By now, you’re aware of how important it is to wear sunscreen daily, no matter where you are and no matter what the weather condition is (yes, including rainy days!). It’s the most essential part of any skincare routine that you should never skip. But just in case you need a quick reminder of why wearing SPF is a must: applying sunscreen is a way to keep your skin healthy while preventing sun damage (discolouration, dark spots, and pigmentation), premature skin ageing (fine lines and wrinkles), and skin cancer. They’re easy to apply and spread all over – but make sure you’re also reapplying after a few hours!

K-Beauty is known for its skincare, and if we have to pick which category, we think you shouldn’t miss out on the most? It’s definitely their sunscreens. It’s definitely no surprise why they’re popular compared to regular sunscreens. Korean sunscreens are one of the most advanced skincare products that come in all types of formulations, infused with ingredients to address other concerns and cater to different skin types. 

Mineral sunscreens are physical sun shields that lay on top of the skin, and sometimes can take an extra effort to blend in. Contrary to what some may believe, they’re not the greasy, heavy type that will leave a white film on the skin. Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens help absorb UV rays into the skin to heat them up and then dissipate them. Their consistency is usually lighter and appears more sheer compared to the former. The Korean mineral and chemical sunscreens we’ve tried from Benton Cosmetics are some of the latest sunscreen products we’ve tried that really impressed us.

Keep reading to learn more about Benton Cosmetics and our top sunscreens from them!

Meet Benton Cosmetics, One of The Leading Clean Beauty Pioneers from South Korea

Photo from Benton Cosmetics

Inspired and named after the film “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button”, Benton is a South Korean brand that aims to provide high-quality, effective, and affordable cosmetics to their consumers. Since 2011, they’ve established themselves as the pioneer Korean clean beauty that strictly excludes harmful ingredients while continuing to prioritise skin health with no compromises. To this day, they’ve grown locally and expanded to over 40 countries to spread their principle and provide safe cosmetics for all. 

Benton Cosmetics strives to produce cosmetics with well-researched formulations and non-irritating ingredients that are ultra-gentle on the skin. Suitable for all ages and skin types, especially sensitive skin, the K-beauty brand is designed to help restore the skin’s youthful vitality and glow. With each swipe and layer of Benton products, your skin feel good, look great, and continue to improve its condition. 

Furthermore, the K-beauty brand also keeps the environment in mind in their principle. They’re a vegan, plant-based, cruelty-free and sustainable brand that consumers should definitely check out. From their manufacturing houses, and eco-friendly packaging, to their products produced in small batches, Benton has been doing their part since their launch to contribute to a more positive impact on the planet in the long run. Each product from Benton is definitely worth checking out and is definitely worth incorporating into your beauty routines!

A Quick Refresher on Mineral and Chemical Sunscreens

Photo from Benton Cosmetics

Sunscreens come in two forms: mineral (also known as physical) or chemical. While chemical sunscreens sink into the skin to absorb UV rays and convert them into heat to release them through the skin afterwards, on the contrary, mineral sunscreens lay on top of the skin to physically deflect UV rays from penetrating into the skin. 

Mineral sunscreens are mainly composed of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide ingredients, which are FDA approved to be safe, and are known to be effective when it comes to broad UV protection. The mineral sits on top of the skin that acts as shields on skin, to reflect the UV rays away from the skin. Nowadays, mineral sunscreens are also formulated to be more lightweight and easier to blend on the skin, leaving behind a minimal to non-existent white cast. Some of them can also come with the added “tone-up” functions, to help brighten, even, and add glow to the skin. It also acts as base makeup, which makes it a popular choice for those who prefer a “no makeup” makeup look. 

According to studies, mineral or physical sunscreens are also proven to be non-comedogenic and less irritating on the skin, making them ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin types. It is recommended by dermatologists for this reason, plus they tend to be more gentle on the skin and are more effective for immediate sun protection once applied. 

On the other hand, chemical sunscreens sink into the skin to prevent UV damage through chemical reactions from its main active ingredients usually including one or more of the following: oxybenzone, octinoxate, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalate, and avobenzone. What happens when chemical sunscreen is applied is it capture the UV rays, converts them into heat before the skin releases them back to prevent skin damage. 

Some people prefer chemical sunscreens due to their light texture and easy-to-blend consistency. They mostly feel like moisturizers that seamlessly spread onto the skin without leaving a white cast, making them ideal for all skin tones. However, they are usually recommended to apply 15-20 minutes before sun exposure before they take full effect. The other thing to note is that their formulations may cause reactions for those with acne-prone and/or sensitive types, so make sure to check the ingredients. 

Our Top Pick Korean Sunscreens from Benton Cosmetics

Benton Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream – Best for Dry and Combination Skin

Protect and soothe skin with this daily chemical sun cream from Benton! Their Air Fit UV Defense Sun Cream features soothing, calming, and antibacterial properties, thanks to its main ingredient, the Centella Asiatica extract. The ultra-lightweight texture seamlessly blends into the skin easily while providing it with moisture. It also has cooling effects and provides additional protection against Blue Light. As it shields the skin from the sun, it also keeps the skin tone even and healthy.

Why We Love It:

  • Blends quickly with minimal to no white cast on the skin
  • Has a light, weightless finish
  • Does not pill when layered on top of previous skincare
  • Dermatological tested / Non-comedogenic tested / Blue-light protection tested / Vegan registered
  • SPF50+ PA++++ content for high sun protection

Price: RM42.22

Where to Buy: Shopee

Benton Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream – Best for Sensitive and Oily, Acne-Prone Skin

This physical sun cream from Benton was designed with broad spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ to suit and protect sensitive skin types. Formulated with Witch Hazel Extract, an active ingredient from Centella Asiatica, and Calamine to soothe skin while shielding the skin from harsh UV rays and external aggressors. It has a light texture that is easy to spread and blend on the skin.

Why We Love It:

  • Promotes a brightening effect on the skin
  • Provides strong protection against the sun for hours
  • Moisturizes the skin
  • Gives the skin a glowing natural tone-up effect
  • Also doubles as a great makeup primer
  • Dermatologically tested / Non-comedogenic tested / Pediatrically tested / Vegan registered
  • SPF 50+ PA++++

Price: RM46.22

Where to Buy: Shopee

Benton Mineral Sun Stick – Best for All Skin Types

Easily swipe all over for the sun protection you need! The Benton Mineral Sun Stick glides on with ease on the skin, leaving behind a smooth and soft finish. Despite being in stick form, it’s packed with Hyaluronic Acid, so it hydrates as it shields the skin. It’s also infused with Vitamin E to fight against free radicals and promote skin healing.

Why We Love It:

  • Convenient to carry around for reapplication as needed
  • Best to apply on places where you forget to apply sunscreen (Back of neck and ears)
  • Can be applied on top of makeup
  • Dermatologically tested / Pediatrically tested / Hypoallergenic / Vegan registered
  • Free from artificial fragrance
  • SPF50 PA++++

Price: RM58.67

Where to Buy: Shopee