How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Dry Skin

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👇 Watch this video for an explanation of this article and our top 3 Korean sunscreen suggestions for dry skin. (+ a bonus top mineral sunscreen that will help to save your dry skin!)

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect Korean sunscreen for dry skin, you’re in the right place. Before summer hits, this May, we’re diving into sun care essentials because no matter how great your skincare routine is, it may go to waste without proper sun protection.

In this post, I’ll be sharing my top three Korean chemical sunscreens recommendations that are especially great for dry skin that leave a hydrating, dewy, and comfortable finish without pilling. Plus, I’ve included one gentle mineral sunscreen suggestion for those who prefer physical filters.

Whether you’re building a daily routine or just looking to upgrade your current SPF, this guide has you covered. And if you’re not quite sure where to start, be sure to check out, be sure to check out our free Korean sunscreen quiz and guide HERE to help you discover your perfect SPF match!

Let’s get started! ☀️

 3 Things to Look For in Sunscreen for Dry Skin

1. Choose a sunscreen with both UVA and UVB protection—especially UVA.

This applies to all skin types, not just dry skin.
There are two main types of UV rays:

First UVB. Think “B” for Burning.
UVB rays affect the skin’s surface up to about 10% of our skin, causing redness and, in severe cases, skin cancer. This is what SPF measures. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks about 98%. So SPF 30 or higher is generally enough.

Secondly, UVA is just as (if not more) important, especially when it comes to anti-aging.
Think “A” for Aging. UVA rays penetrate deeper, up to 90%, reaching the dermis. These rays can pass through windows, causing wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation. UVA protection is indicated by PA ratings. The more plus signs, the stronger the UVA protection.

✅ Look for:
• PA+++ or PA++++ ratings
• SPF 30 or 50
• Broad-spectrum filters like Tinosorb (chemical) or Zinc Oxide (mineral) or UVA filters like Avobenzone (chemical) listed high in the ingredient list.

If you’d like to discover more about PA ratings and their meanings check out this article from colourscience HERE.

2. Look for sunscreens with hydrating ingredients

Dry skin can feel tight and uncomfortable, especially with sunscreen. That’s why you’ll want formulas packed with skin hydration hero ingredients like:

• Glycerin
• Hyaluronic acid
• Panthenol
• Ceramides

These will help lock in hydration and prevent your skin from feeling parched throughout the day.

3.  Go for a dewy and hydrating finish

Most Korean sunscreens especially chemical sunscreens do this well, which is perfect for dry skin! A dewy texture helps makeup sit better and makes skin look more healthy and glowing. That said, I’ve also included an option with a semi-matte finish in this article that still feels hydrating, just in case you’re not a fan of the glow.

Top 3 Korean Chemical Sunscreens Picks for Dry Skin

Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

An extremely hydrating and moisturizing sunscreen with a  lightweight, creamy texture, packed with hydrating ingredients like:

• 5 types of ceramides
• Panthenol, glycerin, and tocopherol (Vitamin E)

It offers excellent UVA and UVB protection (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (UVA filter) Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Broad Spectrum) listed highly in the ingredients list, absorbs quickly without pilling or white cast, and feels comfortable even under makeup.

✅ Key Features:
• Minimal ingredients (great for sensitive skin)
• No niacinamide (perfect if you’re sensitive to it)
• Around $25  / £16 for 60ml

A fuss-free, hydrating sunscreen that gets the job done beautifully.

ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturising sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

A sensational Korean sunscreen that has won Olive Young awards multiple times! With its serum-like texture and ingredients like:
• Birch Juice
• Glycerin
• Glyceryl glucoside
• Hyaluronic acid

…it’s a dream for dry skin.

Its UVA protection comes from Uvinul A Plus, and Tinosorb M, both listed highly in the ingredients list provide broad-spectrum coverage. It absorbs fast, gives a healthy glow, and works well under makeup with no pilling or white cast.

💬 Note: The U.S. version might differ due to FDA regulations.

✅ Key Features:
• Extremely lightweight, dewy finish
• About 44 ingredients (patch test recommended if you have sensitive skin)
• Around $28 / £21 for 50ml

A deeply hydrating sunscreen that deserves its hype.

Some By Mi V10 Hyal Air Fit Sunscreen SPF50 

If you’re looking for something less dewy but still hydrating for your dry skin, this one is for you. Though it doesn’t specify the PA rating, it contains Avobenzone—a powerful UVA filter listed high in the ingredients list and is infused with:
• Niacinamide (10,000 ppm)
• Panthenol
• Hyaluronic acid
• Centella Asiatica 
• Tea tree extract

This creamy sunscreen gives a semi-matte finish that sits beautifully.

✅ Key Features:
• Mild citrus scent 
• Around 64 ingredients (patch test if sensitive)
• Non-comedogenic 
• Around $23  / £18 for 50ml

A hydrating sunscreen perfect for dry or combination skin that leans dry.

Bonus 👉  Best Korean Mineral Sunscreen for Dry Skin:
Dear Klairs All-day Airy Mineral Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++++

If you prefer mineral sunscreens that you can slap on and leave home immediately. (You can find out more about mineral/physical sunscreen ). It uses a gentle and pregnancy-safe filter (zinc oxide), this is a must-try.

If you prefer a mineral sunscreen you can apply and head out the door right away, this one’s a must-try! It uses zinc oxide, a gentle UV filter often recommended for sensitive skin and pregnancy-safe routines (though it’s always best to consult your doctor to be 100% sure).
Learn more about mineral/physical sunscreens HERE

Unlike typical mineral SPFs, it feels light, absorbs quickly, and leaves only a minimal white cast that fades over time.

Key ingredients:
• Zinc Oxide (broad UVA/UVB protection)
• Glycerin
• Ectoin
• Panthenol
• Ceramides
• Camellia sinensis (green tea) extract

✅ Key Features:
• A hydrating finish, leaving a minimal white cast
• Great for dry or dehydrated skin with sensitive skin (unless your skin reacts to the mineral UV filter, Zinc Oxide)
• Around $26 / £20 for 60g

A gentle, hydrating, and comfortable mineral sunscreen perfect for sensitive skin.

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