10 Best Korean Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin That Shield And Pamper

Written by Anoushka Sinha, Skincare Coach & Writer
Updated on May 15, 2024
Korean Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin That Shield And Pamper It
The products curated for this article are independently chosen by the editorial team. If you make a purchase through the links mentioned below, we may receive a commission. Check out our product research & curation process

You can love them, or you can hate them, but you cannot ignore the importance of sunscreens, especially if you have sensitive skin. This is why you must invest in the best Korean sunscreen for sensitive skin that you find fit, to shield your skin against sun and UV damage without any irritation or breakouts.

Choosing Korean sunscreens is a better option as they are known to have one of the best formulations in the world with new-generation SPF filters and are considered superior to American sunscreens. They are extremely lightweight to give you a second skin-like feel without causing any irritation, redness, or inflammation. They are infused with several skin-loving ingredients and offer multifunctional benefits. If their quick-absorbing texture doesn't win your heart, then maybe their brightening effect will. With these sunscreens, you can make sun protection something that you look forward to each day. Dive with us into this mesmerizing world of Korean sunscreens and find your ideal match!

10 Best Korean Sunscreens for Sensitive Skin

The search for one of the best Korean sunscreens ends right here! Sulwhasoo's daily cream is hydrating, nourishing, and ideal for busy girls. It defends your skin from the harmful UVA/UVB rays without leaving a white cast. It leaves your skin feeling soft without any grease. With SPF 40, this sunscreen is ideal for those who spend numerous hours outdoors. Infused with Korean herbs, the sunscreen promotes overall skin health. Apply this in the morning and enjoy soft, supple skin all day.

Pros
  • Luxurious formula
  • Chic packaging
  • Hydrates skin
  • Non-greasy formula
Cons
  • None
  • Best for Oily Skin

    ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk, SPF50+ PA++++

    ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk, SPF50+ PA++++
  • A holy grail for people with oily and combination skin types, this ETUDE HOUSE Sun Milk is one of the best Korean sunscreens you can get your hands on. With a milky texture infused with skin-loving and soothing ingredients like baobab seed oil, Kakadu plum fruit extract, aloe vera, and cherry extract to name a few, it is a powerhouse of nourishment and protection for your sensitive skin. Drawing from our experience, it offers a soft and flawless finish that's non-sticky as well as non-greasy.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Matte finish
    • Blends well with makeup
    • Seamless finish
    • Has skin-nourishing ingredients
    • Pleasant smell
    • Controls oil
    Cons
    • May leave a slight white cast
  • Best Non-comedogenic Formula

    Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun, SPF50+ PA++++

    Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun, SPF50+ PA++++
  • This lightweight sunscreen for sensitive skin from Dr.G would tick all your boxes for an amazing physical sunscreen. It protects against sun damage and UV rays, but that's not all. It has moisturizing properties that won't clog your pores nor make you look greasy. It looks and feels comfortable on the skin. As indicated by our tests it blends well with other skincare products and your foundation. There's no annoying pilling, so you can go ahead with worry-free sun protection.

    Pros
    • Smells lovely
    • Nice texture
    • Flawless finish
    • Makes skin radiant
    • Spreads easily
    • Ideal for oily skin types
    Cons
    • Leaves a bit of white cast
    • May feel drying to some
  • Best Overall

    THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream, SPF50+ PA++++

    THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Skin Relief Sun Cream, SPF50+ PA++++
  • It is important to invest in a specifically formulated sunscreen for sensitive eyes. And this one from the cult favorite K-beauty brand, THANKYOU FARMER offers just that—sun protection but without stinging the eyes. It is an incredibly lightweight sunscreen that is infused with several plant-based ingredients, particularly Centella Asiatica. It doesn't take long to blend, thanks to its fairly thin texture. Our team discovered through using this product that it is true to its claims and doesn't leave a white cast. It is the perfect sunscreen for sensitive skin types.

    Pros
    • Doesn't clog pores
    • Reef safe
    • Dermatologically tested
    • Hypoallergenic
    • Safe for acne-prone skin
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best for Extra Sensitive Skin

    Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen, SPF50+ PA++++

    Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen, SPF50+ PA++++
  • Reduce the steps in your skincare routine with this Korean sunscreen for extremely sensitive skin from Haruharu. Infused with antioxidant-rich, skin-soothing, and natural ingredients like niacinamide, rice bran, black rice, daisy flower extracts, ceramide NP, and houttuynia cordata extracts to name a few, it provides ample nourishment to the skin and removes the need for a moisturizer. And all this nourishment comes with zero oiliness or greasiness. After putting it to the test, we discovered that it works wonders for sensitive skin, including those with conditions like rosacea.

    Pros
    • Spreads easily
    • Dewy matte finish
    • Makes skin smooth
    • Hypoallergenic formula
    • Vegan
    • Cruelty-free
    Cons
    • May leave white cast for people with dark skin tones
    • May not absorb fully for some
  • Best Lightweight

    Suntique I’m Safe For Sensitive Skin, SPF35 PA+++

    Suntique I’m Safe For Sensitive Skin, SPF35 PA+++
  • Get your hands on the best Korean face sunscreen ever made for sensitive skin types. You can experience truly radiant skin and protect your skin from UV damage without worrying about getting red, irritated, or inflamed skin. This facial sunscreen has such an incredibly lightweight feel that you will forget if you even put something on. It creates a physical barrier and helps prevent premature aging. Based on our firsthand experience, it goes on smoothly and has a slightly cooling effect on the skin that remains for quite a while.

    Pros
    • Has a satiny finish
    • Doesn't feel greasy
    • No white cast
    • Absorbs nicely
    • Skin feels hydrated
    • Subtle scent
    Cons
    • Pricey
  • Best for Dry Skin

    LabNo Cicaloe Relief Sun Milk, SPF50+PA++++

    LabNo Cicaloe Relief Sun Milk, SPF50+PA++++
  • Spend your time outdoors worry-free with this Korean sunscreen for sensitive skin from LabNo. With its super moisturizing milk-like formula, it is a heaven-sent product for people with dry and sensitive skin types. Infused with skin-friendly plant extracts like Centella Asiatica, Houttuynia Cordata extract, and aloe vera, it has a calming effect on the skin. It can easily become your trusted SPF considering how easily it absorbs and is also non-comedogenic. When we trialed this product, we found it works even for extremely dry skin types and doesn't cause any irritation.

    Pros
    • Lightweight
    • Gives natural glow
    • Feels comfortable on the skin
    • Goes well with makeup
    • Doesn't look cakey
    • Great for winter
    • Value for money
    Cons
    • Strong scent
  • Best Moisturizing

    SOME BY MI Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-Up Suncream, SPF50+ PA++++

    SOME BY MI Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-Up Suncream, SPF50+  PA++++
  • Protect your skin from sun damage and rescue it from dryness with this moisturizing sunscreen for sensitive skin from SOME BY MI, a popular Korean brand known for its remarkable line of skin-calming products. This is one of the best K-beauty sunscreens and has a very creamy texture as compared to other sunscreens without feeling sticky. Its formula is infused with key ingredients like aloe vera, niacinamide, mugwort, and Centella Asiatica which help calm irritated skin while also making skin healthy. After conducting experiments with it, we discovered that it gives a flawless finish with an instantly brightened skin tone.

    Pros
    • Easy to spread
    • Gets absorbed quickly
    • Smooth finish
    • Strengthens skin barrier
    • Has anti-aging benefits
    • Dermatologically-tested
    • Doesn't sting the eyes
    Cons
    • May leave a slight white cast on dark skin tones
    • Some may not like strong scent
  • Best for Blue Light Protection

    CINIC Enjoy Safety Mild Sun Cream, SPF50+ PA++++

    CINIC Enjoy Safety Mild Sun Cream, SPF50+ PA++++
  • Specifically formulated for sensitive skin, this SCINIC Enjoy Safety Mild Sun Cream is a top Korean sunscreen that will change your sun protection game. Infused with key ingredients like soy protein, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and ceramide, it hydrates and moisturizes skin while gently protecting against skin damage caused by the sun. With SPF50+ and PA++++, this sunscreen not only protects against harmful UV rays but also blue light. Our findings show that it has a rich creamy texture that blends easily on application. Moreover, the brand is very open with the clinical test results of the SPF rating, adding to the trustworthiness of this sunscreen. It is a must-have for dehydrated skin types.

    Pros
    • Has no scent
    • Doesn't sting the eyes
    • Dewy finish
    • Non-greasy
    • Brightens dull skin
    • Reef safe
    • Vegan
    Cons
    • May leave white cast for dark skin tones
  • Best Mineral Sunscreen

    Benton Mineral Sun Cream, SPF50+ PA++++

    Benton Mineral Sun Cream, SPF50+ PA++++
  • Get the most out of sun protection with the best SPF 50 Korean sunscreen for sensitive skin from Benton. Infused with antioxidant-rich ingredients like witch hazel extract, panthenol, calamine, zinc oxide, and cica, it not only offers UV protection, but also brightens a dull complexion, and works its magic on fine lines. It is a mineral sunscreen but with a minimal white cast. Instead, it gives a natural tone-up effect that you will love. We have found from using this product that it is very lightweight and has a subtle scent that won't bother you.

    Pros
    • Soft texture
    • Non-greasy
    • Great for reapplication
    • Improves skin texture
    • All mineral filters
    • Dermatologist approved
    • Nourishes skin
    Cons
    • May take some time to fully absorb

    How to Choose the Best Korean Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin?

    K-beauty has taken the beauty industry by storm. And no one can blame it, after all, the Korean skincare products, particularly the sunscreens are truly that good. While the availability of these sunscreens has improved, there are still some considerations you must make before purchasing one. Here are those few aspects that you must keep in mind to meet your match:

    Skin Type

    First of all, consider your skin type, whether you have an oily, dry, or combination skin type. You may still have sensitive skin while also being oily or dry. It will help you choose the right formulation. 

    Physical Filters

    Choose physical or mineral sunscreens as they are better tolerated by sensitive skin types as compared to chemical filters. Typically, the mineral sunscreens contain zinc oxide and/or titanium oxide and are known to be gentle on sensitive skin. Some hybrid sunscreens can also suit sensitive skin types. Make sure to do a patch test first.

    SPF Rating

    Opt for a sunscreen with at least an SPF or Sun Protection Rating 30 for optimal protection. Ensure the sunscreen has a sufficient Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating. SPF 30 or higher is generally recommended for daily use. Also, consider the PA rating aka the Protection Grade of UVA. The higher the number of plus signs means higher protection against UVA rays which are responsible for aging.

    Broad-Spectrum

    Choose a Korean sunscreen for sensitive skin that offers broad-spectrum protection and will protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Make sure to look for the specific words 'broad-spectrum' on the label.

    Ingredients

    Read the ingredient label carefully and ensure the sunscreen doesn't have ingredients that will irritate your skin. Our contributor Dr. Anna Chacon, a board-certified dermatologist, says, “Some common skin irritants found in sunscreens include fragrances, alcohol, and certain chemical UV filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone. It is essential to check the label and avoid these irritants if you have sensitive skin.” Avoid fragrances if it is a source of irritation or allergy for you. Look for ingredients like vitamin E, bamboo water, vitamin C, aloe leaf extract, rice extract, different types of hyaluronic acid, witch hazel, Centella Asiatica, ginseng, ceramides, and amino acids for added skin benefits.

    Type

    Korean sunscreens come in various forms, such as tubes, pump bottles, sprays, and sunscreen sticks. Get the one that suits your needs and preferences. You may choose the best Asian sunscreen stick if you find it more convenient.

    Other Features

    Look for a lightweight and hydrating formula that absorbs quickly. It must be non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic. You may look for water-resistant and sweat-resistant claims. Apart from this, opt for a Korean sunscreen that offers the least or no white cast.

    Consult a Dermatologist

    If you happen to have severely sensitive skin or any serious skin condition like melasma, eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea, it is essential to consult your dermatologist before purchasing sunscreen.

    Read Reviews

    Research and read customer reviews and feedback to see how the particular sunscreen performed for people with a similar skin type and condition as yours.

    Finding the right kind of products for sensitive skin can be a tiresome and daunting task, especially when it comes to finding a good sunscreen that ticks all your boxes. But, with the best Korean sunscreens for sensitive skin, you can get ready to enjoy the sun without worrying about damage or skin irritation. These sunscreens, like the rest of the Korean beauty products, are the best in business. It will be love at first application for you because they are that good. From their texture and formula to filters and skin benefits, Korean sunscreens for sensitive skin are quite suitable for everyday use. Apply and reapply with ease without the greasy or cakey feeling. Don't forget to do a patch test before you go all in with your new K-sunscreen.

    Contributor: Dr. Anna Chacon, Dermatologist - MyPsoriasisTeam

    FAQ's

    Are Korean sunscreens good for sensitive skin?
    Yes, Korean sunscreens are good for sensitive skin, thanks to their superior UV filters and gentle formulations.
    Does sunscreen affect sensitive skin?
    Yes, certain sunscreens, especially chemical sunscreens can affect sensitive skin.
    Can Korean sunscreens for sensitive skin provide both UVA and UVB protection?
    Yes, Korean sunscreens for sensitive skin can provide both UVA and UVB protection. Make sure to check the label for the same.
    Do Korean sunscreens for sensitive skin leave a white cast on the skin?
    Yes, some Korean sunscreens for sensitive skin may leave a white cast on the skin. However, many don’t.
    How often should I reapply Korean sunscreen for sensitive skin?
    If you are outdoors, reapply every 2 hours. If you have gone for a swim, whether in an open swimming pool or the ocean, reapply after every dip.
    Can Korean sunscreens for sensitive skin be used under makeup?
    Yes, thanks to their beautiful lightweight texture, Korean sunscreens for sensitive skin can be easily used under makeup.

    Why Trust Pinkvilla

    Anoushka, the author, knows the importance of sunscreens in a skincare routine but some of these can be tacky. They take away the joy of skincare. This becomes more problematic for sensitive skin types as they cannot just get up and choose whichever SPF option is in front of them. So, she decided to take this opportunity to give space to her K-beauty obsession and curate this list of her top Korean sunscreens for sensitive skin. Her personal favorites include the Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen. 

    Our product experts study the specifications of every product we suggest and try them out to bring what’s proven to be worthy of your money, time, and energy. We also have subject matter experts from various fields like Fashion, Skincare, Haircare, Home Decor, and Health and fitness onboard to make sure our suggestions are credible and trustworthy. You can trust Select to be your faithful shopping guide for all the right reasons!

    Author BIO
    reviewer
    Anoushka Sinha
    Skincare Coach & Writer

    Anoushka is certified in Professional Skincare and is a Mass Media (Journalism) graduate from Mumbai University. As a More