In the last 6-12 months there have been tonnes of great Korean sunscreen launches.
In this post I’ll share 4 relatively new Korean SPF launches for acne prone skin that I’d love to try throughout 2025.
If you’re shopping for a new sunscreen for acne and would like some guidance, hopefully this post will help.
Full disclosure, this is a sponsored post in collaboration with Stylevana, however I freely chose all of the products myself! If you’re keen to try any, I’ll put my discount code at the bottom.
1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-fresh + Rice
Beauty of Joseon makes one of the world’s most popular sunscreens, the Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+.
Although it’s universally regarded as one of the best Korean sunscreens, it can be a little triggering for acne-prone skin.
BoJ listened to this feedback and released the new Relief Sun Aqua-fresh + Rice – a chemical sunscreen designed to be a more delicate version of the original.
It has the same key ingredients but with a lighter texture, tailored towards oily skin types.
Sun protection
This Korean skincare formula protects with SPF 50 and PA ++++ which means a high protection from both UVB and UVB rays.
I would feel happy to use this as a daily sunscreen in the UK weather, based on the protection it delivers.
Active ingredients
This sunscreen contains five chemical sunscreen filters, which will work well to protect most skin types.
I am often asked which is better: mineral sunscreens or chemical sunscreens?
Honestly there is not a huge difference between the two, they both absorb the majority of UV rays – it’s a myth that mineral sunscreens reflect rays!
Typically though, I do find mineral sunscreens are a little easier on sensitive skin types.
I suspect this is because there are a few less chemical filters, on the whole, but as always it won’t be the same rule for everyone.
Shop the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-fresh + Rice on Stylevana.
2. Purito SEOUL Wonder Releaf Centella Daily Sun Lotion
Purito, newly rebranded to Purito SEOUL, is one of my favourite Korean skincare brands.
I’ve always felt their products are built to respect the skin barrier, with uncomplicated ingredient lists – something I personally look for.
The Purito SEOUL Wonder Releaf Centella sunscreen isn’t the newest of the launches, but it’s still relatively unknown since the rebrand.
This is another chemical SPF that uses centella asiatica extract, glycerin and allantoin for skin-soothing properties.
Sun protection
Again this is an SPF 50, fast-absorbing formula with PA++++.
This will protect you from both kinds of harmful UV rays – UVB for burning and UVA for ageing.
Active ingredients
I personally love niacinamide, though I know many don’t like it. This formula does include it.
I’d say if you tolerate niacinamide, this could be a great option for rosacea!
Much like the Beauty of Joseon formula, this contains 5 different UV filters.
I’d suggest trying this sunscreen for anyone with sensitive to combination skin.
Shop the Purito SEOUL Wonder Releaf Centella Daily Sun Lotion on Stylevana.
3. FRANKLY Cicahae Sunscreen
The FRANKLY brand is one of the lesser known Korean brands, and this is probably the newest of the four launches.
It caught my eye because of its focus on cica (centella asiatica), one of my favourite ingredients.
Overall it’s a very simple sunscreen formula, designed to be comfortable, soothe and protect the skin.
Like the others, it has no added fragrance or essential oils, which I personally recommend to avoid.
Sun protection
Another combination of five chemical sunscreen filters to provide SPF50 and PA++++.
In general, I recommend going with a minimum of SPF30 in climates like the UK.
In much sunnier places, I’d always stick with 50+ as one of the essential steps to prevent premature aging and skin cancer.
Active ingredients
This is a fairly simple formula that I think will work well for irritated skin.
The FRANKLY Cicahae formula does also contain niacinamide for brightening and skin barrier repair qualities.
Shop the FRANKLY Cicahae Sunscreen on Stylevana
4. Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Sun Stick
This sun stick by Skin1004 is probably the least recent launch of the bunch.
In my opinion, sun sticks aren’t quite the best sunscreen to use on your face, because it can be hard to know if you’re getting adequate protection.
It’s not to say they can’t work well for you, you just have to pay extra attention to how much you apply, to ensure you get enough.
However, in 2025 I’ve really enjoyed using them on my neck and chest area.
Plus, it’s a nice way of getting the benefits of other skincare ingredients onto areas that might have been otherwise neglected.
The Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Sun Stick stands out to me as I love most of their Madagascar Centella range.
Sun protection
This provides SPF50 and PA++++, but you will need to swipe it a good few times to ensure coverage.
Daily use of a sun stick on your neck can reduce:
- Forming new sun spots and dark spots as a result of sun damage on your neck and decolletage
- Dry skin on neglected areas
- A more even skin tone – so your face will match your neck!
Active ingredients
Lately I’ve been preferring sun sticks over a lightweight cream on the neck, since they don’t often stain clothing and are far less messy.
This one contains:
- Hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and glycerin.
- Soothing ingredients like aloe vera flower extract and bisabolol.
All in all, I love the convenience of this sun stick – so easy to take anywhere with you, and not messy like a cream!
If I had to choose a sunscreen reapplication method, a sunstick like this is definitely a better option than a mist.
Mists unfortunately don’t protect well over makeup at all!
Shop the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Sun Stick on Stylevana.
All in all, there seem to be lots of great K-beauty product launches coming out this year, but it’s important to be selective when you have acne prone skin.
How to choose sunscreen for acne prone skin
My general advice to help you whittle your list down is:
- Look for shorter INCI lists, if you can. Less ingredients = smaller possibility of a problem.
- I prefer to avoid fragrance and essential oils in my products. Even if you’re not allergic, they can cause background redness and breakouts from irritation and generally unhappy skin. Since sunscreen filters are already quite irritating, it’s good to keep potential irritants to a minimum.
- Choose SPF30 or above, and SPF50 if you’re going to sunnier climates.
If you’re keen to try out any of these, my Stylevana code is INF10NATO for 23-25% off.
