Korean sunscreen is one of the biggest K-beauty trends – and rightly so: lightweight textures, no white cast and modern UV filters you actually enjoy wearing every day. But which one suits you? We compared the most popular options in our range by their ingredient lists – by skin type, texture and filter type.
In short
All-rounder & best value: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun (€15.99)
Oily skin: Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh
Under make-up: SKIN1004 Water-Fit Sun Serum
Very sensitive skin: SKIN1004 Air-Fit Light (mineral)
Dry skin: Round Lab Birch Juice or iUNIK Beta Glucan
For reapplying: Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick
The best Korean sunscreens at a glance
| Sunscreen | Protection | Filters | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun | SPF50+ PA++++ | organic (modern) | almost all skin types | €15.99 |
| BoJ Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh | SPF50+ PA++++ | organic (modern) | oily & combination skin | €19.99 |
| SKIN1004 Water-Fit Sun Serum | SPF50+ | organic (modern) | under make-up, combination skin | €18.99 |
| SKIN1004 Air-Fit Light | SPF30 PA++++ | mineral (zinc oxide) | very sensitive skin | €18.99 |
| Round Lab Birch Juice | SPF50+ PA++++ | organic (modern) | dry skin | €19.99 |
| iUNIK Beta Glucan Barrier | SPF50+ PA++++ | organic (modern) | dry, sensitive skin | €21.99 |
| Medicube PDRN Pink Tone Up | UV protection + tone-up | titanium dioxide + organic | dull complexion, no-make-up days | €25.99 |
| BoJ Matte Sun Stick | SPF50+ | organic (modern) | reapplying on the go | €16.99 |
What matters in a Korean sunscreen
- SPF shows the protection against UVB (sunburn). SPF30 is often enough for everyday life; SPF50+ is the better choice for summer and holidays.
- PA++++ is the Korean rating for UVA protection (skin ageing) – four plus signs is the highest level. More in PA++++ explained.
- Filter type: organic filters are invisible and light, mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) are considered especially well tolerated. The details: Chemical or mineral sunscreen?
1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun – the all-rounder
Probably the best-known Korean sunscreen: creamy yet light, absorbs invisibly and contains rice extract, probiotics and niacinamide. According to its ingredient list it relies on modern filters such as ethylhexyl triazone and diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate. It is also the most affordable sunscreen in this comparison.
All-rounder & best value
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice Probiotics SPF50+ 50 ml
SPF50+ PA++++ with rice and probiotics – invisible and suitable for almost every skin type.
Discover from €15.992. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh – for oily skin
The lighter sister of the Relief Sun: watery texture, fresh finish, plus panthenol (vitamin B5) and ceramide NP. Ideal if regular sunscreens make your skin shiny.
For oily & combination skin
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 (SPF50+ PA++++)
SPF50+ PA++++ with rice and panthenol – fresh finish without shine.
Discover now3. SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum – the make-up base
A sunscreen in a serum texture with centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid. It spreads very easily and works well as a base under foundation or cushion.
Under make-up
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+
SPF50+ with centella and hyaluronic acid – light serum texture.
Discover from €18.994. SKIN1004 Air-Fit Suncream Light – mineral & gentle
The only purely mineral sunscreen in this comparison: it protects with zinc oxide and contains centella. The first choice if your skin reacts to organic filters with stinging – in return it has SPF30. Why sunscreen sometimes stings: read here.
For very sensitive skin
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light SPF30 PA++++ - 50ml
Mineral protection with zinc oxide and centella.
Discover from €18.995. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream – for dry skin
With birch sap, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, a particularly hydrating sunscreen. Good to know: according to its ingredient list it contains small amounts of essential oils (pine needle, chamomile) – for very sensitive skin, the iUNIK is the better pick.
For dry skin
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
SPF50+ PA++++ with birch sap and hyaluronic acid.
Discover now6. iUNIK Beta Glucan Barrier Sunscreen – for the skin barrier
Beta-glucan hydrates the skin, complemented by peptides. A good choice for dry and sensitive skin looking for a caring but not heavy sunscreen.
For dry & sensitive skin
iUNIK Beta Glucan Barrier Sunscreen 60 ml
SPF50+ PA++++ with beta-glucan – caring without a greasy film.
Discover from €21.997. Medicube PDRN Pink Tone Up Sun Cream – with a fresh glow
A tone-up sunscreen: titanium dioxide and a delicate rosy tint instantly make dull skin look fresher. Perfect for no-make-up days. On very deep skin tones the brightening effect can be visible.
For a dull complexion
Medicube PDRN Pink Tone Up Sun Cream 50ml
Sun protection with a rosy tone-up and PDRN.
Discover from €25.998. Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick – for reapplying
During long periods outdoors, sunscreen should be reapplied every 2–3 hours. A stick makes that easy over make-up, without using your fingers. Tips: applying sunscreen over make-up.
On the go
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort Camelia SPF 50+
SPF50+ as a matte stick – ideal for reapplying.
Discover from €16.99And for the body?
For arms, legs and décolleté, the Relief Sun is also available as a large body lotion.
For the body
Beauty of Joseon Hydra Shield Body Sun Lotion SPF 50+ 150 ml
SPF50+ body sun lotion, 150 ml.
Discover from €22.99Which Korean sunscreen suits you?
- You simply want a good one for every day: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun.
- Oily skin, shine: Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh.
- You wear make-up: SKIN1004 Water-Fit Sun Serum.
- Sensitive skin, stinging: SKIN1004 Air-Fit Light.
- Dry skin: iUNIK Beta Glucan or Round Lab Birch Juice.
- Combination skin: more tips in sunscreen for combination skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Korean sunscreen allowed in Germany?
Yes. All sunscreens in this comparison use UV filters approved in the EU. Many Korean brands work with modern filters that are not even available in the US yet.
Why is Korean sunscreen so popular?
Because it feels as light as skincare, leaves no white cast and often contains caring ingredients such as centella, niacinamide or hyaluronic acid. More: why Korean sunscreen is so popular.
Do I need sunscreen in winter?
UVA rays, which are responsible for skin ageing, are active all year round – even when it is cloudy and through windows. See Is daily SPF necessary?
How much sunscreen do I need for my face?
About two finger lengths for face and neck. Using less significantly lowers the stated protection.
Does sunscreen go before or after moisturizer?
After – sunscreen is always the last skincare step in the morning, before make-up.
All products are 100 % original, shipped from Germany in 2–5 working days. Shipping €1.99, free from €29. Not sure what suits your skin? Ask our free AI skin advisor on juveamiel.com.
