Final Up to date on November 5, 2025 by Giorgia Guazzarotti
So the sunscreen cushion korean development has been everywhere currently and yeah there’s truly a cause everybody received’t shut up about them. Possibly you retain seeing them in your feed and also you’re like what even are these. Or possibly you already know what they’re however you’re making an attempt to determine which one to really purchase or in the event that they’re gonna be just right for you or no matter. Both method you’re in the appropriate spot. We’re gonna discuss what makes them totally different from the common sunscreen scenario, which of them are literally good, whether or not they have skincare advantages, and use them with out overthinking it. Mainly every thing you’d wanna know earlier than spending cash on one. As a result of there’s quite a lot of choices on the market and never all of them are nice so let’s determine this out collectively.
What Are Korean Solar Cushions?
Okay so a Korean sunscreen cushion is principally this little compact with a sponge cushion inside that’s loaded with sunscreen. You press this puff applicator factor onto the cushion after which simply pat it in your face. That’s it. Tremendous straightforward. The entire thought is you get precise solar safety with out coping with all of the annoying stuff that makes common sunscreen suck. No squeezing tubes and getting it throughout your palms. No rubbing it in ceaselessly whereas it tablets up. No white forged making you appear like a ghost. You actually simply faucet it on and also you’re executed.
Advantages Of Utilizing Sunscreen Cushions
- The portability factor is big. These compacts are tiny so you’ll be able to truly throw one in your bag and reapply all through the day. Which we’re presupposed to do each two hours however let’s be actual no one does that with common sunscreen as a result of who needs to hold an entire bottle round.
- Simple reapplication with make-up on: For those who’ve already acquired basis or no matter in your face you’ll be able to simply pat this over it and it blends proper in. Strive doing that with common sunscreen and also you’re principally beginning your complete face over.
- Light-weight components: Not that heavy sticky gross texture. They take in quick and a few of them even assist management oil or offer you a pleasant glow relying on which one you get.
- Hygienic: You’re not sticking your fingers within the product so it stays cleaner longer and doesn’t get contaminated or bizarre.
Mainly they fastened every thing that makes individuals hate carrying sunscreen. The one query now could be, do they supply satisfactory solar safety?
Do Sunscreen Cushions Present Ample Solar Safety?
So right here’s the factor about cushion sunscreens and whether or not they truly defend you correctly – there’s principally no analysis particularly on cushions. Like none. Which is kinda wild contemplating how fashionable they’re. However we do have a ton of research on common sunscreen utility and it’s not nice information. After they take a look at sunscreens in labs they use 2 mg/cm² which is the usual quantity. However in actual life individuals apply method lower than that – often someplace between 0.5 to 1.5 mg/cm². And once you’re not utilizing sufficient the SPF you’re truly getting drops actually exhausting. One study found that if you only use half the recommended amount you might only be getting like a third of the SPF on the label. So your SPF 50 cushion may solely be supplying you with SPF 15 or 20 safety.
The issue with cushions is that they make it tremendous straightforward to underuse the product with out even realizing it. Just a few gentle pats feels such as you’re coated however you’re in all probability not making use of practically sufficient. You have to be fairly beneficiant with the patting and actually ensure you’re getting full protection throughout your face. Most individuals don’t try this as a result of it seems like overkill.
So can cushions present satisfactory safety? Yeah IF you utilize sufficient product (which 99% of us doesn’t!). However the comfort that makes them so interesting can also be what makes them dangerous. You gotta be intentional about making use of a correct quantity and reapplying all through the day. Don’t simply do like three pats and assume you’re good for eight hours since you’re positively not.
Associated: Do Sunscreen Drops Provide Adequate Sun Protection?
What Are The Greatest Sunscreen Cushions From South Korea?
Dr. Althea Inexperienced Tea Recent Sunscreen ($19.37)
This one is severely light-weight and it doesn’t go away any white forged in any respect which is big. The feel is sort of watery once you first put it on but it surely absorbs actually quick and doesn’t really feel sticky or greasy after. Like you’ll be able to put make-up over it no downside and it truly works fairly effectively as a primer base too. The SPF50+ PA++++ safety is robust so that you’re coated even on actually sunny days.
What’s cool about this one is how mild it’s. It’s acquired inexperienced tea and a bunch of centella extracts in there so it’s truly soothing in case your pores and skin is irritated or purple. It’s perfume free which is nice for delicate pores and skin and it doesn’t sting in any respect. My pores and skin feels snug carrying all of it day and it doesn’t make me get away or get oily. It’s vegan and dermatologist examined which is sweet however actually the primary factor is it simply feels actually good in your pores and skin and doesn’t try this annoying factor the place sunscreen makes your face really feel suffocated.
Obtainable at: Superdrug and Yes Style
Lively Elements: Uvinul T 150, Uvinul A Plus, Mexoryl XL, Tinosorb M, and centella asiatica.
Advantages: Supplies solar safety and helps soothe pores and skin.
Cons: When you have oily pores and skin, this received’t take in extra oil.
Pores and skin kind: All pores and skin varieties can use it.
Perfume-free: Sure.
MISSHA Protected Block RX Rosy Tone Up Solar Cushion ($17.47)
This one’s a mineral sunscreen so it makes use of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide which suggests it’s gentler on the pores and skin. The feel is that this gel-type factor that feels actually cooling once you put it on which is sweet particularly in case your pores and skin will get sizzling simply. It has a rosy pink tint to it that’s presupposed to brighten you up and offer you that recent look with out trying such as you’re carrying precise make-up.
What I like about it’s it doesn’t really feel heavy in any respect and it has niacinamide in there which is nice for night out your pores and skin tone. It’s acquired nutritional vitamins and another hydrating stuff so your pores and skin doesn’t really feel dry after carrying all of it day. The end is fairly pure and dewy not tremendous matte. The pink tint works effectively in order for you that complete “I’m not carrying basis however my pores and skin seems good” vibe. Simply realize it’s gonna offer you a slight rosy tone so if that’s not your factor this may not be it.
Obtainable at: Yes Style
Lively Elements: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
Advantages: Supplies good solar safety with a dewy end and rosy tint.
Cons: The rosy tint received’t look good on all pores and skin tones.
Pores and skin kind: Greatest for dry pores and skin.
Perfume-free: Sure.
Innisfree No-Sebum Solar Cushion EX ($21.42)
That is particularly made for greasy pores and skin so for those who’re somebody who will get shiny all through the day this is perhaps your factor. It’s acquired this powder in it that’s supposed to soak up oil and maintain you matte which truly works fairly effectively. The components has inexperienced tea water and panthenol so although it’s controlling oil it’s not gonna dry you out fully. It’s a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide plus one chemical filter. The tone up impact is fairly noticeable – it brightens your pores and skin and helps blur out pores which is sweet in order for you that easy filtered look.
The feel is gentle and it doesn’t really feel heavy or sticky in any respect. Some say it might probably go away a little bit of a white forged particularly if in case you have darker pores and skin in order that’s one thing to remember. It’s presupposed to be good for pimples inclined pores and skin they usually did non-comedogenic testing on it. The end is smooth and matte not dewy so for those who like that recent pure glow this in all probability isn’t it. However for those who’re uninterested in trying greasy by midday and also you need one thing that retains you trying clear and recent this does the job. Simply ensure you apply sufficient as a result of it’s straightforward to go too gentle with the patting.
Obtainable at: Yes Style
Lively Elements: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide
Advantages: Supplies good solar safety with oil-absorption.
Cons: Some might not just like the dewy end. It additionally leaves a white money on darker pores and skin tones.
Pores and skin kind: Greatest for greasy and mixture pores and skin.
Perfume-free: Sure.
HOLIKA HOLIKA Aloe Soothing Essence Gentle Solar Cushion ($20.59)
This one’s all about being mild and soothing which is sensible because it has aloe extract in it. It’s a chemical sunscreen so no white forged in any respect which is nice. The feel is tremendous light-weight and has this cooling impact once you put it in your face which feels very nice particularly on sizzling days. It’s acquired niacinamide in there too so it helps brighten your pores and skin over time and retains issues even. The components feels moisturizing with out being heavy or sticky and it absorbs quick. It’s acquired a bunch of fruit extracts and a few ceramides which assist along with your pores and skin barrier.
The end is extra on the dewy aspect so for those who’re into that recent glowy look this works effectively. It’s reef protected too which is cool for those who care about that. The cushion itself is larger than normal – 25g as a substitute of the conventional 14g or no matter – so that you get extra product and a much bigger applicator puff which makes it simpler to use to your physique too not simply your face. Simply realize it has perfume in it so for those who’re tremendous delicate to scents that is perhaps one thing to contemplate.
Obtainable at: Yes Style
Lively Elements: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, and Uvinul A
Advantages: Supplies good solar safety, a dewy end, and a cooling impact.
Cons: Comprises perfume.
Pores and skin kind: All pores and skin varieties bar delicate.
Perfume-free: No.
TIRTIR Masks Match Cool Blue Solar Cushion ($21.01)
This one’s constructed for summer time and it actually delivers on the cooling factor. It has these elements that supposedly drop your pores and skin temp by like 3.5 levels celsius once you put it on which actually feels fairly refreshing particularly for those who’re sizzling. It’s a hybrid sunscreen with each mineral and chemical filters so that you get good safety and not using a heavy white forged. The tone up impact is there but it surely’s fairly pure not tremendous dramatic. The components has niacinamide and ceramides so it’s doing a little skincare stuff whereas defending you from the solar.
It’s acquired this peachy undertone that helps neutralize redness which is sweet for those who take care of that. The protection is gentle to medium and it lasts rather well – they declare 30 hours however clearly you should reapply each 2 hours for solar safety. The end is extra pure and skin-like not tremendous matte or tremendous dewy simply someplace within the center. It has alcohol in it which could hassle some individuals however that’s in all probability a part of why it feels so gentle and cooling. Good choice in order for you solar safety that doubles as a base and doesn’t make you are feeling such as you’re carrying a ton of stuff in your face.
Obtainable at: Yes Style
Lively Elements: Titanium Dioxide, Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150 and Tinosorb M
Advantages: Supplies good solar safety and doubles up as a great make-up base. Buildable protection.
Cons: You have to reapply it as usually as every other sunscreen, in order for you the solar safety on the label.
Pores and skin kind: All pores and skin varieties.
Perfume-free: Sure.
FAQs
What makes Korean cushion foundations totally different from common sunscreens?
Korean cushion foundations are principally genius as a result of they mix solar safety with buildable protection in a single compact case. As an alternative of layering sunscreen then basis, you simply faucet and go. The progressive design makes use of a sponge soaked in product that you simply press with a puff for exact utility. Ok-beauty consultants created these to make reapplication truly doable all through the day, and the light-weight texture means you don’t really feel such as you’re carrying a masks. Plus most have skincare elements like hyaluronic acid and niacinamide in-built so that you’re getting extra advantages when you defend your pores and skin.
How usually ought to I reapply sunscreen cushion all through the day?
You have to reapply each 2-3 hours for those who’re out within the solar, particularly as a result of most individuals don’t apply sufficient product within the first place. The entire level of cushion compacts is that they make fast touch-ups tremendous straightforward – you’ll be able to actually do it over your make-up with out ruining something. On the finish of the day although, for those who utilized too little within the morning you’re not getting the broad-spectrum SPF safety on the label. So be beneficiant with the patting once you first apply and don’t skip these reapplications.
Do Korean sunscreen cushions actually defend in opposition to UVA and UVB rays?
Yeah they do if they’ve broad-spectrum SPF and you utilize the correct amount of product. The issue is most cushions make it very easy to underapply with out realizing it. Analysis reveals that when individuals use half the advisable quantity of sunscreen their safety drops far more than half – typically down to love a 3rd of the labeled SPF. So cushions can completely defend you from dangerous UV rays and UVB rays however provided that you’re making use of sufficient. Pat generously and reapply usually.
Can I exploit a sunscreen cushion as a part of my common skincare routine?
Completely, and actually that’s sort of the purpose. Most Korean magnificence merchandise within the cushion format have skincare elements like vitamin E, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and even salicylic acid for acne-prone pores and skin. Simply ensure you do your primary skincare routine first – cleanser, toner, serum ampoule for those who use one, then the cushion goes on final. It’s not a substitute to your complete routine but it surely provides solar safety plus protection in easy steps.
What’s the easiest way to use cushion sunscreen for full protection?
Don’t simply do a number of gentle pats and name it executed. Press the puff firmly into the cushion to get a great quantity of product, then faucet it throughout your face ensuring you’re getting even protection all over the place together with your hairline, jawline, and ears. For buildable protection you’ll be able to layer it however make certain every layer is definitely supplying you with safety. The compact packaging makes it moveable however you gotta use sufficient to hit that 2mg/cm² that sunscreens are examined at. Assume extra product than feels pure.
What ought to I search for when selecting one of the best Korean skincare cushion?
Verify the elements record for stuff that really helps your pores and skin – niacinamide for darkish spots and fantastic strains, hyaluronic acid for hydration, ceramides to your pores and skin barrier. Make sure that it has broad-spectrum safety in opposition to UVA and UVB. Learn what Ok-beauty consultants and make-up fans say in regards to the end – would you like dewy, pure end, or semi-matte? Have a look at the dimensions too, some include extra product than others. And for those who care about it being licensed vegan or reef-safe that’s often listed. Greatest merchandise are usually greatest sellers for a cause so verify evaluations from precise customers not simply advertising hype.
The Backside Line
Look, Korean sunscreen cushions are handy as hell they usually make reapplying SPF all through the day truly reasonable as a substitute of some fantasy dermatologists discuss. However right here’s the factor – comfort doesn’t imply something for those who’re not utilizing sufficient product. The analysis is fairly clear that most individuals apply method much less sunscreen than they need to, and cushions make it even simpler to idiot your self into considering a number of gentle pats is sufficient safety. They completely work they usually’re nice for touch-ups over make-up, however you gotta be trustworthy with your self about how a lot you’re truly making use of. Pat generously, reapply each couple hours, and don’t let the lovable compact and simple utility trick you into considering you’re extra protected than you truly are. Use them proper they usually’re genuinely helpful. Use them improper and also you’re simply carrying costly face powder with false confidence.
