The 15 Best Korean Sunscreens (Plus, How They're Different from Others)

• Why We Like It: is budget-friendly, has a lightweight texture, absorbs nicely

If you’re looking for a relatively affordable, no frills option, we’d point you to this cult favorite sunscreen from Innisfree. (For context, of the over 600 reviews on Sephora, 96 percent of users give their stamp of approval on it.) Rave reviewers point to how the water-based formula is “extremely lightweight” and “spreads easily” over your skin without feeling sticky or greasy. And despite the palm-sized packaging, each tube lasts a surprisingly long time (which is good, because you should ideally be using the stuff every day).

• Why We Like It: feels refreshing on skin, has bamboo water and African walnut oil

With an SPF 50 and PA+++ rating, this silky sunscreen combines both chemical and mineral filters to protect your skin against UVA and UVB rays. Infused with bamboo water and African walnut oil, it keeps your face smooth and hydrated without leaving any telltale traces behind (unless you’re counting the soft glow).

• Why We Like It: smells fresh, mineral formula, good for oily skin

You know the telltale sunscreen smell? The one you associate with the gloppy stuff your mom used to smear all over you at the beach? This lightweight formula from Dr. Jart smells more like a walk through a citrus grove. That’s not the only thing we like about it though; with a mineral SPF 50+, it's ideal for sensitive, oily skin types due to its calming properties and added powder that absorbs excess sebum.

• Why We Like It: has a lightweight texture, comes in a larger bottle, can be used all over

For tip-to-toe coverage we opt for this generously sized sunscreen by make p:rem. It's formulated with both chemical and mineral blockers so you get optimal protection from the elements. Bambusa vulgaris water and nymphaea alba flower extract add a cooling effect, and the featherweight texture applies seamlessly to larger surface areas like your legs and back.

• Why We Like It: budget-friendly, absorbs quickly, feels cooling on skin

Need extra protection for your next beach day? Let us to point you to this lightweight dream of a sunscreen. It has a cooling, watery texture that instantly sinks into your skin and doesn't leave behind any heavy residue so you don't have to worry about pilling or stickiness upon reapplying.

• Why We Like It: leaves a dewy finish, gives good coverage, easy to pack and use

With hydrating ingredients like bamboo sap and green tea—and a hefty SPF of 50—this multitasking makeup does it all. Using the enclosed sponge, press down on the cushion top to release the product before tapping it onto your face for dewy coverage. Though the price tag is certainly steep, it comes with a refill and fresh sponge so it lasts you twice as long.

• Why We Like It: absorbs well, has a semi-matte finish, slender tube makes it easy to pack

A consistent best seller for many years, this broad-spectrum sunscreen absorbs quickly into your skin, while leaving behind the subtlest apricot scent. Those who have naturally oilier skin will appreciate its semi-matte finish. We're also fans of the slim tube, which slips into our bag easily for midday touch ups.

• Why We Like It: has rose and raspberry extracts, as well as hyaluronic acid, is silicone-free

For our friends with dry skin (or those who live in more arid climates), this bestseller is a bit more emollient than the others on the list. A closer look at the ingredients and you’ll see rose and raspberry extracts for added hydration and beta-glucan—which is a lesser-known but possibly better humectant than hyaluronic acid—to lock moisture in. The silicone-free formula contains both chemical and mineral filters to deliver broad-spectrum protection and all-day hydration.

• Why We Like It: has a lightweight texture, gentle enough for sensitive skin, no scent

Developed by the renowned Pyunkang Oriental Medicine Clinic in Korea, this super gentle formula contains EWG certified ingredients like honeysuckle extract and mugwort extract to keep your skin nourished and soothed, while broad-spectrum SPF 45 PA+++ fends off UV rays and free radicals. The lightweight formula is also scent-free and is a safe bet for anyone whose skin is easily irritated.

• Why We Like It: oil-free formula, has color-correcting properties

For the dewy skin adverse, try IPKN’s Big Apple Sun Cream SPF 50. The oil-free formula won’t clog your pores or add any unwanted sheen to your skin when you apply it. Plus, it has a color correcting base that creates a smooth, even canvas for makeup, and apple water extract, which is a natural antioxidant for an extra protection.

• Why We Like It: camouflages redness, has a moisturizing formula, can be used in place of makeup

An all-time favorite of one of our editors, this multitasking formula has all but replaced her makeup routine. As she explains: “It feels more like a lightweight face cream and the greenish tint adjusts to match your skin tone as you blend it in, neutralizing redness and giving you coverage similar to that of a tinted moisturizer.” Add to that SPF 30 and the magical healing properties of tiger grass, and you’ve got yourself a sunscreen, moisturizer and color corrector in one jar.

• Why We Like It: is budget-friendly, has a lightweight texture, absorbs nicely

Sun milk is an accurate way to describe the texture of this fluid formula. It’s thin and lightweight and absorbs pretty much as soon as you pat it over your skin. That said, it’s not as moisturizing as some of the others on this list, but that’s also what makes it ideal for oily to combination skin types. You can wear it all day long without having to worry about any sticky residue, excess shine or breakouts. Just give the bottle a good shake beforehand and apply it generously over your face and neck before you head outside.

• Why We Like It: gives good coverage, can be used in place of makeup, has a satin finish

If you like a little more coverage, try this all-in-one primer and foundation by Cle Cosmetics that also contains SPF 50 PA+++. It wears similarly to a BB or CC cream but uses a micro capsule technology that basically separates the skincare ingredients (like hyaluronic acid) from the foundation pigments until you rub it onto your skin, so you get optimal coverage and hydration with every application. The results are satiny and not in the least bit cakey.

• Why We Like It: layers well underneath makeup, gives your skin a flattering sheen

Calling all glass skin fans: This protective base delivers ample UVA and UVB coverage, while brightening up your complexion with botanical extracts and a pearly, light-reflective shimmer that makes your face look downright luminous. It wears nicely on its own but is especially flattering underneath any makeup, as it acts almost like a highlighter.

• Why We Like It: has soothing ingredients like aloe leaf extract, absorbs quickly, good for acne-prone skin

If you’re experiencing mask-related breakouts, this soothing formula is going to be your skin’s best friend (especially as we head into warmer weather). With the consistency of a lightweight moisturizer, it absorbs quickly and evenly without leaving any white cast, and thanks to aloe leaf extract in the formula, it quells any irritation.