What's the best Korean or Japanese sunscreen?
Our team's top 3 Asian sunscreens are from Purito, Nivea, and Bioré—what's your favorite?
This may not look like the summer many of us envisioned just a few months ago, but no matter how much time you spend inside, outdoors, in direct sun, or in the shade these days, having a suncare routine that works for you is essential, and it all starts with having the information you need to make the right decisions for your skin. We asked our skincare-loving team at hiyuzu to tell us about their favorite sunscreens to help us all stay safe, comfortable, and in the loop.
"Our tip for starting your skincare? Wear sunscreen every day—365 days a year—and try not to miss a single one. You'll realize how much your skin will transform just by protecting it from sun exposure. You'll notice less sun damage, start to see your skin's natural radiance, and simply feel good enjoying the outdoors without the sunburn."
"Now here's the biggest problem: a lot of sunscreens suck! Not only are they sticky, but it feels like we're applying an oily body cream that spreads terribly. We tested so many over the years, and we've narrowed our picks down to the top three we can't stop recommending."
1. Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel SPF 50 PA+++
"This one is probably one of the most watery sunscreens we've tested. It's lightweight, silky, and when applied, is cooling to the skin. Leaves you feeling hydrated, but not sticky. The finish gives your skin a gentle natural glow."
2. Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
"The OG of all Asian sunscreens. Unlike the Nivea, this one dries matte, but is similarly lightweight and applies cool. It does have alcohol so if you have sensitive skin, you'll like our next choice!"
3. Purito Centella Green Level Safe Sun SPF 50+ PA++++
"A newbie rival to the other two. Purito released this in 2019—is it as good as the others? YES! This sunscreen is alcohol-free. A perfect formulation for sensitive skin. If you want something that's heavier and feels like a daytime cream, this one is for you!"
What unscented sunscreen would you recommend?
"We recommend the Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel if you want something that's fragrance-free and has a gel-like texture. We also recommend the Purito Centella Unscented version if you want something for dry skin."
Do I really need sunscreen while I'm inside or in the shade?
"Yes, we recommend making it good practice to apply sun protection in the morning after your skincare routine. It's good to be prepared in case you end up working near a window, gardening in the backyard, walking the dog, spending time on a rooftop or fire escape, or stepping outside to run errands."
Do I have to reapply after two hours?
"Yes, we recommend reapplying every two hours. But, don't stress yourself out if you forget. Just keep trying to make it a habit."
What sunscreen lasts all day?
"Unfortunately, none last all day."
Best invisible, no white cast sunscreen?
"Our top three! Nivea, Bioré, and Purito Centella."
Best sunscreen for acne-prone skin?
"All of the ones we offer at hiyuzu can be good for acne-prone skin, but the three we recommend most are COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream, Purito Centella Unscented Green Level Safe Sun, and Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel."
If I'm worried about getting clogged, what product should I use?
"Opt for watery gel-like textures. Try to go oil-free. And minimal ingredients would be best. Generally, for people with pore-clogging concerns, we opt for chemical over physical sunscreens, like Nivea Sun Protect Water Gel. If you find that your skin isn't compatible with chemical versions, you can try the Purito Comfy Water Sun Block."
Best sunscreen for swimming or going to the beach?
"We recommend waterproof options like Bioré UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence. And remember, even though it's waterproof or water-resistant, we still recommend that you follow the two-hour application rule."
What do you use to remove sunscreen?
"It's recommended to use a facial cleanser that's specifically make-up removing. Our favorite way is to use an oil cleanser. Our top pick is Nursery's Cleansing Balm Yuzu for dry skin." You can find more of our cleansers here.
Visit our suncare page to view all of our picks.
Have a question? Leave us a comment below.
