Best Korean Sunscreens for Dry Skin of 2025 (Dermatologist-Reviewed)
Korean beauty products have taken the world by storm, leaving many obsessed with Korean sunscreens. Besides effectively shielding the skin from the damaging sun rays, they are enriched with nourishing ingredients that leave you with healthy and radiant skin.
And if you're struggling with dry skin, there are various Korean products that can ease your concern! Many of them are jam-packed with effective moisturizers such as hyaluronic acid, bamboo water, seabuckthorn oil, and more to drive away dryness and keep your skin soft to the touch. Find out our great choices on our top 10 list! We've also included a buying guide at the end to help you decide on the best one.
Quick List - Top Korean Sunscreens for Dry Skin
Dr. Levy is a board certified dermatologist practicing in NYC and Westport, Connecticut. She has expertise in treating inflammatory skin conditions like acne, rosacea, eczema, and psoriasis. She has an interest in skincare and takes a personalized approach to all of her patients.
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
The expert oversees the Buying Guide only, and does not determine the products and services featured.
Table of Contents
- 10 Best Korean Sunscreens for Dry Skin
- No. 1Beauty of Joseon | Daily Relief Sunscreen
- No. 2innisfree | innisfree｜Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF36
- No. 3COSRX | Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
- No. 4Anua | Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
- No. 5iUNIK | Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen
- 5 more products
- Treat Your Dry Skin With These Wonderful Beauty Products
How to Choose a Korean Sunscreen for Dry Skin
With all the potential options in mind, selecting a product may be a challenge. If you're confused about which product to choose, this buying guide will come in handy. It contains various useful tips about the types of UV blockers to look for as well as the moisturizing ingredients that will work wonderfully for your dry skin. So keep reading!
Know Your Types of UV Filters
When looking through the ingredient list of typical American sunscreens, you'll find that many of them contain chemical UV filters like oxybenzone, octocrylene, octisalate, and avobenzone.
Some Korean sunscreens are also formulated with those chemical filters to provide you with comprehensive protection from sun rays. However, these ingredients might be irritating to those with sensitive skin or skin issues like melasma or rosacea. So if you have dry, sensitive skin, take caution!
Fortunately, the list of UV filters in the world of Korean sunscreens is much more extensive and there are plenty of great alternatives.
Most of the Korean products actually exploit the power of chemical UV blockers such as tinosorb and mexoryl, which are not commonly found in American sunscreens. But they're highly effective and have been proven to do wonders for the skin.
While chemical filters usually absorb either UVA or UVB rays, tinosorb and mexoryl can actually prevent both types from damaging your skin! They also have anti-aging benefits since they help block UV rays that cause premature aging. And they have not been proven to have any negative consequences to your health!
Mineral filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are frequently used in Korean sunscreens as well. They form a protective barrier to reflect all UVA and UVB rays. Plus, they are less likely to trigger allergic reactions and are suitable for babies and pregnant women.
Mexoryl is a wonderful UVA absorber. This means it really helps protect the skin from the rays that cause aging. Unlike other chemical blockers, mexoryl and tinosorb are less irritating and can be tolerated by most skin types. The physical blockers, which are mineral sunscreens, are great for sensitive skin or for those who suffer photosensitive conditions like rosacea or melasma.
Understand the PA Rating of Your Sunscreen
You might not be familiar with PA ratings since American sunscreens don't often use this system. But Korean products use them to indicate the level of UVA protection. So why is protection against the UVA rays important? According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, these rays are one of the main reasons behind premature aging and might even lead to skin cancer.
Most people seem to be aware only of the harmful effects of UVB rays, and don't pay much attention to UVA rays. But it's crucial to get protection from both of them. And the PA ratings are a helpful indicator to show you the effectiveness of a Korean sunscreen against UVA rays.
There are four levels:
- PA+: some UVA protection
- PA++: moderate UVA protection
- PA+++: high UVA protection
- PA++++: extremely high UVA protection
If the PA rating system still sounds like a mystery for you, don't worry. Just know that the more plus signs there are the more protection against UVA rays you'll get.
The SPF Number Denotes UVB Protection Level
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is an important number that indicates how effectively a sunscreen can filter out UVB rays, which have been shown to induce sunburns, cause DNA damages, and might even lead to skin cancer. As a general rule of thumb, the higher SPF number will provide more UVB protection.
The ranges of SPF vary widely, from 15 all the way to 100. But no sunscreen can filter out 100% of UVB rays, and even SPF100 can only shield your skin from 99% at most. Generally, Korean sunscreens come with a SPF50, which is ideal for extended outdoor activities.
If you live under harsh weather conditions, this level also works great. To get maximum protection from the sun, though, you should still wear long-sleeve shirt, hat, sunglasses, and re-apply your sunscreen every two hours!
Reapplication is especially important since many Korean sunscreens are not designed to be water- or sweat-resistant. And we know that sunscreen can be rubbed off easily.
For daily wear, SPF 50 or above should be sufficient if applied in the appropriate amount and reapplied when it wears off. It's important to reapply sunscreen every 80 minutes or more frequently when exposed to water or heavy sweat since the efficacy becomes reduced in these conditions.
For maximum sun protection, use the SPF but also wear sun-protective clothing like a rash guard and broad rim hat.
Look for Nourishing Ingredients for Hydrated, Supple Skin
Korean sunscreens are formulated with various nourishing ingredients to keep your skin healthy and vibrant. If you're struggling with dry skin, you might want to check and see if there are effective moisturizers in the formula. This sections will introduce you to some ultra-hydrating ingredients that you might want to keep in mind!
Emollients Help Soothe and Soften Your Skin
Emollients are superfood for dry skin since they help create a protective barrier on top of your skin to minimize moisture loss. They are usually chock-full of lipids to soften dry skin and give it a silky-smooth, glowy look.
Additionally, emollients are generally gentle on the skin and quite effective in calming skin irritations such as burns, redness, and rashes. Those with skin conditions like eczema, rosacea, psoriasis will find relief with emollients as well.
So what ingredients are categorized as emollients? The answer is quite simple: oil- and butter-based ingredients! Many of them are ingredients that you're familiar with and even cook with - coconut oil, avocado oil, cocoa butter, olive oil, to name a few.
If you have acne, avoid sunscreen with coconut oil as it can trigger an acne outbreak. If you don't have acne but have dry skin, then coconut oil as well as other oils can be quite soothing to the skin.
Emollient-based sunscreens are good for those with eczema or rosacea since the skin can be inflamed in these conditions. Many sunscreens, especially mineral ones, can be drying, so looking for one with an emollient base is a must if you have dry skin.
Humectants Can Retain Moisture Within Your Skin Layers
Do you know that one of the main causes behind lackluster and dull complexion is lack of moisture? Therefore, it's crucial to raise the moisture level within your skin layers for a healthy and vibrant skin, and humectants can help you do so! Basically, humectants attract water to your skin and retain moisture within your skin layers.
You might have heard about a little something called hyaluronic acid. This popular ingredient is widely used in Korean cosmetics and is a humectant that exists naturally in our skin. It can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water to keep your skin hydrated and leave it with a dewy, plump look.
Glycerin is another super ingredient that can give your skin a serious moisture boost. Plus, it can minimize skin itching and flaking and leave your skin soft and refreshed.
And don't forget aloe vera! This plant has been long-revered for its nourishing properties and is often described as a miracle plant or natural healer. Essentially, aloe vera is a humectant that helps draw moisture from the environment to the skin to drive away dry patches and enhance the skin's elasticity.
Anti-Aging Ingredients Will Repair the Skin Barrier
Dryness can damage your skin's moisture barrier, so you might want to look for ingredients that can strengthen it to minimize moisture loss.
And antioxidant-rich ingredients are particularly helpful at that. They work by deterring the damages caused by free radicals and are often packed with strong anti-inflammatory properties to reduce any skin irritations caused by extreme dryness.
Bamboo extract is incredibly popular in K-beauty for its powerful healing properties. It helps strengthen the skin's protective barrier and lock in moisture. What further makes this ingredient special is that it contains a high level of silica, a nutrient that promotes collagen production for skin rejuvenation.
What's more, Korean sunscreens are often packed with fruit extracts such as noni, raspberry, and morus alba. They are all rich in antioxidants, which help reduce the damages of environmental aggressors and soothe your dry, flaking, and irritated skin.
Green tea is another great ingredient you might want to look for! Its benefits for the skin have always been well-recognized. Packed with 16 amino acids, green tea nourishes your skin and restores its moisture barrier function.
SPF is the most important ingredient for an anti-aging routine. Any other money or time spent on other products means nothing if you do not use an SPF.
That being said, adding an antioxidant to your sunscreen can really up your skincare routine since you'll be protecting your skin from sun damage as well as repairing any past damage. Antioxidants like Vitamin C can also help lighten hyperpigmentation that may have resulted from sun exposure.
Choose a Consistency That Works Well for You
Many American sunscreens have a thick, creamy consistency, while Korean sunscreens are light in texture and can glide nicely onto the skin. This makes the application a breeze! On top of that, they usually don't leave behind any white streaks and will work wonders for those with dark skin tones.
While the general consistency of Korean sunscreens is lightweight, you'll find that they often come in either a gel-like or a watery form. If you're looking for something that is absorbed immediately by the skin and doesn't feel greasy, a watery product is the answer.
On the other hand, a gel sunscreen might feel a little tacky when you first apply, but the stickiness will soon disappear as you let the sunscreen sit for a couple of minutes. Afterward, your skin will feel refreshed for sure!
Gels sunscreens are great to use in humid weather or if you have oily skin. They are absorbed very easily and won’t leave your skin feeling sticky. They're great for morning application to the face as well since makeup can easily be applied over it. For drier skin or in winter months, choose a cream- or lotion-based product. They tend to be more hydrating.
10 Best Korean Sunscreens for Dry Skin
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SPF | Skin Type | PA Rating | Ingredients | Vegan | Cruelty-Free | Volume | |||||
1 | Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen | | Seamless Protection and Hydration | 40 | All | Niacinamide | 1.69 fl. oz. | ||||
2 | innisfree innisfree｜Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF36 | | SPF 36 Protection with Natural Ingredients | 36 | All | Green Tea, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cica, Avobenzone (2.5%), Homosalate (7.0%), Octisalate (4.3%) | unknown | unknown | 1.69 fl. oz. | ||
3 | COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ | | Ultimate Sun Protection with a Touch of Vitamin E | 50 | All | Vitamin E | 1.69 fl. oz. | ||||
4 | Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream | | Lightweight, hydrating, and SPF 50+ strong | 50 | All | Hyaluronic Acid, Heartleaf Extract | 1.69 fl. oz. | ||||
5 | iUNIK Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen | | High-Performance Sunscreen with Calming and Moisturizing Benefits for All Skin Types | 50+ | Dry, Oily, Sensitive | PA++++ | Centella Asiatica Extract | 2 fl. oz. | |||
6 | SOME BY MI V10 Hyal Airfit Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SP50 | | High-Functioning, Soothing Sunscreen with Broad-Spectrum Protection for Sensitive Skin | 50 | All | Homosalate, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid | 1.69 fl. oz. | ||||
7 | Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream | | Fast-Absorbing Sunscreen Delivering a Glowy Finish | 50 | Normal, Dry, Sensitive | PA+++ | Aloe Extract, Centella Asiatica | 1.75 fl. oz. | |||
8 | P.CALM P.Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream | | Ultimate Sun Protection with Hydration | 50 | All | PA++++ | Ceramide NP, Madecassoside, Probiotics | 1.69 fl. oz. | |||
9 | St. Mege Rice Korean Lightweight Sunscreen | | Broad-Spectrum Protection and Deep Hydration with Rice Extract and Probiotics | 50+ | All | PA++++ | Rice Extract | unknown | unknown | 2 fl. oz. | |
10 | Missha All Around Vita C Sunscreen | | Sheer protection, radiant glow | 50 | All | Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide | 2.36 fl. oz. | ||||
Beauty of JoseonDaily Relief Sunscreen
| SPF | 40 |
|---|
- Ingredients
- Niacinamide
Seamless Protection and Hydration
Protect your skin with confidence using this Korean skincare essential, offering SPF 40 for comprehensive UVA/UVB protection. This sunscreen applies seamlessly without leaving a white cast, making it an excellent choice for all skin tones and providing a polished finish. Its lightweight, moisturizing formula delivers hydration while being gentle on the eyes, perfect for daily wear. Non-comedogenic, it’s ideal for oily or acne-prone skin, ensuring your pores stay clear.
| Skin Type | All |
|---|---|
| PA Rating | |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Volume | 1.69 fl. oz. |
innisfreeinnisfree ｜ Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF36
| SPF | 36 |
|---|
- Ingredients
- Green Tea, Sunflower Seed Oil, Cica, Avobenzone (2.5%), Homosalate (7.0%), Octisalate (4.3%)
SPF 36 Protection with Natural Ingredients
Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen provides robust sun protection with a gentle, skin-friendly formula. Featuring broad-spectrum SPF 36, this sunscreen shields against both UVA and UVB rays, helping to prevent sunburn and premature aging.
Infused with natural ingredients like green tea extract and cica, it soothes and hydrates the skin while offering effective sun defense. The lightweight, non-greasy texture absorbs quickly and leaves a fresh, glowing finish, making it suitable for daily wear and all skin types, including sensitive skin.
| Skin Type | All |
|---|---|
| PA Rating | |
| Vegan | unknown |
| Cruelty-Free | unknown |
| Volume | 1.69 fl. oz. |
COSRXVitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
| SPF | 50 |
|---|
- Ingredients
- Vitamin E
Ultimate Sun Protection with a Touch of Vitamin E
Elevate your daily skincare routine with this essential sunscreen, featuring SPF 50 for robust UVA and UVB protection. Infused with Vitamin E, cacao, and cotton, it not only guards against sun damage but also helps repair visible signs of aging while soothing redness. Its lightweight, soft texture leaves no white cast, offering a semi-matte finish with a natural glow—ideal for all skin tones. Perfect for oily and combination skin, apply as the final step in your skincare routine and before makeup to ensure maximum protection.
| Skin Type | All |
|---|---|
| PA Rating | |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Volume | 1.69 fl. oz. |
AnuaHeartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
| SPF | 50 |
|---|
- Ingredients
- Hyaluronic Acid, Heartleaf Extract
Lightweight, hydrating, and SPF 50+ strong
Protect and hydrate with this Korean Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ Sunscreen, a non-greasy, dewy-finish formula designed for daily sun care. Infused with Heartleaf Extract and Hyaluronic Acid, it soothes and moisturizes while shielding skin from UVA/UVB damage.
This vegan, fragrance-free sunscreen blends seamlessly, leaving no white cast or residue. Clinically tested and gentle on skin, it’s the perfect final step in your skincare routine—comfortable, effective, and easy to wash off.
| Skin Type | All |
|---|---|
| PA Rating | |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Volume | 1.69 fl. oz. |
iUNIKCentella Calming Daily Sunscreen
| SPF | 50+ |
|---|
- Ingredients
- Centella Asiatica Extract
High-Performance Sunscreen with Calming and Moisturizing Benefits for All Skin Types
Formulated with 49% Centella Asiatica extract, it soothes inflamed skin and helps calm irritation caused by UV exposure. Key ingredients like Beta-glucan and Niacinamide enhance skin hydration and reinforce the moisture barrier, promoting a healthy and glowing complexion. Adenosine contributes to anti-aging effects by protecting collagen and maintaining skin softness.
Designed for all skin types, including sensitive and dry skin, this sunscreen has a lightweight, non-greasy texture that absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast. It is unscented, free from sticky or oily residues, and suitable for use under makeup. The formulation is also reef-safe and has undergone clinical trials to ensure its efficacy and compatibility with various skin types, making it a versatile option for daily sun protection and skin nourishment.
| Skin Type | Dry, Oily, Sensitive |
|---|---|
| PA Rating | PA++++ |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Volume | 2 fl. oz. |
SOME BY MI V10 Hyal Airfit Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SP50
| SPF | 50 |
|---|
- Ingredients
- Homosalate, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid
High-Functioning, Soothing Sunscreen with Broad-Spectrum Protection for Sensitive Skin
Designed for sensitive skin, this FDA-approved sunscreen has been rigorously tested to ensure its hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic properties. It offers significant hydration, thanks to hyaluronic acid, which enhances moisture retention and strengthens the skin's barrier. Free from oxybenzone and octinoxate, it is also an EVE VEGAN® product, reflecting a commitment to safe, clean, and environmentally friendly ingredients. This sunscreen is unscented, ensuring minimal irritation for sensitive users.
| Skin Type | All |
|---|---|
| PA Rating | |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Volume | 1.69 fl. oz. |
Thank You FarmerSun Project Water Sun Cream
| SPF | 50 |
|---|
- Ingredients
- Aloe Extract, Centella Asiatica
Fast-Absorbing Sunscreen Delivering a Glowy Finish
Creamy sunscreen might feel annoyingly greasy, but this product can resolve that issue for you! It features a fast-absorbing consistency that won't suffocate your skin or leave behind a white cast. The moisturizing property of this sunscreen is quite impressive as well.
Indeed, this product is infused with walnut oil, aloe vera, sunflower seed oil, and many other ultra-hydrating ingredients to give your skin the needed moisture. What's more, it touts many soothing botanicals like mistletoe, gotu kola, and centella extract to diminish irritation and blur away your skin blemishes.
According to a few reviewers, this product was formulated with fragrance and stung the eyes. So do a patch test beforehand to make sure it's safe for you. Try to avoid the eye area when applying as well!
For various buyers, this sunscreen was so hydrating that it felt just like a moisturizer. It kept their skin supple and delivered a glowy finish while not being too sticky on the skin. Many reviewers also tried using this product under their makeup layer and found it worked wonderfully.
| Skin Type | Normal, Dry, Sensitive |
|---|---|
| PA Rating | PA+++ |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Volume | 1.75 fl. oz. |
P.CALMP.Calm Water Barrier Sun Cream
| SPF | 50 |
|---|
- Ingredients
- Ceramide NP, Madecassoside, Probiotics
Ultimate Sun Protection with Hydration
Experience broad-spectrum sun protection without compromising on hydration with P.CALM Water-barrier Sun Cream. Formulated with a high percentage of water-based ingredients and a plant-based moisturizing base, this sunscreen glides on effortlessly, leaving no white cast behind. Designed to shield your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, it helps protect against sun damage and premature aging. The lightweight, non-greasy formula absorbs quickly, making it ideal for daily use, especially for those with sensitive skin.
Enriched with cape aloe, ceramide NP, and glutathione, this sunscreen nourishes and protects while creating a smooth base for makeup application. Its gel texture enhances your skin’s moisture levels, leaving it soft, smooth, and ready for the day. Hypoallergenic and dermatologist-tested, P.CALM Water-barrier Sun Cream is suitable for all skin types. With eco-friendly packaging and a cruelty-free formula, it’s a sunscreen you can feel good about using every day.
| Skin Type | All |
|---|---|
| PA Rating | PA++++ |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Volume | 1.69 fl. oz. |
St. MegeRice Korean Lightweight Sunscreen
| SPF | 50+ |
|---|
- Ingredients
- Rice Extract
Broad-Spectrum Protection and Deep Hydration with Rice Extract and Probiotics
The sunscreen is designed for comfort with its lightweight, fast-absorbing formula that leaves no white cast, making it ideal for all skin types. Its moisturizing texture ensures that the skin remains hydrated without feeling greasy, making it a practical choice for everyday sun care. Apply evenly to the face, neck, and other exposed areas as the final step in your skincare routine for comprehensive protection and nourishment.
| Skin Type | All |
|---|---|
| PA Rating | PA++++ |
| Vegan | unknown |
| Cruelty-Free | unknown |
| Volume | 2 fl. oz. |
MisshaAll Around Vita C Sunscreen
| SPF | 50 |
|---|
- Ingredients
- Ascorbic Acid, Niacinamide
Sheer protection, radiant glow
Get superior SPF 50+ protection with a lightweight, non-sticky finish. This Vita C sunscreen blends seamlessly into the skin, featuring a triple complex of Ascorbic Acid and Niacinamide to enhance radiance and even skin tone.
Designed for all-day comfort, this Korean sunscreen controls excess sebum, leaving a matte, powdery finish without greasiness. Perfect for daily wear, it’s the ideal face moisturizer with SPF, keeping skin protected, fresh, and naturally glowing.
| Skin Type | All |
|---|---|
| PA Rating | |
| Vegan | |
| Cruelty-Free | |
| Volume | 2.36 fl. oz. |
Treat Your Dry Skin With These Wonderful Beauty Products
Aside from applying sunscreen regularly, you may want to introduce beauty products such as a toner, moisturizer, and face mist into your routine to keep your skin healthy and nourished. Not sure which product will work for you? Check out our articles for some suggestions!
Top 5 Korean Sunscreens for Dry Skin
No. 1: Beauty of Joseon｜Daily Relief Sunscreen
No. 2: innisfree｜innisfree｜Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF36
No. 3: COSRX｜Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen SPF 50+
No. 4: Anua｜Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream
No. 5: iUNIK｜Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen
View Full RankingThe descriptions of each product are referenced from content available on manufacturer, brand, and e-commerce sites.
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