Korean sunscreen is just better than Western sunscreen!!  This statement comes down to innovation. Because sunscreen is considered a drug according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and its chemicals and components must undergo formal drug approval processes, stateside beauty brands are limited by what they can spike their formulas with. 

In fact, there hasn't been a new chemical or mineral approved for use in sunscreens in the U.S. since 1999.

In South Korea, sunscreen formulas are advancing rapidly due to quicker approval times. Their liquid mineral sunscreens, no matter how much zinc oxide they contain, are completely transparent on all skin tones without the telltale, annoying thickness & chalkiness making them ideal for skin with higher fitzpatrick. Korean sunscreens of the chemical variety tout an equally transparent, grease-free finish. Plus, both feature ingredients found in your favorite serums and moisturizers, like cica, allantoin, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide to name just a few. So when you slather them on, you're not only protecting your skin from UVA and UVB rays, you're also adding an extra layer of hydration, brightening, and smoothing benefits. 

You'll notice PA next to SPF in many of the product names below. While SPF focuses on UVB light (which burns skin) and measures how protected you are from sunburn, PA is all about UVA light (which visibly ages us) and your protection from developing pigmentation.

To take this measurement system one step further, Western sunscreens are formulated as a necessity by focusing on the immediate effects of the sun. Korean sunscreens, on the other hand, are part of a lifestyle. They defend your skin from the long-term effects of the sun. 

If we haven't proven our point just yet, simply put them to the test.