My Top Korean Sunscreens (AD)

Talking about my top Korean sunscreens! My favourite from each category: chemical, lightweight, mineral, hybrid and stick SPF. Note: These may not be approved as sunscreens in other countries such as the US and Australia.

🙋🏻 I'm Michelle, a chemistry PhD, cosmetic chemist and science educator, here to explain how beauty products work, debunk myths, and help you make smarter decisions about your skincare, hair and makeup!

🧴 PRODUCTS
Beauty of Joseon Rice + Probiotic

TOCOBO Cotton Soft Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++

‌SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

Benton Skin Fit Mineral Sun Cream

Jumiso Waterfull Sunscreen

📺 RELATED POSTS AND VIDEOS

[leejieunsbestie]

beauty of joseon is easily the best sunscreen i ever used period. as someone who has a veryy sensitive skin sunscreens would always irritate and break me out so i usually avoided using them if i werent going to the beach or stay under the sun for too long, but since i tried boj im literally obsessed with it to the point that i sometimes use it when im at home too.. also the way you dont even need to use moisturizer bc boj itself is also good as a moisturizer its def my holy grail

[forgottenpaperflowers]

Thank you for mentioning sensory issues. I always wear my spf but a lot of the times if an spf is too dewy my hair will stick to it and I start getting really overwhelmed and it makes me want to wipe it off so I have been trying to find the lightest spf I can and the one that doesn't irritate my eyes and the skin 1004 one is my absolute favourite for it. I need a layer of powder over any sunscreen I wear but this one I don't need a lot of powder which makes reapplying way nicer and doesn't get all goopy. Thank you for your videos they are always really helpful 💕

[renaissancekid]

I sweat from my face so easily, especially in the summer with the increased humidity that I worry about my everyday sunscreen not being enough. I'd really like to see a video dedicated specifically to sunscreens that are water resistant! In all honesty summer increases spontaneity for me, so even if I don't plan on running around and breaking a sweat sometimes it just happens, but I still want to maintain good coverage with my sunscreen.

[GoBlueGirl]

I love your “organic = carbon based” sign! ❤

[rachelnason]

I really appreciate that you added that it's an ad in the title.

[nicoleannponies]

It was interesting for me to find that nobody here in Korea seems to use Beauty of Joseon, yet I constantly see it being pushed in western media. The most popular sunscreen in Korea is probably Round Lab's sunscreen, and I can see why. If you love Beauty of Joseon's sunscreen you might wanna give this one a try too!

[monicaclasener]

Yes, stacking up for summer! Spring is late in Europe (cold&wet) but the sun strength is 4. So this video is needed.
Have a good weekend everyone!

[saraopie]

The Skin 1004 works really well with my aging, oily, sensitive skin and doesn't irritate my eyes. Thank you for a very informative video.

[ANGslave]

The sunscreen vs stained clothes battle, thanks so much for the stick recommendation!!

[sandywainwright]

How about an updated
video dedicated to Water Resistant sunscreen?

[lFrankalein]

Thanks for showing the reapplication of the sunscreen stick over your make up. That's something I still have to try out. I'm always too afraid of the sunscreen ruining my make up. But it seemed easy and pretty when you did it! :)

[afratabassumakhi]

BOJ sunscreen is my favorite too. I just love how it calms my skin after each application when my skin feels heated . ❤ It feels like I wore nothing on my skin. ❤❤ Already finished my first tube. I will definitely buy it again.

[betula.]

Thank you lab muffin :) It would be great if you prepare a video about sunscreen filters. I don't know their differences and which one is better and what to look for 😢

[Firstname.Lastname]

I just want to thank you so much for suggesting Isntree’s Hyaluronic Acid sunscreen in a past video. I can’t remember which one you recommended, but I bought the HA Sun Cream (with zinc) and I love it so, so much. Nearly everything gives me contact dermatitis nowadays and I also have congestion-prone skin, eczema, and mild rosacea. Before trying this sunscreen, it was always a “what will my skin tolerate” sort of deal. This is the only sunscreen I’ve ever used that actually feels really good to apply, helps soothe irritation, doesn’t exacerbate any of my issues later on, feels lightweight, and looks great under makeup. I’ve since given away my graveyard of sunscreens that I didn’t love and I no longer have days where my face hurts too badly to even think about applying sunscreen and going outside!

[tammyscott]

Beauty of Joseon blew me away…and I’ve tried many many sunscreens after being diagnosed with melanoma 18 months ago!

[kathleenwarner]

Thanks Michelle! Beauty of Joseon is very good, but the Skin 1004 is a favorite (one little plus is how little is left in tube at end of use; I'm one of those people who cuts open packaging to get every last bit). Currently using d'Alba's UV Essence Waterfull+; silky texture and no eye irritation. As humidity rises with advent of summer I'm hoping it can replace at least one moisturizer step.

[PR-tdiu]

You nailed it with your great description of the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen. It is such a pleasure to use. For me, the moisture and “wetness” level (post-application) are perfect because I am older and my skin tends to be dry. It’s even a pleasure to squeeze it out of the tube.

My top US sunscreen is Elta MD. When compared to the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen, Elta MD feels and looks closer to a No-Ad drugstore sunscreen. 😱

[jessamineprice]

Thanks for the back-of-hands idea! I have that problem as well. Sticks are brilliant! My favorite sunscreen here in Korea is BOH Panthenol Cica Blemish Sun Cream. It's got brightening ingredients, blends in nice (chemical) and it's the perfect texture. Plus it often goes on sale at Olive Young (the standard high-street shop for beauty products here). It seems like the Korean products that become well-known overseas are often different than the typical products in the stores here.

[BeHealing]

You’ve sold me on the tocobo stick. For the back of my hands. I ride a bicycle and sunscreen is a problem on my hands. I just purchased one and will keep it by the door to apply to my hands before I hop on my bike. Thanks!

[Iceman]

Thank you for this! Can you go over your favourite waterproof k-beauty sunscreen options?