What makes Korean sunscreens different? Six reviewed, one debate
On Taiwan's PTT forum (BeautySalon board), someone summed up six Korean sunscreens they had used. Their overview: Western sunscreens tend to be rich and heavy, Japanese ones light and water-resistant but drying, while Korean ones feel like an ordinary lotion, moisturising without being stuffy, often using newer filters, but usually not very water- or sweat-resistant. The poster, with normal-to-combination skin, rated them roughly like this: Goodal's heartleaf sunscreen is moisturising, layers well and resists water slightly but does nothing for oil; Round Lab's birch sunscreen is thinner and lighter but slow to dry and a bit tacky; Isntree's hyaluronic one is very sheer but uses older filters and stings the eyes a little; Etude's shake-to-use mineral sunscreen is dry, water-resistant and on the drying side; the last two suit dry skin and work as a makeup primer respectively.
More than 40 replies focused on a few points:
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Some said Beauty of Joseon is practically a must-recommend Asian sunscreen on Western forums and YouTube, though others found it shiny and eye-stinging.
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Several oily-skinned readers called Round Lab too greasy, backing the "Korean sunscreens moisturise but do not control oil" view.
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One admitted to doubting Korean sunscreens' protection; another recalled an SPF scandal involving a Korean brand a few years ago, saying brands have been more willing to use third-party testing since, and that products from the big contract manufacturers are seen as more reliable.
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Where to buy came up too: some order from Olive Young's English site or overseas retailers, but worry about grey-market stock and long waits.
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Someone asked whether the shake-type mineral sunscreen needs cleansing off; the answer was yes.
Overall the tone was positive: everyone agreed on comfort, but water resistance and trust in protection levels remain the most-asked questions about Korean sunscreens.
Desk note: The scandal mentioned is the Purito case of December 2020. The founder of INCIDecoder commissioned independent tests at labs in Poland and Germany, which measured a product labelled SPF 50+ at around SPF 19; the brand then halted sales of three sunscreens and said it would run independent verification outside its original manufacturer. One case does not speak for all Korean sunscreens, but it is a reminder that you cannot check SPF at home: applying enough and reapplying on time is what you control.
Which Korean sunscreen is your favourite, and is it water-resistant?
Original thread: PTT BeautySalon board — a few Korean sunscreens reviewed · Source: Beauty Independent
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