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The best Korean sunscreens are among our absolutefavorite sunscreens,and the reasons are beyond skin-deep.

Three selfies side by side of people with glowing skin the outer two holding small tubes of Korean sunscreen

Source images:Allureeditors and courtesy of brands; Collage: Laneen Wells

(Hey, FDA,get on it.)

That means, no, they can’t be legitimately sold on Amazon and any other U.S. retailers.

Sarah Han applying Thank You Farmer Sun Project Moisture Sun Cream SPF 40.

A blue tube of Thank You Farmer Sun Project Moisture Sun Cream SPF 40 and white product swatch on a light gray background

Sarah Han applying Thank You Farmer Sun Project Moisture Sun Cream SPF 40.

Han after applying Thank You Farmer Sun Project Moisture Sun Cream SPF 40.

)," says commerce editorSarah Han.

This lightweight cream truly melts right in without the slightest bit of cast."

Han after applying Thank You Farmer’S Sun Project Moisture Sun Cream

Sarah Han applying Thank You Farmer Sun Project Moisture Sun Cream SPF 40.

Nicola Dall’Asen applying Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50.

Dall’Asen after applying Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50.

Don’t forget to shake well before system!

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50 white tube and white top on light grey background

Nicola Dall’Asen applying Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50.

Sarah Han applying Etude Sunprise Milk Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+.

Sarah Han after applying Etude Sunprise Milk Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+.

How’s that for innovation?

A selfie of senior news editor Nicola Dall’Asen after applying Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50

Nicola Dall’Asen applying Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50.

Deanna Pai applying Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum.

Pai after applying Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum.

And the subtle glow it leaves doesn’t emphasize my shine-prone areas."

Etude Sunprise Milk Airy Finish Sun Milk in branded component on a light gray background

Annie Blackman applying Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36.

This Korean sunscreen essential soothes acne and excess sebum using niacinamide and hydrates skin with hyaluronic acid.

The longtime favorite is free of fragrance but rich in soothing cica and heartleaf.

A selfie of Allure commerce editor Sarah Han after applying Etude Sunprise Milk Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50

Sarah Han applying Etude Sunprise Milk Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF 50+.

Although it’s made of 100% zinc oxide, the sunscreen still suits every skin tone.

“The lotion blends into skin easily and doesn’t leave any sort of white cast.”

Not only does this lightweight gel-like lotion contain 10 (!)

Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++ in white tube with blue pump

Deanna Pai applying Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum.

Are Korean sunscreens better than Western sunscreens?

Depends on who you ask, but many would say yes.

“They just have access to more sunscreen ingredients to work with.”

A selfie of Allure contributor Deanna Pai after applying Skin1004 HyaluCica WaterFit Sun Serum

Deanna Pai applying Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum.

How should I choose a Korean sunscreen?

She equates PA+++ to SPF 30 and recommends seeking out sunscreens with a minimum of each.

“PA is based on the PPD test or thepersistent pigmentation darkening test.

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 in white tube

So, until you exceed that hypothetical 16x UVA level, you won’t start to tan or burn.

We review ingredients, scrutinize brand claims, and, when necessary, examine peer-reviewed scientific and medical studies.

To learn more information on our reporting and testing processes, read our completereviews process and methodology page.

A selfie of Allure contributing commerce writer Annie Blackman after applying Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36

Annie Blackman applying Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36.

Our staff and testers

A beauty product is a personal purchase.

Can we honestly deem a high-end diffuser worthy of your hard-earned cash if its never been tested on curls?

Can’t get enough of Korean skin care?

A bottle of Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing UV Lock Sunscreen SPF 45

Cosrx Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ in branded white tube on light gray background

Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+ in white tube

Some by Mi V10 Hyal Airfit Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 orange and white squeeze tube with white cap on light grey background

Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++ in white and lime green tube

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Daily Sun Gel SPF 30 PA+++ white tube with navy cap on light gray background

Abib Airy Sunstick Smoothing Bar SPF50 grey bar shaped container on light grey background