So, we all know the importance of wearing sunscreens all year round, right? Yup, all seasons—rain or shine. But, choosing the right sunscreen, finding a reliable sunscreen, has taken on a toll since sunscreen scandals started spewing out in 2020. Are Korean sunscreens still reliable? What about the carcinogens found in multiple Western sunscreens? What are the best Korean sunscreens of 2021?
Rest assured, after faithfully testing out over 30 Korean sunscreens for the past 6+ months, AND getting in touch with brands to pursue independent lab testing results, etc… We have our TOP 6 BEST (RELIABLE) KOREAN SUNSCREEN OF 2021 for you! We have a mix of newly released 2021 sunscreens as well as trusty well-loved ones that passed the sunscreen controversies with flying colors.
What are the best Korean sunscreens of 2021?
New in 2021, and we call it “perfection”
You want to know how ingenious the Korean skincare world is? This is the newest Korean sunscreen that was born as a direct response to the Korean sunscreen scandal. This is it—the sweat and tears of some of the best Korean cosmetic formulators. With multiple independent lab results to back up the UVA and UVB ratings, the Hyggee Real Sun Cream SPF0+ PA++++ is close to perfection as we’ve seen in sunscreen. This featherlight yet creamy smooth sunscreen has a soft matte finish that feels fresh on the skin yet hydrating enough to soothe sensitive skin. Read an in-depth review of this sunscreen here.
This silky soft yet nourishing formula is invisible on the skin, without oiliness or stickiness, and gentle enough for all skin types. The Pure Lotus Jeju Botanical Sun Cream is K-Beauty expert Sarah Oh’s top sunscreen choice for all skin types, and also Be Mused Korea founder Lisa Kim’s favorite sunscreen for all-year-round.This one is especially great for beauties that want more than just UV protections from their sunscreens. It boasts powerful antioxidant ingredients like White Lotus Flower and Tangerine Peel in the most exquisite formula that provides lasting UV protection.
Going strong with its HG status among skinthusiasts
This is for all the glow seeking, dry skin beauties. If you love that glowy dewy skin look, and absolutely despise white cast and dryness on the skin—this is for you! One of our favorite skincare connoisseur, Sophia @beauty_unplugged adores this one as her everyday glass skin finish sunscreen. With soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica and Bamboo Extract to hydrate tired skin + Mistletoe Extracts to encourage repair and renewal process of the skin, this is a great choice for mature or distressed skin.
Your backup sunscreen for when you’ve over-exfoliated, had laser treatments, or maskne is so out of control that your face hurts
When you want the extra sense of safety that physical sunscreens offer, but cannot bring yourself to look ghastly pasty and dry, this is for you. Unlike the other sunscreens here, Cell Fusion C Derma Relief Sunscreen 100 is a physical sunscreen that relies only on one physical UV filter. Can we still trust that it provides SPF50+ PA++++? Yup, we checked it out for you. With a high concentration of Titanium Dioxide, but with incredibly hydrating and conditioning agents, Cell Fusion C brings you a safe, gentle physical sunscreen that delivers full UV protection as promised with minimal white cast that disappears on the skin soon after application.
Note that this sunscreen does contain added artificial fragrance. If you are a sensitive skin beauty that wants to avoid fragrance in skincare, we recommend the Hyggee Real Sun Cream as a good hybrid sunscreen alternative.
You want some glow with your sunscreen but also want it lightweight
This is the latest 2021 sunscreen from AHC, a K-Beauty brand famous for their “eye cream for the face” as well as their sunscreen lineups. What’s special about this new 2021 sun serum? More UV filters and the beautiful silky glowy finish! And, it seems AHC is finally getting on the “no fragrance” train. This is one of the first AHC sunscreens without added fragrance that launched in 2021. It applies like a jelly serum, and finishes with the most gorgeous light sheen on the skin. Not quite the “glazed donut” look you get from the Thank You Farmer Water Sun Cream, but the healthy dose glow does add life to tired skin.
So… Hyggee is not done impressing us
This is Hyggee’s second 2021 sunscreen release. All we can say is that this chemical sunscreen feels incredible on the skin! It contains contains five types of chemical UV filters for high protection and Chlorella and Beetroot for added moisture and nourishment. The soft hydrating texture is so easy to spread on the skin! The IG skincare community has been raving about this one with good reason. Curious? Read an in-depth review of the Hyggee Vegan Sun Cream here.
Have you tried any of these best Korean sunscreens of 2021 yet?
