Summer is still going strong and while dermatologists tell us any kind of sunscreen is better than none, Korean sunscreens feel so much better than others. It’s been three years since I tested the best Korean sunscreens on the market and since then, the sun care from Korea has only gotten better. None of the Korean products I tried left any white cast whatsoever, and the scents are much subtler than the previous group I reviewed. K-beauty is constantly advancing and delivering the best products!
Below are my takeaways from the five Korean sunscreens I found were most recommended online this summer, ranked from my favorite to least favorite.
#1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Cream: Rice + Priobiotics
SPF 50+ PA++++
This has been my go-to since I discovered it several months ago and everyone I’ve recommended it to agrees that it is the best of the best. The creamy but still light-weight sunscreen absorbs very quickly into my skin and immediately leaves a barely there feeling. This is the only sunscreen that moisturizes my dry skin enough that I can skip my moisturizer. In fact, this product feels like an everyday moisturizer and not sunscreen. This is my hands down favorite sunscreen and I love that it’s also the least expensive one on this list.
Beauty of Joseon Sun Cream is also a favorite of skincare guru, Ju Rhyu, founder of Mighty Patch. (Read the Best of Korea interview with Ju Rhu.) 
#2. IsnTree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
SPF 50 PA++++
Within minutes of application, this sunblock feels so light that it’s barely detectable on my skin. It has an extremely slight “SPF” scent that I think most people won’t even notice. It ranks behind Beauty of Joseon because its watery formula takes a bit longer to absorb into the skin and it doesn’t moisturize as well.
#3. Round Lab Birch Moisturizing Sunscreen
SPF50+ PA++++
This is very similar to IsnTree in several ways. I couldn’t detect it on my skin shortly after application and it has an extremely slight lotion scent that I don’t think most people will notice. I ranked it behind IsnTree because it’s slightly waterier formula takes longer to absorb.
#4. Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream
SPF 50+ PA+++
This has a creamy texture that absorbs quickly on my skin. However, it ranks lower for me because it has the strongest scent (reminiscent of a cross between perfume and night cream) and feels the heaviest on my skin after application.
#5. COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen
SPF 50+ Broad Spectrum
This sunscreen would rank second for me if it had a PA rating, but it only has “Broad Spectrum”. So while it protects against UVA rays, it doesn’t specify how much protection I’m getting. This is something I see with sunscreens in the United States but it’s rare for a Korean sunscreen not to have a PA rating. Therefore this is not a product I will use. I like it otherwise because the creamy formula absorbs easily and there’s only a very slight lotion scent which is barely detectable. It also leaves my face feeling moisturized without feeling heavy on the skin.
