Korean Sunscreen: How to Choose the Right SPF
In Korea, sunscreen isn't a holiday product: it's the last step of the morning routine, all year round. And Korean brands have turned this daily step into a real pleasure, with lightweight textures, no white cast and comfortable wear under makeup. You still need to know how to read a label and pick the right formula for your skin. Here's our guide.
Why wear sunscreen every day?
UV rays are present all year round, including on cloudy days and in the city. They contribute to visible skin ageing and the appearance of dark spots. Daily protection also helps protect the benefits of your other skincare, especially if you use vitamin C, retinol or exfoliants.
Understanding the ratings: SPF and PA
SPF, for UVB
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates the level of protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. For daily use, SPF 50 or 50+ is a comfortable, reassuring choice, especially in summer or if you spend time outdoors.
PA, for UVA
On Korean sunscreens, you'll often see PA+ to PA++++. This system, used in Asia, indicates the level of protection against UVA rays, linked to visible skin ageing. The more "+" signs, the higher the UVA protection: PA++++ is the highest level.
Filters and textures
Korean sunscreens stand out above all for their textures: light creams, watery gels, fluid serums or sticks. The right choice depends on your skin type and your habits.
Which Korean sunscreen for your skin type?
Normal to dry skin: a creamy texture
The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice & Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ has become a benchmark: 30% rice extract, probiotics and a creamy texture with no white cast or greasy finish.
The Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++, with birch sap, hyaluronic acid and panthenol, provides long-lasting hydration with a fresh finish.
Combination to oily skin: a light or gel texture
The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 offers a fresher, more fluid texture, ideal for reapplying.
The Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF50+ PA++++, formulated with 8 types of hyaluronic acid, absorbs quickly with no greasy feel.
Sensitive skin: a soothing formula
The SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ combines centella asiatica and hydrating complexes in a very light serum texture, with no white cast.
The COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++, with aloe vera extract, is designed for sensitive, dry or redness-prone skin.
Dull complexion: the tone-up effect
The SKIN1004 Tone Brightening Tone-Up Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ brightens the complexion with a natural tone-up effect, thanks to centella and niacinamide.
For touch-ups: the sun stick
Handy in a bag, the Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort + Camelia (SPF50+ PA++++) gives a matte finish and is easy to reapply, even over makeup.
How to apply sunscreen properly
- Last: sunscreen is the final step of your morning routine, after moisturiser and before makeup.
- Use enough: the "two-finger rule" (two lines of product along your index and middle fingers) is a good guide for the face.
- Don't forget your neck, ears and the edges of your face.
- Let it set for a few minutes before applying makeup.
- Reapply roughly every two hours when exposed to the sun, and after swimming or heavy sweating.
The most common mistakes
- Relying only on the SPF in your foundation, applied in too small an amount;
- Only wearing sunscreen in summer;
- Forgetting to cleanse properly at night: a double cleanse helps remove sunscreen filters thoroughly.
FAQ: Korean sunscreen
SPF 30 or SPF 50: which should you choose?
For everyday use in the city, SPF 30 may be enough, but SPF 50 or 50+ offers a welcome safety margin, especially in summer, outdoors or if you have dark spots.
What does PA++++ mean?
It's the UVA protection rating used in Asia. PA++++ is the highest level of UVA protection on this scale.
Should you wear sunscreen in winter?
Yes. UVA rays are present all year round, even when the sky is overcast. Daily sunscreen is still recommended.
Find your sunscreen at MAAS K-Beauty
Creams, gels, serums or sticks: compare every formula in our Korean sunscreen collection. Free shipping in France on orders over €70, or free Click & Collect in store.
Want to try the textures? Visit the MAAS K-Beauty shop, 178 rue Ordener, 75018 Paris, Monday to Saturday 11am–1pm and 2pm–8pm, and Sunday 2pm–7pm. More details on our contact page.
