What Are the Best Sunscreens for Face Based on Your Skin Type?

Seasons might be changing, but our habit of wearing sunscreen every day (yep, even on the gloomy days) should not. As a strong advocate for year-round sun-protection, we think that sunscreen remains an important part of our daily skincare routine because skin cancer is the last thing we want. As far as SPF ratings go, using a chemical sunscreen, mineral sunscreen, or even a hybrid sunscreen with an SPF50 PA+ definitely goes a long way for preventing skin issues such as hyperpigmentation, inflammation, aging skin and sun spots. So, whether you're switching up your skincare routine with a chemical sunscreen or mineral sunscreen, here are our tried-and-true sunscreen picks that will give your skin the protection that it needs.


No. 1

BEAUTY OF JOSEON - Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotic

beauty of joseon Sunscreen

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - BEAUTY OF JOSEON

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Meet the BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun sunscreen which has officially become our new SPF obsession. This chemical sunscreen features a moisturizing formula to leave your skin with a sheer, comforting finish. Containing 30% rice extract + grain probiotics complex, this new BEAUTY OF JOSEON sunscreen helps nourish and strengthen the skin's natural barrier while keeping your sensitive skin free from irritation.


No. 2

Isntree - Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel

Isntree sunscreen

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Isntree

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: This Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel is our all-time favorite (and also our skincare fairy godmother Charlotte Parlermino's tried-and-true sunscreen pick). Apart from the rich blend of hyaluronic acid + niacinamide, this organic sunscreen delivers a powerful moisture-locking and transparent finish in one smooth application for oily skin types. In short, you can pretty much expect a refreshing, shine-free, non-sticky finish from this perfect everyday staple!


No. 3

COSRX - Aloe Soothing Sun Cream

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - COSRX

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Don't let the creamy, white consistency of this COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream intimate you — once you start massaging this SPF sunscreen into your skin, it practically disappears without leaving a trace of white cast. Formulated with Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, this Korean sunscreen is a sunscreen moisturizer that keeps your skin hydrated and dewy without feeling greasy which is the last thing you want under the spring weather. It goes on super smooth and sinks in quickly.


No. 4

Canmake - Mermaid Skin Gel UV

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Canmake

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Described by Canmake as "a smooth gel without the roughness or stickiness of most sunscreens," the Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV breaks down into a watery texture and imparts a shine-free, and oil-free finish that doesn't clog pores. Recommended for those who prefer a light, refreshing protection, this zinc oxide sunscreen serves as the perfect moisturizing makeup base that will help your foundation sit better and last longer.


No. 5

Kao - Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence

biore sunscreen

Courtesy of Japanese Skincare Brand - Kao

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Not only does Kao’s Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence keep every inch of your skin protected from the sun — the lightweight, buildable texture is also a delight to your spring skin that you might actually look forward to reapplying it. And you'll definitely want to, thanks to its protective and moisturizing combination of SPF 50 and a special mixture of Hyaluronic Acid & Royal Jelly Extract. This STYLEVANA bestseller also works perfectly as a makeup base and can stand up to 80 minutes in water. Get the 4-piece set to stock up for spring!


No. 6

Abib - Quick Sunstick Protection Bar

Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Abib

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: If you're a sports junkie who is always out and about, the Abib Quick Sunstick Protection Bar will be your next handy SPF to love! This sunstick provides SPF50+ PA++++ protection with an effortlessly easy-to-apply formula that glides onto skin smoothly without leaving a sticky residue or a white cast. The huge plus that comes with this sunscreen formula is that it contains acacia peptide + ceramide while will strengthen your skin barrier against external aggressors for an extra layer of protection.


No. 7

PURITO - Daily Go-To Sunscreen

PURITO Sunscreen

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - PURITO

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Wearing sunscreen shouldn't be complicated — or chalky. PURITO gets it right with its Daily Go-To Sunscreen which has officially become our new SPF obsession. Stay sun-smart with this PURITO sunscreen as its hybrid formula features both chemical + physical filters to protect your skin, as well as a fragrance-free and moisturizing ingredient base to leave your skin with a sheer, comforting finish.


No. 8

THANK YOU FARMER - Sun Project Water Sun Cream

THANK YOU FARMER sunscreen

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - THANK YOU FARMER

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Hailed as a cult-favorite (and under-rated) beauty, this THANK YOU FARMER sunscreen features hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and mistletoe extract to help promote the cellular renewal process and more importantly protects the skin from the damaging effects of UV exposure on a summer beach outing. It works like a moisturizing sunscreen lotion, making it even easier for you to apply your daily makeup in the subsequent steps.


No. 9

SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus

SKIN1004 sunscreen

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SKIN1004

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: It shouldn't come as a surprise that a mineral sunscreen created by SKIN1004 was met with a ton of 5-star reviews and a huge global following. Starring centella asiatica extract as the main ingredient, this SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus is a physical sunscreen that provides SPF50+ PA++++ protection to block UV rays, while simultaneously brighten the skin and reduces visible rednesss with niacinamide. This sunscreen can be worn all year long without feeling heavy or leaving a white cast.


No. 10

ROVECTIN - Skin Essentials Aqua Soothing UV Protector

ROVECTIN Skin Essentials Aqua Soothing UV Protector

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - ROVECTIN

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Korean skincare brand ROVECTIN is a brand that keeps its pantheon of acne-targeting skincare products in line with minimal, yet wonder-working ingredients, and this ROVECTIN sunscreen is no exception. Gentle yet mighty, this mineral sunscreen for acne prone skin completely defends against daily free-radical damage such as harmful UV rays, fine dust and pollutants, thanks to zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.


No. 11

make p:rem - UV Defense Me. Daily Sun Fluid

make p:rem sunscreen

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - make p:rem

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: The major reason we love this lightweight make p:rem UV Defense Me. Daily Sun Fluid is its clever blend of both chemical and mineral-based UV-blocking formulas. The dual sun protection, coupled with a strong SPF50+ spectrum, shields every inch of your face and body on all fronts so you can get through a sunny day without worry. Along with trusty ingredients and the brand's very own formula, including the aptly named "City-Proof Complex" and the "Pollustop Complex," this hybrid sunscreen will easily top your try-list!


No. 12

Round Lab - Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream

Round Lab sunscreen

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Round Lab

STYLEVANA K-Beauty Review: Saving one of the best for last, we have a Hwahae awardee on our list! The Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream is a great choice for dry skin type as well as sensitive skin type since the moisturizing formula is infused with birch sap (a mineral-rich ingredient known for soothing inflammation and hydrating skin) and hyaluronic acid to keep your skin hydrated all day. This hydrating sunscreen also features niacinamide and adenosine to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles.


It’s time to transition your skincare routine from winter to spring with the best sunscreens from our collection! Shop your most-favorite chemical sunscreen or mineral sunscreen to prep your skin for the sunny days ahead! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook to get more instant product updates and skincare tips!