There’s skincare, and then there’s Korean skincare, and you don’t have to be a beauty guru to know the difference. The Western world is waking up to the genius that is Korean beauty, especially when it comes to sunscreen. South Korea takes sun avoidance seriously, so if you’re in the market for sun protection, you’re going to need the best Korean sunscreen stick in your repertoire.
More lightweight and far less messy than traditional tubes of sunscreen, Korean sunscreen sticks utilize a couple of simple swipes to slather your skin with UVA and UVB protection. Not having to touch your face to apply can be especially beneficial for those with sensitive or acne-prone skin.
Because they’re small, sunscreen sticks are also great for applying in hard-to-reach places like around your eyes, a place we often forget to cover but typically wrinkles first. And because Korea invests heavily in ingredients that protect the skin’s delicate barrier, each popular sunscreen stick is packed with ingredients that your skin will love.
I’ve highlighted all of the very best Korean sunsticks for your face, from matte formulations to easy glide-on protection that never clumps. But first, let me tell you why you should trust Korean skincare above all else.
Why Korean Sunscreen and Skincare
Ever put snail mucin on your face? It might sound like some wacky, unfounded Tik-Tok trend, but it’s actually an extremely effective moisturizing ingredient found in popular Korean skincare. Unlike the US, which focuses on stripping the skin and fixing a skin problem, Korean skincare’s greatest task is maintenance and skin barrier health.
Not to mention, skincare is a major part of Korean culture, for reasons beyond obsessive aesthetics. South Korea uses the foremost Western technology and science for beauty innovation and tests its products rigorously. In fact, the government of South Korea is actively invested in the development of cosmetics, which makes sense, considering it’s one of their largest businesses and exports.
They use the latest science combined with thousands of years of proven traditional South Korean medicine to create skincare, known as hangbang, to influence some of the most trustworthy and effective skincare on the planet.
Let’s take a look at the 6 best Korean sunscreen sticks below.
Key Takeaways
For this quest I began poring over hundreds of photos, customer reviews, and even my own bathroom cabinet until I narrowed it down to the 6 finalists you see on this list. Overall, the best Korean sunscreen stick is the Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar. It glides on smoothly, has a curved shape for easy application, and it soothes, hydrates, and strengthens the barrier on all skin types. For a naturally blue-hued sunscreen stick that calms inflamed skin and exfoliates dead skin cells, turn to Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Silky-Fit Sun Stick.
Why it’s Great: A distinguished Korean brand, Abib makes a seriously good sunscreen stick that never leaves a white cast. It glides on smoothly and even has a curved shape for easier application. Beyond UVA and UVB protection, the stick is packed with acacia-peptides, ceramides, cucumber, and centella which soothes, hydrates, and strengthens the skin’s barrier. Glides on clear and glossy, and never feels heavy or greasy, regardless of skin type.
How it feels: It’s important to note that it will take a few glides on the skin to adequately protect the skin from the sun but it won’t feel heavy.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some reviewers with oily skin found the formulation to be slightly greasy.
Scent: Unscented | SPF: 50 | Skin Type: All | Product Benefits: Soothes, hydrates, strengthens skin’s barrier
Why it’s Great: I love a budget brand, and when it comes to Korean skincare, even budget brands are worth their salt. AHC is a solid, well-known company that makes one juicy sunscreen stick. It uses hyaluronic acid and five kinds of water to deliver ample refreshing moisture for dewy skin. Not to mention, it also controls the level of sebum on the skin.
How it feels: Reviewers are drawn to this one because it’s not sticky on the skin and doesn’t leave an unwanted white cast behind.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Many Korean sunscreen sticks have a dewy effect on the skin, but some reviewers find it to be too oily on already oily skin types in summer.
Scent: Not listed | SPF: 50 | Skin Type: All | Product Benefits: Brightening, hydrating
Why it’s Great: If under $20 is a luxury, then sign me up. The beautiful thing about Korean sunscreen sticks is that all of them are extremely affordable. Round
How it feels: Reviewers love the way it effortlessly glides on the skin as smooth as butter. No white cast here.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: It can be sensitive to temperatures, and may melt in extreme heat so this may not be the one to pop in your day bag.
Scent: Unscented | SPF: 50 | Skin Type: All, acne-prone | Product Benefits: Hydrating, moisturizing, smoothing, firming
Why it’s Great: While many Korean sunscreen sticks on this list are dewy, this one provides a matte finish that utilizes centella asiatica and calamine to calm the skin. Next to providing 50+ SPF sun protection, it controls oil production and treats dryness and irritation. And if you happen to take a dip, rest assured it’s water-resistant.
How it feels: The best part about this sun stick is that it feels light enough that you can reapply it over make-up. To do that, use the stippling method.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some reviewers have found the floral scent to be too strong. You wouldn’t want to pair this with any other scent.
Scent: Floral | SPF: 50+ | Skin Type: All | Product Benefits: Oil control, cleansing, smoothening, soothing
Why it’s Great: Easy to tote around and easy to gift, this sun stick is a must for your skincare kit. If you’re after a porcelain-like complexion, or even one that’s just smooth, the porous polymer found in this sun stick will help you achieve that. Powerful antioxidants vitamin E and chia seed extract soothe and protect the skin, plus botanical tannins help with sebum control. As for that blue hue, have no fear—it’s naturally derived from blue agave leaf to combat inflammatory damage. But perhaps my favorite feature is that it gently exfoliates stubborn skin cells. Is this basically the best skincare product ever?
How it feels: Reviewers love the way it glides on smoothly, feels silky on the skin, and is never sticky. All that with no white cast at all.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: While it’s certainly affordable, you can get a similar sun stick for half the price.
Scent: No scent | SPF: 50+ | Skin Type: All | Product Benefits: Hydrates, soothes, smoothes regulates sebum, exfoliates
Why it’s Great: Beauty of Joseon is a major brand in the K-beauty world. Developed under the brand’s modern hanbang philosophy, their sun stick is beneficial not just for UVA and UVB sun exposure but for everyday urban environments. Artemisia capillaris and green tea extracts calm red, inflamed skin, and silica powder regulates oil production, soothing and smoothing the skin.
How it feels: The matte formula applies smoothly and evenly, even on top of makeup. A few layers may be necessary for adequate sun protection.
Flaws but not dealbreakers: Some reviewers noted that it can melt on the skin in super hot temperatures so this may be more of a shoulder season/winter go-to.
Scent: Not listed | SPF: 50+ | Skin Type: All, oily | Product Benefits: Regulates sebum on skin, Hydration
Buying Considerations for the Best Korean Sunscreen Sticks
Skin type
Regardless of your skin type, sunscreen is essential to every guy’s daily routine. However, certain sun sticks are formulated with specific skin types in mind.
The best Korean sunscreen sticks give skin a dewy look, which is great for normal, dry, and combo skin, while matte options are better for oily skin. However, I think it’s incredible that nearly all of the sunsticks listed here regulate sebum production, which even works for protecting a bald head. What a nice plus.
Ingredients
As you might have noticed by now, a good Korean sunscreen stick isn’t just going to protect against the sun. They use powerful, clinically proven ingredients to hydrate, soothe, and regulate sebum production. Look out for ingredients like silica powder that regulates oil on the skin.
Moisturizing ingredients you’re likely to find are hyaluronic acid and centella, a plant extract that increases skin hydration and reduces water loss. There are also green tea extracts, artemisia capillaris, and calamine, that soothe irritated skin.
SPF
You’ll be overjoyed to know not a single Korean sunscreen stick on this list has an SPF under 50. They typically cover both UVA and UVB rays, too. However, it’s important to note that my research indicates more than one generous swipe on the skin is usually necessary for adequate sun protection. While these sunscreens aren’t regulated by the FDA, an American organization, just know South Korea’s government is heavily invested in the efficacy of their beauty products.
Why you should trust us
I’m a fashion and grooming writer at FashionBeans, meaning I compare, test, and research everything you can carry, wear, and use to maintain your body and sense of style. For this review, I researched a host of trusted sources and reviewed my own beauty cache to understand what makes a great quality product that meets quality function and current style. I started off with dozens of considerations and whittled it down to the top 6 that will best fit a range of discerning consumers. Ultimately, I want to see everyone find the best Korean sunstick for them.
Final Verdict
Korean sunscreen sticks not only come with an SPF of 50+ to protect against UVA and UVB rays, but they also come with skin-boosting ingredients. The best Korean sunscreen stick is Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar because it hydrates all skin types, glides on smoothly, and protects the skin’s delicate skin barrier.
FAQ
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A sunscreen stick is less messy, doesn’t require that you touch your face, and can be applied over make-up. There’s also no chance of it opening up and spilling onto everything in your bag.
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If you’re going to be in the sun, you should always cover all exposed parts of your body, including your face. Make sure to reapply often, especially after swimming.
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