7 Best Korean Sunscreen Sticks: Tested & Reviewed (2023)
In 2023, Korean sunscreen sticks have taken the spotlight! Check out this comprehensive guide to find the best Korean sun sticks suited for your skin type.
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. These are products I’ve personally used, as well as are recommended by other skincare experts & enthusiasts.
So, here’s the deal. When I went on my first trip to Korea, it was smack-dab in the middle of summer. I thought I was being all smart by slathering on my regular Korean sunscreen lotion, but guess what? It was melting off my face faster than ice cream in the sun. Talk about a fail!
Luckily, I stumbled upon a little store called Olive Young and discovered these amazing Korean sunscreen sticks. Let me tell you, they are a game-changer! Smooth, no mess, and oh-so effective. My skin was in heaven!
Now, I know what you’re thinking. How do you even choose the right sunscreen stick? What factors should you consider? And are they suitable for all skin types? Trust me, I had the same questions.
This blog post is here to guide you through it all. We’ll dive into the 7 best Korean sunscreen sticks for 2023, answer all your burning questions, and help you find the best sunscreen stick for your skin.
Let’s get started!
In a Hurry?
Check out my top 3 sunscreen sticks! These reviews cover everything from ingredients and the latest research to user feedback and my personal preferences for each skincare product. Let’s dive in together and find the perfect sunscreen stick for you.
Isntree Halyuronic Acid Airy Sun Stick
Best for: Perfect for oily skin and sensitive skin types, giving you a matte, blurring finish without any white cast.
Price: ~$21
This is one of my favorite Korean sunscreen sticks. It’s droplet shape makes it really easy to apply under my eyes and in my nose crevices. It effortlessly glides on my, even over my make up.
It’s lightweight and gave me a semi-matte and silky finish. It didn’t leave my skin greasy and there was no white cast. The only thing that is missing is that it isn’t water or sweat resistant. Other than that, this is a holy grail sunscreen for me.
Shishiedo Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Best For: All skin types + great for outdoor activities or hot, humid climates
Price: ~$30
This lightweight Korean sunscreen stick is perfect for outdoor activities and hot weather. It keeps my skin soft and well-protected, and its unique shape allows for easy application. It’s travel-friendly and doesn’t cause any skin irritation or breakouts.
Tocobo Cotton Soft Sunscreen Stick SPF50+ PA++++
Best For: Oily skin looking for a matte, blurred finish.
Price: ~$10
This Korean sunscreen stick is great for oily skin. It has a delightful fragrance and glides effortlessly on my combination skin, keeping it hydrated while controlling oil in my T-zone.
It also blurs my pores and leaves a silky texture. The clean floral scent and easy application make it a joy to use. I can layer it for extra hydration, and it leaves a soft matte finish, perfect for prepping my skin for makeup without any white cast.
What are the best Korean sunscreen sticks in 2023?
Isntree Halyuronic Acid Airy Sun Stick
The ISNTREE Sun Stick is one of the best sunscreen sticks on the market! It provides broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ protection in a lightweight, airless texture.
Key Ingredients
- Hyaluronic Acid: Delivers deep hydration without a sticky feeling.
- Bamboo Water, Kelp & Aloe Vera: Soothes and calms the skin.
- Niacinamide & Adenosine: Brightens and combats signs of aging.
- Antioxidants & Ceramide: Protects skin and reinforces its natural barrier.
My Experience & Results
I’m totally in love with this Korean sunscreen stick! The droplet shape is super convenient, especially for tricky areas like under my eyes and around my nose. And let me tell you, it goes on like a dream, even over my makeup. The formula is so light, leaving my skin with a semi-matte, silky finish, without any greasiness or white residue. Just a heads up though, it’s not water or sweat-resistant.
What I Loved
- Broad-Spectrum Protection: SPF 50+ PA++++
- Very hydrating
- Easy to apply under my eyes and in my nose crevices
- No White Cast
- Semi-matte finish
- Easy to throw into your bag or purse.
- Great for sensitive skin and acne prone skin.
What Could Be Better
- Not water or sweat resistant. A handful of customers stated it burned their eyes.
Who It’s For
- Perfect for oily skin and sensitive skin types, giving you a matte, blurring finish without any white cast.
Who It’s Not For
- Those that prefer a dewy finish or looking for a waterproof sunscreen.
Shishiedo Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+
Shido’s Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+ is amazing! It has this groundbreaking SynchroShield™ technology that creates a super lightweight protective veil for better effectiveness in water and heat.
Benefits
- Free of oxybenzone and octinoxate.
- For all skin types.
- Dermatologist-tested. Opthalmologist-tested. Non-comedogenic.
- Water-Resistant 80 minutes
The Key Ingredients
- AVOBENZONE 2.5%
- HOMOSALATE 10.0%
- OCTISALATE 5.0%
- OCTOCRYLENE 10.0%
My Experience & Results
When it comes to outdoor activities or hot and humid weather, let me tell you, this Korean sunscreen stick is my absolute favorite! It’s incredibly lightweight, making it feel like I’m not wearing anything at all. Not only does it keep my skin soft and well-protected, even during those sweaty moments, but its unique shape allows for easy application around the curves of my nose and under my eyes.
The only drawback I found is that it can become thick and heavy if you apply too much in intense heat, so it’s important to find the right ratio. However, I’m happy to report that this sunscreen didn’t cause any irritation or breakouts on my skin. Plus, its compact size makes it perfect for travel, easily fitting into my purse or pocket.
What I Loved
- Easy to apply around my nose & eyes
- Lightweight & hydrating without feeling greasy
- Made my skin feel soft
- Protected my face when sweating + doing outdoor activities
- Compact and fits into my purse and pocket
- No irritation or break outs
What Could Be Better
- Expensive compare to other sun sticks. Feels thick and heavy in intense heat if you apply too much.
Who It’s For
- All skin types + great for outdoor activities + hot, humid climates
Benefits
- SPF 50+ PA++++ protection.
- Cruelty-Free & Vegan
Key Ingredients
- Evening Primrose Flower Extract: Moisturizes the skin.
- Jojoba Seed Oil: Provides hydration and nourishment.
- AC Herb Complex: A blend of four herbal complexes with anti-inflammatory properties that soothe the skin.
- Micro-sized Powder: Ensures a soft matte finish.
My Experience & Results
This Korean sunscreen stick is great for oily skin. It has a delightful fragrance and glides effortlessly on my combination skin, keeping it hydrated while controlling oil in my T-zone. It also blurs my pores and leaves a silky texture. The clean floral scent and easy application make it a joy to use. I can layer it for extra hydration, and it leaves a soft matte finish, perfect for prepping my skin for makeup without any white cast.
What I Loved
- Clean, floral fragrance that isn’t too over powering
- Minimized the oil in my T-zone
- Matte-powdery finish
- Great as a make-up primer
- No white cast
What Could Be Better
Feels a little heavy on my skin and can sometimes feel a bit greasy.
Who It’s For
- Great for individuals with oily skin looking for a matte, blurred finish.
Who It’s Not For
- Wouldn’t recommend to those with dry skin or those that prefer a dewy, glowy finish.
Benefits
- SPF 50+ PA++++
- UV IR BLOCK™ Technology: This sunscreen stick has an innovative formula that provides comprehensive protection from both UV rays, blue light and the sun’s heat.
Key Ingredients
- Bamboo Extract, Glacier Water, and Cotton Seed Extract: These ingredients work in tandem to soothe, smooth, and hydrate the skin
My Experience & Results
This Korean sunstick is seriously the best! It keeps my skin hydrated without feeling greasy at all. Plus, it gives amazing protection. No white residue, super easy to apply. It feels so smooth and moisturizing, but never greasy. It’s perfect for combo skin, lightweight yet super effective against the sun.
Whether I’m just out and about or getting sweaty with outdoor sports, this sunscreen never lets me down. I can confidently go through a full workout, sweat buckets, and it stays put on my arms and face.
What I Loved
- Hydrating without feeling greasy
- No white residue
- Easy to apply
- Water resistant: Stays when I sweat
What Could Be Better
- I have no complaints with this sunscreen
Who It’s For
- Great for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Benefits
- SPF50+ PA++++ protection
Key Ingredients
- Green Tea, Centella Asiatica, and Aloe Vera, Cucumber extracts : Soothes and calms skin
- Acacia Peptide and Ceramide: Strengthens skin barrier
My Experience & Results
I loved how this Korean sunstick effortlessly spread on my skin. It felt super moisturizing and gave me that nice dewy glow. Plus, it went on really well over my makeup. I’ve never had any breakouts or skin irritation from it.
What I Loved
- Easy to apply & spread on my skin
- Very moisturizing
- Dewy, glowy finish
- Applied well over my makeup
- No white cast
- Didn’t break me out or irritate my skin
What Could Be Better
- I personally don’t have any complaints with this sunstick. However, individuals that prefer a matte finish might not like this
Who It’s For
- Best for dry and sensitive skin
Benefits
- UVB: SPF 50+ & UVA: PA +++
- This fragrance-free sun stick doesn’t contain any essential oils.
Key Ingredients
- Mugwort & Centella Asiatica: Calms sensitive and irritated skin
- Turmeric: Helps reduce redness and irritation
- Camilla: Hydrates the skin
- Hyaluronic acid: hydrates the skin
My Experience & Results
After using the Beauty of Joseon Matte Sunscreen Stick consistently for a whole month, I gotta say, this product is seriously amazing. The matte sun stick glides on smoothly, with no tugging or pulling at all. It absorbs super quickly, with no gross greasy residue left behind.
This sunscreen is perfect for layering – I love using it under my makeup or on top of my Korean serums. Once I put it on, my skin gets this satin, matte finish that lasts all day long. It’s also an awesome primer for my makeup. It somehow blurs out my pores, giving me that flawless TikTok filter effect.
Unlike other Korean sunscreens that can feel heavy and sticky, this one is incredibly lightweight. Even on hot and humid days, it holds up like a champ, with no melting or tackiness. I’ve worn this sunscreen for hours under the scorching sun, and it’s done a fantastic job of protecting my skin from burns and damage.
What I Loved
- Absorbs very quickly
- No greesy residue
- Matte, satin finish like a TikTok fiter
- Minimized oil in my t-zone
- Very light weight
- Holds up on hot & humid days
What Could Be Better
If you apply too much pressure when using this makeup, it may lift. I noticed a bit more shine after reapplying throughout the day. To minimize this, just blot away excess oil before reapplying.
When you apply it over makeup, some product may transfer onto the stick, but it’s not a big deal. Oh, and just so you know, this product isn’t waterproof since it hasn’t been tested for it.
Who It’s For
- Great for individuals with oily skin looking for a matte, blurred finish.
Benefits
SPF 50+ PA++++ sun protection.
The Key Ingredients
- 100% Zinc Oxide: Provides robust sun protection.
- Rose Flower Water: Soothes and hydrates the skin.
- Melon Fruit Extract: Offers calming properties and additional hydration
My Experience & Results
This mineral sunscreen easily blends into my skin, giving it a nice matte finish. I love its silky texture that reminds me of a makeup primer. Although it does leave a slight white cast, it’s not as noticeable as cream sunscreen and blends in seamlessly. Plus, it doesn’t cause breakouts and feels super lightweight, almost like I’m not even wearing sunscreen.
What I Loved
- Matte Finish
- Can be applied over makeup and doubles as a makeup primer.
- Feels lightweight and silky on your skin
- Vegan & Hypoallergenic
- Doesn’t break me out or irritate my skin
What Could Be Better
- Has a minimal white cast
Who It’s For
- Individuals with sensitive skin
Who It’s Not For
- Individuals with darker skin due to the minimal white cast
