What’s The Best Korean Sunscreen For Acne-Prone Skin? [2025] - Beautiful With Brains (2025)

We all know the struggle with sunscreen and acne-prone skin. You put it on, hoping for protection, but end up with a greasy face or worse, a breakout. Korean sunscreen for acne-prone skin is starting to get some serious attention, but why? It’s not just about getting that SPF. There’s something in the way these sunscreens are made that makes them a better fit for acne-prone skin. Keep reading, and I’ll show you why Korean sunscreens might actually be the answer you’ve been looking for and best Korean sunscreen for acne-prone skin (best options!):

Western VS Korean Sunscreens: What’s The Difference

First, a quick science refresher: sunscreen usually comes in two types, chemical or mineral (well, technical mineral sunscreens are chemical too. EVERYTHING is a chemical, including water. But this terminology has stuck, so let’s use it):

• Chemical sunscreens:These use synthetic UV filters like oxybenzone and avobenzone that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat. They’re lighter and often don’t leave a white cast. Yet, these get a bad rep because some of these UV filters have been found in the bloodstream, can irritate sensitive skin, and even break down under the sun. (translation = they stop being effective after a few short hours). For acne-prone skin, this can be a problem. Any type of irritation, whether cause by UV filters or unproductive sun exposure (because you’re hanging out with your girlfriends thinking you’re safe from the sun when the tricky bugger has stopped working 2 hours ago!) can trigger inflammation – the main source of acne!
• Mineral sunscreens:Also called physical sunscreens, they use minerals like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Don’t believe the myth they physically block UV rays. Yes, they do scatter away some UV rays, but mostly they absorb them and convert them into heat too. The good news? They usually don’t irritate skin. The catch? They can feel thick, leave a white cast, and be harder to rub in – plus, they can clog pores if you’re not careful (a big side effects for acne-prone skin).

You’d think everyone had access to the same UV filters. Not quite. The FDA takes centuries to approve new UV filters, so American sunscreens only have access to mineral and old-generation chemical filters.The best Korean sunscreens, just like European sunscreens, have access to the next-gen chemical filters like Tinosorb S andUvinul A Plus. They:

• Provide excellent protection from UVA rays (only Avobenzone does this from the old generation of chemical sunscreens)
• Don’t usually irritate skin
• Last longer under sunlight
• Are less oily and don’t leave a greasy mess behind
• Don’t clog pores

All things that make them ideal for acne-prone skin.

Related: Chemical VS Physical Sunscreen: Everything You Need To Know

Stop wasting your time and money on stuff that doesn’t work. Click on the image below to download “Skincare That Works” and finally get your best skin day – every day.

What’s The Best Korean Sunscreen For Acne Prone Skin?

I can’t pick just one! Instead, I’ll tell you the best K-beauty sunscreens currently available for acne-prone skin types, so you can choose the one that makes your skin the most happy. Here are my top picks:

Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30 ($19.99)

If your skin breaks out just by looking at a sunscreen, Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight SPF 30 might be your new BFF. This one’s a 100% mineral formula with zinc oxide (great for acne-prone skin since it sits on top of your skin instead of sinking in and starting drama), plus a green tint to cancel out redness without making you look like a ghost. It’s silicone-free, fragrance-free, and super lightweight, so none of that thick, greasy mess that clogs pores and makes your face feel like it’s wearing a winter coat in July. Ingredient-wise, it’s stacked with soothing extras like ectoin and a “Green Surge” complex full of calming plant stuff. Bonus: it’s reef-safe and doesn’t make you shiny or itchy. The only catch? It might pill if you layer it too fast over heavy skincare, so give it a sec to settle. Otherwise, this one’s a solid yes for oily, sensitive, or breakout-prone skin that usually hates sunscreen.

Available at: Hero Cosmetics, Soko Glam, and Ulta

AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen (£20.50)

AXIS-Y Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen is a zinc oxide-based mineral sunscreen with a heavy silicone base, so it spreads like a dream, smooths over texture, and doesn’t leave you looking greasy or ghostly. It’s not packed with actives, and it’s not pretending to be a full-blown treatment product. This one’s about giving you solid SPF protection without irritating your skin or clogging your pores. You’ve got hyaluronic acid in there for a bit of hydration, and a sprinkle of antioxidants like green tea, calendula, and grape seed extract for some extra skin-calming support, but they’re definitely more supporting cast than lead role. Same with the niacinamide. It’s in there, but lower down the list, so don’t expect major brightening or oil control. What you do get is a reliable, non-irritating, fragrance-free formula that layers well, wears comfortably, and actually works with sensitive, breakout-prone skin instead of making things worse.

Available at: Stylevana and Yes Style

Related: Do Silicones Suffocate Skin?

COSRX Ultra Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ ($16.00)

COSRX Ultra Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++ is for the acne-prone girlies who want full protection without feeling like they’ve just greased up for a rotisserie. It’s a chemical sunscreen, but a super chill one – none of those old-school filters that sting or make your skin freak out. The UV filters here? Modern and gentle: things like Ethylhexyl Triazone and Uvinul A Plus (don’t worry about the names, they’re solid, stable, and don’t break you out). Texture-wise, this stuff is thin, invisible, and sinks in fast thanks to all the silicones in the mix. Think silky, not slippery. As for extras: there’s witch hazel and aloe leaf water to calm your skin, a touch of niacinamide (not enough to do serious heavy lifting, but still nice to have), and sodium hyaluronate for light hydration. Plus a dash of vitamin E for antioxidant backup. No white cast, no pilling, no drama. Just solid SPF that doesn’t mess with your skin.

Available at:Yes Style

The Purito Soft Touch Sunscreen (£16.00)

Purito Soft Touch Sunscreen is one of the few chemical sunscreens that doesn’t feel like sunscreen at all. It’s super lightweight, velvety, and basically disappears into your skin – no grease, no film, no “did I just put plastic wrap on my face?” feeling. That’s thanks to the silicone base, which gives it that smooth, primer-like finish acne-prone skin tends to love (especially if you’re dealing with texture or leftover marks). The filters are all new-gen chemical filters (like Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb S), which means: high protection, low irritation, and no clogged pores. But what really makes this work for breakout-prone skin is what isn’t in it (no fragrance, no alcohol, no heavy oils) and what is in it: a light touch of ceramides to keep your barrier strong, and calming ingredients like centella and panthenol that help take down redness without adding any heaviness.

Available at: Look Fantastic, Stylevana, Superdrug, and Yes Style

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh (£14.00)

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (aka the Aqua-fresh one) is the sunscreen that gets hyped for a reason. It feels like a lightweight moisturizer – slippy, hydrating, zero white cast – and then oh yeah, it’s SPF50+ PA++++ too. So you’re getting full sun protection without your skin throwing a tantrum. It’s a chemical sunscreen, but a gentle one. No alcohol, no fragrance, no filters that sting your eyes. What is in it? A load of rice extract, which sounds cute but actually helps calm your skin and support your barrier – aka fewer flare-ups, less redness, and skin that doesn’t freak out when the weather changes. Plus it layers like a dream, doesn’t pill, and makes your skin look fresh without feeling greasy. If you’re acne-prone, oily, sensitive, or just tired of sunscreens that feel like punishment, this one’s an easy win.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Look Fantastic, Superdrug, and Yes Style

ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick (£25.90)

SNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick is one of the few sunscreen sticks that doesn’t feel gross. It glides on super smooth (thanks to all the silicones), leaves zero white cast, and keeps your skin feeling soft instead of greasy. It’s got a bunch of hyaluronic acid in it too, so your skin stays hydrated without turning into an oil slick. No scent, no stinging, no drama.

But honestly? It’s not great as your main SPF. You’d have to swipe like 20 times to get enough, it’s easy to miss spots, and it starts to feel heavy if you actually try. It’s best as a quick top-up – over makeup, around the eyes, or when you just don’t want sunscreen all over your hands.

Available at: Boots, Stylevana, Superdrug, and Yes Style

SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum

SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is the kind of facial sunscreen that makes you forget you’re even wearing sunscreen. It goes on like a light gel-serum – no white cast, no stickiness, no gross film sitting on your face. Perfect if you’re oily, acne-prone, or just over SPF that feels like a chore. The finish is dewy (not greasy) and layers great under makeup or on bare skin. It’s loaded with centella asiatica extract to calm your skin down and hyaluronic acid for hydration, but let’s be real, it’s more of a nice bonus than a full-blown treatment. The real win is how comfortable it feels and how unlikely it is to mess with your skin. It’s not trying to be fancy. It just works for skin that gets pissed off easily.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Boots, Stylevana, Superdrug, and Yes Style

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Mineral Sunscreen

Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Mineral Sunscreen is a physical (mineral) sunscreen that’s surprisingly wearable – especially for acne-prone or sensitive skin. It uses non-nano zinc oxide for UV protection, which means it sits on top of your skin (less risk of irritation or breakouts), and it’s got a lightweight, lotion-y texture that blends better than most mineral SPFs. There is a bit of a white cast, especially if you have deeper skin, but it’s not chalky or thick. The formula includes black rice extract for a little antioxidant boost and some barrier-loving extras like niacinamide and glycerin, but let’s be honest – it’s not doing the most in the skincare department. The real reason to reach for this is if your skin’s reactive and chemical filters are a no-go. It’s not invisible, but it’s gentle, non-comedogenic, and it won’t start a breakout spiral.

Available at: Beauty Bay, Stylevana, Superdrug, and Yes Style

Innisfree Daily UV Protection Cream (£22.00)

Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen is a chemical sunscreen that feels like skincare. It’s light, hydrating, and glides on like a basic moisturizer – no white cast, no pilling, no weird SPF smell. Perfect if your skin freaks out easily or you just want something that doesn’t feel like a chore. It’s got green tea, cica, and sunflower seed oil to calm your skin down, but let’s be honest, it’s not a powerhouse serum. It’s simple, comfy, and does the job for day-to-day city life. Just don’t expect it to hold up during a sweaty hike or beach day. It’s more “grab a coffee and sit at your laptop” than “outdoorsy adventure.”

Available at:Beauty Bay, Boots, Cult Beauty, Sephora, SpaceNK

Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen (£19.50)

Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen feels more like a hydrating gel-cream than a sunscreen. It’s super lightweight, sinks in fast, and gives your skin that healthy, dewy glow – no white cast, no greasy mess. Great if your skin leans sensitive or dehydrated, thanks to hyaluronic acid for hydration, niacinamide for a bit of brightening, and centella to keep things calm. But heads up: this is a daily SPF, not beach-day armor. It’s perfect for light sun exposure, like errands, coffee runs, or desk days. But don’t count on it to hold up during a sweaty hike or hours outside. It’s your “everyday chill” sunscreen, not your “I’m roasting in the sun” one.

Available at: Stylevana, and Yes Style

The Verdict

Looking for a new sunscreen? If you’ve got acne-prone skin, Korean sunscreens are pretty much a game-changer. They protect you from the sun without clogging your pores or leaving your face feeling like an oil slick. Plus, they’re light, breathable, and usually packed with good stuff to soothe your skin. Now you know what the most recommended Korean sunscreen areas, you can make a great choice for your skin.

About Gio

Hi, I'm Gio. I'm a no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is skin coach and writer on a mission to help you achieve your best skin day ever - every day. I bust skincare myths and debunk marketing jargon to help you figure out what's worth the splurge and what's best left on the shelf - using science, not hype. I also offer skincare consultations to help you create the best skincare routine for your unique needs.