in four different types, so anyone can find one that suits them the best. The All-Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel is best for cooling, light protection. The “aqua” in its name, and the cooling effect comes from glacier water, while the Limonia acidissima extract soothes the skin. It is a perfect product during warmer weather, and almost feels like a quick splash of cold water on the face in the middle of a hot summer day.
NEOGEN Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen
SPF50+ PA+++
The NEOGEN Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen is definitely one of the more popular ones, and for good reason. The formulation includes 20 types of plant extracts which soothe, moisturize, and rejuvenate the skin while also controlling sebum production. It’s a lightweight sunscreen, great for oily or combination skin in all seasons, and its airy, soft finish is perfect under makeup.
Innisfree Intensive Anti-Pollution Sunscreen
SPF50+ PA++++
Innisfree is another one of those Korean beauty brands that needs no introduction. They have a variety of sunscreens, but the Intensive Anti Pollution Sunscreen is one of my favorites. As a city girl, pollution is always going to be a concern, and it affects the skin a lot more than people usually think. Besides the damage caused by UVA and UVB rays, this formulation also protects the skin against environmental stress and prevents fine dust particles from clogging the pores. The Intensive Anti Pollution Sunscreen has a powdery, waterproof, mattifying, but soft finish. On top of all that, it also reduces wrinkles, brightens the skin, and has a coral reef-friendly formulation.
There are many innovative and pioneer skincare products on the Korean market that have additional benefits besides providing sun protection, and these were just a few examples. On a closing note: don’t forget to apply and re-apply consistently!