How to choose the right sunscreen?

29 June 2026

How to choose the best SPF for your skin goals

Sunscreen has become one of the most talked-about products and all for the right reasons. What was once a simple final step focused solely on UV protection has evolved into a multitasking essential, expected to hydrate, brighten, soothe, prime, protect and somehow feel weightless while doing all that.

Every year brings new textures, new formulas, and new ingredients to the point that choosing the perfect one has quite literally become impossible. Beauty editors release their annual SPF round-ups, yet no two lists ever seem to agree. Ask for recommendations, and you'll likely receive a completely different answer from everyone you speak to.

The reason is simple: today’s K-Beauty lovers expect more than protection alone. Some priorities glow, while others want a formula that layers seamlessly under makeup. Many others are just searching for products that simplify their routines altogether.

Instead of adding another ‘must-try’ list on the internet, we are approaching things differently.

What kind of result are you expecting from your SPF?

It all starts with what you are expecting your sunscreen to do. Do you just want an SPF to put on before heading out, or would you prefer a formula that also provides hydration without feeling greasy? Or are you looking for an SPF with a more matte finish? Understanding this will help you find the best match for you.

Looking for a glowy finish?

If your goal is to achieve glowing skin after your routine, then the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel should be at the top of your list. This chemical sunscreen provides high-level UV protection while delivering lasting hydration. Enriched with eight types of hyaluronic acid of varying molecular weights, it helps replenish moisture at different levels of the skin, leaving it feeling hydrated, comfortable and radiant.

And don't worry, a glowy finish doesn't mean a heavy or greasy texture. Its lightweight watery formula absorbs quickly into the skin without feeling sticky!

All Skin Types

Hyaluronic Acid

Soothing

Glowy

Want something matte-like?

If you prefer a more matte finish, sun sticks are a great option. They glide effortlessly onto the skin and, thanks to their velvety texture, tend to leave less shine than traditional sunscreen formulas. A recent favourite at Malkn is the Village 11 Factory Daily Fresh Sun Stick, a chemical sunstick which helps even out skin tone while providing long-lasting protection against both UVA and UVB rays.

Oily & Combination Types

V11 Complex & Vitamin E

Tackling Uneven Skin Tones

Matte

Searching for an all-in-one sunscreen?

If you are constantly short on time and can’t afford a 10-step Korean skincare routine, a multitasking sunscreen can make all the difference. For those who embrace the skip-care approach (more on this in our upcoming blog), the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sun Cream is an excellent choice.

This chemical sunscreen truly does it all: it helps soothe irritation, replenish hydration, purify the complexion and protect the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. And despite offering multiple skincare benefits, it is lightweight and absorbs quickly onto the skin, without leaving any white residue.

All & Dry Skin Types

Birch Tree Sap

Moisturising

Hydrated

Want to achieve the perfect base for your makeup?

For a makeup lover, having a sunscreen that doesn’t peel is essential, but what if we told you that the next sunscreen not only doesn’t peel but it also blurs out pores, giving you the perfect base for your makeup?

The Tocobo Vita Airy Sun Primer SPF 50+ PA++++ doubles as both sunscreen and a primer. It features a soft, powdery texture that helps control oil for even the oiliest of skin, making it ideal for everyone seeking long-lasting smoothness and even texture.

Oily Skin Types

Centella Asiatica & Vitamin E

Minimising Pores

Soft-Matte

Author

Malkn

Malkn is a UK-based destination that brings together the best of K-Beauty and K-Fashion on one carefully curated platform. Through our editorial content, product curation, and direct partnerships with brands across South Korea, we make the most exciting Korean beauty and fashion labels more accessible than ever.

What does PA++++ mean on Korean sunscreens?

PA++++ indicates the level of protection a sunscreen provides against UVA rays, which are responsible for premature skin ageing, wrinkles and dark spots. The more plus signs ‘+’, the higher the level of protection. The lowest PA includes only one plus sign, while the maximum can include five and is most commonly found in modern Korean sunscreens.

What is the difference between a sun gel, a sun cream and a sun stick?

The difference between these three types of SPFs comes down to the texture and finish of the product. Sun gels, such as the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel are usually water-based, ultra-lightweight and fast-absorbing. They leave the skin fresh and naturally dewy. Sun creams, on the other hand, are richer in texture and can have a similar consistency to moisturisers or body lotions. A great example is the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sun Cream that protects the skin while providing comfortable hydration. Lastly, sun sticks are a solid, portable sun protection with a smooth, velvety texture.

Can I really skip my moisturiser if I use an ‘all-in-one’ sunscreen like Round Lab?

Yes, in many cases you can skip your moisturiser if you're using a hydrating sunscreen like the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sun Cream. This sunscreen works particularly well because it provides enough hydration while also protecting your skin from UV damage.

How do I reapply sunscreen over makeup without ruining it?

Reapplying sunscreen over makeup is much easier than people believe, thanks to the growing popularity of sunsticks. Their smooth, velvety texture allows them to glide effortlessly over makeup without smudging it and without leaving any residue.

Will a ‘glowy’ finish sunscreen make my skin look oily by lunchtime?

Not necessarily. High-quality Korean sunscreens are formulated very differently from many traditional sunscreens, which often rely on heavier oils that can leave the skin looking greasy as the day goes on. K-Beauty formulas deliver a healthy, hydrated glow using lightweight, fast-absorbing textures. Products such as the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel and the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sun Cream leave the skin looking radiant without feeling heavy or oily.

Is the SPF in my foundation or BB cream enough to protect my skin?

No, the SPF in your foundation or BB cream is generally not enough to fully protect your skin. While it offers additional UV protection, you should apply much more of the usual amount to achieve the ideal amount of protection. That’s why it is always recommended to apply SPF first, using two to three finger lengths for the face and neck. The Tocobo Vita Airy Sun Primer SPF 50+ PA++++ might be the best option for you if you apply makeup on a regular basis. Not only it offers sufficient UV protection, but it also smooths out pores making it an ideal base.

Which K-Beauty sunscreens leave absolutely zero white cast?

If you want a completely invisible finish with zero white residue, chemical sunscreens are your best bet. Unlike mineral sunscreens, which use white zinc oxide to physically reflect light, chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and turn them into harmless heat. Because they melt seamlessly into the skin, they look entirely transparent on all skin tones.