In this post, we will talk about the best Korean and Japanese sunscreens for dark skin.

This Japanese sunscreen should be suitable for lighter and darker skin tones.

It provides a combination of mineral and chemical UV filters.

Pros:

• It contains hyaluronic acid, royal jelly extract, and other key ingredients to keep the skin comfortable and hydrated.

• It contains Uvinul A Plus, Tinosorb S, Octinoxate, Octyl Triazone.

• It is free of colorants and non-comedogenic and hypoallergenic tested.

• It prevents dryness.

• It absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving a sticky feeling, pilling, or white cast.

• It doesn’t irritate the eyes.

• It can act as a primer before applying makeup products.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Ethanol, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl triazone, Isopropyl palmitate, Lauryl Methacrylate/Sodium Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Hydrogenated polyisobutene, Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine, Dextrin Palmitate, BG, Xylitol, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Dimethicone, alkyl benzoate (C12-15), Glycerin, Glyceryl stearate, Propanediol, Glyceryl behenate, Vinyl dimethicone / methicone Silsesquioxane crosspolymer, Cetanol, Agar, Sorbitan distearate, Isoceteth-20, Polyvinyl alcohol, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Arginine, Potassium hydroxide, Sodium Hydroxide, Royal jelly extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Phenoxyethanol, EDTA-2Na, BHT, Fragrance.

This is a Korean sunscreen that should be suitable for dark skin.

Pros:

• It absorbs moisture into your skin without leaving a white cast.

• It uses naturally derived ingredients to make skin comfortable.

• Does not contain oxybenzone and octanoate.

• It is reef-safe, cruelty-free, and has a vegan certification.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid, Polyglyceryl-3 Distearate, Niacinamide, Tromethamine, Cetearyl Alcohol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Pentylene Glycol, Polysilicone-15, Vigna Radiata Seed Extract, Gossypium Herbaceum (cotton) Extract, Sophora Flavescens Root Extract, Rheum Palmatum Root/Stalk Extract, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract, Phellodendron Amurense Bark Extract, Oenothera Biennis (evening primrose) Flower Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Gossypium Herbaceum (cotton) Seed Oil, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Glyceryl Stearate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/Vp Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Butylene Glycol, Tocopherol, Fragrance.

This is a waterproof and sweat-resistant Japanese sunscreen that comes in a gel-type formula that’s as light as water.

It is suitable for lighter and darker skin tones.

Pros:

• It contains 4 moisturizing ingredients (sodium hyaluronate, super hyaluronate, hydrolyzed collagen, and arginine).

• Gives a natural finish.

• It can be used as a makeup base.

• It is free of fragrances, artificial colorants, and mineral oils.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, ethylhexyl methoxysilicate, ethanol, BG, xanthan gum, EDTA-2Na, polystyrene, diethylhexyl succinate, bisethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyltriazine, polyvinyl alcohol, pentaisostearate polyglycerylulu 10, diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Na hyaluronate Na acetylhyaluronate, hydrolyzed collagen, arginine, silica, PEG-40 dimethacryl image glycol crosspolymer stearate, (acrylics / acrylic western image alkyl (C10-30)) crosspolymer, Phenoxyethanol, bis PEG-18 methyl ether dimethylsilane, methylenebisbenzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, triethylhexanoin, resilicone-13, TEA, decylglucoside, PG, biosaccharide gum-4, glycerin

This Korean sunscreen is composed of chemical filters to provide SPF50+ PA++++ sun protection.

Pros:

• It’s infused with glacial water, panthenol, and seven plant-based extracts to soothe and cool sun-irritated skin instantly.

• It leaves the skin moisturized and refreshed.

• Contains a brightening ingredient niacinamide.

• It is vegan and reef-safe.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Purified Water, Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Polysilicone-15, Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol, Ethylhexyltriazone, Niacinamide, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Vanilla Tahitensis Fruit Extract, Bambusa Vulgaris Water, Centella Asiatica Extract, Caprylyl Methicone, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Silica, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methyl Glucose Distearate, Sodium Acrylate Crosspolymer- 2, Decyl Glucoside, Acrylate/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Adenosine, Panthenol, Dipropylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Xanthan Gum.

The Nivea Japan – UV super water gel is another sunscreen that would be perfect for lighter and darker skin tones.

Pros:

• It is suitable for all skin types and skin tones.

• It also moisturizes the skin and can be used in humid climates.

• It can be used under makeup.

• It is lightweight and absorbs into the skin quickly without leaving a sticky feeling or any white cast/eye-stinging.

Cons:

• The only downside of this product is that it contains alcohol.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, ethanol, PG, dimethicone, ethylhexyltriazone, hexyl diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl benzoate, sodium hyaluronate, Phellodendron bark extract, quince seed extract, tocopherol acetate, (Acrylate/alkyl acrylate (C10-30))) Crosspolymer, Carbomer, Setes-10, Na Hydroxide, BHT, Methylparaben.

This Korean sunscreen includes 20 types of plant extracts that soothe, moisturize, and control sebum and keep your skin hydrated.

Pros:

• The non-greasy formula will give an airy finish without stickiness, protecting your soft skin from harmful UV rays.

• Damask Rose, Aloe Vera, Raspberry, Avocado Fruit, Baobab, Purslane, Yarrow, Arnica Montana, Mud Mushroom, and Coptis Chinensis Root Extract help moisturize the skin.

• Evening primrose, giant Pine leaf, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, and Pueraria Lobata Root Extract Help in reducing greasiness and giving a soft and silky finish.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Isododecane, Dipropylene Glycol, Silica, Avobenzone, 1,2-Hexanediol, Octyldodeceth-16, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Coptis Japonica Extract, Butylene Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Orange Peel Oil, Litsea Cubeba Fruit Oil, Bergamot Fruit Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens Flower Oil, Lavender Oil, Tea Tree Leaf Oil, Lime Oil, Clove Leaf Oil, Camphor Bark Oil, Maltodextrin, Avocado Fruit Extract, Evening Primrose Flower Extract, Pinus Palustris Leaf Extract, Ulmus Davidiana Root Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, Lemon Fruit Extract, Glycerin, Rosa Damascena Extract, Lippia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Adansonia Digitata Leaf Extract, Raspberry Fruit Extract, Portulaca Oleracea Extract, Blueberry Fruit Extract, Achillea Millefolium Extract, Arnica Montana Flower Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Artemisia Capillaris Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, Hibiscus Sabdariffa Flower Extract, Beta-Glucan, Citral, Citronellol, Limonene, Geraniol, Linalool.

This sunscreen is just like the Hatomugi one we talked about and many people have recommended it. It comes in a 220g bottle and can be used on the body and face.

Pros:

• It is a moisturizing sunscreen gel that protects the skin from UV rays.

• It is a hypoallergenic formula.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Water, BG, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, xanthan gum, isohexadecane, hydrous silica, polysorbate 80, sorbitan oleate, glycerin, tocopherol, citric acid, hydrogenated polyisobutene, cetyl ethyl hexanoate, hexyl diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl benzoate, titanium oxide, silica, honeybee seed extract, Wasabi noki seed extract, PEG-12 dimethicone, ethylhexyltriazone, edelweiss flower/ leaf extract, turkey leaf/stem extract, ginger root extract, bisethylhexyloxyphenolmethoxyphenyltriazine, stearyl dimethicone, triethoxycaprylylsilane, Na acrylate copolymer, Al hydroxide, polyglyceryl distearate- 3 Methylglucose, tocopherol acetate, 2Na phosphate, phenoxyethanol, BHT.

A moisturizing sun cream with sun protection that protects skin against UV rays and external irritations.

Pros:

• The lightweight and watery texture helps the skin quickly absorb moisture and keep your skin hydrated.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredients does it contain?

Purified Water, 1,3-Butylene Glycol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Titanium Dioxide, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Cyclopentasiloxane, Silica, Cyclohexasiloxane, Tocopheryl Acetate, Althaea Officinalis Root Extract, Lavender Flower Extract, Matricaria Flower Extract, Gotu Kola) Extract, Lippia Citriodora Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Magnesium Aspartate, Zinc Gluconate, Calcium Gluconate, Copper Gluconate, Phenyl Trimethicone, Aluminum Stearate, Polyacrylate-13, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Alumina, Polyisobutene, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Caprylate, Carbomer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysorbate 20, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Iron Oxide Red, Iron Oxide Yellow, Fragrance, Butylphenyl Methylpropional, Linalool.

Pros:

• Has a milk-like consistency making it lightweight.

• It dries down to a more radiant matte finish.

• It can be used under makeup.

• It is resistant to sweat and water.

Cons:

• The only con to this sunscreen is the strong scent of alcohol, but the scent quickly dissipates.

What ingredients does it contain?

Cyclomethicone, water, ethanol, zinc oxide, ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, isododecane, PG dicaprate acid, polysilicone-15, water-soluble collagen, BHT, EDTA-2Na, PEG-9 polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, squalane, polymethylsilsesquioxane, isotolideyl isononanoate, hexyl diethylaminohydroxybenzoyl Dimethicone, BG, chamomile flower extract, crematis extract, yagurumagiku flower extract, Roman chamomile flower extract, brown algae extract, cetyl dimethicone, shimotsukesou extract, sugina extract, sardine flower/leaf/stem extract, sardine extract, tokinsenka flower extract, trimethylsiloxysilicic acid, myristic acid, tocopherol, sodium hyaluronate, fuyubodaiju flower extract, Phenoxyethanol.

You can use this if you have dark and dry/sensitive skin. It contains aloe complex to moisturize the skin.

Pros:

• It contains Aloe Complex (55,000 ppm) that soothes & hydrates the skin.

• It has a lightweight texture and doesn’t leave a white cast.

Cons:

• None.

What ingredient does it contain?

WATER, ETHYLHEXYL METHOXYCINNAMATE, GLYCERIN, PROPYLENE GLYCOL, CYCLOPENTASILOXANE, PHENYLBENZIMIDAZOLE SULFONIC ACID, BIS-ETHYLHEXYLOXYPHENOL METHOXYPHENYL TRIAZINE, DICAPRYLYL CARBONATE, ISOAMYL P-METHOXYCINNAMATE, POTASSIUM CETYL PHOSPHATE, ALCOHOL, DIMETHICONE, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, GLYCERYL STEARATE, TITANIUM DIOXIDE, C14-22 ALCOHOLS, POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, PEG-100 STEARATE, TRIETHANOLAMINE, SILICA, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, DIMETHICONE/VINYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, C12-20 ALKYL GLUCOSIDE, ALUMINUM HYDROXIDE, STEARIC ACID, FRAGRANCE, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, PHENOXYETHANOL, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, ALOE ARBORESCENS LEAF EXTRACT, DIPOTASSIUM GLYCYRRHIZATE, CARBOMER, XANTHAN GUM, LIMONENE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, DISODIUM EDTA, HEXYL CINNAMAL, LINALOOL, BENZYL SALICYLATE, GERANIOL, BENZYL ALCOHOL, CITRONELLOL, BENZYL BENZOATE, CITRAL.

• Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++
• Biore UV Athlizm
• Natural Sun Eco No Shine Hydrating Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++ 
• Anessa Essence UV Sunscreen Mild Milk
• Abib Quick Sunstick SPF 50+ / PA ++++
• Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
• Beauty of Joseon Probiotics Sunscreen
• Skin Aqua UV Super Moisture Milk
• Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+ 
• HolikaHolika Aloe Soothing Essence SPF 50+/PA++++ 
• IUNIK Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen
• Innisfree Daily UV Defense SPF 36
• Makeprem CICAPRO Soothing Sun Essence and SNP UV Perfect Air-Cool Sun Cream
• Skin Aqua – UV Super Moisture Gel Essence Gold SPF 50+ PA++++
• Biore UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Lotion SPF50
• Isntree Watery Sun Gel

For Japanese sunscreens, we recommend the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence or the Nivea Japan – UV Super Water Gel .

For Korean sunscreens, we recommend the Toboco Bio Watery Sun Cream or the NEOGEN – Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen.

If you still have trouble choosing, you can go for whatever you like because all of these are suitable for lighter or darker skin tones.