It’s summer, and the sun has been brutal lately. Sunscreen is the single most effective step you can take to prevent aging and dark spots, which is why I always tell my clients, “whatever else you skip, don’t skip your sunscreen.” But with so many Korean sunscreens on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about what to choose. I trained in esthetics and spent a year recommending sunscreens to customers at a K-beauty store in Vancouver, so today I’m breaking down everything from the basics to my picks for the best Korean sunscreens by skin type.
Why the Most Popular Korean Sunscreens Differ Between Korea and North America
Here’s something interesting: the sunscreens that are popular in Korea aren’t always the same ones that are popular in North America. It really comes down to where and how a product gets marketed.
At the store, the single most-requested sunscreen by far was the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun. It went viral on TikTok and YouTube thanks to a wave of international reviews. Unfortunately, though, it’s genuinely hard to buy through official retailers in Canada.
There’s a reason for that.
- Canada regulates sunscreen as a drug. Chemical sunscreens need a DIN (Drug Identification Number), and mineral sunscreens need an NPN (Natural Product Number) from Health Canada before they can be legally sold.
- Korean sunscreens often use newer UV filters (like Tinosorb S) that haven’t yet been approved in Canada, so many can’t be sold through official channels.
- As a result, Canada has a smaller selection of Korean sunscreens than the U.S. does (the U.S. has more options available). Getting Health Canada approval takes importers time and money, which limits how many products actually make it onto shelves.
💡 The takeaway: a sunscreen being famous worldwide doesn’t mean it’s actually available for sale in Canada. Viral products like the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun are often bought through U.S. resellers or certain online sellers rather than through officially Health Canada-approved channels. (Good news: things are slowly opening up — Canada has been approving new filters, including some new approvals in 2026.)
Sunscreen 101: Mineral vs. Chemical
Sunscreens fall into two broad categories, and understanding the difference will make it way easier to find the right one for you.
| Mineral (Physical) Sunscreen | Chemical (Organic) Sunscreen | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Reflects and scatters UV rays (sits on top of skin) | Absorbs UV rays and converts them to heat |
| White cast | Common | Minimal to none |
| Irritation | Gentle — great for sensitive skin, kids, and pregnant women | Can be more irritating for some people |
| Texture/finish | Can feel heavier, leaves a whitish cast | Lightweight, more natural finish |
| When it starts working | Effective immediately after application | Best to wait 15–20 minutes before heading outside |
- Hybrid sunscreens combine both types, aiming to cut down on white cast while keeping things gentle.
- Lately you’ll also see more specialized formulas: tone-up sunscreens (brighten and even out skin tone), airy sunscreens (lightweight mineral formulas with minimal white cast), and hydrating sunscreens (packed with hyaluronic acid and other moisturizing ingredients).
- Quick tip: if your skin is sensitive, go mineral. If you want a fresh finish with no white cast, go chemical. If you want the best of both, look for a hybrid or airy formula.
My Picks for the Best Korean Sunscreens by Skin Type
Photo by Maria Lupan · Unsplash
Here’s a breakdown of the sunscreens my clients loved most in-store, organized by what you actually need.
Sensitive skin (mineral)
- Torriden Dive-In Mineral Mild Sunscreen — gentle and hydrating, easy on sensitive skin.
- Round Lab Birch Juice Mineral Sunscreen — a steady favorite for soothing and hydration.
- Anua Airy Mineral Sunscreen — a mineral formula that’s popular for leaving almost no white cast.
- Dr.G Green Mild-Up Sun Plus — gentle enough for everyday wear.
Dry or dehydrated skin
- Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen — hydrating with no tightness or dryness.
- d’Alba Waterfull Sunscreen — a moisture-rich daily sunscreen.
Want a brightening tone-up finish?
- d’Alba Tone-Up Sunscreen — instantly brightens and evens out your complexion.
- Dr.G Brightening Up Sun Plus — tone-up finish plus UV protection.
Most-requested viral pick (availability in Canada varies)
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun — the most famous pick internationally, but as mentioned above, it can be tricky to buy through official retailers in Canada due to regulatory restrictions.
There are plenty of other great options out there too. What matters most is finding one that matches your skin type and finish preference, then using it consistently. Before buying, it’s worth checking real user reviews (on sites like Olive Young Global or YesStyle) for notes on texture, wear time, and how it plays with makeup.
For Golf, Hiking, or Sports: Consider Sun Patches Too
Photo by Dennis Zhang · Unsplash
If you sweat a lot or spend long hours outdoors — golfing, hiking, playing sports — sunscreen alone might not be enough. That’s where sun patches come in handy, and they’ve come a long way in variety.
- Totally invisible clear patches
- Patches you can wear makeup over
- Targeted patches for areas like the nose, cheekbones, or forehead
Pairing sunscreen with sun patches gives you solid protection even during long stretches outdoors.
How to Actually Get Sunscreen to Work (My Esthetician Tips)
Even the best sunscreen won’t do its job if you’re not applying enough — and most people apply far less than the recommended amount.
- Amount: for your face, aim for two finger-lengths worth of product (roughly 1/4 teaspoon).
- Reapplication: if you’re outdoors, reapply every 2 hours. (Sun sticks and cushion sunscreens make this much easier.)
- Chemical sunscreens work best if you wait 15–20 minutes after applying before heading out.
Hate white cast? Here’s my esthetician trick for avoiding it. If your skin is sensitive but you’re hesitant about mineral sunscreen because of the white cast, try this:
- Instead of applying it all in one go, apply a thin layer, let it absorb for a few minutes, then layer on the rest. Just make sure the total amount still adds up to the recommended dose — splitting it into layers shouldn’t mean using less overall, or you’ll lose UV protection.
- Pat it in gently instead of rubbing it — this cuts down on white cast significantly. (Pressing it in with a damp sponge also works well.)
- If your face looks pale but your neck doesn’t, the line will be obvious. Extend the sunscreen down to your neck to blend the transition naturally. (Bonus: your neck is exposed to UV too, so this covers you either way.)
FAQ
Q: Can I buy Beauty of Joseon sunscreen in Canada? It’s difficult to find through official retailers. Canada regulates sunscreen as a drug, and this product’s filters aren’t yet approved for sale there. Some people order it through online sellers or U.S. retailers, but keep in mind those aren’t officially Health Canada-approved channels.
Q: Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better? There’s no universal “better” — it depends on your skin. If you’re sensitive, go mineral. If you want a fresh finish with no white cast, go chemical. If you want a middle ground, look for hybrid or airy formulas.
Final Thoughts
Sunscreen is the single most effective anti-aging step you can take. It’s less about finding the flashiest product and more about choosing one that fits your skin type and using enough of it, every single day. Summer or winter, sunny or cloudy — UV rays don’t take a day off. I hope you find the right pick from today’s list and head into summer with healthy, glowing skin. ☀️