9 Best Korean Mineral Sunscreens of 2024

Sunscreen serves as a barrier to protect the skin from harmful UV rays, making it a necessary part of normal skincare routines. By reflecting or absorbing sunlight, it guards against sunburns, premature aging, and potentially severe conditions like skin cancer.

Due to their superior benefits, which are backed by solid scientific evidence, Korean mineral sunscreens have been at the forefront of global beauty trends in recent years. To improve protection with fewer side effects, a combination of minerals, such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, replaces chemical components. These non-toxic alternatives provide broad-spectrum defence against UVB and UVA rays, which are frequently disregarded despite the fact that they can have major long-term negative effects.

Because these natural formulas are hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic—they don't clog pores and induce breakouts like some of their synthetic competitors—they appeal to people with sensitive or acne-prone skin. In addition, dermatologist Dr. Kim's 2024 survey found that "Korean Mineral Sunscreens withhold maximum attributes sought after today’s consumers" because of their lightweight texture, which doesn't leave an oily residue after application and doesn't leave a white cast.

It is also impossible to overlook how Korea's strict R&D approach led to its success; a focus on biocompatibility drives the creation of innovative products full of organic elements that nourish your dermis rather than just protect it.

Around 80-90% of cases of skin cancers are linked to ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure, according to data published by the International Skin Cancer Foundation, highlighting the need of sunscreen in personal hygiene practices globally. These numbers emphasise the need for greater SPF products that equally cover the UVB and UVA spectrums, even though they are preventable. In this sense, Korean products—which are primarily physical blockers rather than chemical absorbers—are perfectly executed, greatly reducing the risks.

What Makes Korean Mineral Sunscreens Unique?

Korean mineral sunscreens are the pinnacle of skincare innovation, set apart by a multitude of distinctive characteristics and ingredients. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, two naturally occurring minerals with strong UV-reflective properties, are the primary constituents in these formulations. They act as mirrors on the skin's surface, offering broad-spectrum protection from UVA radiation that causes accelerated aging and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

The formulas are great for all types of dermis because they are lightweight and non-greasy. Korean sunscreens significantly improve the user experience by decreasing acne breakouts by gliding lightly to provide complete coverage without feeling heavy or suffocating pores. After application, traditional sunscreens leave a thick white film behind.

Another essential trait is a dedication to gentleness. Adapting to varying sensitivity levels and considering the requirements of the world's unique epidermal landscape—whether it be dry, oily, or sensitive skins—remains a top priority in product creation. Hypoallergenic substances maintain the overall health of the skin by reducing blemishes and preventing inflammation, irritation, and discomfort during use.

Korean science combines pure physical blockers (minerals) with less side effects than chemical equivalents, which are sometimes linked to undesirable reactions like itching or redness, especially in individuals with sensitive skin. This approach embraces innovation while reinforcing necessity.

Benefits of Using Mineral Sunscreens

Mineral sunscreens are becoming more and more popular in the skincare sector due to their many benefits. They are mostly composed of physical UV blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which act as a protective barrier on the skin's surface by reflecting harmful UV rays. Mineral versions are available immediately, unlike their chemical counterparts, which take time to start working because they absorb UV photons instead of reflecting them.

The hypoallergenic properties of these natural formulations reduce the likelihood of inflammation, notably redness or itching that are frequently seen when using synthetic absorbers, making them particularly advantageous for sensitive or acne-prone skin types. Overall, this encourages better complexions.

Additionally, consumers' preference for eco-friendly products like mineral sunscreens—which are widely recognised to be reef-safe and free of chemicals harmful to marine life, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are toxicants commonly found in conventional sunscreens and cause coral bleaching—clearly reflects the growing environmental consciousness over time in beauty trends. 

Our Top picks

Best Overall: Attitude Sunly Sunscreen Stick

Also Great: THE FACE SHOP Everyday Mineral Sunscreen

Best for sensitive skin: ETUDE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+

Best For Makeup Base: Innisfree Daily UV Defence Mineral Sunscreen

Best For Dry Skin: ROUND LAB Birch Juice Mild-Up Sunscreen

Best Anti aging Formula: MISSHA's All-Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk

Best Lightweight Formula: SELF BEAUTY Ultra-Lightweight Mineral Facial Sunscreen's 

Best Vegan: Biore UV Aqua face sunscreen

Best For All Skin Types: Haruharu's Wonder Black Rice Moisture AiryFit Daily Sunscreen

Sunly - Sunscreen Stick

Attitude Sunly Sunscreen Stick is a portable sun protection solution designed to be both simple and effective. It takes every precaution to shield your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays with its SPF 30 protection. The unscented product is perfect for people with sensitive noses or those who prefer a fragrance-free experience.

The product is the epitome of gentle yet efficient UV protection because its hypoallergenic ingredients are effective on all types of dermis. Additionally, integrating it into daily life is a breeze thanks to its easy application method, which leaves no sticky residue or white streaks.

Its primary component, non-nano zinc oxide, is noteworthy for reflecting sunlight without compromising the skin's protective layer. Because this formulation is reef-safe, you can rest easy knowing that you're safeguarding not just your personal health but also marine life.

Its compact size (only 60 grammes) allows it to fit easily in wallets or backpacks and facilitates reapplication during outdoor activities like beach excursions. Additionally, its solid stick structure effectively guards against typical liquid sunscreen spillage, ensuring uninterrupted sun exposure.

Why we like it: Environmentally friendly and sun-safe sounds too good to be true! Attitude takes into account demands beyond excellent protection with its straightforward design features and smooth user experience, creating a relatively unusual sunscreen stick that both puts "user" and "planet" welfare first without sacrificing great outcomes.

Where To Buy & Price: Available conveniently online via welzo UK priced £19.82 per unit.

Product Reviews: Customers praise its capacity to accommodate both adults and children of various ages. It constantly distinguishes itself from its rivals with its exceptional performance and friendly manner.

Pros	Cons
Compact Design; Leak-Free Application Methodology Reef-Safe Formulation Suitable All Skin Types; Hypoallergenic Composition	Unscented variant perhaps not preferential everyone

THE FACE SHOP Everyday Mineral Sunscreen

THE FACE SHOP sells a 100% mineral sunscreen that hydrates and shields skin from harmful UV rays while also promising no white cast after use. The composition contains moisturising panthenol and niacinamide to shield skin from the sun without sacrificing its softness and smoothness. It offers a great physical barrier against sunlight and promises to be water resistant for up to 40 minutes. For optimal coverage, liberally apply at least fifteen minutes before venturing outdoors and reapply every two hours.

Why We Like It: It is an immediate favourite due to its ingenious component blend, which offers nourishment during strenuous solar guard duties, and the brand's manufacturing credibility. Our decision for this particular product is largely motivated by its luxurious value because of its additional hydration benefits and its everyday usability without the dreaded chalky aftermath.

Where to buy and price: Amazon is a reliable source for THE FACE SHOP Everyday Mineral Sunscreen, which is still easily accessible online. The current price is £18.82.

Product review: The product's ability to deliver on its claimed qualities—such as a ghost-white-free experience following substantial SPF protection and excellent skin hydration—is the main emphasis of most consumer evaluations. For many skincare fans, who often have to pick between protection and hydration, but rarely both, this is definitely excellent news.

Pros	Cons
100% mineral UV shielding No white cast post application Hydrating panthenol and niacinamide inclusion for skin nourishment Water-resistant spanning up to 40 minutes	Limited natural color correcting variations available

ETUDE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk

ETUDE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+, a skincare miracle that provides superior sun protection and skin health advantages. Its lightweight, non-sticky formulation absorbs quickly and distributes readily without leaving a greasy or sticky residue. This cream's broad-spectrum SPF 50+ protection shields your dermis from harmful UV radiation.

Why we like it: This sunscreen is highly valued because it serves as both a protectant and an enhancer. Daily application not only protects the skin but also progressively enhances overall health because the formulation contains rich natural ingredients that nourish the skin softly.

Its texture absorbs quickly, making it the ideal under-makeup base that both improves look and acts as a protective barrier.

Where to buy and price: Find ETUDE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ on Amazon at an affordable price of £14.11

Product review: Customers have consistently given this product high marks throughout the years, especially for the way it complements a variety of skin tones without creating an unsightly white cast like many of its rivals. Everyone should use it because it is gentle enough to use on sensitive skin.

The reassuring findings of primary irritation testing on human skin, which show both safety and efficacy, further boost consumer confidence. According to comments found in many online user reviews, it is a level-up experience that offers dependable, oil-free protection while guaranteeing maximum comfort throughout use.

Pros	Cons
Broad Spectrum Coverage Lightweight Non-Greasy Texture Multifunctional utility (Protection + Enhancement) Rich in Nourishing Natural Ingredients	Not Water/Sweat Resistant

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen

Innisfree Daily UV Defence Mineral Sunscreen is a unique green-tinted mineral sunscreen that combines sun protection and skincare. With eight different types of hyaluronic acid, plant-based squalane, and soothing cica added, it does more than simply shield your skin from harmful UV rays—it also moisturises your face and lessens redness. It is suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.

Why we like it: The ability of Innisfree's product to naturally mix hydration with critical care is what truly sets it apart from other products on the market. Hyaluronic acid, one of nature's best hydrating agents, combined with the power of essential natural components, like zinc, which is known for its exceptional reflecting qualities, ensures optimal moisture retention and prevents the dryness that many people experience after applying products.

Where to Buy & Price: Available at amazon at a price point £17.26.

Product review: Users like its lightweight composition, which doesn't leave any white residue. Its success extends to people with rosacea or inflammation, who over time reported a noticeable reduction in their symptoms due to its relaxing qualities, which are often overlooked by other industry products that are known to increase discomfort rather than alleviate it.

Pros	Cons
Merges hydration + intense care Contain natural ingredients lessening irritation risk Suits every dermis type (including sensitive)	Requires reapplication every 2 hours Green tint might initially require adaptation, yet it blends seamlessly into the skin.

ROUND LAB Birch Juice Mild-up Sunscreen

ROUND LAB Birch Juice Mild-Up Sunscreen provides SPF50 protection with non-nano mineral particles engineered to stay on the skin's surface. Derma AC is a patented solution that calms sensitive skin types and offers full UV protection. It also offers a creamy, moisturising texture for easy application and a clean finish, as well as natural colour correcting qualities. It complies with German Dermatest laws, avoids 19 harmful components, and is safe for all skin types while upholding the high safety standards that are consistent with Round Lab's concept.

Why we like it: ROUND LAB's innovative approach makes them a desirable addition to beauty arsenals because they meet all the requirements: Additional benefits include post-application moisture retention and modest colour correction, a light solution that works for even the most sensitive skin types and promises to cause no irritation, and strong sun protection (SPF50). Everything is housed in a single tube that is ecologically sensitive and steers clear of nanoparticles. 

Where To Buy & Price: 

Available at amazon for only £21.96 offering value deal against multitude advantages offered.

Product review: Customers are raving about this unique blend since it offers strong UV protection in an incredibly moisturising base without leaving behind any dryness or white cast after application, two problems that most sunscreen users have previously encountered.

Pros	Cons
High SPF50 sun shield Soothing and shielding for sensitive skin types Moisturizing creamy texture leaving fresh finish Free from 19 harmful substances, low-irritation characteristics	Limited natural color correcting effect variations

Missha - All-Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk

MISSHA's All-Around Safe Block Soft Finish Sun Milk is a hybrid sunscreen that combines chemical and mineral ingredients to provide SPF50+ PA+++ protection. It is designed to block UVA and UVB radiation and has a non-sticky consistency that feels nice and light on the skin.

After use, the tone-up effect of sun milk, which has cream-like textures, accentuates the complexion's inherent radiance. A very complete treatment, it is further improved with brightening components such thanaka extracts, which offer extra protection against environmental stresses and sustained hydration, Natural Barrier Complex, and fruit extract from Myrciaria dubia, which guarantees a radiant dermis surface.

Why We Like It: Sunscreen crosses traditional lines, entering the field of "multifaceted skincare" and going beyond simple "sun-protection." Due to its innovative approach that fully aligns with 2024 beauty trends, it has a high SPF rating and is well recognised for its calming yet effective components that increase brightness while safeguarding moisture levels.

Where To Buy & Price: Yesstyle sells it for £9.87.

Customer Reviews: Positive reviews usually highlight how well-balanced its aroma is and how readily it absorbs, which makes it a favourite among customers worldwide. Despite being suitable for a wide range of skin types, some reviews suggest that the "tone up" element may not look acceptable on darker complexions.

Pros	Cons
Hybrid (mineral-chemical) formulation Non-sticky texture Tone-up effects enhancing complexion	Tone up might pose slight challenge adapting on darker complexions

SELF BEAUTY Ultra Lightweight Mineral Facial Sunscreen

The SELF BEAUTY Ultra-Lightweight Mineral Facial Sunscreen's 100% mineral-based filters provide broad-spectrum protection against UVB and UVA rays with a high SPF50 rating. A commitment to environmental responsibility is indicated by its reef-safe label. All skin types, including those with sensitive skin and acne, can use the product because of its ultra-light lotion texture, which guarantees rapid absorption without leaving any lasting stickiness or heaviness. 

Another highlight is the universal sheer tint, which blends in flawlessly with makeup foundation and is appropriate for everyday usage without leaving a white cast. Soothing ingredients including hyaluronic acid derivatives and Centella Asiatica extract from baobab tree fruit not only calm the face and provide proper hydration, but they are also hypoallergenic, cruelty-free, and significantly increase eye tolerance.

Why we like it: Self Beauty's sunscreen deserves recognition for its many benefits, featherlight application, and deeply nourishing components that support skin care health. According to our review board, marine life is not significantly impacted by the sunscreen's high sun protection criteria.

Where to buy and price: On Amazon, it costs roughly £9.87.

Product reviews: Prior customers have continuously commended the product's quick absorption, which has faithfully maintained the "Ultra Light" claim and eliminated typical greasiness issues. They have also mentioned the product's absence of the infamous white-cast, which is a testament to the gentle yet effective moisturising effects that are frequently experienced after using it.

Pros	Cons
High SPF50 sun protection Quick-absorbing ultra lightweight texture No white cast or clumping issues No burn or eye irritation	Universal Tint might not suit everyone on the spectrum

Biore UV Aqua Rich 

The ALLURE BEST OF BEAUTY 2024 WINNER, Biore UV Aqua face sunscreen, uses hyaluronic acid and state-of-the-art technology to deliver eight hours of hydration and powerful UV protection. It doesn't leave a white cast on the skin and absorbs rapidly. It is suitable for sensitive skin types because of its high SPF50 rating without obstructing pores, vegan credentials, and absence of oxybenzone and octinoxate. Its oil-free formula also facilitates the application of makeup.

Why We Like It: Biore's award-winning composition combines potent sunblock components to create a moisturising solution that works with all pigments and absorbs rapidly, a trait that many competitors still find difficult to duplicate today! In addition to being makeup-compatible, they are a great choice that avoids dangerous substances like oils and lasts wonderfully under layers of makeup. We have given this combination our vote of confidence since it is just enticing. 

Product review: Its lightweight nature, which swiftly absorbs into the dermis and validates the claim of fast absorption, has won many users. Notably, people who apply makeup everyday praise it for producing a perfect base with an uncompromising finish after application

Pros	Cons
High-grade SPF50 + moisturizing capabilities Fast absorbing with zero white casts. Makeup compatible Vegan-friendly & safe ingredients excluding Oxybenzone/Octinoxate/oils	Limited Moisture duration

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen

Haruharu's Wonder Black Rice Moisture AiryFit Daily Sunscreen meticulously blends antioxidants, SPF protection, and skin-nourishing ingredients in an airless bottle to prevent product oxidation. Its recipe calls for rice bran oil combined with black rice for hydration and antioxidants, as well as heartleaf extract for nourishment and niacinamide for improving skin tone. 

It abides by eco-friendly standards and stays away from chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate that damage reefs. All skin types, especially those with hypersensitive skin, can benefit from this vegan-friendly, cruelty-free sunscreen's hypoallergenic formula, which is free of seven parabens and eleven other harmful substances. It displays Haruharu's commitment to moral skincare.

Why We Like It: We support a nutrient-rich regimen in addition to effective sun protection! The product seems to be the perfect blend of antioxidant enrichment and robust protection from harmful UV rays, which over time enhances the dermis' general health while preserving the oceanic life cycle and avoiding toxicants that are known to be harmful to coral reefs.

Where to buy and price: With its appealing price of £10.59, it is reasonably priced considering all of the advantages it provides. Currently available on the Amazon platform.

Product review: Customers commended the light texture's ability to melt easily into surfaces and leave no stickiness behind, which is typical of many of its competitors, and often repurchased after initial trials.

Pros	Cons
Antioxidants and skin nourishment enriched sun protection Eco-friendly: Reef safe formula Suitable for all skin types including sensitive ones	Added Moisture may be required depending upon personal requirement variations

Summary

Sun protection is an essential part of skincare because UV radiation can cause sunburns, skin cancer, and ageing. Using Korean mineral sunscreens with natural ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is highly advised. Because it lowers the risk of irritation and allergies, choosing a sunscreen with a high SPF (30+) and broad-spectrum coverage is crucial for efficient application on all skin types. 

Apply generously fifteen minutes before venturing outdoors, and then every two hours after swimming or heavy perspiration. Remember to cover areas that are commonly ignored, such the lips, nose, and ears. Choosing the best formulation has never been easier in today's innovative industry, making preventive care accessible to everybody who desires healthier skin.

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is the best anti aging sunscreen for 2024?

Given evolving skincare trends and formulations, it is prudent to forecast that SPF products with broad-spectrum protection and anti-aging ingredients like hyaluronic acid or vitamin C will likely dominate the market in 2024 because they provide benefits beyond sunblock, such as better skin texture or a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines,

Which Korean brand sunscreen is best?

Although the quality of Korean sunscreen varies and is dependent on individual needs, brands such as Missha and ROUND LAB have a solid reputation in international beauty circles and have a large selection of products that cater to a wide range of demands.

Do Koreans use mineral sunscreen?

Yes, Koreans do use mineral sunscreens. The Korean skincare sector is at the forefront of research in replacing harsher synthetic components in sun protection products with natural alternatives like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide because customers worldwide desire a softer touch, especially on sensitive or acne-prone skin. The products are becoming even more well-known as a result.