17 lightweight Japanese and Korean sunscreens that are blowing up in Singapore 2024

Torriden Dive In Mild Sun Cream, $20.13 at Lazada

Credit: Olive Young

1/17

Fans of the popular Torriden Dive In Serum will enjoy adding the Torriden Dive In Moisture Sun Cream to your daily skincare regime. This hydrating sunscreen uses hyaluronic acid to infuse your skin with moisture and hydration to keep it soft and supple and has been clinically tested to be good for all skin types, even for those with sensitive skin.

With its SPF 50+ and PA++++ properties, it offers great UV protection for 24 hours. When it comes to application, you can look forward to a lightweight essence-like texture that glides on nicely leaving no dreaded white cast.

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen, $24.20 at Lazada

Credit: Shopee

2/17

Looking for a sunscreen that's as refreshing as a cold glass of birch juice on a hot summer day? Look no further than ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen.

Popular on TikTok and in South Korea, this sunscreen not only protects your skin from harmful UV rays, but also moisturises and hydrates with natural birch sap extract. Plus, its lightweight formula won't leave you feeling greasy or weighed down.

Numbuzin No. 1 Clear Filter Sun Essence, $22.46 at Amazon

Credit: Olive Young

3/17

Perfect for those hot and sunny days, the Numbuzin No. 1 Clear Filter Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen provides a cooling and refreshing feeling when applied.

It absorbs quickly and helps to moisturise and soothe irritated skin with 10 types of hyaluronic acid, if you’re in the market for a sunscreen that can also help to infuse some hydration into your skin. We also like that it’s reef-safe, great for days out by the beach or in the ocean.

Orbis Wrinkle Bright UV Protector, $34.36 at Amazon

Credit: Orbis Singapore

4/17

We love a good anti-aging product and that’s where the Orbis Wrinkle Bright UV Protector comes in.

One of our favourite sunscreens on the list, apart from protecting against UV rays, near-infrared light and up to 40% reduction in blue light, the SPF 50 + PA+++ sunscreen also provides whitening and active wrinkle care, doubling up as a 2-in-1 skin and sun care must-have in your daily routine.

DR G Green Mild Up Sun+, $18.25 at Lazada

Credit: Dr.G

5/17

The Dr.G Green Mild Up Sun+ is an SPF 50+ PA++++ lightweight sunscreen that utilises zinc oxide to protect your skin from the sun.

One particular outstanding feature of this sunscreen that those who love water activities such as snorkelling will appreciate –  it’s safe for use in the ocean with no ingredients used that might harm coral reefs. Good for sensitive skin, it also protects against blue light, infrared light, fine dust and UV light, and is non-sticky.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, $24 at Lazada

Credit: Beauty of Joseon

6/17

As the name implies, this SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen uses rice extract and grain probiotics complex as key ingredients.

A cult favourite chemical sunscreen, the lightweight cream formula of Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics also absorbs quickly without leaving a white cast.

Kose Sekkisei White UV Milk, $32 at Lazada

Credit: Kokoro

7/17

Get your hands on the Kose Sekkisei White UV Milk with SPF 50+ and PA++++ protection if you haven’t already tried it. Unlike the gel version, this sunscreen absorbs fast and doesn’t leave a sticky texture when applied.

Application is smooth, and fuss-free and leaves your skin feeling nice and fresh. It’s also waterproof and sweat-resistant, perfect for days when you’ll be out and about.

Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum, $17.55 at iHerb

Credit: Skin1004

8/17

Skin1004’s SPF50+ PA++++chemical sunscreen combines hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica extract. The former hydrates the skin while the latter soothes and heals.

It's also unscented and also does not leave a white cast, for those who prefer unscented products.

Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk, $15.50 at Amazon

Credit: Amazon

9/17

By now most probably already know about Anessa, but have you tried the Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk yet? The lightweight SPF 50+ PA++++ milk texture ensures your sunscreen absorbs well leaving no sticky feeling, and it’s waterproof as well, ensuring your skin stays protected for a longer period.

One interesting feature of this sunscreen is that the UV protection veil provided is strengthened when it comes into contact with water, heat, humidity and sweat, making it a winner in our books.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel, $17.40 at Amazon

Credit: Isntree

10/17

Another well-loved chemical sunscreen that won’t leave a white cast, the Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel formula is packed with eight different weights of hyaluronic acid to flood parched skin with hydration.

It's good for all skin types from oily to dry and carries a pleasant green tea scent.

Dear, Klairs All-day Airy Sunscreen, $28.80 at Lazada

Credit: Dear, Klairs

11/17

Elevate your sun protection game with this SPF 50+ PA++++ moisturising sunscreen. Dear, Klairs All-day Airy Sunscreen features a vegan-friendly formula, enriched with purslane and ginger extracts, and not only shields against UV rays but also soothes and hydrates.

Its feather-light gel texture ensures swift absorption, leaving your skin with a natural matte finish. Crafted without essential oils, it's a good option for those with sensitive skin.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream, $11.80 at Amazon

Credit: Amazon

12/17

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream shields your skin from the sun's rays with its SPF 50+ and PA+++ properties, and pampers your skin with a hydrating and soothing aloe vera infusion at the same time.

Bid goodbye to a white cast and greasy feel when you apply this sun cream – this formula is also free from controversial ingredients like oxybenzone, making it ideal for all eco-conscious girlies.



 

Curél Day Barrier UV Protection Milk, $17.71 at Amazon

Credit: Curél

13/17

Curél is a Japanese label that specialises in creating skincare suitable for sensitive skin types.

If this sounds right up your alley, check out the Curél Day Barrier UV Protection Milk SPF50+ PA+++, a physical sunscreen (which leaves a white cast) that contains ceramides to hydrate, moisturise and protect. It also features their Day Barrier Technology that shields against environmental pollutants.

Bioré UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Lotion, $11.80 at Amazon

Credit: Bioré

14/17

The latest addition to the famed Bioré Aqua Rich line of sunscreen, Bioré UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Lotion SPF50+ PA++++ showcases a water-based formula with a lovely water-like texture.

It is lightweight and spreads easily, making application a breeze. As it is a chemical sunscreen, it doesn’t leave a white cast upon application too.

Freeplus Mild UV Body Milk, $34.88 at Lazada

Credit: Freeplus

15/17

Freeplus is another skincare label made for sensitive skin types. This SPF32 PA+++ sunscreen emulsion is suitable for both the face and body and uses physical filters, which can leave a white cast.

It is also free of potentially allergenic ingredients such as fragrances and colourants, and feels really light and gentle on the skin.

Mary & May Cica Soothing Sun Cream, $22.96 at iHerb

Credit: Mary & May

16/17

Made with seven kinds of centella asiatica extracts to soothe irritated skin, Cica Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ is a non-white cast chemical sunscreen.

It has a light floral scent and also contains hyaluronic acid, inositol and niacinamide in its list of nourishing ingredients in the sunscreen.

Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF50+ PA++++, $15.28 at Lazada

Credit: Canmake

17/17

With a smooth and watery gel-like texture that spreads easily across the skin, the Canmake Mermaid Skin Gel UV SPF50+ PA++++sunscreen also doubles as a makeup primer.

It's a good multi-tasker that also doesn’t leave a white cast which is great when applying makeup over the sunscreen.



This article was originally published in Singapore Women's Weekly.