Because it’s always summer somewhere, we came prepared with the most crucial thing you should wear all year round which is S-U-N-S-C-R-E-E-N. And today’s special article introduces you to the best water-resistant Korean sunscreen in the market so you can spend more time playing with Mr. Sun.
Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or a beach-lover, switching to water-resistant sunscreen is the best option to match your outfit. The active ingredients in water-resistant sunscreen do not wash off as easily. Once you sweat and get wet, they can last for 40 to 80 minutes.
What to look for a water-resistant sunscreen
- Choose Broad-Spectrum sunscreen –Broad-spectrum sunscreens can provide UVA and UVB protection. UVA rays cause premature aging while UVB rays cause sunburns, both of which have a high risk of causing skin cancer.
- Look for hydrating & moisturizing ingredients – No matter what type of skin one has, excessive exposure to the sun will require extra hydration. The hydrator provides water to the skin, whereas the moisturizing ingredients help retain that hydration by preventing Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL).
- Reef-safe sunscreen – Enjoying the beach shouldn’t cause harm and poison the coral reefs. Just like Hawaii banned these two ingredients -oxybenzone and octinoxate- you too should consider patronizing reef-safe sunscreen.
- Benzene-free – As Benzene (a known carcinogen) is absorbed through the body over time, health experts are concerned that it could lead to cancer and other health issues.
Best Water-resistant Korean Sunscreen
Nature Republic California Aloe Waterproof Sun Block
SPF Level: 59.3
PA: PA++++
Type: Mineral/Physical sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: Nature Republic
Certified NO Benzene content
Short Description: A water-resistant sunblock enriched with aloe vera extract to provide deep hydration as well as maximum sun protection with SPF 50+ and PA++++. Its long-lasting feature is perfect for any outdoor activity.
Another great thing about this sunscreen is how it shows no reef harming chemicals plus it’s Paraben-free.
Who is it best for? Infused with 100ppm aloe vera extract, it soothes skin and replenishes moisture to keep it safe for all skin types. Also being a 100% mineral sunscreen, this is highly beneficial for sensitive, dry, and acne-prone skin.
This waterproof version of Nature republic’s California aloe is whiter in color. It leaves a white cast that may not look good in all skin colors.
Consider Nature Republic California Aloe Daily Sun Block as a great daily sunscreen if your skin loves this waterproof version.
SCINIC Enjoy Super Mild Sun Essence
SPF Level: 57.6
PA: PA++++
Type: chemical sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: Cosmax Co., Ltd. / 11Street Co., Ltd.
Certified NO Benzene content
Short Description: A moisturizing sun cream to keep your skin sun-protected and moisturized all day long. It has an essence-like consistency for easier application. It’s fast-absorbing, non-greasy, and leaves no white cast.
You can feel its soothing effect during application as this contains green tea extract, Bambusa vulgaris water (bamboo extract), and Centella Asiatica extract which are natural antioxidants with soothing properties to calm the irritated, upset, and compromised skin.
Who is it best for? Scinic enjoy super mild sun essence is highly recommended to oily to extremely oily skin users. If you check the label, you’ll see a bunch of moisturizing ingredients mixed together to keep your skin smooth and moisturized.
However, if you have dry skin, you may want to look for more hydrating sunscreen that has occlusive ingredients to stop Transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen
SPF Level: 50+
PA: PA+++
Type: Physical/Mineral sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: Colmar
Short Description: Get that extensive sun protection at an affordable price. This sun cream is hydrating, moisturizing, and is non-greasy. Although a 100% mineral, this one doesn’t leave much of a white cast.
This tone-up sun cream has a foundation-like texture that requires a bit of time to blend and absorb.
Who is it best for? This is good for all skin types but is highly beneficial for oily and acne-prone skin. Oily skin users will love the matte-skin finish without being sticky. While being a 100% physical sunscreen makes it safe for acne-prone skin.
Note: It has fragrance, though rare, some people are sensitive to it.
Missha All-Around Safe Block Water Proof Sun Milk
SPF Level: 50+
PA: PA+++
Type: Combination sunscreen (with chemical & physical UV filters)
Brand/Manufacturer: Missha
Short Description: If you’re looking for sweat, water, and sebum-proof sunscreen, look no further! Thanks to eucalyptus extract, this sunscreen will keep skin feeling soft and fresh as well as control oil production.
Lightweight, non-greasy, non-sticky, matte-finish sunscreen.
Who is it best for? Waterproof Sun Milk from Missha Controls Sebum, which is ideal for oily skin. However, this matte-finish sunscreen might be too drying for dry skin, so users with dry skin need to use an additional moisturizer.
A'PIEU - Pure Block Natural Water-Proof Sun Cream
SPF Level: 50+
PA: PA+++
Type: Combination sunscreen (with chemical & physical UV filters)
Brand/Manufacturer: A’PIEU
Short Description: A’PIEU also has a good entry of high SPF water-resistant sunscreen. It boasts easy application with a soft as cream texture and, most importantly, prevents sand and other particles from sticking to your skin. And to match the sunny weather and the cool ocean breeze, this sunscreen is scented with a refreshing watermelon scent.
User reviews on multiple websites state it works well for all skin types, even the sensitive ones. And notably, it does not leave a white cast, which has been a long problem for people with darker skin.
Who is it best for A’PIEU Pure Block waterproof sunscreen has a great texture and absorbs well on the skin, perfect for all skin colors. As for the skin type, this sunscreen is formulated for all skin types, including the acne-prone and sensitive ones. Its alcohol-free nature ensures minimal chances of skin irritation.
However, if you know your skin reacts to chemical filters and prefer unscented sunscreen, this is something to consider.
THANKYOU FARMER Sun Project Light Sun Essence
SPF Level: 50+
PA: PA+++
Type: Chemical sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: KOLMAR KOREA CO.,LTD
Short Description: Are you looking for a handy beach sunscreen you can carry anywhere and anytime? Then the Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Essence that fits comfortably in most pouches is what you need.
This high SPF sunscreen is known for its lightweight and watery-like texture that’s fast-absorbing. It’s a sun protection and essence in one, so you can expect a moisturizing finish without being greasy. Star ingredients include Phyto-oligo Lotus Flower Extract, Soy Lipids Extract, and Purslane Extract, which soothes, protects, and hydrates sun-exposed skin.
Who is it best for? Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Essence SPF50+ PA+++ is suitable for all skin types, but it is especially beneficial for oily skin to combination skin (oily on the T-zone and normal for the rest of the face). Why? Because it provides incredibly lightweight sun protection without leaving skin oily or looking shiny.
AHC Natural Perfection Fresh Sun Stick
SPF Level: 50+
PA: PA++++
Type: Chemical sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: Kolmar Korea Co., Ltd.
Short Description: In case you prefer a water-resistant sunscreen stick for easy application, then AHC Natural Perfection Double Shield Sun Stick is for you! This sun stick from AHC rose to fame because of tons of positive reviews. For one, it is well-loved because of its texture and how glides smoothly on skin and leaves no shine or cast behind. It is also highly praised for being great under makeup and even as you reapply it multiple times a day.
This sunscreen comes in a cute and handy package, so you can easily carry it around and apply it regularly to sun-exposed areas (face and body).
Who is it best for? AHC Natural Perfection Fresh Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ is highly beneficial for those with combination to oily skin as it controls sebum production. It leaves a lightweight, soft finish and is non-greasy. However, this is a 100% chemical sunscreen with fragrance, so it may not be suitable for people with sensitive skin and those who don’t like fragrance (citrus scent).
Nature Republic California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick
SPF Level: 50+
PA: PA++++
Type: Chemical sunscreen
Brand/Manufacturer: Kolmar Korea Co., Ltd.
Short Description: The refreshing scent and light feel of this California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick from Nature republic make it a crowd favorite. It is also famous for not causing breakouts despite being a chemical sunscreen.
A couple of minutes after application, it will turn powdery soft, and matte like a primer. You can also significantly feel its soothing effect as it is infused with aloe vera leaf extract.
Who is it best for? Natural Republic California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ is ideal for oily skin types since it has a matte finish. Users with dry skin find this extremely dry, especially in humid climates.
Hera Sun Mate Leports Pro Waterproof
SPF Level: 50+
PA: PA++++
Type: Combination sunscreen (with chemical & physical UV filters)
Brand/Manufacturer: Amorepacific
Short Description:Are you looking for sunscreen with a dewy finish look? Pick this one right away! Hera Sun Mate Leports Pro’s creamy and rich texture will leave your skin glowing and fresh-looking all day long! This is a newer version of Hera’s Sun Mate sunscreen and is highly moisturizing without being greasy. It also leaves zero white casts, so people of color can confidently use this. And to keep your skin comfortable under the sun, they added witch hazel leaf water for a soothing effect.
Fun fact: The Hera brand is part of Amorepacific, a luxury Korean cosmetics company. Kpop stars like RM of BTS and Jennie Kim from Blackpink have endorsed this brand.
Who is it best for? Hera Sun Mate Leports Pro Waterproof SPF50+ PA++++ is a highly moisturizing sunscreen, so it’s great for dry skin. The sunscreen boosts skin hydration and soothes skin, promoting a more youthful appearance. The product, however, is too moisturizing and shiny for oily skin users. If you have oily or combination skin, please refer to the other sunscreen mentioned above.
Conclusion
Water-resistant sunscreen is designed to protect you from the sun even when submerged in water or heavily sweating. No doubt, it’s perfect for water sports and all other fun but sweaty activities.
In this article, we featured 10 water & sweat-resistant Korean sunscreen with high ratings and excellent reviews. We also made sure that these are all broad-spectrum sunscreen (nothing below SPF 50 & PA+++), but remember to reapply every 2 hours or as needed to stay sun-protected all day long.
Editor’s pick: If you’re looking for all physical/mineral sunscreen, choose Nature Republic California Aloe Waterproof Sun Block or Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen, best for sensitive and acne-prone skin users.
On the other hand, chemical sunscreen is the best option for those who prefer sunscreen that works great under makeup. I highly recommend either A’PIEU – Pure Block Natural Water-Proof Sun Cream or AHC Natural Perfection Fresh Sun Stick.
And that’s it! For your daily sunscreen need, we created a list of the best sunscreens based on your skin type. Check them out below.
You can find your daily sunscreen needs here:
Top Korean Sunscreen For Dry Skin Blog
Top Korean Sunscreen For Oily Skin Blog
Glossary
PA
PA stands for Protection Grade of UVA. Protection Grade of UVA is measured in “+” signs as the degree of protection against UVA rays. The more “+” signs, the better the UVA protection.
SPF
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is the measurement used to indicate protection efficacy from UVB rays. The higher the number means the longer protection against UVB.
UVA
UVA has longer wavelength but lower energy levels than other UV rays. They’re more penetrating to the skin causing aging and skin cancer. Skin indication you’re too exposed by UVA rays is a tanned skin or pigmentation.
UVB
It is Short wave Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. UVB rays, unlike UVA rays, are filtered by our ozone layer that approximately 1–10% reaches the earth’s surface. It is stronger in places with sunny climates and is more damaging at higher altitudes. UVB rays burn the upper layers of the skin. It is the main cause of sunburn and visible damage to the skin surface.
Chemical Sunscreen – contains organic chemical compounds that produce chemical reactions. These chemical reactions absorb UV light and convert it to heat before it penetrates into the skin. The skin needs to absorb the sunscreen first for it to fully work.
Physical Sunscreen – also known as “mineral sunscreen” literally blocks the sun’s rays and reflects them by creating a physical barrier. Proper and even application of the product is the key for it to work properly. Usually, it leaves a white cast or even a sticky feeling when applied.
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