The best Korean sunscreens for daily wear, under makeup, and on the go
By Ulta Beauty Advisors · Published October 2026
All products featured are available at Ulta Beauty. Ulta Beauty Advisors select products independently.
The best Korean sunscreens depend on how you want your sunscreen to feel. For on-the-go reapplication, choose a sunstick. For a light, serum-like feel, choose a sun serum or watery lotion. For a mineral formula, choose zinc oxide. For a soft tone-up under makeup, choose a tinted option.
Korean sunscreens, often called K-Beauty sunscreens, are known for light textures and little to no white cast. Many also include skin care ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. The sections below explain what to look for and how to use them.
What makes Korean sunscreen different?
Light, skin care style textures: Many Korean sunscreens feel like a moisturizer, essence, or serum rather than a thick lotion.
Little or no white cast: Several formulas here are described as having no white cast or minimal white cast.
PA ratings: You will often see a PA rating, such as PA++++, next to the SPF. SPF refers to UVB protection. PA refers to UVA protection, and more plus signs mean a higher rating.
Skin care ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, centella, and ceramides show up often.
Easy reapplication formats. Sticks make it simple to reapply over or under makeup.
How to choose a Korean sunscreen
For reapplying during the day: Pick a stick.
For a serum-like feel: Pick a sun serum or a watery lotion.
For a mineral formula: Pick a zinc oxide sunscreen.
For a soft tone-up or light primer: Pick a tone-up sunscreen.
For oily or combination skin: Look for oil-control or semi-matte formulas.
For dry skin: Look for hydrating, dewy formulas.
Check the label for the SPF, the active ingredients, and the reapplication directions. Sunscreen works best when you apply enough and reapply as directed.
Our picks for the best Korean sunscreens
1 of 10: Best Sunstick for Oil Control
Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar
SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen Stick | $28.00
Shop Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar at Ulta →
If shine bothers you by midday, this stick is a good fit. It is a lightweight sunstick with broad-spectrum SPF 50+ that helps shield skin from UVA and UVB rays. It helps control excess sebum for a smooth, semi-matte finish without a white cast.
It includes ectoin, allantoin, and sunflower seed oil, and it is fragrance-free. The portable format lets you apply it over or under makeup.
Key specs: SPF 50+ PA++++ · Semi-Matte · Oil Control · Fragrance-Free · Stick Format · 0.81 oz
Ulta Beauty Advisor Tip: Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure. Twist the base, swipe over exposed areas, and reapply every 2 hours.
2 of 10: Best Sunstick for Soothing and Hydration
Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar
SPF 50+ PA++++ Sunscreen Stick | $28.00
Shop Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar at Ulta →
This stick suits you if you want a more hydrating option. It is a lightweight, non-sticky sunscreen stick made for easy reapplication over or under makeup. It is fragrance-free and described as leaving no white cast.
The formula includes ceramide, cucumber extract, and centella extract to help soothe and hydrate skin and support the skin barrier.
Key specs: SPF 50+ PA++++ · Non-Sticky · Ceramide · Centella Extract · Fragrance-Free · 0.77 oz
Application Tip: Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure, twist the base and swipe evenly over exposed areas. Reapply every 2 hours.
3 of 10: Best Mineral Sunscreen with Niacinamide
AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen V.3 SPF 50
Mineral Sunscreen with Zinc Oxide | $17.99
Shop AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen V.3 at Ulta →
If you prefer a mineral formula, this one uses zinc oxide for broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It has a lightweight, moisturizer-like texture and includes 2% niacinamide to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone.
Hyaluronic acid helps keep skin comfortable. The brand lists a patch test before first use.
Key specs: SPF 50 · Zinc Oxide · 2% Niacinamide · Hyaluronic Acid · Lightweight · 1.69 oz
Ulta Beauty Advisor Tip: Apply generously as the last step of your morning routine, at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours or after sweating, swimming, or towel drying.
4 of 10: Best Lightweight Everyday Sunscreen
ANUA Zero-Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen
SPF 50 Moisturizing Sunscreen | $18.00
Shop ANUA Zero-Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen at Ulta →
For an easy daily sunscreen at a lower price, start here. It is a lightweight moisturizing sunscreen with SPF 50 and minimal white cast. It is fragrance-free and made for normal skin.
Hyaluronic acid and glycerin provide hydration with a glowy finish, and niacinamide and panthenol help balance sebum while soothing skin. This product is only at Ulta and carries the K Beauty badge.
Key specs: SPF 50 · Minimal White Cast · Fragrance-Free · Hyaluronic Acid · Niacinamide · 1.69 oz · Only at Ulta
Application Tip: Use it after your morning serum. Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours. Double cleanse at night.
5 of 10: Best Watery Sunscreen with a Cooling Feel
Cell Fusion C Aquatica UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 50
SPF 50 PA++++ Chemical Sunscreen | $22.00
Shop Cell Fusion C Aquatica UV Defense Sunscreen at Ulta →
If heavy sunscreens bother you, this watery formula is worth a look. It applies like a lightweight moisturizer with no white cast and has a cooling effect. It is a chemical sunscreen that shields against UVA and UVB rays.
It includes plant-derived PDRN from centella and soothing ingredients for dry, irritated skin. It is dermatologically tested and HSA/FSA eligible.
Key specs: SPF 50 PA++++ · Chemical Sunscreen · Cooling Feel · No White Cast · HSA/FSA Eligible · 1.69 oz · Online Only
Ulta Beauty Advisor Tip: Reapply every 2 to 3 hours during sun exposure, as directed on the label.
6 of 10: Best Hydrating Essence Sunscreen
ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLOCK SPF 45
SPF 45+ PA++++ Essence Sunscreen | $24.99
Shop ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLOCK at Ulta →
If you like your sunscreen to feel like skin care, try this essence-type formula. It is made with birch tree sap and hyaluronic acid, and it protects against UVA, UVB, and blue light. It leaves skin feeling hydrated and dewy.
It includes panthenol and purslane extract to calm and hydrate. The product page says it is rated "excellent" in German dermatological tests.
Key specs: SPF 45+ PA++++ · Essence Texture · Birch Tree Sap · Hyaluronic Acid · Panthenol · 1.69 oz
Application Tip: Use it as the last step of your skin care routine. Spread a sufficient amount over the skin to create an even layer.
7 of 10: Best Glow Sunscreen That Doubles as a Primer
medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen SPF 50
SPF 50 Moisturizing Sunscreen | $22.90
Shop medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen at Ulta →
This is a good pick if you want a radiant finish. It is a lightweight, hydrating SPF 50 broad-spectrum sunscreen with collagen, peptides, cica, and hyaluronic acid. It is described as having no white cast and as working on all skin tones.
The brand says it can double as a primer for a smooth makeup base. It is non-greasy and non-comedogenic.
Key specs: SPF 50 · Collagen and Peptides · Cica · No White Cast · Doubles as Primer · 1.69 oz
Ulta Beauty Advisor Tip: Wear it after moisturizer and before makeup. Squeeze it onto three fingers, spread over the face, and pat to absorb. Reapply every 2 hours.
8 of 10: Best Sun Serum for a Silky Feel
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum UV SPF50
SPF 50 Sun Serum | $26.00
Shop SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum at Ulta →
For a texture that feels closer to a serum than a sunscreen, this one fits. It has an airy, serum-like feel that absorbs well and leaves a luminous finish with no white cast. It provides SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.
It includes centella asiatica extract and a hyaluronic acid system for moisture. It has a silky, lightweight texture.
Key specs: SPF 50 · Serum Texture · No White Cast · Centella Asiatica · Hyaluronic Acid · 1.69 oz
Application Tip: Apply it as the last step of your skin care routine to all areas exposed to UV rays.
9 of 10: Best for Oily Skin
COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
SPF 50+ Sunscreen | $23.00
Shop COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen at Ulta →
Oily skin often does better with a sunscreen that controls shine. This one helps control oil and sebum and has no white cast. It is made with vitamin E, an antioxidant, and cotton extract that absorbs and controls oil.
Silica helps control sebum and minimize the look of pores. The product page also says it is great for sensitive skin, though it lists fragrance in the ingredients, so check the label if you avoid fragrance.
Key specs: SPF 50+ · Oil Control · No White Cast · Vitamin E · Silica · 1.69 oz
Ulta Beauty Advisor Tip: Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours. Use a water-resistant sunscreen if you are swimming or sweating.
10 of 10: Best Tone-Up Sunscreen Under Makeup
d'Alba Piedmont UV Tone-Up Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+
Tone-Up Hybrid Sunscreen | $28.00
Shop d'Alba Piedmont UV Tone-Up Sunscreen at Ulta →
When you want sunscreen that also evens the look of your skin, a tone-up formula helps. It has a soft pink tone-up effect with a natural blurring look, and it works as a light primer. It is a serum-like, broad-spectrum SPF 50+ formula with a creamy, blendable texture.
It includes white truffle with tocopherol, niacinamide, and glutathione, plus titanium dioxide and organic UV filters. It is vegan and only at Ulta.
Key specs: SPF 50+ · Soft Pink Tone-Up · Light Primer · Niacinamide · Vegan · 1.69 oz · Only at Ulta
Application Tip: Apply a generous amount to the face, neck, and any exposed areas as the last step of skin care. Reapply throughout the day as needed.
How to use Korean sunscreen
Apply it as the last skin care step: Put it on after moisturizer and before makeup.
Use enough: Follow the label amount, and apply to the face, neck, and exposed areas.
Wait before sun exposure: Several labels here say to apply 15 minutes before going outside.
Reapply: Every 2 hours is the common direction, and after sweating, swimming, or towel drying.
Cleanse at night: Several brands recommend double cleansing to remove sunscreen.
Frequently asked questions about Korean sunscreens
What are the best Korean sunscreens?
It depends on your skin and routine. For oil control, try the Abib Airy Sunstick or COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen. For a mineral formula, try AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen. For a serum-like feel, try SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum. For a soft tone-up under makeup, try d'Alba Piedmont UV Tone-Up Sunscreen.
What does PA++++ mean on Korean sunscreen?
PA is a rating used in Korea and elsewhere for UVA protection. More plus signs indicate a higher rating. SPF refers to UVB protection. Look for both on the label.
Do Korean sunscreens leave a white cast?
Many are made to minimize it. Several products here are described as having no white cast or minimal white cast. Mineral formulas can look different on different skin tones, so check the product details and reviews.
Can I wear Korean sunscreen under makeup?
Yes. Apply it as the last skin care step, let it settle, then apply makeup. Some formulas, such as medicube Collagen Glow Sunscreen and d'Alba Piedmont UV Tone-Up Sunscreen, are described as working as a primer. A sunstick like the Abib Airy Sunstick can be used over or under makeup.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Follow the label. Most products here say to reapply at least every 2 hours, and after sweating, swimming, or towel drying. Cell Fusion C Aquatica says to apply every 2 to 3 hours during sun exposure.
Where can I buy Korean sunscreens?
All products featured in this guide are available at Ulta Beauty.
Prices and availability are subject to change. © 2026 Ulta Beauty, Inc.
Information provided is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice or a guarantee of results. Sunscreen is one part of sun protection. Follow product directions, and consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional for personalized guidance.
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