Sunscreen is the most important step of a routine: it prevents photoageing and protects the results of everything else. But the "best" sunscreen is the one you actually apply every day, which means texture and finish for your skin type decide it. We have gathered six popular sunscreens (four Korean and two Western) and arranged them by skin type, finish and white cast. All are SPF 50+ with UVA protection.
In brief: for dry and sensitive skin — Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun or Round Lab Birch Juice (hydrating). For oily and combination skin — SKIN1004 Centella Sun Serum, Isntree Watery Sun Gel or La Roche-Posay Oil Control (matte, no sheen). For very sensitive skin — the mineral La Roche-Posay Anthelios. The rules matter more than the brand: apply two fingers to the face and neck, and reapply every two hours in the sun.
01How to read this comparison
All six give SPF 50+ and UVA protection — on protection itself they are comparable. The difference is in texture and finish: hydrating creamy ones with a light glow suit dry skin, watery gels and matte ones suit oily skin. Korean chemical and hybrid filters leave almost no white cast, which matters for medium and deep tones; mineral ones (zinc, titanium) are tolerated by sensitive skin but can leave a whitish film. Choose by how the sunscreen feels by evening, not by the formula alone.
02The Korean options — four of them
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun (versatile). One of the most popular Korean sunscreens: rice extract and probiotics, a light creamy texture with no white cast and no fragrance. It feels like a light moisturiser and sits well under make-up. It suits most skin types, dry and normal especially; oily skin may find it a little rich.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum (oily / acne). A serum-like, very light texture that absorbs instantly, with no white cast. Centella calms, and niacinamide and hyaluronic acid support the barrier. Excellent for oily, combination and acne-prone skin and under make-up. Not water-resistant.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream (dry / sensitive). Built on birch sap with panthenol and hyaluronic acid — it hydrates more noticeably than most, with a satin-dewy finish. It can replace a day cream in summer. For dry, dehydrated and mature skin; a light white cast fades in about a minute.
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel (oily / dehydrated). A watery gel texture with eight kinds of hyaluronic acid — it hydrates without heaviness, with a matte-satin finish, and no fragrance or alcohol. Good for oily and combination skin that needs both protection and moisture. It can sting sensitive eyes a little.
03The Western options — two of them
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 Oil Control (oily / combination). A matte fluid on the advanced UVMune 400 filter system (protection including against long UVA rays), which controls a greasy sheen. Light, and it sits well under make-up and on its own. For oily and combination skin. From our editorial team's own experience: very light, excellent under make-up and on its own, and ideal for combination skin — the skin does not shine.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral (very sensitive). A 100% mineral filter (zinc and titanium) for reactive and irritation-prone skin, with thermal water and antioxidants. A matte finish. It suits very sensitive skin and anyone who does not tolerate chemical filters; on deep tones a light white cast is possible.
- Applying too little. A pea-sized amount is about 10% of what is needed. The face and neck require roughly two finger-lengths of product.
- Not reapplying through the day. Any sunscreen loses effectiveness after two to three hours in the sun — reapply, especially after sweating and swimming.
- Choosing a hydrating sunscreen for oily skin. Creamy formulas (Beauty of Joseon, Round Lab) can leave oily skin with a sheen — choose watery or matte ones.
- Buying from random sellers. Counterfeits of Korean sunscreens (Beauty of Joseon and Round Lab especially) are common — buy from official stores and trusted retailers.
04What to buy for your skin type
Dry / normal / sensitive
Oily / combination / acne
SKIN1004 Centella Hyalu-Cica Serum
Serum-like, light, under make-up; for acne.
Смотреть на YesStyle SunscreenIsntree HA Watery Sun Gel
Watery gel, matte finish; for oily skin.
Смотреть на YesStyle SunscreenLa Roche-Posay UVMune 400 Oil Control
Matte fluid, no sheen, under make-up; for combination skin.
Смотреть на YesStyleVery sensitive
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05Common questions
Which sunscreen leaves no white cast?
Korean chemical and hybrid ones — Beauty of Joseon, SKIN1004, Isntree are practically clear on all tones. Mineral ones (zinc, titanium) can leave a whitish film, especially on medium and deep tones.
What to choose for oily skin, to avoid a sheen?
Watery and matte formulas: SKIN1004 Centella Sun Serum, Isntree Watery Sun Gel or La Roche-Posay UVMune 400 Oil Control. They absorb quickly and add no greasy sheen.
How much sunscreen to apply, and how often to reapply?
Roughly two finger-lengths of product for the face and neck, on dry skin as the last step of your routine. Reapply every two to three hours in the sun, and after sweating and swimming.
Details of formulas, filters and finish are drawn from openly available sources and brand pages:
This material is educational and does not replace a consultation with a dermatologist. Sunscreen reduces risk but does not remove the need for other sun-protection measures.