Are you looking for the best Korean zinc oxide sunscreen? Check out this curated list of top zinc oxide sunscreen that will protect your skin from sun damage. Read further to know more.
It’s summer again, which means it’s time for the beach. If you’re someone who’s highly concerned about their skin during the summer season because of high sun exposure then I’ve got you covered here.
Best Korean Zinc Oxide Sunscreen — Quick Summary
Best Korean Zinc Oxide Sunscreen | Best For | Active Ingredient |
ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk | Sensitive skin | Hyaluronic acid, and zinc oxide (nano) |
Dr. G Green Mild Up Sun SPF50+/PA++++ | Sensitive skin, all skin types | Pycnogenol, glycophore and panthenol |
IPKN Big Apple Sun Cream, SPF 50 | Oily skin | Apple extracts and niacinamide |
SELFBEAUTY Ultra Lightweight Mineral Facial Sunscreen | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Normal | Hyaluronic acid, houttuynia cordata, Probiotics |
ETUDE HOUSE UV Double Cut Mineral Filter Sun Cream | All skin types | Water, zinc oxide, vitamin E and titanium dioxide |
MAKEP:REM UV Defense Me Calming Sun cream | Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry | Bamboo water, zinc oxide, Madecassoside |
Suntique I’m Pure Cica Suncream, Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin, SPF 50+ | Sensitive skin | CICA , galactomyces, vitamins and amino acid |
Which is the best Korean zinc oxide sunscreen?
My team and I tested over 15+ zinc oxide sunscreens and rated them on the basis of content of ZnO, active ingredients, price and fragrance. We found that ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk is the best Korean zinc oxide sunscreen. And here’s why:
ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk is 100% mineral based sunscreen with nano zinc oxide, and hyaluronic acid that hydrates, moisturizer as well as protects the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. It’s non-sticky and sebum-free. The Etude House sunscreen is non-comedogenic and leaves on white cast behind. This sunscreen is perfect for people with sensitive skin.
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You definitely need sunscreen but make sure the formula has the right ingredients that will protect your skin, maintain skin tone, prevent premature aging, and also lower the chances of skin cancer. The right ingredient is zinc oxide.
Did you know zinc oxide has lots of benefits for your skin? Zinc oxide is a safe mineral that is antimicrobial and non-comedogenic which means it kills harmful bacteria and doesn’t clog pores respectively.
If you have a problem of redness and itching, you should definitely go for a zinc oxide sunscreen as ZnO is great for sun burns and other damages caused on an extremely sensitive skin.
Now that you know how important zinc oxide is, let’s move to find some of the best Korean zinc oxide sunscreens below:
Top Korean Zinc Oxide Sunscreen 2023
How to choose the best Korean Zinc Oxide Sunscreen?
Here are some things to consider when choosing the best Korean zinc oxide sunscreen for your skin:
- High micronized zinc oxide: Micronized zinc oxide means that the zinc oxide particles in the sunscreen are extremely small (nano sized). This helps in easy absorption in the skin and reaps maximum benefits.
- Low Titanium Dioxide: Titanium dioxide causes the white cast or the grey cast. So, the lower this ingredient is in your sunscreens.
- Low Fragrance: Fragrance causes a lot of skin reactions and leads to redness, allergies etc. Hence, avoiding or having low content of fragrance in your sunscreen is a good idea.
- Low silicone: Although silicone isn’t harmful, their film-forming action can lead to pores on your skin and disrupt cell regeneration. Avoid sunscreen if the first five ingredients include silicone.
Is Zinc Oxide The Best Sunscreen
When it comes to protecting your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, choosing the right sunscreen is crucial. While there are many different types of sunscreen available, there’s one ingredient that stands out above the rest: zinc oxide.
Zinc oxide is a powerful mineral that provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which work by absorbing the sun’s rays, zinc oxide forms a physical barrier on the skin, reflecting the rays away from the skin’s surface.
This makes it a great option for people with sensitive skin, as it’s less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions.
Aside from its sun-protective properties, zinc oxide also has a number of other benefits for the skin. It has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe skin irritation and redness.
Plus, it’s non-comedogenic, which means it won’t clog your pores or cause breakouts. Overall, if you’re looking for a sunscreen that offers superior protection and benefits for the skin, zinc oxide is definitely the way to go.
How Does Zinc Oxide Protect Skin From UV Rays
How Does Zinc Oxide Protect Skin From UV Rays? Zinc oxide is a mineral that has outstanding sun protection abilities. It is a popular ingredient in many sunscreens and skincare products due to its robust barrier and reflective properties.
When exposed to the ultraviolet (UV) rays of the sun, zinc oxide scatters, absorbs, and reflects the rays. It helps to prevent sunburns, skin aging, and the risk of skin cancer.
Zinc oxide works in two ways: as a physical blocker and a chemical absorber. As a physical blocker, zinc oxide forms a barrier on the skin’s surface, blocking harmful UV rays from penetrating the skin.
The white film produced by zinc oxide reflects the sun’s rays, protecting the skin automatically. Unlike chemical sunscreens that penetrate the skin, zinc oxide works by sitting on top of the skin and acts as a shield.
As a chemical absorber, zinc oxide controls the skin’s oxidative stress and helps reduce inflammation. It also improves the skin’s texture, preventing the loss of elasticity and hydration caused by UV radiation.
Zinc oxide is especially important for those with sensitive skin as it does not cause irritation or harm to the skin. All in all, zinc oxide is a game-changer in skincare, protecting and nourishing the skin against harsh environmental factors.
ETUDE HOUSE Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk
Best Korean Zinc Oxide Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive skin, you should definitely go for this 100% mineral based zinc oxide sunscreen. It’s made with mild ingredients like hyaluronic acid, aqua and zinc oxide that hydrates the skin and soothes sun damage like redness, irritations etc.
This sunscreen has 20 more plant based ingredients like aloe vera, acai berries, centella asiatica & mistletoe that strengthens and soothes the skin. It softly blocks the UV rays and doesn’t leave a white cast behind.
The SPF50+ formula is very powerful and doesn’t let the skin explore a harsh environment. I use this sunscreen on most of the days as I have extremely sensitive skin and it gives promising results without clogging my pores.
Shake well before applying and apply to all the UV rays exposed areas at the end of your skincare routine.
Pros:
- Plant based ingredients
- Gentle on skin
- Powerful 50+ SPF formula
- Sebum-free
Cons:
- Might feel dry
Check out the best Korean zinc oxide sunscreen by ETUDE HOUSE below!
Related: Top Korean Sunscreens for Oily Skin
Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun SPF50+/PA++++
Best Korean Zinc Oxide Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Another zinc oxide sunscreen that’s extremely promising, Dr G Green mild sunscreen. This sunscreen is a hypoallergenic cream that shield’s sensitive skin from harmful UV rays and other external stressors like pollution and dust.
This sunscreen is formulated with pycnogenol, glycophore and panthenol that protects the layers of the skin. It also has sunflower seed oil which is a type of vitamin E that helps in preventing UV damage.
Although it’s for sensitive skin, all types of skin can use it. The Dr. G Green sunscreen is free of chemical toxins like mineral oils, dyes and other synthetic ingredients like parabens and sulphates.
The formula is non-sticky and leaves no white caste behind. Use this powerful SPF50+ when you’re outdoors and even when you’re staying indoors for the best results.
Pros:
- Hypoallergenic
- No toxic chemicals
- Powerful 50+ SPF formula
- Non-sticky
Cons:
- No value for money
Check out the best Korean zinc oxide sunscreen by Dr.G below!
Related: Best Korean Sunscreen for Acne prone Skin
IPKN Big Apple Sun Cream, SPF 50
Best Korean Zinc Oxide Sunscreen for Oily Skin
IPKN Big Apple Sun Cream is your call if you have oily skin. This zinc oxide sunscreen is a multitasker with SPF 50+ that not only protects from harmful UV damage but also moisturises, evens and corrects skin tone and smoothens the skin.
This sunscreen is formulated with Apple extracts and niacinamide that helps in calming the skin and smoothen it as well as improves appearances of pores, fine lines, dullness and weak skin respectively.
It’s free of oil so it won’t clog your pores and also clear the extra oil from your T region. It’ll definitely not leave any white cast behind and can be a perfect makeup base. However, the effect is neither matte nor shiny.
Use this sunscreen as a base of your makeup and apply it evenly for the best results.
Pros:
- Smoothes skin
- Colour corrects skin tone
- Oil-free
- Perfect makeup base
Cons:
- No value for money
- Contains some chemicals
Check out the best Korean zinc oxide sunscreen by IPKN below!
Related: Best Korean Sunscreen for Dry Skin
SELF BEAUTY Ultra Lightweight Mineral Facial Sunscreen
Best Korean Zinc Oxide Sunscreen for Combination Skin
As the name suggests, Self Beauty sunscreen is extremely light weight, super smooth and amongst the top zinc oxide sunscreens from korea. It leaves no white cast behind and gets absorbed in the skin pretty easily.
This sunscreen is formulated with skin safe ingredients like probiotics that gives a calming and soothing effect, hyaluronic acid that hydrates and moisturiser, houttuynia cordata that brightens the skin, ZnO that soothes skin redness and is a non comedogenic.
I have used this product previously and I love the lightweight formula and it helped me minimise my frequent breakouts.
This Self beauty sunscreen has no chemicals involved and is safe for combination, normal, sensitive and oily skin types. It can be used as a make up base and works very well with foundation. It’s great for daily use.
Pros:
- Good for daily use
- Powerful 50+ SPF
- No harmful ingredients
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Strong smell
Related: Best Korean BB Cream
ETUDE HOUSE UV Double Cut Mineral Filter Sun Cream
Best Korean Zinc Oxide Sunscreen for All Skin types
Another Etude House zinc oxide sunscreen that is just amazing to use. It blends well and leaves no white cast on the face. It contains mineral filters that protect you from sun UV rays and blue light and even the screen rays of mobile and laptops and other gadgets.
This powerful 50+ SPF ZnO sunscreen is formulated with water and titanium dioxide and vitamin E that helps in skin rejuvenation, brightening and protecting the layers of skin.
I use this daily even when I’m working from home to protect myself from harmful gadget screen lights.
It’s extremely lightweight and can be used in all seasons for protection from harmful stressors. It’s fragrance free. Apply 30 mins before going out. Also, you can re-apply it every 2-3 hours for best results.
Pros:
- Protection from gadget screens
- Blends well
- Unscented
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Contains mineral filters
Related: Best Korean Vitamin C Serum
MAKE P:REM UV Defense Me Calming Sun cream
Best Korean Zinc Oxide Sunscreen for Dry Skin
The P:rem zinc oxide sunscreen is great for Oily, Combination, Sensitive, Dry and is definitely one of the best K-beauty sunscreens lately. The formula is vegan, gluten free, fragrance free and non-dyed.
This sunscreen is formulated with skin soothing ingredients like bamboo water, madecassoside and zinc oxide that protect calm and reinforce the skin as well as provides a great defence against UV rays.
This sunscreen gets absorbed in the skin in no time and leaves minimal white cast to protect from the harmful environmental stressors. It’s free of harmful chemicals like sulphates, parabens, mineral oils, talc etc.
Pros:
- Vegan
- Gluten free
- No toxic chemicals
- No artificial fragrance
Cons:
- Might leave a negligible white cast
- No value for money
Check out the best Korean zinc oxide sunscreen by MAKE P:REM below!
Related: Top Korean Whitening Cream
Suntique I’m Pure Cica Suncream
Best Korean Zinc Oxide Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin
Suntique is an extremely good sunscreen with no biologically harmful ingredients like parabens, chemical filters, fragrance etc. This sunscreen consists of CICA , galactomyces, vitamins and amino acids which works great on sensitive skin and protects from harmful UVA and UVB rays.
This sunscreen can be used by children as well as there are no chemicals involved. The Suntique sun cream leaves a little white cast that is for skin tone correction. It’s non-sticky and quickly gets absorbed in the skin.
People with oily skin can also go for this sunscreen as it has great moisturizing properties. It leaves a matte look on the face after application. If you suffer from skin burns, redness and other allergies, this sunscreen will soothe and calm your skin.