What is the Best Korean Mineral Sunscreen? – 7 Top Sunscreens

Who isn’t a huge fan of K-beauty? Korean skincare products have really taken off across the globe and are revolutionizing the way we care for our skin. One of the most important things you can do to keep your skin healthy is to protect it with sunscreen. Choosing a Korean mineral sunscreen will help you combine the benefits of K-beauty products with those of a physical sunscreen. Read on to find a Korean mineral sunscreen you’ll want to grab right away!

Table of Contents

• Why Is Sunscreen Important?
• What Is the Best Korean Mineral Sunscreen?
• How to Choose the Best Korean Sunscreen
• FAQs
• Korean Mineral Sunscreen: Take Your Pick!

Why Is Sunscreen Important?

Using sunscreen is so important when you’ll be spending any time outside.  While many people only use sunscreen to prevent a sunburn (which is important), it offers many additional benefits as well.

Sunscreen can help keep your skin healthy and youthful-looking.  When your skin is exposed to the sun on a regular basis without any protection, it damages the skin cells, collagen, and elastin of the skin.  With time, this can cause your skin to look discolored, wrinkled, or even leathery in appearance.

One very important use for sunscreen is to reduce the risk of skin cancer.  When your skin is exposed to the sun without protection (even on a cloudy day), it increases your risk of developing skin cancer.  Applying a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 protection (and reapplying it every two hours when you’re out in the sun), can help decrease your chances of getting skin cancer in the future.

Yet another benefit of using sunscreen is to reduce inflammation.  Those with skin conditions like rosacea or psoriasis or with sensitive skin may want to choose a more gentle sunscreen.  Spray on sunscreens should be avoided as they often contain alcohol, which can be very drying.

Is Mineral Sunscreen Better Than Chemical Sunscreen?

Now that we’ve reviewed why it is important to wear sunscreen, let’s talk about the two main types of sunscreen you’ll see:  chemical sunscreen and mineral sunscreen.

Until recently, most of the sunscreen options that were readily available in stores were chemical sunscreens.  Chemical sunscreens, which are often formulated with oxybenzone, avobenzone, or other similar chemicals, work by converting the UV light that is absorbed into your skin.  This chemical reaction causes the heat to dissipate from the skin.

Mineral sunscreen, which is also referred to as physical sunscreen, works differently.  They create a physical barrier over the skin that stops the UV rays from the sun from being able to penetrate the skin.

While the United States Food and Drug Administration hasn’t officially stated that one type of sunscreen is better than the other, many dermatologists agree that mineral sunscreens are better and safer.

Studies have indicated that oxybenzone, octinoxate, and other chemicals commonly used when making chemical sunscreen are absorbed into the bloodstream at pretty high rates.  Oxybenzone has also been connected with disturbing hormones and causing allergic reactions.

Yet another reason to opt for a mineral sunscreen over a chemical sunscreen has to do with protecting ocean life.  Oxybenzone may also be causing damage to coral reefs.  In fact, some popular tourist beach destinations prohibit swimmers from using a sunscreen formulated with oxybenzone.

Why Choose a Korean Mineral Sunscreen?

While most mineral sunscreens offer better protection without the potential health effects that can come with chemical sunscreens, Korean mineral sunscreens represent the crème de la crème.  K-beauty products are known for their skin-friendly ingredients that deliver impressive results, and Korean sunscreens live up to this reputation.  If you decide to try one of the Korean mineral sunscreens recommended below, you can feel confident that you’re getting a quality product that will provide your skin with exceptional protection against the sun.

What Is the Best Korean Mineral Sunscreen?

Ready to choose the right Korean mineral sunscreen to protect your skin against the harmful UV rays of the sun?  Read through our top picks below; we think you’ll find a new sunscreen that will deliver exactly what you’re looking for.

• ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk
• COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
• Missha Soft Finish Sun Milk
• A’PIEU Pure Block Daily Sunscreen Cream
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Gel
• Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun
• Mother Made Aqua Light CC Cream

ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk

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Highlights

• SPF 50+ protection
• PA+++
• Non-sticky formula
• No white cast
• 100% mineral ingredients
• Safe to use on sensitive skin
• Formulated with 20 different natural plant ingredients

The Etude House Sunprise Mild airy Finish Sun Milk is a top choice if you’re looking for a Korean mineral sunscreen for sensitive skin or a Korean mineral sunscreen for oily skin.  It offers SPT 50+ protection with a PA +++ rating.  With 20 differ mild and natural plant ingredients in this sunscreen, individuals can use it without worrying about any negative side effects.  Additionally, this mineral sunscreen works to block UV rays from penetrating your skin without leaving behind a white cast.

What Users are Saying

According to users, this natural mineral sunscreen Korean is one of the best products they’ve tried.  They love the light finish it leaves on their skin without leaving behind any white cast.  Users have also shared that this sunscreen does an excellent job protecting their skin while still having a lightweight feel.  Not all users are very pleased with the sunscreen.  Some shared that it does not work well at all under makeup, while others noted that it wasn’t ideal for those with dry skin.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream

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Highlights

• SPF 50+ protection
• PA +++
• Hydrates skin
• Lightweight texture
• Absorbs quickly
• Non-greasy feel
• No white cast

Are you searching for the best Korean mineral sunscreen for face?  If so, then check out the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream.  Offering SPF 50+ protection with a PA +++ rating, this Korean mineral sunscreen for dark skin will help prevent the sun rays from reaching and damaging your skin.  It has a lightweight and nourishing texture to prevent skin from getting too dried out.  The Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract is one of the key ingredients that makes this sunscreen so moisturizing.  Additionally, this mineral sunscreen from Korea also absorbs quickly and doesn’t leave behind a white cast or greasy feel.

What Users are Saying

This is a very popular Korean mineral sunscreen among individuals who have tried it.  Users with dry skin have shared how well it keeps their skin hydrated, and individuals with a darker skin tone love that it doesn’t leave a white cast.  Many individuals have also shared that they are happy with how the sunscreen feels on their skin and that it doesn’t leave behind a sticky or greasy residue.  Unfortunately, some users with sensitive skin shared that the sunscreen had too much of a fragrance for them to be able to use it without issue.

Missha Soft Finish Sun Milk

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Highlights

• SPF 50+ protection
• PA +++
• Porous powder consistency
• Works to block UV rays from hitting the skin
• Resists water, sweat, and humidity changes

If you want to find the best Korean powder mineral sunscreen for dry skin, give the Missha Soft Finish Sun Milk a try.  The porous powder consistency of this sunscreen allows it to provide a smooth base on your skin.  The powder will also help correct the tone and texture of your skin.  The SPF 50+ sunscreen is also designed to resist water, sweat, or high levels of humidity, allowing it to do an excellent job protecting your skin.

What Users are Saying

Chat with individuals who have tried this sunscreen, and you’ll hear a lot of great things.  Many love how smoothly it goes on and how comfortable it is to wear.  Users have also shared that this is an excellent Korean mineral sunscreen for oily skin.  Unlike many other sunscreens they’ve tried, the Missha Soft Finish Sun Milk didn’t cause their skin to break up or leave their pores clogged.

Unfortunately, some users found the fragrance of the sunscreen to be quite strong, and others shared that it was too drying for their skin.

A’PIEU Pure Block Daily Sunscreen Cream

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Highlights

• SPF 45 protection
• PA +++
• No white cast
• Non-greasy formula
• Dewy finish
• Lightweight for comfortable wear
• Moisturizing

Do you need a Korean mineral sunscreen no white cast?  The A’PIEU Pure Block Daily Sunscreen Cream may be just what you’re searching for, then.  This SPF 45 and PA+++ sunscreen offers a fast absorbing formula that doesn’t leave behind a white cast on your skin.  Its non-greasy formula and lightweight consistency make it a great option for all-day wear and protection from the sun.  Additionally, this sunscreen can help to keep your sun hydrated and won’t leave it feeling too dry.

What Users are Saying

According to most users, this is a phenomenal sunscreen.  Many have shared how well it protects their skin from the sun and that it is also a good choice for individuals with sensitive skin.  However, some users weren’t that impressed and shared that they prefer other Korean sunscreens they’ve tried better.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Water Gel

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Highlights

• SPF 50+ protection
• PA++++
• Lightweight and easy to apply
• Non-greasy
• Formulated with aqua micro capsules to release moisture
• Water-resistant for 80 minutes

This hydrating Biore mineral sunscreen is perfect for individuals with dry skin.  It is formulated with hyaluronic acid and special aqua microcapsules.  The microcapsules release moisture into the skin, leaving it hydrated and supple.  In addition to its hydrating properties, the sunscreen also does an excellent job protecting skin.  It offers SPF 50+ protection with a PA++++ rating.  Additionally, it is water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

What Users are Saying

Users really are impressed with how well this sunscreen feels on their skin along with how well it protects them from the sun.  They have shared that it is very lightweight and doesn’t leave behind a sticky residue.  However, some users with darker skin tones noted that the sunscreen leaves behind a white cast.

Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun

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Highlights

• SPF 50+ protection
• PA++++
• 100% organic
• Safe for sensitive skin
• Also works to protect skin against blue light from smartphones, tablets, and computer monitors.

We think you’ll also like this mineral fragrance free Korean sunscreen from Dr.G.  The Green Mild Up Sun is made using organic ingredients that work to form a protective film over the skin to prevent the harmful rays from the sun from penetrating.  It is very mild and suitable for use with children or those with more sensitive skin.  The mild formula also makes this a good Korean mineral sunscreen for acne-prone skin.

What Users are Saying

Customers who have tried this mineral sunscreen are impressed with how it performs.  They have shared that it doesn’t leave a white cast on their skin and like that it isn’t scented.  However, not everyone was so happy with their decision to try this sunscreen.  A few users shared that they noticed a white cast when they used it and didn’t like the way it made their face look.

Mother Made Aqua Light CC Cream

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Highlights

• SPF 50+ protection
• PA+++
• 6-in-1 product:  sun protection, moisturizer, makeup base/foundation, color corrector, blemish concealer, and skin tone adjuster
• Blends with different skin tones from fair to light medium with yellow undertones
• Buildable coverage
• Formulated with natural ingredients
• Includes 5 types of hyaluronic acid to moisturize skin
• Cruelty-free

Rather than mixing sunscreen with foundation, try this Korean sunscreen tinted mineral lotion CC cream from Mother Made.  With SPF 50+ protection and a PA+++ rating, it will keep your skin protected from the dangerous rays of the sun.  As a CC cream, this is really six skincare products in one:  sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, color corrector, blemish concealer, and skin tone adjuster.

You’ll be impressed with how well it performs, not only as a sunscreen, but as an all-around beauty product.  Individuals with varying skin tones can use this CC cream.  It will blend in with different skin tones with yellow undertones ranging from fair to light medium.  Use the CC cream on its own, or try it as a primer before putting on your foundation.

What Users are Saying

Overall, individuals are pleased with their decision to try this CC cream.  They have shared that it provides the right amount of coverage for their face while also protecting their skin from the harmful UV rays of the sun.  Others also shared that they like the way the CC cream feels on their skin and that it doesn’t leave their skin feeling overly dry like other products they’ve tried.  However, some individuals found the shade to be too light for their skin tone or noted that it left a white cast.

How to Choose the Best Korean Sunscreen

As you’re shopping for the best Korean sunscreen, there are a few important features to consider.  Keeping these considerations in mind as you shop will help ensure that you’re able to find a product that lives up to your expectations.

Sun Protection

One of the first things you should look for when choosing any sunscreen is the SPF (or sun protection factor).  This number indicates the level of protection the sunscreen will deliver to your skin.  Ideally, you should look for a sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50.

Korean mineral sunscreens may also include a PA rating.  This rating indicates the amount of UVA ray protection the sunscreen offers, which is also important as the UVA rays are responsible for skin aging.  For this rating, look for a sunscreen with a +++ or ++++ score, as these are the highest ratings possible.

Texture

You won’t want to use even the most effective sunscreen if you don’t like its texture.  Consider your preferences and look for a sunscreen that matches them.  For example, consider whether you want to avoid any sticky residues after applying a sunscreen and choose one with a creamier consistency.

Ingredients

The ingredients are key when choosing a Korean sunscreen.  Peek over the ingredient list to determine whether there are any other beneficial ingredients included, such as ones that will help to hydrate your skin or leave behind a pleasant natural fragrance.

FAQs

Korean Mineral Sunscreen: Take Your Pick!

Korean mineral sunscreens offer superior protection against the harmful UVA and UVB rays of the sun.  When you use mineral sunscreen from Korea, you can feel confident that you’re taking the necessary measures to protect yourself from potentially-dangerous chemicals, like oxybenzone, while also helping to keep coral reefs safe.  What do you think?  Are you ready to give one of the Korean mineral sunscreens above a try?

Learn more about protecting your skin from the sun with these related posts on our blog:

• Does Sunscreen Prevent Tanning
• What Is Dry Oil Sunscreen
• Sunscreen Before or After Moisturizer
• Best Korean Eye Cream