How to choose a
Korean sunscreen?
A sunscreen that pills under make-up or leaves your complexion looking grey never ends up forgotten at the bottom of your bag by chance. The right product is the one you'll genuinely want to apply, generously, every morning.
The benchmark
Choosing your Korean sunscreen by UV filters
For everyday facial use, aim for a broad-spectrum SPF 50+. SPF mainly measures protection against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. UVA rays penetrate more deeply and play a major role in premature ageing and pigmentation spots.
On Korean sunscreens, the PA++++ rating indicates a high level of UVA protection under the Asian system. An SPF 50+ PA++++ is an excellent base for daily exposure, even on cloudy days.
Side by side
Our 4 sunscreens compared
Not all Korean sunscreens are alike. Here are the 4 we've selected, compared on what really matters day to day: filter, finish, actives and budget.
| Product | Price | SPF / PA | Filter type | Finish | Ideal for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ONDO BEAUTYCeramide & Cica Sun Cream | 24,90 € | SPF50+ | Chemical (5 filters) | Radiant, no white cast | All skin types, eye area, vegan | Add |
| BENTONAir Fit UV Defense | 24,90 € | SPF50+ PA++++ | Chemical (4 filters) | Matte/satin, dry finish | Combination to oily skin | Add |
| COSRXAloe Soothing Sun Cream | 28,90 € | SPF50+ PA++++ | Hybrid (Tinosorb S + TiO₂) | Melting, satin | Sensitive skin, prone to dark spots | Add |
| TOCOBOVita Waterproof Sun Stick | 16,90 € | SPF50+ PA++++ | Hybrid (+ Zinc Oxide) | Powdery matte, waterproof | Sport, beach, touch-ups | Add |
For versatile everyday use, ONDO BEAUTY or BENTON cover most needs. For reactive or spot-prone skin, the COSRX Aloe Soothing remains the gentlest. For sport or the beach, the TOCOBO stick format makes touch-ups during the day genuinely easy.
“The best sunscreen isn't the one with the most impressive spec sheet — it's the one you'll actually use, every single day.”
Bonus
Actives, without expecting miracles from them
Niacinamide (found in the ONDO BEAUTY) helps visibly even out skin tone. Centella (BENTON, ONDO BEAUTY, TOCOBO) soothes weakened skin. These ingredients are a bonus, not a reason to skip your targeted serum: a sunscreen's primary role remains photoprotection.
Application
Fitting your choice into your morning routine
Sunscreen always goes on as the last step, before make-up. Avoid mixing it with another product — this can compromise the evenness of the protective film. On the face and neck, the two-finger rule remains a good guide for the amount.
Warning signs
The signs that your SPF isn't right for you
A slight film-like feel is normal. Persistent stinging, patches or burning eyes, however, deserve attention — go back to a more minimalist formula. Pilling doesn't always signal a bad formula: first try reducing the layers of skincare applied underneath.
- ONDO BEAUTY Ceramide & Cica for versatile everyday use, all skin types
- BENTON Air Fit UV Defense for combination to oily skin, matte finish
- COSRX Aloe Soothing for sensitive or spot-prone skin
- TOCOBO Sun Stick for sport, the beach and easy touch-ups
- See the full Sun Protection collection →
- Aim for SPF 50+ PA++++ for complete daily protection.
- The texture and filter should adapt to your skin, not the other way round.
- Bonus actives (niacinamide, centella, ceramides) don't replace a targeted treatment.
- Apply as the last step, in a sufficient amount, without mixing with another product.
At Haru & Bom, your ideal sunscreen isn't the most viral one — it's the one that naturally finds its place in your routine, every morning. Discover our sun protection →
