01 / SPF
A mineral serum texture
Check how the flexible tint looks at the required amount.
ILIA — Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 ↗Protection comes first.
Choose sunscreen by its protection label and whether you can comfortably apply enough. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant SPF 30 or higher, with reapplication every two hours outdoors and after swimming or sweating. Shade and protective clothing also matter.
Start with the job
Which one fits?
02 / SPF
A fluid formula
Read the regional label for protection and directions.
La Roche-Posay — Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ ↗03 / SPF
A US-market cream
The exact formula name matters when comparing international listings.
Beauty of Joseon — Daily Relief Sunscreen SPF 40 ↗Where it fits in your routine
Apply according to the local product label before going outdoors. Cover exposed areas and reapply during outdoor time. Makeup should not prevent you from following sun-protection directions.
Before you buy
SPF values do not add together. A small tint or foundation application may not deliver the labelled protection. Regional products with similar names can use different filters and carry different directions.
Shortlists
The best spf picks.
Best-of guide · 4 picks
Best Korean sunscreens (UK)
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Niacinamide is the best all-rounder: a dewy SPF50+ PA++++ cream with modern UK/EU filters for about £15. Choose SKIN1004’s Water-Fit Sun Serum for a serum texture, Round Lab Birch Juice for more moisture, or COSRX Ultra-Light for a sheer fluid. None claims water resistance.
Read the guide ↗The spf edit
Explore the options.
Compare the role, finish and limitations. Each guide links to its original source and review date. Selection is editorial; no hands-on testing is implied. Product images are brand or retailer packshots, credited on each guide.
April 2026 launch
ILIA · SPF
Sun Serum Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50
The dedicated sunscreen option in ILIA’s range. Choose it for protection-first prep rather than the coverage of Super Serum Skin Tint.
Beauty of Joseon · SPF
Daily Relief Sunscreen SPF 40
The US-market counterpart to Relief Sun, which is not sold in the US: protection-first skin prep with a lightweight finish.
La Roche-Posay · SPF
Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+
The protect step under Couture glass skin — SPF50+ fluid that stays invisible so luminosity, not white cast, carries the photograph.
SKIN1004 · SPF
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
A serum-weight protect step with a dewy surface for base to sit on — sun protection that should not show up in the photograph.
Round Lab · SPF
Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++
The moisturising cream in the Korean SPF edit: one comfortable layer between skincare and a sheer base.
Beauty of Joseon · SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Niacinamide SPF50+
The UK and EU Relief Sun formula: a dewy protect layer that keeps skin reading as skin under a sheer base.
COSRX · SPF
Ultra-Light Invisible Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++
A sheer fluid protect step designed to disappear, whether the face is bare or under a skin tint.
Useful answers
SPF, explained.
Can I add the SPF numbers from two products?
No. Layering SPF 30 and SPF 50 does not make SPF 80. Follow the application amount and reapplication directions of your sunscreen.
Is SPF foundation enough on its own?
It depends on applying the tested amount evenly and reapplying as directed. Many people apply makeup more thinly. A dedicated sunscreen makes it easier to treat protection as its own step.