5 Summer Sunscreens Tested: My Honest Review by Skin Type

5 Summer Sunscreens Tested: My Honest Review by Skin Type

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광고

My youngest got a sunburn on his arms after we took a quick walk to the park in May. I didn’t notice until I looked in the mirror that evening—the sun this year is seriously intense. That’s when I decided to test-drive five different sunscreens over the course of a week.

My husband tested one (he’s got oily skin), I tested another (combination skin), and my 5-year-old used one too (sensitive skin). I grabbed products we’ve all tried before in our house. Honestly, I went in thinking “isn’t SPF 50+ basically the same across the board?” But once I started using them, I was surprised. The textures, the stickiness, the white cast—they’re all totally different.

Five bottles of sunscreen lined up on a bathroom counter
Left to right: Roundlab, Dr. Jart+, Purito, Purito Daily, HERA

Dr. Jart+ Green Mild Up Sun Plus — Best for Oily Skin

My husband reached for this one first. The Dr. Jart+ Green Mild Up Sun Plus runs about $22 for 50ml—we grabbed it on a buy-one-get-one deal.

Even though it’s a mineral sunscreen, there’s almost no white cast. It contains centella asiatica, which helps calm skin. My husband usually complains about shine across his forehead and T-zone, but with this one, he stayed matte for 2–3 hours after application. His skin stayed fresh-looking until lunch.

The only catch is that the formula is a bit dry, so you need to warm it up between your palms before spreading it on. If you rush and pat it on, it doesn’t blend smoothly. For oily skin, though, this really does the job of keeping shine at bay.

Roundlab Birch Juice Hydrating Sunscreen — Best for Combination Skin

This is my go-to. The Roundlab Birch Juice Hydrating Sunscreen is around $12 for 50ml, so it won’t break the bank. It has birch sap and hyaluronic acid in the formula.

It’s an essence-type sunscreen that melts into skin instantly. Honestly, there’s zero stickiness. My skin is oily across my T-zone but dry on my cheeks, and this worked for both. My forehead doesn’t get shiny, and my cheeks stay hydrated.

One thing to note: it does have a light fragrance. If you’re fragrance-sensitive, you might want to test it first before committing. I’m fine with it, but your nose might be more sensitive than mine.

Swatching sunscreen on the back of a hand

Purito Deep Sea Pure Water Cream Sunscreen — Best for Sensitive Skin

I picked up the Purito Deep Sea Pure Water Cream Sunscreen when my son started spending more time outdoors at preschool. It’s around $18 for 50ml, and it came with a mini 25ml size as a bonus.

The label says it’s been tested for sensitive skin, and there’s an ingredient called houttuynia cordata that’s known for soothing properties. In practice, it causes zero redness or stinging on his skin. The watery formula doesn’t feel heavy on a child’s delicate skin at all.

His preschool teacher even mentioned that his complexion looks healthier lately. And here’s the kicker—my 5-year-old actually *asks* to wear it. The texture is that easy to spread.

Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen — Great for Oily + Sensitive Combo

My husband and I both tested the Purito Daily Soft Touch Sunscreen. It’s SPF50+ PA++++ in a generous 60ml bottle.

This one has a real matte finish—perfect if you have oily skin. It’s a cream texture that sinks in immediately while still keeping skin hydrated. There’s no white cast and no breakouts. The label says it’s okay for sensitive skin too, so my son tried it and had no issues.

Fair warning: it’s a bit pricey for the size. Check the brand’s official site for current pricing. The formula is so lightweight that you’ll find yourself applying it generously—not just the face, but the neck and arms too.

광고

HERA Sun Mate Sports Sunscreen — Best for Active Days

I wore the HERA Sun Mate Sports Sunscreen when we went to the amusement park. It’s SPF50+ PA++++ in a 70ml bottle, and it’s water and sweat resistant.

The texture is rich and hydrating but not sticky. After we spent four hours going on rides and getting sweaty, I checked the mirror and my face wasn’t red at all. No white cast either.

Here’s the thing though: the fragrance is pretty strong. If you’re sensitive to perfumed products, you might find it overpowering. My husband said it smells like I’m wearing perfume, which—fair point. It’s great for active outings, but it might feel too heavy for everyday wear.

Applying sunscreen to arms while sitting on a park bench
Product Price Range Best For Key Features
Dr. Jart+ Green Mild Up ~$22 (50ml) Oily & Combination Mineral, minimal white cast, oil control
Roundlab Birch Juice ~$12 (50ml) Combination & Dry Essence formula, lightweight, hydrating
Purito Deep Sea Pure Water Cream ~$18 (50ml) Sensitive Skin Soothing formula, gentle on kids
Purito Daily Soft Touch Varies (60ml) Oily & Sensitive Matte finish, fast-absorbing, no white cast
HERA Sun Mate Sports Varies (70ml) Active Days & Outdoor Play Water-resistant, long-lasting, hydrating


DCT Family Guide

DCT Family Guide · Laurent’s Mom · Last updated 2026-06-29

Hands-on reviews from a Korean mother of two.

About the author →  ·  Disclosure →

Personal experience-based. Product, policy, and price details may change over time — verify with the source before purchase.

💬 Frequently Asked Questions

❓ How long does SPF 50+ sunscreen actually last before I need to reapply?

You should reapply sunscreen every two hours, or immediately after swimming or sweating heavily. The SPF rating tells you the level of protection, not how long it lasts. Even if a sunscreen keeps you matte or feels like it’s still on your skin, the UV protection breaks down with sun exposure and needs to be refreshed.

❓ What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen for different skin types?

Mineral sunscreens (like the Dr. Jart+ mentioned) sit on top of your skin and physically block UV rays, which makes them better for sensitive or oily skin since they’re less likely to clog pores. Chemical sunscreens absorb into the skin and convert UV rays to heat, which can feel lighter but may cause irritation on sensitive skin or increase shine on oily skin types.

❓ Can kids use the same sunscreen as adults, or do they need special formulas?

Kids can use adult sunscreens as long as they’re gentle and fragrance-free, especially if labeled for sensitive skin. The main difference is that kids’ sunscreens are typically formulated to be even gentler and tear-free. For children with sensitive skin like the 5-year-old mentioned in the post, stick with mineral-based options that are less likely to irritate.

❓ Why do some sunscreens leave a white cast and others don’t?

White cast comes from mineral sunscreen ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are white powders that sit on top of your skin. Modern formulas use micronized versions of these minerals or add tints to reduce the chalky appearance. Chemical sunscreens typically don’t leave a white cast since they absorb into the skin instead of sitting on the surface.

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