Korean Sunscreen Guide: SPF, PA and Key Ingredients (2026)
Last updated: October 2026
Stand in front of the sun care shelf at Olive Young and you'll see dozens of tubes marked SPF50+ and PA++++. The numbers are nearly identical. So with Korean sunscreen, it's easier to choose by texture and filter type than by the numbers.
This guide covers what to look for on the label. I don't recommend specific products here.
1. How to read SPF and PA
- SPF mainly measures protection from UVB, the rays that cause sunburn. In Korea, anything above 50 is labeled "SPF50+."
- PA measures protection from UVA, which goes deeper into the skin. It's shown with one to four plus signs, and PA++++ is the highest grade.
Sunscreens in Korea are regulated as "functional cosmetics" by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, so SPF and PA labels follow set standards.
For everyday use, many people consider SPF30 or higher with PA+++ or higher to be enough. For long days outdoors, people tend to go for SPF50+ and PA++++.
2. Filter types: mineral, chemical and hybrid
Koreans sort sunscreens into three groups. The front of the tube often names the type only in Korean, so these words are worth knowing.
| Korean name | Type | Ingredients on the label | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| 무기자차 (mugi-jacha) | Mineral | Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide | Known as gentler, so popular with sensitive skin. Can leave a white cast |
| 유기자차 (yugi-jacha) | Chemical | Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine and others | Light and clear on the skin. Some people find it stings their eyes |
| 혼합자차 (honhap-jacha) | Hybrid | Both types together | Somewhere between the two on white cast and feel |
One reason travelers stock up on Korean sunscreen is the UV filters. Some filters used in Korea haven't been approved in the US yet, so people come here for lightweight formulas that are hard to find at home.
3. Texture: choose by how you'll use it
| Texture | Good for |
|---|---|
| Cream | Dry skin, last step of a morning routine |
| Gel, essence or serum | Oily skin, or anyone who hates a sticky feel |
| Sun stick | Reapplying during the day; fits in a pocket |
| Sun cushion | Reapplying over makeup |
| Tone-up sunscreen | Slightly brightens skin tone; some people wear it instead of makeup |
| Spray | Body and hair. Better not to spray it straight onto your face |
"Waterproof" or 내수성 (water-resistant) on the label means it holds up better to water and sweat. These can be hard to remove with a regular face wash, so many people use a cleansing oil or balm with them.
4. How to choose in the store
- Try the tester on the back of your hand and check for white cast and stickiness.
- Check the UV filters in the ingredient list. If the label is only in Korean, point the Papago camera at it.
- Look for "1+1" or "2+1" tags. Sunscreen is one of the categories that often gets bundle deals.
- Decide whether you want separate products for face and body.
First time at Olive Young? Start with my Olive Young shopping guide.
5. The downsides, and a few cautions
- SPF50+ only gives the protection on the label if you use enough. A common guide is about two finger-lengths for the whole face.
- Tone-up sunscreen rubs off easily on collars and face masks.
- If your skin is sensitive, buy one, use it for a few days, then buy more.
- Carry-on liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less. If you bought a lot, pack it in checked luggage.
Before-you-buy checklist
- Daily use: SPF30+/PA+++ or higher. Outdoors: SPF50+/PA++++
- Sensitive skin: test a mineral one (Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide) first
- Check white cast and stickiness with the tester
- Pick up a sun stick or cushion for reapplying
- Carry-on: 100 ml or less per container
Shopping for the rest of your routine? Read Korean skincare by skin type.
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