Six Sunscreens, Zero White Cast: We Swatched Them All

A few weeks ago someone left us a comment that just said "why does my sunscreen still have me looking like this is 2026" with a screenshot of a chalk-white face. We could not stop thinking about it.

So we grabbed six sunscreens that were already sitting on the counter and filmed a white cast test, swatch by swatch, awkward bits included. One rule: if it still left a cast after thirty seconds, it was out.

Our very scientific setup

Two friends testing six K-beauty sunscreens for white cast on camera — The six-sunscreen swatch test

Scientific is a stretch. It was two of us, one phone propped on a mug, the backs of our hands, and a timer. We went roughly in the order we could find the tubes, which is also the order below.

If you just want the whole lineup, it all lives in our sunscreen edit.

The one that kind of works as a primer

Sungboon Editor Daily Invisible Blurring Sunscreen swatched on the hand — Sungboon Editor, swatched

Sungboon Editor Daily Invisible Blurring Sunscreen went first, purely because it was already open. It's SPF 40 and it actually does the pore-blurring thing the tube promises.

The finish went almost matte within a minute. We checked the back of the hand maybe ten times before we believed there was nothing left on it.

The jelly one

Menokin 30 Seconds Glow and Clear Gel Sunscreen dispensed onto the hand — Menokin gel, straight out of the tube

If you still think sunscreen has to feel heavy, this is the one that changes your mind. Menokin's 30 Seconds Glow & Clear Gel Sunscreen (the Moist version, SPF 50+ PA++++) comes out as a jelly and turns to water pretty much the second it touches skin.

Hydrating, no residue, no cast. I said "wait, where did it go" out loud on camera.

For anyone who hates sticky

Mommy Care Perilla Sun Serum swatched on the hand — Mommy Care Perilla Sun Serum, swatched

Mommy Care markets the Perilla Sun Serum (SPF 50+) at glass skin people, but honestly it's for anyone who is tired of sunscreen sitting on top of their face instead of sinking in.

Non-sticky and soothing. It was absorbed before we'd even finished rubbing it in, which made the thirty second rule feel a bit pointless.

The gentle one (with a small swap)

Beauty of Joseon sun serum swatched on the hand — Beauty of Joseon, swatched

What we actually filmed here was Beauty of Joseon's Ginseng Moist Sun Serum. Quick to absorb, hypoallergenic, SPF 50+, very much what you'd expect from the brand.

That exact serum isn't one we carry, though, so if you want the same gentle, sensitive-skin feel, go for their Relief Sun (Rice + Probiotics) instead. Same territory, different bottle.

Dr.Jart+, for the hydration people

Dr.Jart+ Every Sun Day Moisturizing Sun applied to the arm — Dr.Jart+ on the arm

Dr.Jart+ Every Sun Day Moisturizing Sun is SPF 50+, clinically tested for 24-hour hydration, and made to support the skin barrier.

Out of the six it felt the most like skincare. Like it forgot halfway through that it was also supposed to be a sunscreen. Good for dry days, or anyone who skips moisturizer in the morning (guilty).

Last one, and where we lost it

D'Alba Waterfull Mild Sun Cream swatched on the face — d'Alba swatched on the face

D'Alba's Waterfull Mild Sun Cream is SPF 50+ PA++++, non-greasy, with a natural glow finish, and mild enough for sensitive skin. We put this one on the face instead of the hand because by now we were confident.

This is also where the "casper could never" bit happened. It's in the video below and neither of us could keep a straight face.

Six tubes later

Two friends reacting after testing six sunscreens with no white cast — Our faces after tube number six

Zero white cast, and one very tired camera roll of the two of us pulling the same shocked face over and over.

If your sunscreen still leaves you chalky, it's probably not your skin. It's the formula. Try one of these and see.

Here's the full test, unedited. You can browse everything else in our sunscreen edit.

FAQ

Why do some sunscreens leave a white cast?

It's usually the mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sitting on top of skin instead of sinking in. The jelly, serum, and blurring-cream textures in this test are formulated to absorb fast so that doesn't happen.

Can these replace my moisturizer, or do I still need one?

Most of these (Menokin, Mommy Care, Beauty of Joseon's alternative) are serum-textured and layer in after your regular moisturizer, or double as your last hydrating step before SPF. Sungboon Editor's blurring formula can even stand in for a primer under makeup.

If it feels invisible, do I still need to reapply?

Yes. Feeling like nothing is exactly what makes people actually reapply, which is the whole point, but the SPF still wears off with time, sweat, and touching your face. Reapply every 2 hours in direct sun.

Are any of these good for sensitive skin?

Beauty of Joseon and D'Alba's formulas here are both marketed as hypoallergenic or mild for sensitive skin. As always, patch test a new sunscreen on your inner arm first if your skin reacts easily.

Written by Esther Kim

Esther has been working inside Korean beauty brands for five years—since before K-beauty became the global phenomenon it is today. She’s watched it go from a niche discovery overseas to something everyone wants a piece of, with plenty of launches, viral moments, and overhyped products along the way. She brings that insider perspective to Baerry, along with very ESTP energy, a love for all things cute, and a desk that’s always overflowing with snacks.