The Best Sunscreens for Summer 2023
Summer is all about having fun under the sun with friends and family, which makes it especially important that your sun care game is strong. With all the options available, we know that choosing the right sunscreen for you can get complicated - but don't you worry! We rounded up the best K-beauty sunscreens available today and ranked them to help you choose the perfect fit for you.
Peach Picks: Our Top 10 Sunscreens for 2023 🥇
10. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick |
SPF 50+ / PA++++ Type: Chemical sunscreen Skin type: Oily skin, combination skin, sensitive skin Skin concern: Dehydrated skin |
Why we love this sunscreen
The 10th place and first on our list goes to the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick. Experience triple-action skincare on-the-go! It boasts wrinkle improvement, skin brightening, and sun protection in one product. Great things truly come in small packages, as this sun stick protects you against harsh UV rays in just a few swipes—lightweight and no white cast.
Protecting your skin’s moisture barrier and locking in hydration, it does not ruin or cake-up your makeup even when re-applied over and over again. It even has a cooling effect on your skin that’s perfect for these sweltering summer days. This airy sun stick glides easily on your skin with its soft and smooth texture that leaves a lovely velvety and fresh finish.
Hero Ingredient/s
The Isntree Hyaluronic Airy Sun Stick is formulated with 8 hyaluronic acids that protect your skin from dryness especially in airconditioned or heated spaces. It also maintains the right amount of moisture to ensure healthy, glowing skin.
🍑 PEACH TIP! Some people have a misconception about sun sticks, thinking that its packaging and application allows for bacteria growth. However, sun sticks are formulated to prevent this from happening! But if you’re still unsure, you can simply use a tissue or cotton pad to wipe off a layer after each use. 🍑
9. BEPLAIN Clean Ocean Moisture Sunscreen
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SPF 50+ PA++++ Type: Chemical Skin Type: Sensitive skin, combination skin types, dry skin Skin Concern: Acne-prone skin |
Why we love this sunscreen
Guilt-free sun care that protects you and our environment. The BEPLAIN Clean Ocean Moisture Sunscreen is gentle on your skin and our coral reefs as it is free from the harmful chemicals Oxybenzone and Octinoxate.
This sunscreen is moisturising and formulated with Niacinamide to help prevent acne breakouts. It is lightweight and absorbs into your skin like an essence—leaving your skin bright and refreshed!
Tied for 9th place: BEPLAIN NonNano Mild Sunscreen
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SPF 50+ PA++++ Type: Physical/Mineral Skin type: Sensitive skin, oily skin Skin concern: Acne-prone skin |
Why we love this sunscreen
The BEPLAIN NonNano Mild Sunscreen protects you physically using zinc oxide—which means the products sits on top of your skin to block UV rays. It decreases the risk of irritation since it is not absorbed into your skin and does not clog your pores. In addition, this sunscreen helps improve skin elasticity and quenches parched skin by providing hydration.
Weightless and water-resistant, this sunscreen is a good product to reach for this summer. It controls oil throughout the day (with proper re-application, of course!) and has a natural tone-up effect that leaves a matte finish and brighter complexion.
8. MARY&MAY CICA Soothing Suncream
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SPF 50+ PA++++ Type: Chemical sunscreen Skin Type: All skin types, recommended for sensitive skin Skin Concern: Acne-prone skin |
Why we love this sunscreen
Like most of the K-beauty sunscreens, the MARY&MAY CICA Soothing Suncream is a gentle product that comes with a bevy of skincare benefits: it helps you with UV protection, skin brightening, and wrinkle management.
Texture of the Mary&May CICA Soothing Sun Cream
This sunscreen is light as a feather, fresh, and non-sticky—it feels like a moisturiser and absorbs quickly into your skin. This makes it great for people who like to wear makeup since it doesn’t cake or ruin your base.
Hero ingredient/s
The soothing suncream is formulated using fermented CICA Complex™ that is gently absorbed into your skin to hydrate, repair, and soothe tiredness.
7. Benton Airy Fit UV Defence Sun Cream
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SPF 50+ PA++++ Type: Chemical sunscreen Skin type: All skin types, suitable for sensitive skin Skin concern: Acne-prone skin, dull skin |
Why we love this sunscreen
A gentle, feather-light sun cream that packs a punch. The Benton Airy Fit UV Defence Sun Cream protects your skin against blue light on top of UVA and UVA rays using an EWG grade chemical filter. Don’t be intimated though, as this product is actually suitable for individuals who are sensitive to chemical sunscreens.
As our 7th fave, this sunscreen also boasts triple-layered skincare benefits: it helps brighten your skin, manage wrinkles, and offer strong UV protection. All these, and still it is non-sticky and lightweight when applied.
Hero ingredient/s
Using Centella Asiatica and CICA, the Benton Sun Cream helps keep your skin healthy, soothes skin irritation, and reduce redness.
6. Klairs All-Day Airy Sunscreen
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SPF 50+ PA++++ Type: Chemical sunscreen Skin type: All skin types, suitable for sensitive skin Skin concern: acne-prone skin, dull skin |
Why we love this sunscreen
Lightweight and non-greasy, the Klairs All-Day Airy Sunscreen is the perfect fit for everyday use this summer. It provides an airy finish and strong protections against the sun, boasting SPF index results of 50+ at 3 different clinical institutions.
The All-day Airy Sunscreen is a great addition to your makeup prep! This water-based gel is formulated with moisturiser and mild ingredients to offer you skin-deep moisture without any greasiness or white cast.
☀️ This sunscreen is a favourite of both Crème (our founder) and P from the Peaches&Crème team! ☀️
5. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
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SPF 50+ PA++++ Type: Chemical Sunscreen Skin type: All skin types, recommended for sensitive skin Skin concern: acne-prone skin, irritated skin from dryness, dehydrated skin |
Why we love this sunscreen
Get dewy, moisturised skin that’s well-protected against the damage caused by harsh UV rays. The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum locks in hydration and moisture that prevents dry patches and skin irritation. It leaves no white cast and greasiness while protecting and revitalising your skin.
This sunscreen is light and watery with a serum-like formula and moisture-cream texture. It absorbs quickly into your skin and gives you a healthy glow that lasts all day long.
Hero ingredient’s
Skin1004 uses a special Hyalu-Cica Formula that ensures long-lasting hydration while soothing and calming the skin. This makes it ideal for individuals with sensitive skin who are looking for their summer sun care.
4. ABIB Quick Sun Stick Protection Bar
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SPF 50+ PA ++++ Type: Chemical Skin type: All skin types |
Why we love this sunscreen
Many people suffer from excessive oil and greasiness during the summer—and this sun stick comes to the rescue! The ABIB Quick Sun Stick Protection Bar helps control excessive oil AND refreshes your skin after each use. It glides perfectly on your skin and is absorbed quickly to avoid any stickiness or white cast.
Its powdery finish leaves your skin fresh lookin’ and feelin’ so you don’t have to worry about re-applicating your sunscreen in the middle of the day. It is also designed with an applicator that ensures full coverage even with hard-to-reach places on your face.
Hero ingredient/s
This sun stick uses a patented formula of of Ceramide NP, Aloe Vera, green tea, and Centella Asiatica. These rich antioxidants protect you from sun damage and strengthen your skin’s barrier all while leaving hydrating and soothing your skin.
3. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream
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SPF 50+ PA+++ Type: Physical and Chemical sunscreen Skin type: All skin types |
Why we love this sunscreen
The COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is ideal to use all-year round for your face AND body. It feels light on your skin as you brave through the hot and humid summer days, and moisturising in a way that leaves your skin soft and plump even during the dry season.
This sunscreen absolutely feels like a moisturiser but still offers proper protection against the sun. It absorbs quickly into the skin and leaves you with a healthy-looking finish.
Hero ingredient/s
The COSRX Soothing Sun Cream uses Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract to soothe skin and provide impressive moisture that does NOT leave your skin dry or stripped.
2. Instree Hyaluronic Watery Sun Gel
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SPF 50+ PA++++ Type: Chemical sunscreen Skin Type: Dry skin, sensitive skin, combination-dry, normal skin Skin Concern: Dehydrated skin |
Why we love this sunscreen
The Isntree Hyaluronic Watery Sun Gel is one of the best examples of sunscreen and skincare in a bottle. It protects your skin from the sun, locks in moisture, and provides intense hydration which is perfect for the sweltering summer days. This sunscreen comfortable for daily use, even for those who enjoy outdoor activities, and a great prep for your makeup base.
This product offers a cream-gel texture that applies like lotion and feels like a moisturiser. It of course absorbs quickly into your skin leaves no white cast.
Hero ingredient/s
The Isntree Hyaluronic Watery Sun Gel is formulated using 8 types of hyaluronic acid at 3 different molecule sizes. Why go this far? It guarantees intense hydration and quick absorption that leaves your skin smooth and silky soft.
1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
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SPF: SPF50+ / PA++++
Type: Chemical Skin type: All skin types, sensitive skin Skin concern: Uneven skin tone, dull skin, pigmentation, dark spots |
Why we love this sunscreen
The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen broke the internet and placed K-beauty sunscreens under the spotlight globally—and she’s the talk of the town for a reason. This sunscreen blurs the lines between sun care and skincare to give your skin a natural, dewy glow that feels soft and smooth throughout the day.
Silky, creamy, and non-sticky, this sunscreen feels extremely comfortable to wear and offers ample protection against the sun. It provides nourishment and moisture so that your skin glows underneath makeup without any white cast.
Hero ingredient/s
This sunscreen uses a combination of rice and grain extracts to moisturise and nourish your skin. Its unique formulation is rich in vitamins B, C, E, amino acids, and minerals to keep your skin happy and healthy.
☀️ This sunscreen is a favourite of Writer J from the Peaches&Crème team! ☀️
Tied for 1st Place: Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
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SPF 50+ PA++++ Type: Chemical sunscreen Skin type: All skin types, sensitive skin Skin concern: Acne-prone skin, inflammation |
Why we love this sunscreen
This summer, watch yourself and your skin glow! The Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen helps purify, moisturise, and hydrate your skin to give you a bright complexion. Its sun protection helps to prevent damage and pigmentation, leaving you with clear skin that looks alive and energised.
This K-beauty product is lightweight and comfortable on your skin—it feels more like a light moisturiser than a sunscreen.
Hero ingredient/s
The Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen is formulated using the sap from birch trees, nicknamed the “queen of the forest” for its beauty. It is rich in NMF (Natural Moisturising Factor) and has natural antioxidant properties, reduces inflammation, and encourages the growth of new collagen.
Honourable Mentions 🥈
The following sunscreens may not have made the cut for the best, but they're still good sun care products to reach for if you want to explore and expand your sunscreen portfolio.
1. Tocobo Cotton Soft Sun Stick|
SPF 50/PA++++ Type: Chemical & Physical (hybrid) Skin type: All skin types, ideal for oily skin Skin concern: Dull skin, those sensitive to chemical sunscreens Why we like it: It's a mild sunscreen that is soothing to the skin and silky when applied. |
2. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus
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SPF 50+/PA++++ Type: Physical sunscreen Skin type: All skin types, ideal for sensitive skin Skin concern: Acne-prone skin, irritated skin Why we like it: This sunscreen offers powerful protection against the sun and a gentle soothing effect. It has a light and airy texture that sits comfortably on your skin. ☀️ A favourite of our founder Crème! ☀️ |
3. Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort+Camellia
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SPF 50+/PA++++ Type: Chemical sunscreen Skin type: Ideal for oily skin, combination-oily skin types, and sensitive skin Skin concern: Excessive sebum, greasy skin Why we like it: This sun stick was developed especially for on-the-go individuals who like to stay fresh and oil-free throughout the day. It gives a matte, smooth finish that does not clump. |
4. Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream
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SPF 50+/PA++++ Type:Chemical sunscreen Skin type: Sensitive skin, combination skin, dry skin Skin concern: Acne-prone skin Why we like it: This sunscreen feels and moisturizes like a serum! It has a mild formula that soothes, hydrates, and protects your skin against sun damage. |
5. Some By Mi Truecica Aqua Calming Suncream
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SPF 50+/PA++++ Type: Chemical sunscreen Skin type: All skin types, suitable for sensitive skin Skin concern: Dehydrated skin, irritated skin, acne-prone skin, dry and flaky skin Why we like it: This sunscreen boasts triple action skincare just like our Top 10: UV Protection + Brightening + Anti-Wrinkle benefits. It also comes with the added benefit of calming and evening your skin tone. |
A New Challenger Appears...
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum
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SPF 50+/PA++++ Type: Chemical sunscreen Skin type: All skin types |
What to look out for
This sunscreen comes from the creators of our top pick: Beauty of Joseon. The Ginseng Moist Sunscreen is formulated perform as sun protection and skincare - it prevents sun damage that causes a weaker skin barrier, less skin elasticity, and wrinkles, and it controls the production of oil.
A capsule-type serum formulation was used so it absorbs quickly into the skin leaving a fresh and dewy finish. There is no white cast or stickiness which makes it perfect as skin prep before you apply makeup.
Hero ingredient/s
The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum uses 30% ginseng and 2% Niacinamide to give your skin deep moisture, improve wrinkles, and lighten pigmentation for a healthier and brighter complexion.
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There you have it, Peaches! Your 2023 summer guide to the best sunscreens. Make sure to apply a liberal amount before going out and to re-apply every 2-3 hours to ensure that your skin is protected against the sun's harsh UV rays. Stay fresh 😎
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