Key Points:

• The new generation of sunscreens filters all harmful wavelengths while nourishing, moisturizing, and supporting your skin.
• Korean skincare brands lead the way in formulating skintelligent sunscreens that contain ingredients that brighten, repair, and rejuvenate.
• Modern sunscreens are lightweight, non-greasy, non-sticky, and leave no white cast.

K-beauty skincare scientists continue to impress with a high-performance range of broad-spectrum SPF protection. These innovative formulations aren’t just non-comedogenic, they’re lightweight and multi-tasking. I’ve hand-picked a few Korean sunscreen products that block UV rays while nourishing, moisturizing, and rejuvenating your skin.

IT’S TIME TO RETHINK SUNSCREEN

If you haven’t yet, it’s time to rethink how you protect your skin from UV rays. Thick and greasy suncare products that clog your pores and leave a streaky white cast are no longer your only option. And let’s not forget, the synthetic fragrances that dry out your skin, or are simply too overpowering for daily application. Your suncare products can and should be part of your anti-aging skincare routine!

The new generation of sunscreen is:

• Lightweight: Luxurious serums, gels, and lotion-like formulations that glide across your skin, doubling as a makeup primer. Apply as the final step in your AM skincare routine.
• No-White Caste: With the exception of one all-mineral face and body formula that has a bit of a white cast, my preferred products go on clear. That is unless you select my preferred light-to-medium coverage tinted BB cream.
• Skintelligent: I believe that every step of your skincare routine should nourish, protect, and perform. When speaking of the skinification of sunscreen, no one does it better than K-beauty brands.
• High Protection Sunscreen: Your makeup may have UV protection, but it’s rarely broad-spectrum and rarely SPF 50. SPF 50 blocks 98% of rays and broad-spectrum blocks UVA, UVB, blue light, and other aging wavelengths.

SUNSCREEN DOESN’T “ADD UP”

A common misconception is that you can “add up” the SPF in your foundation and powder to get to 50 or more. This isn’t how it works. For example, if your foundation is SPF 35 and your powder is SPF 15, your sun protection is SPF 35—not SPF 50. In addition to how many UV rays are filtered, you need to filter all harmful wavelengths.

BROAD-SPECTRUM PROTECTION IS ESSENTIAL

In modern life, the sun isn’t our only source of UV exposure. Your smartphone, laptop, and fluorescent lighting emit blue light. With many of us in front of screens for 8 hours or more each day, you need a product that blocks all aging wavelengths of light.

Many of the sunscreens I sell are PA+++ rated. This is a Japanese rating system that is the equivalent of broad-spectrum protection.

MY PREFERRED SKINTELLIGENT K-BEAUTY SUNSCREEN

Now, let’s dive into the Korean suncare products I love most. Unlike standard sunscreens, these products are a powerful part of your anti-aging routine. Many formulations brighten your skin and heal preexisting sun damage, and all are broad-spectrum and SPF 50. As a Master Esthetician of 25 years, I don’t say this lightly, the products below supercharge your rejuvenation. And don’t forget that the most effective anti-aging routine is canceled out if you don’t protect your skin from harmful wavelengths.

All of the SPF CREAM products are eligible for HSA reimbursement!

1. KLAVUU CUSHION BB CREAM

If you’re looking for a summer BB cream, year-round light coverage, or SPF-infused primer—the Klavuu Blue Pearlsation Cushion has you covered. This nutrient-rich and hydrating formula is so advanced that on busy days (or on beach days) you can skip both your serum and your moisturizer. The Hydrolyzed Pearl within locks in moisture and Collagen Peptides firm and protect.

Swipe the aqua cushion on for light coverage or pat it on for medium coverage. I pat it on to cancel out redness. The gel formula fills in fine lines, creates a light barrier, and delivers a dewy and glossy skin glow.

THIS BB CREAM ONLY COMES IN 3 SHADES

The only downside of the Klavuu cushion is that its tinting is formulated for Fitzpatrick Skin Types 1, 2, and 3.

2. KrX SERUM SUNSCREEN

KrX’s Pfect-A Solar Elixir Sunscreen is a thin serum that melts into your skin. This Korean sunscreen is neither greasy nor sticky, and it won’t clog your pores. It’s so thin you can easily glide or pat it on during the day without disrupting your makeup.

This silky formulation contains Skin-Renewing Vitamins and Peptides and leaves you with a glorious glow. For maximum solar protection, it’s waterproof and sweatproof.

3. DR. ESTHÉ

Dr. Esthé’s Korean suncare products are designed with year-round use in mind. All of the products on this list are multi-tasking, but these advanced formulations provide protection while addressing your individual skincare needs.

• Dr. Esthé Sun Protection Mild is formulated for oily, acne, and sensitive skin. In addition to filtering UVA and UVB rays, it contains Smart Sebum Control technology to control oil. It’s lightweight, ultra-gentle, and waterproof.

• Dr. Esthé Sun Protection Ultra is creamy, lotion-like, and high-performing. It’s infused with Plant Stem Cells, 6 Regenerative Peptides, and Derma Clera Technology. Derma Clera strengthens and repairs the skin barrier. Sun Protection Ultra is so nourishing, you can keep things simple by applying it as your AM and PM moisturizer!

4. HOP+ ALL MINERAL MULTI-PROTECTION FACE AND BODY SUNSCREEN

HOP+ All Mineral Multi-Protection Face and Body Sunscreen is my top pick for vacations and full days in the sun. Since it’s formulated with zinc oxide and titanium oxide, it has a bit of a white cast. That said, it’s non-greasy and absorbs into your skin more than most all-mineral sunscreens. It’s gentle enough for sensitive skin and won’t clog your pores. It’s a bit thicker, so you may prefer a lighter formulation for year-round use.

More Than Suncare

This K-beauty sunscreen is part of House of PLLA’s volumizing skincare line. It contains a 4 Growth Factor Complex to rejuvenate mature skin, and PLLA to plump out, lift, and smooth skin. For maximum benefits, you need to apply PLLA once a day ongoing.

LET’S DISCUSS YOUR SKINCARE ROUTINE BEYOND UV PROTECTION

If you want to learn more about tailoring a simple skincare routine or which homecare devices are right for you, consider joining the CBE Rewards Club. As a member, you’ll receive $10 in cash rewards each month, 10% off CBE Botanicals products, and exclusive BOGO events, flash sales, contests, and prizes. Membership includes access to the Rewards Club Lounge, where you can ask me your most pressing skincare questions!

Frequently Asked Questions

How is Korean UV protection different?

K-beauty brands infuse their UV filtering products with vitamins that nourish and ingredients that moisturize and repair your skin.

What is skintelligent?

Skintelligent consumers are ones who shop beyond the trends, prioritizing products with premium ingredients and scientifically proven efficacy. This includes anti-aging products, but also proactive products and full-body skincare.

Is the sunscreen in my makeup enough?

The sunscreen in your makeup isn’t enough unless it’s broad-spectrum and at least one of your products is SPF 50. Most makeup is SPF 15 or 35. If you’re looking for a year-round BB cream with SPF 50, I suggest the Klavuu Blue Pearlsation Cushion. This tinted moisturizer provides light to medium coverage while nourishing, moisturizing, and protecting your skin.