Ahhh, sunscreen: the Holy Grail of the AM routine. SPF is the first line defense for shielding against UV rays, and is the solution to all sorts of skin concerns, including sunburn, fine lines, dryness, roughness, and more. Wearing a sunscreen of at least SPF30 everyday is the least you can do to avoid the aforementioned skin concerns and get your complexion to its healthiest state. However, those with a sensitive complexion may face another story. Sunscreen ingredients are known to be irritating for certain skin types, leading to irritation, redness, and other adverse reactions.

With so many types of sunscreens out there, we get it if you’re struggling to find your perfect one, which is why we’ve drawn up a list of the best soothing sunscreen formulas from our fave K-beauty brands that are sensitive-skin friendly and include skin-loving ingredients that nourish and protect the complexion. Scroll down to discover the soothing SPFs you’ll want to stay forever stocked up on.


No. 1

SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50 PA++++

SKIN1004 - Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50 PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SKIN1004

You’d be hard-pressed to find anyone, be it on the SV team or social media, that doesn’t love the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50 PA++++. Simultaneously soothing and quenching thanks to Madagascar Centella and Hyaluronic Acid, this beloved sun serum pumps out as a watery lotion and blends into a weightless, white cast-free sun protector. Once applied, it gives the skin a dewy, healthy sheen - not to exaggerate, but it’s basically glass skin in a bottle.


No. 2

Abib - Heartleaf Sun Essence Calming Drop SPF50+ PA++++

Abib - Heartleaf Sun Essence Calming Drop SPF50+ PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Abib

Heartleaf is the name of the game when it comes to the Abib Heartleaf Sun Essence Calming Drop SPF50+ PA++++. The namesake ingredient, harvested from Jirisan in Korea, is combined with Panthenol to provide calming relief and refreshing hydration for the skin, further supported by Niacinamide for evening skin tone and Adenosine for smoothing fine lines. Its milky lotion texture absorbs quickly into the skin and doesn’t pill, allowing for a clean base as is or under makeup.


No. 3

Axis-Y - Complete No Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Axis-Y - Complete No Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Axis-Y

Keeping the skin calm and stress-free is the Axis-Y Complete No Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++. Mugwort takes the lead as the core ingredient, with Green Tea, Squalane, Chamomile and more added into the mix. Combined, the ingredient lineup forms an intensely soothing concoction that reduces inflammation while upping the skin’s resilience towards environmental aggressors. Know that you’re receiving the best treatment with this sunscreen: Axis-Y has reformulated it several times in response to customer feedback, taking out its original fragrance component and adding Hyaluronic Acid for a splash of hydration.


No. 4

MARY&MAY - CICA Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

MARY&MAY - CICA Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - MARY&MAY

Letting you in on a seriously underrated SPF pick: the MARY&MAY CICA Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++. This vegan sunscreen is meant for daily application, spiked with a Fermented Cica Complex that contains 7 types of Cica ingredients for the ultimate soothing experience. The other ingredients that make up this formula are all EWG green grade-certified, so rest assured they won’t cause further irritation to your complexion. Light as a feather, it doesn’t leave a white cast, streakiness, or stickiness.


No. 5

Haruharu WONDER - Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Haruharu WONDER - Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Haruharu WONDER

The Haruharu WONDER Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ is one of our bestsellers in the mineral sunscreen category, and it’s not difficult to see why: enriched with Black Rice-infused Rice Bran Oil, Heartleaf extract, and Hyaluronic Acid, this formula nourishes the complexion and protects it from free radical damage. It offers a lightweight satin finish, and makes the skin soft and supple.


No. 6

SOME BY MI - V10 Hyal Hydra Capsule Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

SOME BY MI - V10 Hyal Hydra Capsule Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - SOME BY MI

If you find yourself struggling with dryness and sensitivity, SOME BY MI's V10 Hyal Hydra Capsule Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ will be your saving grace. The V10 Hyal collection spotlights a range of products formulated with 10 types of vitamins to brighten skin and Hyaluronic Acid to replenish the moisture barrier. This jelly formula has a cooling sensation when applied, instantly dousing the skin in refreshing hydration.


No. 7

Pyunkang Yul - ATO Mild Sun Cream SPF50 PA++++

Pyunkang Yul - ATO Mild Sun Cream SPF50 PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Pyunkang Yul

When a formula is given the green light for use on children and babies, you can be certain that it’s compatible with sensitive complexions. The Pyunkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream SPF50 PA++++ is a hybrid formula consisting of hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, strengthening Ceramides, and nourishing plant-based extracts. Lotion-like in texture, this reef-safe SPF leaves a comfortable semi-matte finish sans white cast.


No. 8

Goodal - Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

Goodal - Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - Goodal

Be it dry and inflamed skin or oily and resilient complexions, users of all skin types give the Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ their seal of approval. This sunscreen prevents UV damage with the help of chemical filters, while Houttuynia Cordata (aka Heartleaf) lends its soothing, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and sebum-regulating properties to balance and perfect the complexion. Not only does it apply smoothly to the face, but is also an excellent option for full-body protection.


No. 9

iUNIK - Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

iUNIK - Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

Courtesy of Korean Skincare Brand - iUNIK

The iUNIK Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ as made for and made by the masses; it was developed with customer feedback at the forefront, resulting in a scentless, white cast-free chemical sunscreen that hydrates like a moisturizer and soothes irritation. Key ingredients include Centella Asiatica to alleviate the effects of external aggressors, as well as Beta-Glucan that contributes a hydrating kick and fortifies the skin barrier. No matter how many times you reapply this formula, it never clumps or peels.


Ready for a calm, protected complexion this summer? Get to shopping our sensitive skin-friendly SPF formulas now! Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook, as well as keeping an eye on the VANA Blog, so you receive all the latest news, promos and information!