My Current Sunscreen Collection (Mostly K-Beauty) | 2023

Sun protection is the most important step of a daytime skincare routine and its surprises me how there are still so many people who don’t wear sunscreen. I’ve heard people say things like: “you can’t see the sun today, it’s cloudy (cold/ raining/ snowing etc) so you don’t need it”, “I read somewhere that it’s bad for you (causes x y z…)”, “it’s too greasy and breaks me out”, and “it makes me look like a ghost”.

The first and second sentences are where people repeat hearsay without actually knowing the research-backed facts about sunscreens, or without fully understanding how the sun works; this can be tackled by educating them with the facts and it would also be great to see a general boost in sun protection awareness in the media throughout the year to help bust any myths and misinformation. You can find a lot of professional information and myth-busting videos on Youtube by Doctorly, Dr Dray, Lab Muffin Beauty Science and more. You can also find research articles and studies on PubMed.

On the other hand, the third and fourth sentences are usually by people who want to wear sunscreens but haven’t found anything that matches their preferences or skin type and might not know of the vast array of sunscreen formulations that are out there where they can most definitely find something suitable if guided in the right direction. The key is to find a sunscreen that will protect your skin but also feel comfortable, making you want to reach for it and reapply it throughout the day.

As a product reviewer, I like to try as many sunscreens as I can to not only find what works well for me but also what can work for other people with different skin types. At the moment I have a lot of sunscreens in my collection that I’ve been testing out, but you don’t need this many in your collection at the same time. As long as you have a sunscreen that is suitable for your face, your body, and for reapplication you’ll be fine. So that can be 1 sunscreen for all those things or up to 3 sunscreens (this is just my opinion).

I’m going to write about all the sunscreens that are currently in my collection and hopefully, this can help you find something that you will want to wear repeatedly. I’ll also link to other sunscreen reviews I’ve posted in the past in case you’re interested, and in the upcoming months I’ll be writing separate detailed reviews of the sunscreens in this post if I haven’t already, so please also stay tuned for that. Once I’ve written each review post, I’ll update this post by linking the review to each product name.

AHC Natural Protection Fresh Sun Stick

SPF Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinal A Plus).

Appearance & Whitecast: An opaque pale yellow-tinged white cream bar that blends into the skin with no white cast on my light-medium skin tone.

Texture & Finish: With just one swipe this has quite a comfortable soft powdery feel with a slight emollience, however, one swipe on its own is not enough for adequate sun protection so once you build it up the emollience is a lot more apparent and somewhat greasy until it sets down. I prefer to use this in less layers as a touch-up on top of an actual sun cream.

Scent: Subtle fresh and sweet lemony citrus scent.

Quantity: 22g

Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar

SPF Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinal A Plus), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S), Octocrylene.

Appearance & Whitecast: A transparent yellow-tinged curved bar that doesn’t leave a white cast on any skin tone. The bar is larger than other sunsticks so covers more surface area so application is quicker. The curved bar hugs the face and body well, making it feel like a massage as you glide it across your skin.

Texture & Finish: This sun stick is very emollient and gives the skin a very dewy yet soft to the touch finish. It can feel a little greasy the more you apply it but it’s not uncomfortable. In fact, it feels really moisturising on the body too, which is where I prefer to use it. It’s like a solid version of the Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen in terms of texture and colour.

Scent: None.

Quantity: 22g

Dewytree Urban Shade Cool Calming Sun Stick

SPF Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinal A Plus), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinal T 150), Polysilicone-15 (Parsol SLX), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S)

Appearance & Whitecast: An opaque light blue cream bar that blends into the skin with no white or blue cast on my light-medium skin tone.

Texture & Finish: An instant cooling and refreshing feel on the skin upon application that is perfect for hot weather. It leaves a comfortable satin finish on the skin with 1-2 layers but as you apply more layers you can start to feel that typical sun stick slick.

Scent: A strong natural rosemary scent, but kind of reminds me of Vix Vapour Rub in a good way.

Quantity: 20g

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick

SPF & PA Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinal A Plus), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S).

Appearance & Whitecast: An opaque pale yellow-tinged white cream bar that blends into the skin with no white cast on my light-medium skin tone. The shape of the stick is a unique long tear-drop which makes it easier to apply around the nose.

Texture & Finish: A soft powdery feeling texture than feels very weightless on the skin. You can start to feel a slight emollience with more swipes to the same area but it doesn’t feel uncomfortably greasy and sinks in well.

Scent: No scent.

Quantity: 22g

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

SPF & PA Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Homosalate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S), Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M), Polysilicone-15 (Parsol SLX), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinal A Plus).

Appearance & Whitecast: A white cream that blends into the skin with no white cast on my light-medium skin tone.

Texture & Finish: This is the most lightweight thin watery, hydrating gel-like lotion texture out of all in my collection. It feels weightless and comfortable on the skin, absorbs and dries down fast, and it sets down to a slightly dewy yet close to natural soft finish.

Scent: No scent.

Quantity: 50ml

Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics

SPF & PA Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinal A Plus), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinal T 150), Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M), Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone (Uvisorb HEB).

Appearance & Whitecast: A white cream that blends into the skin with no white cast on my light-medium skin tone.

Texture & Finish: A lightweight, hydrating and moisturizing lotion that has a bit of a thicker body to it as you layer it and work it in. The finish is more on the dewy side. It is very similar or almost identical to the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream (mentioned below).

Scent: No artificial fragrance but it does have a very light scent that reminds me of rice.

Quantity: 50ml

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream (x2)

SPF & PA Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinal A Plus), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinal T 150), Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M), Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone (Uvisorb HEB).

Appearance & Whitecast: A white cream that blends into the skin with no white cast on my light-medium skin tone.

Texture & Finish: The Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream feels very similar to the Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics. In comparison, it is just a touch more lightweight, watery and hydrating upon application but as you apply more layers it also has more thickness and body to it. It sinks into the skin quickly and sets down to a slightly dewy but more natural finish.

Scent: No scent.

Quantity: 50ml

Round Lab Birch Moisture Sun Cushion

SPF & PA Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide.

Appearance & Whitecast: The cushion contains an opaque white cream that leaves a subtle but still visible white cast on my light-medium skin tone due to it being a mineral sunscreen. The whitecast is more apparent with each layer that is applied. It is not as visible on my body which is lighter than my face, but on my face, I prefer to wear this under makeup

Texture & Finish: A moist yet slightly powdery texture. It applies evenly and feels quite lightweight with a matte finish.

Scent: No scent.

Quantity: 15g

Innisfree Hyaluron Moist Sunscreen

SPF & PA Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinal A Plus), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinal T 150), Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M), Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone (Uvisorb HEB).

Appearance & Whitecast: A white cream that blends into the skin with no white cast on my light-medium skin tone.

Texture & Finish: A lightweight, hydrating essence-like lotion that blends into the skin seemlessly and leaves a semi-dewy finish. The texture is again quite similar to Beauty of Joseon and Roundlab upon application but I find this one to be a bit more moisturising.

Scent: Light lavender scent. It’s not strong but I personally don’t like lavender.

Quantity: 50ml

Klairs All-day Airy Sunscreen

SPF & PA Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinal A Plus), Polysilicone-15 (Parsol SLX), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinal T 150), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S).

Appearance & Whitecast: A pale yellow-tinged cream that blends into the skin with no white cast on my light-medium skin tone.

Texture & Finish: A smooth close to medium-weight texture that first feels light and airy to apply, but then also feels quite nourishing as you work in the layers. It has a dewy finish that can be borderline greasy in very hot weather.

Scent: No scent.

Quantity: 50g

By Wishtrend UV Defense Moist Cream

SPF & PA Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Homosalate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinal A Plus), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S), Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid (Mexoryl SX).

Appearance & Whitecast: A thick white cream that blends into the skin with no white cast on my light-medium skin tone.

Texture & Finish: It is a thick smooth nourishing cream with a slight greasy finish.

Scent: No scent.

Quantity: 50g

Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen

SPF & PA Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinal T 150), Titanium Dioxide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinal A Plus).

Appearance & Whitecast: A very pale yellow-tinged cream that blends into the skin with no white cast on my light-medium skin tone.

Texture & Finish: In between lightweight and medium-weight. The texture to me is similar to the Klairs sunscreen but a little less greasy.

Scent: No scent.

Quantity: 60ml

Dr Ceuracle Cica Regen Vegan Sun

SPF & PA Rating: SPF50 PA++++

UV Filters: Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinal T 150), Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid (Mexoryl SX), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinal A Plus), Polysilicone-15 (Parsol SLX), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S).

Appearance & Whitecast: A white cream that blends into the skin with no white cast on my light-medium skin tone.

Texture & Finish: A light yet creamy sunscreen that feels refreshing and somewhat soothing upon application. The finish is towards the natural side with an initial slight sheen and zero greasiness.

Scent: It has a subtle natural fresh rosemary scent that gives a refreshing coolness to the skin, perfect in hot weather.

Quantity: 50g

Derma B Everyday Sun Block

SPF & PA Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone), Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (Ensulizole), Octocrylene.

Appearance & Whitecast: A white with subtle purple undertone lotion that blends into the skin with little to no white cast on my light-medium skin tone.

Texture & Finish: A first it seems to be medium-weight, but as I apply the right amount for good sun protection the texture gets a little more dense and heavy which feels a bit sticky and greasy until it sets.

Scent: A fresh floral scent. I’m not particularly fond of the scent.

Quantity: 200ml

Heimish Artless Glow Base

SPF & PA Rating: SPF50+ PA+++

UV Filters: Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (Octinoxate), Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Phenylbenzimidazole Sulfonic Acid (Ensulizole), Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinal A Plus), Octocrylene, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone), Titanium Dioxide.

Appearance & Whitecast: A pale pinky-white cream with a fine pearlescence that gives the complexion a subtle yet buildable luminous glow. There is a slight milkiness but not a strong whitecast on my light-medium skin tone.

Texture & Finish: Lightweight and lotion-like. Feels quite moisturising and silky but not greasy. If you apply a lot of layers and try to use this like you would with other sunscreens, it probably will feel heavier and a bit more on the greasy side. It leaves a soft silky luminous finish on the skin. If you look really closely you can see really fine micro shimmers on the skin but it looks more like a subtle luminous glow from a regular distance.

Scent: A fresh clean floral almost perfume-like scent but not too strong or overpowering.

Quantity: 40ml

Side Note: I don’t personally consider this to be a true sunscreen because even though it’s stated to be SPF50+ PA++++, it’s more of a pearlescent makeup primer so in order to not look like a shiny disco ball I have to apply a lot less product than I would with a sunscreen, and apply a different sunscreen before it to get adequate protection.

La Roche Posay Anthelios 50+ Shaka Invisible Fluid Sunscreen

SPF & PA Rating: SPF50+ PA++++

UV Filters: Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150), Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S), Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone), Drometrizole Trisiloxane (Mexoryl XL), Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid (Mexoryl SX).

Appearance & Whitecast: A white thin milky liquid that blends into the skin with no white cast on my light-medium skin tone.

Texture & Finish: Very thin and runny upon application but as you work it into the skin it starts to thicken and feel more powdery/ pasty. Feels comfortable on the skin with a semi-matte silky smooth finish and is not greasy.

Scent: No scent.

Quantity: 50ml

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen (Travel Size)

SPF & PA Rating: SPF30 (also available in SPF40)

UV Filters: Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone), Homosalate, Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate), Octocrylene.

Appearance & Whitecast: Transparent yellow-tinged thick gel.

Texture & Finish: A very obvious silicone texture that is silky smooth, and slightly greasy yet has a powdery soft matte blur that develops at the same time.

Scent: No scent.

Quantity: Travel Size 15ml / Full Size 50ml

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Stay tuned for separate review posts of each sunscreen with more details. If there’s a particular sunscreen from the above that you’d like to read more about first, please let me know in the comments. I’d also love to know if you’ve tried any of these and what your favourite sunscreen is at the moment or of all time.

Here’s a list of other sunscreen reviews I’ve written in the past:

Mini-Review | 12 Sunscreens

Comparison | Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence & Watery Gel SPF 50+ PA++++

Review | Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ (2017 version)

Review | Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ (2017 version)

First Impressions | Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Aqua Booster SPF 50+ PA ++++ & Anessa Essence UV Sunscreen Aqua Booster SPF 50+ PA ++++

Review | Etude House Sunprise Mild Watery Light SPF 50+ PA+++

Comparing 2 New Wishtrend Sunscreens | By Wishtrend UV Defense Moist Cream vs Klairs All-day Airy Sunscreen

Review | Klairs All-day Airy Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ [AD – Gifted]

Review | By Wishtrend UV Defense Moist Cream SPF50 PA++++ [AD – Gifted]

Instagram Review | Dr Ceuracle Cica Regen Vegan Sun SPF50+ PA++++