The ultimate AA+PI sunscreen guide
Here are our top recommendations for sunscreen products created by Asians—because although it's fall, doesn't mean you still shouldn't protect your skin
Words by Anjana Pawa
As the cooler months roll in and the sun hides behind clouds for most of the day, it’s tempting to toss your sunscreen into the “optional” section of your skincare routine. But if you’re among the many Asian Americans who think they’re immune or less likely to get skin cancer, it’s time to reconsider that belief and pull that bottle of SPF back out, even if it’s dreary outside.
While most people associate sunscreen with sunny days, harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays remain a threat to our health all year round. Even on cloudy days, up to 80 percent of UV rays can still penetrate the skin. And although it’s true that Asian Americans have lower incidence rates of skin cancer compared to other racial and ethnic groups (the melanoma incidence for Asian Americans is about 1.3 in every 1,000 people) in the United States, recent data and growing incidence reveal a need for more regular skin protection and screening.
Surveys conducted by the National Institute of Health have found that Asian Americans also tend to get fewer skin checkups than their white counterparts—mostly because they believe they don’t need them. This gap in education and awareness leads to serious consequences down the line. Often, by the time skin cancers are caught, they are often more difficult to treat, resulting in Asian Americans having higher mortality rates from skin cancer compared to their white and other non-Hispanic counterparts—about 27 percent higher, a staggering statistic.
Now that we’ve established that sunscreen is necessary—even if the sun is in hiding—it’s also important to understand why some sunscreens may work better for you than others. Typically, you’ll find two types of sunscreens on the market that work to keep UV rays from penetrating through your skin’s barrier: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, work by reflecting UV rays off your skin, using ingredients such as zinc oxide or titanium oxide. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing the UV rays into your skin and converting them to non-harmful heat rays that your skin releases using ingredients such as avobenzone or oxybenzone.
Both types of sunscreen can help keep your skin safe, but you’ll want to check your skin’s sensitivity by testing each kind to see which suits you best. Those with oily skin might prefer a chemical sunscreen due to the texture, while those with more sensitive skin or eczema might experience less irritation from the ingredients in a physical sunscreen. Some sunscreen users may also have an affinity toward chemical sunscreens, which don’t leave a white cast on the skin like some physical sunscreens can do. It’s all up to personal preference and what your skin allows.
Whatever your preference may be, there’s something out there that’ll keep your skin protected. Here are some top picks for sunscreen formulations by Asian-owned brands that might be a good choice for you to incorporate into your routine:
For acne-prone irritable skin: Hero Cosmetics Force Shield Superlight Sunscreen SPF 30
Hero Cosmetics makes products with acne-prone skin in mind, so they’ve got you covered. This physical, or mineral, sunscreen is fortified with ingredients that will help soothe the skin. It also has a (very) slight green tint that will help to neutralize any redness on your face.
For oily skin: Beet The Sun SPF 40 PA+++
The founder of Krave Beauty, Liah Yoo, has been sharing her skin struggles on YouTube for years, which ultimately led her to create her own line. This lightweight sunscreen was created with oily skinned folks in mind. It feels light on the skin but it’s still hydrating and doesn’t feel greasy at all.
For sensitive skin: Cocokind Daily SPF
The founder of Cocokind, Priscilla Tsai, wanted to create an approachable brand with fair prices. This fragrance-free sunscreen is a simple, no frills mineral formula with non-irritating ingredients. It’s perfect for all skin types, but particularly for sensitive skin, all year round.
If you want to layer: Lightsaver Activated Mineral Sunscreen (SPF 33) Tinted
This sunscreen, founded by dermatologist Dr. David Kim, is perfect for layering under your makeup. It’s soft and has a mousse-like texture, which allows for products to sit on top very well. It’s also slightly tinted to make sure you don’t look ghostly if you wear it on its own.
For dry skin: Then I Met You Essence Light Sunscreen SPF 50
If you need a boost of hydration along with protection, this sunscreen from the cult-brand Then I Met You, founded by Korean American Charlotte Cho, could be a perfect fit. It has nourishing ceramides and is full of moisturizing hyaluronic acid. The chemical formulation also means no white cast, so wear it on its own or under makeup!
Best K-beauty: Neogen Dermalogy Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen SPF50
K-beauty will always be one step ahead of the West when it comes to multi-purpose skincare. This sunscreen, which was created after years of research by scientists at Michigan State University, provides intense hydration while maintaining a lightweight formula, with ingredients to combat oiliness and large pores as well. If your pores feel like a problem area and that’s what keeps you away from SPF, try this product.
With a hint of tint: Tower28 SunnyDays™ Tinted SPF 30
If you want just a bit of coverage while still protecting your skin, look no further than Tower28. This brand, founded by Amy Liu, has become a cult-favorite, and for good reason! The products are designed for all skin types, but specifically with sensitive skin in mind. Just because you need a bit more TLC, doesn’t mean your skincare has to feel clinical.
All-arounder: Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++)
Beauty of Joseon is one of those K-beauty brands that somehow achieves luxury at an accessible price point. Sumin Lee, the creator of the brand, wanted to create innovative products for a fair price point. This chemical sunscreen is an all-arounder: it’s creamy and soft, without being greasy, it has ingredients like rice extract that’s proven to calm the skin down, and it has SPF 50 that leaves no white cast.
If you want to treat yourself: U Beauty Multimodal Defender Broad Spectrum SPF 30
If you have a pretty penny to spend and want to splurge on a complexion product, try this multi-purpose cream that acts as a moisturizer, treatment, and SPF in one. In creating U Beauty, founder Tina Chen Craig wanted to streamline skincare and remove excess from routines.
Published on October 29, 2024
Words by Anjana Pawa
Anjana Pawa is a Brooklyn-based culture reporter who regularly covers music, entertainment and beauty. You can find her on Twitter at @apawawrites.
Photography by Ryan Quan
Ryan Quan is the Social Media Editor for JoySauce. This queer, half-Chinese, half-Filipino writer and graphic designer loves everything related to music, creative nonfiction, and art. Based in Brooklyn, he spends most of his time dancing to hyperpop and accidentally falling asleep on the subway. Follow him on Instagram at @ryanquans.