10 reasons why Korean sunscreen is better

When it comes to skincare, it's no secret that Korea is far ahead of the Western beauty world. But nowhere is this more evident than in sun protection. In the K-beauty routine, SPF isn't just an optional bonus – it's the absolute foundation of every skincare regimen.

And it's not just about avoiding sunburn. It's about long-term skin health , anti-aging, and preserving the condition and radiance of your skin for many years to come.

But what exactly makes Korean sunscreens so different from the Western products you may have grown up with?

Why are they suddenly everywhere on TikTok, YouTube and Instagram?
And most importantly: How do you use them correctly to truly benefit from all their advantages?

Here comes the deep dive you've been waiting for.

1. Next-generation UV filter

Let's start with the science – don't worry, it won't get too nerdy. Here's what you absolutely need to know about sunscreen (if you don't already): The "magical" ingredients are called UV filters. And this is precisely where K-Beauty really shines.

Most Korean sunscreens rely on modern chemical UV filters , which are significantly more stable, skin-friendly, and effective than the outdated filters still used in many Western products.

In Korea, this area is constantly being developed – so you can be sure that you are getting the most innovative and comfortable UV filters on the market.

Typical UV filters in Korean formulations are:

• Uvinul A Plus – protects against UVA rays, very light-stable
  
• Tinosorb S & M – offer broad protection (UVA & UVB), extremely stable
  
• Mexoryl SX – particularly effective against UVA rays, yet gentle on the skin
  
• Iscotrizinol – a highly light-stable UVB filter

These filters provide long-lasting, comprehensive protection – especially against UVA rays, which are largely responsible for skin aging and age spots. (Need a mnemonic? UVA = Aging, UVB = Burning ).

In comparison, many Western sunscreens still rely on filters such as avobenzone (unstable) or oxybenzone (potentially irritating and highly controversial) – often for the simple reason that the approval processes are slower than in Korea.

2. Irresistibly pleasant textures for happy skin

Honestly, if sunscreen feels unpleasant, you simply don't use it. And consistency is key when it comes to sun protection.

Are you one of those people who hate the feeling of sunscreen? That sticky, heavy, greasy feeling that never seems to absorb properly? Then it's time you tried Korean sunscreen.

If you've never used a K-Beauty sunscreen before, you'll be truly surprised at how light, pleasant, and simply cosmetically elegant it is – especially compared to many Western products.

Korean sunscreens are generally:

• Ultralight and breathable
  
• Non-greasy or sticky
  
• Absorbs quickly
  
• Great to wear under makeup
  
• Non-comedogenic (meaning they don't clog pores)

They feel more like a hydrating serum or a light day cream – and not like the thick, heavy sunscreen you only unpack at the beach.

And that's precisely what's so crucial: If your SPF feels good, you'll wear it every day and happily , not just on vacation or at the lake. And this daily application is the most important step when it comes to protecting your skin from sun damage in the long term.

3. Nourishes like a day cream

We've already talked about how pleasant Korean sunscreens feel on the skin. But that's not all – they also make your skin look better over time. And that's not just because of the UV protection.

Most Korean SPFs are packed with skin-nourishing ingredients , for example:

• Niacinamide – brightens and evens out skin tone
  
• Centella Asiatica – soothes sensitive or irritated skin
  
• Panthenol & Beta-Glucan – strengthen the skin barrier
  
• Hyaluronic acid – provides intense moisture and plumps up the skin
  
• Probiotics or fermented active ingredients – bring the skin into balance and promote regeneration.

This makes your sunscreen a true 2-in-1 product: you not only protect your skin, but also care for it at the same time – without any extra steps in your routine.

If you have normal or oily skin (i.e., not particularly dry), you can easily use a nourishing Korean sunscreen as a replacement for your daily moisturizer. Practical, effective, and time-saving – perfectly in line with the K-beauty principle.

4. No whitening effect

One of the biggest reasons why many people – especially those with darker skin tones –skip daily sun protection is the dreaded white cast.

Conventional mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide often leave a grey or chalky film on the skin – especially on medium to dark skin tones.

Korean sunscreens put an end to that once and for all. Thanks to modern, transparent UV filters, they can be applied invisibly – without leaving any residue, even on dark skin.

The textures are formulated to be quickly integrated without streaking, flaking, or unsightly settling.

This means: no more pale, greyish complexion. No more irritated skipping of sunscreen. You won't even notice you've applied anything at all , and that's exactly how it should be.

5. Ideal for sensitive, blemished or stressed skin

If you have sensitive, blemish-prone, or generally easily irritated skin, you know the problem: Many sunscreens burn, irritate, or cause new pimples – sometimes just minutes after application.

Most Korean sunscreens are different. They are often:

• Fragrance-free or only very lightly perfumed
  
• EWG Green certified (meaning it contains particularly skin-friendly ingredients)
  
• Gentle and non-irritating to the skin
  
• Non-comedogenic – they do not clog pores.

Perfect if you're dealing with the following skin conditions:

• Acne
  
• Rosacea
  
• Eczema or irritated skin
  
• Skin after treatments such as laser, microneedling or peels

Even if your skin reacts badly to many products, you'll most likely find a Korean sunscreen that feels soothing and pleasant. Completely free of harsh alcohols, heavy finishes, and stress.

6. Fair price – without compromise

Let's talk about the price for a moment. While many Western sunscreens easily cost 30 to 60 euros (or more), with Korean brands you often get equally good or even better results for under 20 euros.

And that makes a real difference – especially if you use your sunscreen correctly.

Yes, you should apply it generously and reapply regularly. For your face and neck alone, you need about a quarter teaspoon or two finger lengths of product – per application.

If your sunscreen is affordable, the barrier to using enough product is much lower. And that's crucial: good protection only works if you apply enough of it – every day.

7. Makeup-friendly

If you not only love skincare but also enjoy wearing makeup, you should definitely try Korean sunscreens. They were developed for daily use – and that's precisely why they work perfectly under makeup.

Korean sun protection products:

• It doesn't crumble or "pill" under foundation or BB cream.
  
• They work great with tints, concealers and make-up bases.
  
• They have smooth, even finishes – whether matte, natural or glowy.
  
• They won't interfere with your skincare routine underneath and can be easily layered.

Some even offer primer properties or light tone-up effects that even out your complexion and give it a healthy glow, all without additional makeup.

A good example of this is the Waterfull Tone-up Sun Cream from d'Alba: it not only reliably protects against UV rays, but also ensures a more even skin tone and a fresh, radiant finish.

8. The right texture for every skin type

Whether you have dry, oily, combination or sensitive skin – and whether you live in humid Berlin or dry Barcelona – there is guaranteed to be the right Korean sunscreen for you.

The selection is huge, so everyone can find something that perfectly suits their skin type, climate and personal preferences.

Here are some of our favorites at Seoul Onni and who they are particularly suitable for:

• Numbuzin No.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence – ideal for oily or acne-prone skin
  
• HYGGEE Vegan Sun Cream – perfect for dry or mature skin
  
• HaruHaru Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen – ideal for hot and humid summers
  
• d'Alba Waterfull Tone-up Sun Cream – provides a soft, radiant “filter” effect
  
• MIXSOON Centella Sun Cream – ideally suited for sensitive skin types

This way you're guaranteed to find your personal favorite for maximum protection and comfort.

9. Innovative formats for quick touch-ups

As you probably know, you should reapply your sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours when you're outdoors. Korean brands are now making reapplication super easy and stylish with convenient formats like:

• Sunscreen sticks – are very easy to apply, even over make-up (for example, the Tocobo Cica Sun Stick )
  
• Cushion SPF Compacts – simply dab on, similar to a cushion foundation.
  
• Spray sprays / mists with SPF – ideal for a quick refresh in between.

So there's really no excuse anymore for forgetting to reapply moisturizer – and all without a sticky mess. These handy products fit easily into a bag, car, or even a trouser pocket , making them perfect for on the go.

10. Innovation at the pace of K-Beauty

Last but not least, we mustn't forget how innovative Korean sunscreens really are.

While Western brands often only revise their formulas every three to five years, Korean brands work constantly and with great passion to improve their products – based on:

• Customer feedback
  
• Recommendations from dermatologists
  
• Industry trends
  
• New ingredients

Every year, K-Beauty brands bring new textures, better finishes, and smarter SPF solutions to the market.

This means that even if you were totally thrilled with a particular sunscreen last year, there's a good chance that an even better product has since been released.