1.D’Alba Waterfall Essence Sun Cream
SPF rating: SPF50+ PA++++
Key ingredients: Niacinamide, Centella asiatica, Wine extract
Sunscreen type: Chemical (Organic)
White cast: No
This is a lightweight formula that just melts into your skin and doesn’t leave a white cast. It has a gel cream consistency that helps with blending easily and sits well under makeup. There is a bit of a glowy finish but nothing greasy. This product is a tad expensive compared to others on the list for a K-beauty sunscreens that can come at even more affordable price points. However, I find the formula very elegant and easy to apply and hence I feel it deserves the shoutout and a product I don’t see hyped too often on social media either.
You can get it on Shopee, YesStyle or Olive Young Global.
2. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen
SPF rating: SPF50+ PA++++
Key ingredients: Birch sap, Niacinamide, Glyceryl Glucoside, Allantoin, DPG
Sunscreen type: Chemical (Organic)
White cast: No
A cult favourite in Korea that most would have heard of at some point especially if they consume skincare or beauty content on social media. And popular for a good reason too. A very hydrating cream formula that nourishes the skin, blends easily and sits well under makeup. It does give a healthy dewy look to the skin as well. It is also interesting to note that Round Lab as a company apparently doesn’t spend a lot of money on marketing and a lot of their popularity is via word of mouth as more people tried out their products. You can’t go wrong with this for any skin type but especially for dry skin that would appreciate and soak in the extra bit of hydration this formula provides.
You can get it on Shopee, YesStyle or Olive Young Global.
3. Skin 1004 Hyalu-Cica Water Fit Sun Serum
SPF rating: SPF50+ PA++++
Key ingredients: Hyalu-cica (blend of hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica),
Sunscreen type: Chemical (Organic)
White cast: No
This sunscreen is another relatively popular choice on social media. I particularly love the packaging being a pump that has a form of suction that ensures you get out almost all the product as you go through it. A hydrating lotion formula albeit more lightweight that Round Lab’s in my opinion that blends easily into the skin without any white cast. It sits well under makeup as well and is probably a formula you can reach for in hot summer months as well as cold winter months. I find the price of this to be the most affordable on this list as I have seen discounts being applied for this product most often.
You can get it on Shopee, YesStyle or Olive Young Global.
4. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
SPF rating: SPF50+ PA++++
Key ingredients: Rice Ferment Filtrate, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment
Sunscreen type: Chemical (Organic)
Another super popular sunscreen that is especially popular outside of Korea more so than in Korea. Beauty of Joseon seemed to have targeted the international market before they got stocked on Olive Young stores for Korean consumers. Nevertheless, a hydrating cream formula that in some ways feels quite similar to Round Lab’s. I would say it is as hydrating and the finish of the sunscreen is similarly dewy as well. They mainly differ in terms of their key ingredients where the rice extract and probiotics in Beauty of Joseon helps with nourishment and calming the skin.
You can get it on Shopee, YesStyle or Olive Young Global.
5. Goodal Heartleaf Moisture Calming Sunscreen
SPF rating: SPF50+ PA++++
Key ingredients: Heartleaf extract
Sunscreen type: Chemical
With so many elegant formulas from K beauty on the market, it is easy to overlook some formulas and this is one of those. However, I loved this for being lightweight while giving some hydration. Granted the hydration levels are not the same as Round Lab or Beauty of Joseon but sufficiently so that makes it a good all year round sunscreen choice. Blends effortlessly into the skin and sits well under makeup as well.
You can get it on Shopee, YesStyle or Olive Young Global.
XOXO, ash.
