Ranking of the best Korean sunscreens for 2022

A beautiful even tan without peeling and redness is not an advertising slogan, but a reality accessible to everyone when using the right sunscreen. Modern sunscreens provide maximum protection against the harmful effects of ultraviolet rays during sunbathing, leaving you with only a beautiful golden complexion. Below we will talk about Korean sunscreens.

What you need to know about sunscreens to choose the right one

Before choosing a remedy for solar radiation, let's figure out what it is and why it harms us. All solar radiation is divided into 3 types of rays: A, B and C. C-rays are absorbed by the ozone layer and do not affect us. B-rays affect the surface layer of the skin, causing redness, and with prolonged exposure, even a burn. Most dangerous during periods of minimal cloud cover. It is thanks to them that a tan is formed. A-rays are the most insidious - there are no obstacles for them, they penetrate clouds, clothes. Their danger lies in the fact that they affect the deeper layers, causing cellular aging, wrinkling, allergic reactions, and in the worst case, skin cancer. They are dangerous all year round. Therefore, when choosing sunscreen products, you need to consider their ability to protect against both types of rays.

So, in order to ensure your skin is as safe as possible in the sun and at the same time not harm it, when buying sunscreen, it is important to consider the following points:

• phototype.

Depending on this characteristic, the degree of protection is selected. The figure clearly shows 6 phototypes according to Fitzpatrick: the characteristic color of the skin, hair, eyes.

The closer your phototype is to one, the more you need to protect yourself from the sun.

• SPF (Sun Protection Factor) - solar protection factor. It is responsible for the B rays of the spectrum (UVB).

The digital SPF index shows how long the cream will protect you from sunburn. For example, without special products, your skin turns red in the sun after 5 minutes. When using a cream with SPF10+, redness should not appear within 50 minutes. On sale there are products with a sun protection factor from 2 to 50. Of course, these indicators are largely arbitrary and depend on your phototype.The lighter the skin, the higher the index is needed. The SPF level is also selected taking into account the strength of the sun, the duration of being under its rays. It is important to remember that SPF only protects against type B rays.

• PA (Protection Grade of UVA) - an indicator of protection against rays of the A spectrum (UVA).

This indicator is used by Asian manufacturers. The more pluses (maximum 4) are near the index, the more you are protected from A rays. In European manufacturers, UVA protection is abbreviated as PPD (Persistent Pigment Darkening) or IPD (Immediate Pigment Darkening).

• filters.

Sunscreens acquire their protective properties thanks to the filters included in the composition. They are physical and chemical.

Physical filters act as a kind of shield and reflect UVA and UVB. The most common are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. They are not absorbed and therefore do not cause any harmful effects. Effective immediately after application. Products based on them are suitable for children and people with sensitive skin. Of their minuses, whitening of the tone can be distinguished due to their dense structure, as well as non-water resistance.

Chemical filters, unlike the previous ones, absorb UV radiation and prevent it from penetrating deep into. Manufacturers use a huge number of different chemical filters, each of which affects the skin to one degree or another. Of the advantages, it is worth highlighting a high degree of protection, water resistance, light consistency, and no smell. Of the most important drawbacks, it is worth highlighting the fact that one filter cannot protect against both types of rays, you need to choose a combination of them. The next disadvantage is that they can cause allergic reactions, blockage of pores.They begin to act only 20-30 minutes after application. The most common of them, in order from the safest: avobenzone (butyl methoxydibenzoylmethane), benzophenone (Benzophenone), oxybenzene (Oxybenzone), homosalate (Homosalate), octisalate (OCTISALATE), octinoxate (Octylmethoxycinnamate).

At the same time, you need to know what fully protects against harmful solar radiation, after all, a combination of physical and chemical filters.

• water resistance.

An indispensable parameter, especially for active recreation on the water.

• compound.

In addition to the filters included in the composition, it is worth paying attention to other components. Ideally, there should be no silicones, alcohol, parabens. The presence of plant extracts is welcome, which will have a caring effect: moisturize, relieve inflammation and irritation. Some manufacturers include collagen and hyaluronic acid for a smoothing effect.

Today in our ranking we will look at the best sunscreens from the most popular Korean manufacturers. We divided all the products discussed below into 2 groups: for the face and those that can be used for the face and body. For convenience, we have arranged them in ascending order of price, although it is not a factor that determines the quality of products.

Best face sunscreens

3W Clinic UV Snail Day Sun Cream

The manufacturer positions this sunscreen not only as an effective product against the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation (protection level SPF 50+ PA +++), but also as a care product. Thanks to the extracts of medicinal plants and snail secretion included in the composition, the cream moisturizes, soothes irritations, promotes the production of collagen and smoothes the microrelief.A combination of physical and chemical filters provides protection from the negative effects of solar radiation: zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate. The cream has a dense texture, but despite this it is easy to apply, without leaving a very noticeable oily sheen and feeling of a mask on the face. Visibly evens out and brightens the complexion.

Volume - 70 ml.

The cost is from 490 rubles.

• foil membrane for control of opening;
• contains a lot of plant extracts, shea butter, as well as snail secret;
• contains panthenol;
• dries up rashes and small pimples;
• effectively protects against UV.

• individual components can cause allergies, so it is necessary to test the cream on a small area;
• obtrusive characteristic smell of sunscreen.

The Saem Eco Earth Power Tone Up Sun Cream

Sunscreen from the Eco Earth Power series from the popular Korean brand The Saem. It is labeled SPF 50+ PA++++ and provides full protection against UVA and UVB rays. A distinctive feature of this sunscreen is the presence in the composition of only physical filters - zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, due to which a whitening effect is achieved. The light texture of the cream ensures its uniform application and distribution. He behaves well under makeup - does not flow. At the same time, it not only protects the skin of the face from the sun, but also mattifies it, evening out the tone. Zinc oxide has an antiseptic effect, preventing the appearance of rashes.

Volume - 50 ml.

The cost is from 730 rubles.

• contains only physical (natural) filters;
• suitable for children;
• has antiseptic properties;
• waterproof;
• provides an even tan without redness and burning;
• has a matting effect;
• after application, there is no sticky or greasy film on the face;
• a large number of plant components in the composition.

• no foil membrane to control the first opening;
• whitens, which is not suitable for owners of dark skin (there will be a clear contrast between the face and body);
• some of the components can cause clogging of pores and dryness;
• small volume.

Missha All Around Safe Block Waterproof Sun SPF 50

The company offers the buyer a whole series of sunscreens - All Around Safe Block Sun, which not only protect the skin from the negative effects of ultraviolet rays, but also moisturize it. All of them are waterproof. From it, we chose a cream with the highest degree of protection SPF 50+ PA +++, which is provided by titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Like all previous products, this is packaged in a plastic tube with a long spout for economical consumption and convenient dosing. The consistency is quite dense and oily, but when applied it is easily distributed and quickly absorbed. There is a slight sheen to the finish. It does not conflict with decorative cosmetics and is perfectly matted with powder. The composition contains a large number of plant extracts that have a caring effect.

Owners of oily skin should pay attention to the cream All Around Safe Block Sebum Zero Sun SPF50+/PA+++ from the same series. It is lighter and does not leave a greasy finish.

Volume - 50 ml.

The cost is from 1490 rubles.

• maximum degree of protection from the sun;
• only physical filters;
• suitable for children;
• waterproof;
• many plant components in the composition;
• fits well under makeup;
• suitable for outdoor activities;
• pleasant floral scent.

• oily sheen;
• some of the components may be allergenic.

Blithe Airy Sunscreen

Light and airy sunscreen with high protection SPF 50+ PA++++. Types of ultraviolet rays A and B are protected by safe physical filters - zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. The cream brightens the skin, evens out its tone. The herbal ingredients (bergamot, lavender, geranium, basil, orange peel, etc.) soothe irritations, control sebum production, tone up. Panthenol is a component responsible for additional hydration and regeneration. The consistency of the product is very light, reminiscent of milk. Thanks to this, it is well distributed and quickly absorbed.

Volume - 50 ml.

The cost is from 2400 rubles.

• only physical filters;
• can be used to protect children's skin;
• rich composition of plant components;
• contains panthenol;
• light texture does not leave a greasy and sticky mask;
• moisturized and velvety skin after applying the product;
• as a result of application, an even tone is obtained that does not require the use of additional tinting agents.

• the composition contains components that can cause blockage of pores and an allergic reaction;
• expensive.

As a conclusion, we note that in order for the sun to bring only a beautiful light tan and not cause any harm, you must always use a sunscreen, even if you are not going to the beach. Consider your phototype, the features of solar activity in your region, carefully read the composition - all this, as well as our rating, will help you make the right choice.

The best sunscreens for face and body

Farmstay Aloe Vera Perfect

The cream is packaged in a plastic tube with a conical spout. Thanks to the soft plastic and the shape of the spout, it is convenient to squeeze out and dispense. There is a foil membrane as protection against opening. From the description given by the manufacturer, the following can be distinguished: protects against the effects of ultraviolet radiation A and B types, moisturizes and soothes the skin, maintains its firmness and elasticity. The aloe extract contained in it fights inflammation and irritation, while toning and smoothing the skin. The cream is marked SPF 50+ and PA +++, which indicates the maximum degree of protection against the negative effects of the sun. Combines physical (titanium dioxide) and chemical (ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate) filters.

Volume - 70 ml.

The cost is from 335 rubles.

• light texture similar to milk;
• absorbed without leaving a greasy film;
• does not cause irritation if it gets into the eyes;
• pleasant unobtrusive smell;
• visibly moisturizes;
• regular use helps to avoid the appearance of pigmentation;
• plant components in the composition;
• optimal price / quality ratio.

• exaggerated anti-aging effect;
• some components of the composition may cause an allergic reaction.

Deoproce Defense

Sunscreen with a slight toning effect from Deoproce. The manufacturer guarantees not only full protection from the sun (SPF 50+ PA +++), but also promotes collagen production, increased firmness and elasticity of the skin, its faster recovery and renewal. It also prevents the appearance of freckles and other pigmentation. Titanium dioxide is used as a physical filter, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate acts as a chemical filter.The product is packaged in a flat plastic tube with a long spout for easy dosing. The cream has a light texture and differs from others in a beige tone, i.e. also performs the function of a BB cream, leveling the tone.

Volume - 70 ml.

The cost is from 445 rubles.

• evens out and brightens the tone;
• easily distributed;
• the composition contains vegetable oils and extracts (macadamia, jojoba);
• fits well under tone-leveling products;
• effectively protects against the negative effects of being in the sun;
• prevents pigmentation.

• leaves shine and greasy film;
• obsessive odor;
• not the safest.

TONY MOLY UV Master

Cream with a high protection factor against both types of UV rays (SPF 50+ PA+++), which is achieved by the action of two physical and two chemical filters. It has a milky texture. Thanks to this, it is well distributed. The light and airy texture of the cream spreads beautifully without clogging pores or leaving a sticky or greasy finish. In addition, this sunscreen is waterproof and perfect for outdoor activities. Packed in a flat tube made of soft matte plastic. The special composition not only protects against the negative effects of the sun, but also prevents the appearance of age spots, relieves inflammation and promotes rapid regeneration. There is some cooling effect.

Volume 50 ml.

The cost is from 1095 rubles.

• full UV protection thanks to a combination of two types of filters;
• waterproof;
• suitable for long outdoor activities even in strong sun;
• no stickiness and noticeable oiliness after absorption;
• moisturizes, relieves inflammation, promotes rapid regeneration.

• chemical filters in the composition can cause an allergic reaction;
• may leak into the lid.

Holika Holika Aloe Waterproof

Sunscreen from Holika Holika is a gel with maximum UV protection (SPF 50+ PA++++), which is achieved through physical and chemical filters in the composition. In addition, it contains extracts of aloe, sunflower, grapes and other plants that have a moisturizing, tonic and soothing effect. Like the products described above, this cream-gel is packaged in a flat plastic tube with a thin spout. Non-standard cream-gel texture provides easy application and quick distribution of the cream on the skin. It does not conflict with decorative cosmetics and behaves well under makeup.

Volume - 100 ml.

The cost is from 1290 rubles.

• there is a foil membrane to control the first opening;
• noticeable moisturizing effect;
• economical consumption;
• unusual gel-like consistency is well distributed and quickly absorbed, leaving no stickiness;
• large volume;
• suitable for face and body.

• noticeable shine after application;
• some ingredients may not be suitable for sensitive skin.

The choice of Korean sunscreen must be made based on your phototype, skin tendency to oiliness, as well as the conditions where the product is to be used.