15 lightweight Korean sunscreens including BTS’ Suga’s pick that don’t leave a white cast for beating Singapore’s heat

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It’s been sweltering hot in Singapore lately, and every time I step out of the house, I can barely open my eyes as the sun blasts in my face. Sunscreen might only seem important on days like these, but did you know that we need sunscreen every day whether it’s rain or shine (clouds might block the sun for a bit, but they cannot block UV rays!)? 

I used to hate using sunscreen because I wanted to avoid the grimy and heavy feeling on my face — on top of Singapore’s already killer humidity. That is until I discovered the wonders of Korean sunscreens. Many of them feel like skincare and even add a tinge of coolness to your skin as you apply them. 

To help you reach your #skingoals, here are 15 lightweight Korean sunscreens for some seriously heavy sun protection

1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice Probiotics SPF 50 

korean sunscreen beauty of joseon
Photo: @_gossipgirl18_/instagram

Maybe it’s the Asian in me, but I absolutely love when products contain rice. It just brings forth images of soft supple skin and a feeling of innate effectiveness — which many have raved that Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun Rice Probiotics sunscreen embodies entirely. 

Formulated with rice extract and grain probiotics, this sunscreen has a creamy but light formula that absorbs nicely into the skin (no annoying pilling or white cast!). This is also a good sunscreen to opt for if you have sensitive skin as it has a pretty gentle ingredient list. Plus, if your skin is already sensitive, it’s important to protect it from further sun damage. 

Available on:

Shopee

2. AHC Natural Perfection Fresh Sunstick SPF 50 

korean sunscreen ahc
Photo: @saravivid/instagram

BTS’ Suga is known for his milky and pale skin. Being one of the most popular celebrities in the world right now, I have to wonder how he maintains his flawless skin while travelling to and fro throughout his busy schedule. Thankfully, he’s unveiled one of the most important products in his routine—AHC’s Natural Perfection Fresh Sunstick

Efficient and hygienic, this sunscreen comes in a stick form that glides effortlessly over skin and makeup. It’s almost reminiscent of a lip balm that you just toss into your bag—but for your entire face. 

Thanks to its natural floral and fruit extracts and water content, it’s also lightweight, moisturising, and refreshing for the skin upon each application. No wonder even global superstars love it. 

Available on:

Shopee

3. Abib Heartleaf Sun Essence Calming Drop SPF 50 

korean sun essence abib
Photo: @skincareitry/instagram

To many, the most satisfying part of a skincare routine is using a dropper and letting your favourite serum or essence run down your face. Abib revolutionises the sunscreen game with their Heartleaf Sun Essence Calming Drop by combining that with applying your SPF. 

As its name suggests, this ‘sunscreen’ is essentially a skin essence that provides the same UV protection that a standard sunscreen does. So, if you’re one that finds applying sunscreen and rubbing it in every time a hassle, you’ll definitely want to check this one out. 

The heartleaf extract in the essence also soothes your skin as it protects it against external stressors. 

Available on:

Shopee

4. beplain Clean Ocean Moisture Sunscreen SPF 50 

korean sunscreen beplain
Photo: @dmsgklee/instagram

beplain’s Clean Ocean Moisture Sunscreen is a triple threat as it protects skin against harmful UV rays, brightens up complexion, and improves the appearance of fine lines.

It also contains skincare superstar ingredients including niacinamide which helps tighten pores and restore healthy skin tones. On top of that, the sunscreen also contains reef-safe ingredients so if you’re looking for a sunscreen that’s moisturising and also eco-friendly, this would be perfect for you. 

Available on:

Shopee

5. HANYUL White Chrysanthemum Radiance Sun Cream SPF50 

hanyul white chrysanthemum
Photo: @d_meeworld/instagram

HANYUL’s White Chrysanthemum Radiance Sun Cream gives off an almost luxurious vibe with its light floral scent and minimalistic packaging — -almost like Sulwhasoo but at half the price. 

That being said, the sunscreen itself doesn’t compromise on its quality despite being a more affordable option. It’s still thoughtfully formulated with effective and moisturising skincare ingredients while still being lightweight. In fact, the consistency of the sunscreen is a little bit thinner as compared to many other sunscreens and goes really well under makeup. 

Available on:

Shopee

6. COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 

korean sunscreen cosrx aloe
Photo: @ginnysidi/instagram

We all probably know that aloe vera is the way to go for treating sunburns, but we also know that prevention is better than cure. COSRX’s Aloe Soothing Sun Cream contains aloe arborescens extract that helps to soothe and protect the skin before those pesky UV rays even have a chance to do their damage. 

This sunscreen is one that’s extremely popular with the crowds, and it’s probably because of its uber lightweight application—kind of like a daily moisturiser. If you’re new to Korean sunscreens, this would be a foolproof choice.

Available on:

Shopee

7. Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun Plus SPF 50 

dr g mild up
Photo: @leeeun_162/instagram

For those who have sensitive skin, Dr. G’s Green Mild Up Sun Plus is a hypoallergenic sunscreen that soothes and shields your skin with its botanical extracts (pycnogenol extract from pine trees).

 If you’re already prone to breakouts or simply want a sunscreen that’s easy and gentle, you’ll be happy to know that this sunscreen also helps to protect your skin from external aggressors like dust and dirt. Think of it like a mask for your face, but you can’t feel it because it’s so light. 

I personally love that it absorbs well into the skin and doesn’t seep into your eyes and sting them when it’s hot and humid. 

Available on:

Shopee

8. ONE THING Centella Moisturising Sunscreen SPF 50 

centella moisturising sunscreen korean
Photo: @mn_rari/instagram

Here’s another reef-friendly pick for you — the ONE THING Centella Moisturising Sunscreen. Like several other sunscreens on the list, it contains a high concentration of centella asiatica extract which is great for calming the skin while it protects you against the sun. 

It also does not contain parabens or any harsh fragrances that would be bad for sensitive skin for those who are trying to avoid these ingredients. 

Available on:

Shopee

9. Logically, Skin Professional Sun Block SPF 50

logically skin sunblock korean
Photo: @ellie_tennis_/instagram

If you don’t like dewy finishes, Logically, Skin’s Professional Sun Block is a light and matte sunscreen that’s really good for those who prefer a more satin-like finish. 

It’s also lauded as a two-in-one skincare sunscreen that helps to brighten up the skin and improve the appearance of wrinkles over time. Plus, it’s fragrance-free and anti-inflammatory as well making it a great go-to for skincare enthusiasts.

Available on:

Shopee

10. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus SPF 50 

skin1004 centella sunscreen
Photo: @mayzeey/instagram

Skin1004’s Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus is a sunscreen that applies dewy then dries up into a semi-matte finish after a few minutes—so it’s perfectly balanced and doesn’t dry out your skin nor make it oily. 

Whether you live in a really hot and humid climate like Singapore or you tend to sweat it out during a workout, this sunscreen is one that doesn’t become tacky and makes you feel sticky all over at the end of the day. 

Available on:

Shopee

11. Tocobo Watery Sun Cream SPF 50 

tocobo korean sun cream
Photo: @mingg_93/instagram

If you’re active on Korean SNS, you’ll probably be familiar with Tocobo’s Watery Sun Cream. Formulated with mung bean extract (filled with antioxidants!) and hyaluronic acid, this sunscreen is raved by many Koreans because of its lightweight formula and moisturising properties. 

It also contains serum so you could say that this is also one of those sunscreens that double up as skincare. Five points for being vegan as well. 

Available on:

Shopee

12. d’Alba Waterfull Essence Sun Cream SPF 50 

dalba sun cream korean
Photo: @jac__yang/instagram

Made with state-of-the-art hydro trapping technology, d’Alba’s Waterfull Essence Sun Cream not only moisturises your skin while protecting it from UV rays, but also helps to promote whitening and anti-aging thanks to its niacinamide, centella and wine extract content. 

Many of its avid users like to layer it underneath their base makeup, kind of like a primer as it helps to provide a smoother application—and it doesn’t cake foundation either. 

Available on:

Shopee

13. Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50 

isntree hyaluronic acid watery sun gel
Photo: @skincarewithmin/instagram

Isntree has gained a lot of popularity recently thanks to their skincare products like the Hyaluronic Acid Toner, so it comes as no surprise to me when many started hyping up their Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel as well. 

This sunscreen feels almost like a lotion (though not as runny) and leaves your skin with a smooth, silky finish—which was a surprise because I expected a watery gel sunscreen like this to have more of a dewy finish. 

It’s formulated with eight kinds of hyaluronic acids which is great for keeping the skin hydrated and it’s also free of any synthetic fragrances, essential oils, and alcohol. Whether you have sensitive skin or just like to keep it clean and simple, this will probably be one of the top contenders on your sunscreen list. 

Available on:

Shopee

14. SISTER ANN Fresh Relief Sunscreen SPF 50 

sister ann korean sunscreen
Photo: @e____m.13/instagram

It’s recommended to reapply your sunscreen every two hours or so, but as someone who’s out and about all day at work, it can be easy to miss. Plus, I don’t really like how sunscreen sits on top of my setting powder instead of under it. If you’re like me, you might have just found your holy grail—SISTER ANN’s Fresh Relief Sunscreen

This sunscreen boasts solid 12-hour protection with just one application while still remaining lightweight and fresh on your face on top of many other sought-after qualities like being EWG-approved and hypoallergenic. ‘Nuff said, I’m definitely adding this to my cart. 

Available on:

Shopee

15. Mediheal Soothing Moist Sun Essence SPF 50 

Photo: @nayeong4985/instagram

Mediheal’s Soothing Moist Sun Essence is a sunscreen that has quite a unique texture. It squeezes out of the tube almost like a cross between a balm and a lotion. What I really like about this sunscreen is its moisturising properties as well as cooling sensation when you start to rub it into your skin—perfect for the hot weather in Singapore. 

The sunscreen also has a therapeutic minty scent (it honestly almost reminds me of a milder version of Tiger Balm). I feel cooler just thinking about it already. 

Available on:

Shopee

There you have it, a list of lightweight Korean sunscreens that doesn’t only protect your skin but nourishes it as well. You can get all of them in Singapore on Shopee, Lazada, Amazon, and YesStyle. 

Now there’s no excuse to skip out on the most understated part of your skincare routine—none of these sunscreens are greasy, tacky, or leave a white cast! 

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