Which Innisfree Korean sunscreen should you choose?

How do the Innisfree sunscreens compare?

Choose the lotion for an everyday glowy base, the serum for a dewy feel, or the mineral lotion for a zinc formula with a green tint that visibly neutralizes redness. Choose the stick when its format and stated water resistance matter. The range offers glowy, dewy and satin finishes, so the finish is a useful filter and the length of the product name is not.12

What protection should you look for?

SPF describes protection against sunburn, primarily from UVB rays. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Look for broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher and water resistance. All four options meet the SPF threshold, but check the exact package for water resistance rather than assuming the stick's claim applies to the lotion or serum. No sunscreen blocks all UVB rays; shade, covering clothing, a hat and sunglasses still matter.34

How do you apply Innisfree sunscreen?

1. 1Apply the SPF 50+ lotion daily after moisturizer, as the last skincare step and before makeup. Innisfree directs you to use the stick after cream and before makeup.
2. 2Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. Cover exposed skin generously and evenly, including your neck, ears, hands and tops of your feet.
3. 3For lotion, general sunscreen guidance is at least 1 teaspoon for the face and about 1 ounce for most adults' exposed skin, with more needed depending on body size. Rub it in thoroughly.
4. 4For the stick, Innisfree directs you to twist it up and swipe twice over the face, neck and body. Follow the directions on your exact package rather than translating a lotion quantity into stick swipes.
5. 5Reapply every two hours outdoors. Reapply immediately after swimming or sweating, and after toweling off; follow the package's water resistance limit.

Can you use the stick for swimming or sweating?

The stick is water and sweat resistant for 40 minutes. That is not waterproof protection: sunscreen eventually washes off. A 40 minute water resistant sunscreen needs reapplication after that time in water or while sweating, and after toweling off. When skin stays dry, the two hour reapplication rule still applies. SPF 50+ does not mean you can stay outside 50 times longer; SPF is not a measure of safe time in the sun.134

Which option makes sense for sensitive skin?

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both, and are recommended for sensitive skin. Innisfree positions its mineral SPF 45 for sensitive and acne prone skin. The US SPF 50+ lotion and stick both list fragrance, limonene and linalool. If fragrance irritates your skin, those formulas are not fragrance free choices. Read the ingredient list on the package because formulas can change.124

What should you expect under makeup?

The lotion and stick are designed for use under makeup. In a home usage survey of 30 women after one week, 83% reported no pilling with the lotion. In the stick survey, 86% felt it reapplied over makeup without smudging. Treat finish, pilling and makeup compatibility as things to assess in your own routine, not reasons to apply less sunscreen.12

How do you keep the sunscreen usable?

Keep the container out of direct sun and excessive heat, including while you are outside. Use shade or wrap it in a towel. Discard sunscreen past its expiration date. If there is no expiration date, discard it three years after purchase; if you do not know its age, replace it.3