Collage: Paula Balondo; Source images: Courtesy of Allure editors and brands Save Story Save this story Save Story Save this story Don't get us started on the best Korean sunscreens. Wait, scratch that. Do get us started, but don't blame us as we ramble on for an hour. These K-beauty SPFs glide on like a dream, disappear without a trace, quench dehydrated skin, brighten dull complexions, and, of course, protect us against sun damage. Even with new regulations that ban the sale of sunscreens containing non-FDA-approved UV filters in the US (including Amazon , so be vigilant about fake listings!), we've still got a wide range of elegant, lightweight formulas to choose from, whether it's a fan-favorite from Innisfree or an under-the-radar brand like Koolsol by Knours.
Keep scrolling to learn what sets the best Korean sunscreens apart, thanks to wisdom from K-beauty experts , board-certified dermatologists, and Allure editors.
Editor's note: We're aware we only have one mineral sunscreen on this list—well, technically two, if you count a P.S. callout. We are actively testing more mineral formulations as they come out and will be sure to update this story as we discover ones worth recommending!
How are Korean sunscreens different from Western sunscreens? Are Korean sunscreens better than Western sunscreens? How should I choose a Korean sunscreen? Meet the experts How we test and review products Our staff and testers Best Chemical Sunscreen Overall: Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50 Save to wishlist Save to wishlist Mixsoon
Allure beauty director Sarah Kinonen applying the Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50
Why we love it: When you like Mixsoon's Bean Essence as much as we do, it's, ahem, barley a surprise that we'd be equally obsessed with the Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen. Not only does it house an impressive SPF 50—this is pretty standard for Korean sunscreens, which is yet another reason to love them—but there's a host of hydration-boosting, soothing ingredients such as soybean ferment, barley seed, and panthenol to support your barrier. The finish is slightly dewy, but not overly so, and definitely not sticky. This chemical SPF checks all our boxes, and affordably so at under $20.
Tester feedback from beauty director Sarah Kinonen
“As someone who has been testing sunscreens for most of her life (I’m a former Floridian), I’ve been around my fair share of lotions, sprays, and powders. But it wasn’t until about a decade ago that I actually started to enjoy applying them. I think it has less to do with the format and more to do with the actual formula. And my favorite formulas? Anything that comes from Korea. The textures are lightweight, easy to blend, and even easier to remove. They layer well and don’t sting my sensitive eyelids. Lately, I’ve been loving the Mixsoon Bean Sunscreen SPF 50. It’s got all of the above features, plus an impressive SPF 50 level. I love the finish, too. It leaves behind a slightly dewy, never-sticky effect that can be worn solo or under makeup. I even wear it when I work out—and it never bothers me or my sensitive eyelids! I love it!” —Sarah Kinonen, beauty director
Sunscreen type: chemical UV filters: avobenzone (3%), homosalate (7%), octisalate (5%), octocrylene (5%) Other noteworthy ingredients: soybean ferment, barley seed ferment, niacinamide, vitamin B5, vitamin E Who it's for: everyone Fragrance-free: yes Water-resistant: yes, up to 80 minutes Best Mineral Su…