Skin
The Best Korean Sunscreens For That K-Drama Pearly White Skin!
K-drama fanatics will love it when we say that you can also achieve that flawless main character look. Ever noticed...
By: Cherelle Lim / November 1, 2021

K-drama fanatics will love it when we say that you can also achieve that flawless main character look. Ever noticed that every female and male lead in K-dramas has flawless and pearly white skin? Even when they are serving us minimal no-makeup makeup looks, their skin still shines and glows! The best way to start achieving that dewy look is by taking care of your skin. Besides doing your skincare routine diligently, there is one product that can help shield your skin against UV rays. That’s right, it’s sunscreen and Beauty Insider is here to share with you some of the best Korean sunscreens that will have your skin glowing!
Even if you have a darker skin tone now due to being frequently exposed to the sun, sunscreen can help bring your glow back. Of course, you’ll need to be consistent in applying these Korean sunscreens, or you can forget about pearly white skin. The alternative? Stay indoors for 6 months and we’ll guarantee that you’ll be as pale as a newborn baby! Or, stumble into the woods in the middle of the night while being chased by terrifying creatures, and then get bitten by a vampire that will watch you as you sleep. We’re kidding! This isn’t The Vampire Diaries! But, which team or you on? Team Stefan, or team Damon? We’re definitely team Delena though!
Contents
- Why Korean Sunscreens?
- Best Korean Sunscreens
- 1. Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++
- 2. Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery 50 g Sunscreen SPF 50 + / PA ++++
- 3. Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk
- 4. Asis-tobe Pure Mineral Sun Cream
- 5. SON&PARK Long Keep Base
- 6. Face Republic Super Screen Sun Gel SPF50+
- 7. LUNA Crystal Baby Booster
- 8. Make Prem UV Defense Me. Blue Ray Sun Gel
- 9. Privia Classic V-Face Sun Cream SPF50+++
- 10. Face Republic Purity Sun Essence
- 11. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36
- 12. Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
Why Korean Sunscreens?

You may be wondering why we are so obsessed with Korean sunscreens. The first thing about Korean sunscreens that you should know is that they offer much more variety. We are talking in terms of formulas. The Korean FDA and EU regulators have approved several kinds of SPF filters compared to sunscreens in the US. Furthermore, the Korean beauty market is constantly pushing boundaries on formula and textures as the market for sunscreens is quite competitive. Sunscreens are also extremely in demand, especially for women of colour who seek out sunscreen formulas that won’t leave a white cast on their skin.
Aside from that, Korean sunscreens also go through a rigorous vetting process. Meaning that Korean sunscreens offer much more protection and better skin tone compared to other sunscreens. In Korea, they go the extra mile to ensure that the formulas actually do the work. They even have a system such as the PA and PDD rating systems that grade the strength of UVA protection in more detail compared to the broad spectrum test in the US. Besides, it is also known that Korean sunscreens have a more advanced list of ingredients. So, if you want to achieve silky, fair skin, Korean sunscreens are the way to go.
Best Korean Sunscreens
1. Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++
A cult favourite skincare/beauty brand is Cosrx. They also happen to offer great sunscreen options too! The Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++ contains aloe vera in it, which can combat burns. If you’ve suffered from any sunburns, this sunscreen can help ease the pain and prevent more damage from being done to your skin.
Why we like it:
- Soothing
- Contains aloe vera
- Helps sunburns
- Healing
Price: RM51.52
Where to buy: Watsons
2. Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery 50 g Sunscreen SPF 50 + / PA ++++
The Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery 50 g Sunscreen SPF 50 + / PA ++++ is definitely a cult favourite Korean sunscreen that everyone loves. Gliding onto your skin smoothly, this Korean sunscreen has a dolphin-smooth serum, thanks to its water capsules that are filled with royal jelly extract, hyaluronic acid and citrus. Truly one of the best Korean sunscreens, it’s also waterproof and offers 80 minutes of carefree sun defence.
Why we like it:
- Affordable
- Waterproof
- Smooth texture
- Block UV rays
Price: RM22.75
Where to buy: Watsons
3. Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk
To hide any blemishes or acne scars, the Missha All Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk is definitely for you. Thanks to the silky porous powder within its formula, this sunscreen offers a blurring finish with a milky texture. The more you wear it, it can actually help fade dark spots and correct your skin tone. So, this is the best Korean sunscreen for oily skin, sensitive skin and acne-prone skin.
Why we like it:
- Milky texture
- Blurring finish
- Suitable for oily skin
- Corrects skin tone
Price: RM 79.99
Where to buy: Missha
4. Asis-tobe Pure Mineral Sun Cream
The Asis-tobe Pure Mineral Sun Cream is a great Korean sunscreen for all ages. What’s more, is that you can use this sunscreen on both your face and body. Not only does it have a lightweight formula, but it also protects against harsh UV rays. Aside from that, this sunscreen is also the Glowpick Consumer Beauty Award Winner.
Why we like it:
- Suitable for all skin types
- Non-sticky formula
- Lightweight
- For face & body use
Price: RM149.00
Add to cart5. SON&PARK Long Keep Base
If you need a Korean sunscreen that works well with makeup, the SON&PARK Long Keep Base is a great alternative. This 3-in-1 makeup base offers sun protection, wrinkle improvement and brightening properties. It also has the benefit to keep your skin feeling powdery and smooth for long hours. Furthermore, it also helps control the production of sebum in your skin. Making this the perfect Korean sunscreen for oily skin.
Why we like it:
- Soft matte finish
- Sebum control
- SPF 30 PA++
- Long-lasting
Price: RM65.00
Add to cart6. Face Republic Super Screen Sun Gel SPF50+
The best selling Face Republic Super Screen Sun Gel SPF50+ is a great Korean sunscreen for dry skin. Its gel type formula is non-sticky and non-greasy as well. Shielding your skin from UV rays, it offers a glass-like finish. What’s more, is that you won’t have to worry about having a white cast on your face.
Why we like it:
- Cooling
- Soothing
- Everyday use
- Refreshing
Price: RM45.00
Add to cart7. LUNA Crystal Baby Booster
To achieve the ultimate dewy and soft skin look, you’ll need an all-in-one booster. That is exactly what the LUNA Crystal Baby Booster offers! Not only does it help protect your skin from UV rays, but it also helps tone up your complexion. Including the fact that it also leaves your skin feeling silky soft, this is really the best Korean sunscreen you can get your hands on.
Why we like it:
- Brightens skin
- Lightens dark spots
- Great for dry skin
- Moisturising
Price: RM59.00
Add to cart8. Make Prem UV Defense Me. Blue Ray Sun Gel
A primer and sunscreen 2-in-1, the Make Prem UV Defense Me. Blue Ray Sun Gel is what you need to shield from UV rays. This gel sunscreen is best for those that wear makeup as it sinks into your skin so that it becomes undetectable. Thus, your foundation can glide smoothly and easily onto your skin. Furthermore, it is a complete moisture bomb and even cools down your skin’s temperature by 4.7°C.
Why we like it:
- Anti-ageing
- Brightening
- Strengthen skin’s natural barrier
- No white cast
Price: RM78.00
Add to cart9. Privia Classic V-Face Sun Cream SPF50+++
The Privia Classic V-Face Sun Cream SPF50+++ is a Korean sunscreen suitable for protecting your skin against sun damage. As a 2-in-1, it also acts as a makeup base and has the benefit of lasting 12 hours. Aside from being waterproof, it also helps boost your skin’s complexion during the day.
Why we like it:
- Light finish
- Long-lasting
- Moisturising
- Makeup base
Price: RM138.00
Add to cart10. Face Republic Purity Sun Essence
Whether you have dry skin, oily skin or combination skin, the Face Republic Purity Sun Essence is the one for you. This is a pure and clean sunscreen that contains no harmful ingredients. It has a formula made in its purest form and is super lightweight. Besides that, it is also non-sticky, and doesn’t leave a white cast on your skin.
Why we like it:
- Fragrance-free
- Protects from UVA/UVB rays
- Mild-formula
- Suitable for sensitive skin
Price: RM54.90
Add to cart11. Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36
We all love shopping at Innisfree and they also just so happen to have one of the best Korean sunscreens too! The Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 contains nurturing ingredients within its formula. Making sure that you’ll have comfortable wear, while ingredients such as cica, green tea and sunflower seed help reduce irritation and redness.
Why we like it:
- Soothing
- Suitable for sensitive skin
- Comfortable wear
- All-day use
Price: Rm47.43
Where to buy: Shopee
12. Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+
With a lightweight formula, the Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day™ Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ won’t be disrupting your makeup anytime soon. Its formula contains both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to help create a physical barrier to shield you from the sun. Furthermore, its formula does not contain any sulfates, SLES or SLS. Making it the best Korean sunscreen for sensitive skin.
Why we like it:
- Smooth matte finish
- Lightweight formula
- Doesn’t irritate the skin
- No SLS, SLES & Sulfates
Price: RM 162.03 (USD$39)
Where to buy: Dr.Jart+
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