Korean Sunscreen: Which One Suits My Skin Type?
"Korean sunscreen" is one of the most common searches that bring customers to us in Seiersberg – and the second question is almost always: which one? The difference from European sunscreens is less about protection (SPF50+ PA++++ is standard) and more about texture: Korean formulas are made to be worn every day under makeup. That is why it pays to choose by skin type.
Oily and combination skin: watery and mattifying
If you shine by midday, you need a texture that absorbs like water and does not turn greasy. Our picks:
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh – the lighter, watery version of the classic, slightly mattifying.
- COSRX Ultra Light Invisible Sunscreen – gel texture, invisible, nothing sticky.
- Celimax Oil Control Sun Stick – for reapplying over makeup, mattifies instantly.
Dry skin: sunscreen that works like skincare
Dry skin cannot stand a sunscreen that feels tight. These formulas feel like a day cream with SPF:
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics – creamy-light, with rice extract, the global bestseller.
- Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream – with birch sap, a subtle glow.
- Torriden Dive-In Watery Moisture Sun Cream – ten types of hyaluronic acid, watery but very hydrating.
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel – feels like a hydrating gel.
Sensitive skin: calming, fragrance-free
- SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum – serum texture with centella, one of Korea's most popular sunscreens.
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics – no fragrance or essential oils, with niacinamide.
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel – no fragrance, essential oils or alcohol, with centella.
A fresh complexion without makeup: tone-up
Tone-up sunscreens have a soft pink or light tint that evens the complexion – like a light BB cream with SPF50+. Celimax Heart Pink Tone-Up Sun Cream is our favourite for days without foundation.
On the go: the sun stick
Sunscreen only works if you reapply every 2–3 hours. A stick goes over makeup without using your hands: Torriden Dive-In Sun Stick (hydrating) or Celimax Oil Control Sun Stick (mattifying).
How much you really need
Two finger-lengths for face and neck – that is the amount at which the stated SPF is actually reached. In the morning as the last step after moisturiser, before makeup. Also in winter and on cloudy days: UVA rays (the ones behind wrinkles and dark spots) are there all year.
Still unsure? You will find all sunscreens in our sunscreen collection – or drop by NOBI at Shopping City Seiersberg, we have testers of every one and will advise you on your skin type.