2021 was a big year for Korean sunscreens! SPF controversies shook the K-beauty world and the trust of Korean skincare enthusiasts. Korean skincare brands scrambled to either get their sunscreens tested or rolled out new/upgraded verified versions. In the end, the #SPFgate scandal had a positive outcome with more transparent testing information from brands which means more trustworthy Korean sunscreens. Here are eight 2021 verified Korean sunscreens you can trust that are popular in K-beauty now!
Korean sunscreens we tried in 2021!
Type: Hybrid
Texture: Watery Cream
Finish: Dewy & Glowy
Benefit: Soothing & Skin Repairing
This skinfluencer favorite sunscreen survived the SPF scandal, consistently testing above SPF50! It has 6 UV filters and ingredients like Centella, Bamboo, and Mistletoe Extracts to soothe, hydrate, and repair the skin. Giving a super dewy, glowy finish, this is an ideal choice for those with dry, dehydrated, and/or mature skin.
Type: Hybrid
Texture: Soft & Creamy
Finish: Semi-Matte
Benefit: Oil Balancing
This hybrid sunscreen was formulated and released as a direct response to the Korean sunscreen scandal. It contains 6 UV filters and oil balancing ingredients like Niacinamide, Lotus Seed Extract, and Moringa Seed Oil. With a more matte finish, those with oily/ combination skin would love this one–or those who like more matte sunscreens! Read a full review of this one here.
Type: Chemical
Texture: Silky Smooth Cream
Finish: Slightly Dewy
Benefit: Hydrating & Barrier Strengthening
This is your next HG sunscreen if you like chemical sunscreens that aren’t greasy or watery as they often can be. This sunscreen contains 5 types of chemical UV filters that offer high protection and lasting hydration that builds the skin barrier. This is an amazing choice for all but especially those with sensitive skin or a damaged skin barrier! Read a full review of this Korean vegan sunscreen here.
Type: Chemical
Texture: Creamy
Finish: Velvet-Matte
Benefit: Anti-aging & Nourishing
Approved by Allure US and also loved by beauty editors around the world, this is a great year-round sunscreen for all skin types! The Pure Lotus Jeju Botanical Sun Cream is elegantly formulated and gives you a boost of anti-aging and nourishing benefits from the Lotus and Green Tea Extracts. This sunscreen is great for any skin type but especially those who are looking for extra anti-aging benefits.
Type: Chemical
Texture: Smooth & Lotion-like
Finish: Dewy
Benefit: Moisturizing
Round Lab reformulated their sunscreen and came back with an improved and verified version that the skincare community is loving. This chemical sunscreen features Birch Sap to purify and hydrate the skin. Those who love a dewy sunscreen that feels like lotion would enjoy this one.
Type: Chemical
Texture: Silky Gel
Finish: Satin Sheen
Benefit: Antiaging & Brightening
Don’t let the name fool you–this is more of a sunscreen gel than a serum! This is a truly unique 2021 sunscreen that has anti-aging and brightening benefits from Alpha Arbutin and Vitamin C. It comes in a unique pink colored jelly-like-gel that naturally comes from Calamine. This also soothes the skin and there’s even a cooling effect. Those who want a dewy anti-aging sunscreen with a glowy finish would love this.
Type: Chemical
Texture: Watery Gel
Finish: Dewy & Glowy
Benefit: Hydrating
This sunscreen rose to HG status in the Instagram community for its lightweight texture and hydrating benefits! It’s a chemical sunscreen that has skin barrier strengthening Ceramides and eight types of Hyaluronic Acids for a moisturizing effect. Those with dry skin or those that love a super dewy finish would love this one!
Type: Physical
Texture: Cream
Finish: Soft-matte
Benefit: Hydrating
Isntree released this in 2021 as a physical sunscreen alternative to their chemical sun gel above. It contains Zinc Oxide with Hyaluronic Acid for a more hydrating feel and ease of application. This is a great option for those with sensitive skin looking for a physical sunscreen. There is no white cast but there is a slight tone up effect that fades after a few seconds of application but that’s expected for a physical sunscreen.
8 Verified Korean Sunscreens You Can Trust
There are more verified Korean sunscreens being released but these are the more popular ones in K-beauty right now. All of the verified Korean sunscreens above do not have a white cast or chalkiness and are loved by many skinthusiasts!
Want to know which ones we love and use? Check out our post Top 6 Best Korean Sunscreens Of 2021 here!
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