Sephora’s SPF 50+ sunscreen, under €20, is the most popular sun cream of the summer, according to a study.
Every summer, certain sun care products are the focus of consumers’ attention long before they leave on vacation. In 2026, a study by the price comparison site idealo.fr revealed that a sun cream for less than 20 eurosavailable at Sephora, has become the most sought-after protection of the moment – and its identity may surprise more than one regular on the chemist’s shelves.
idealo.fr study reveals the most coveted sun care product for summer 2026
In anticipation of stock shortages, idealo.fr has analyzed the most frequently consulted sun protection products on its platform in May 2026. The result is unexpected: it’s not a big name in French pharmaceuticals that comes out on top, but a product straight from Korea.
Sun Rice + Probiotics Cream SPF 50+, signed by Beauty of Joseon Relief. Available from Sephora for just under 20 euros a tube. According to idealo, it’s on a meteoric rise.
The brand was absent from the top 10 a year ago. By February 2026, it was in second place. Now, it occupies first place in the ranking of the most sought-after sun protection products on the platform.
“Absent from the top 10 a year ago, 2nd last February, she now occupies the top spot.”
TikTok and K-beauty: the driving forces behind unexpected success
The fact that this Korean skin care product has so quickly risen to the top of the charts is partly thanks to TikTok, where it has become such a hit that it has become a best-seller for the brand. As a result, Korean sun care products have found their way into French beauty routines.
This data confirms the growing interest in K-beauty in our purchasing habits. What’s more, its affordable price – less than 20 euros – clearly works in its favor against much more expensive references.
What Sun Rice + Probiotics Cream SPF 50+ really contains
With SPF 50+, it offers very high UV protection. Its formula is distinguished by a 30% concentration of rice extract, which contributes to a light, non-greasy finish on the skin.
The formula also includes fermented grain extracts, which provide hydration and nutrition. In this way, the treatment not only protects, but also cares for the skin.
Its 50 ml tube format makes it ideal for use on the face. Its light, creamy texture is particularly comfortable on this fragile area. It can be applied and reapplied several times without becoming sticky or leaving a thick film on the skin.
- Protection factor: SPF 50+, very high UV protection
- Key ingredient: 30% rice extract for a light, non-greasy finish
- Complementary active ingredients: fermented grain extracts to moisturize and nourish
- Format: 50 ml tube, ideal for use as a face care product
- Price: less than 20 euros, available at Sephora
A texture that changes everything
The main criticism levelled at conventional sunscreens is their greasy, sticky texture. This Korean product addresses precisely this problem: after application, the skin remains as if freshly moisturized.
As a result, reapplications every two hours – essential for effective protection under the sun – become far less restrictive. The skin does not become saturated, and the result remains natural all day long.
How to use this sun care product every day
Despite its different packaging from that usually found in French pharmacies, this product can be used in exactly the same way as a conventional sun cream. No need to change your habits or follow a specific K-beauty protocol.
Apply a generous amount, adapted to the area to be protected. The dose required for the face, for example, differs from that for the body. In both cases, the objective remains the same: to cover all areas exposed to UV rays.
This product can be used on the face as well as the body, although its 50 ml size naturally favors daily use on the face. Reapplication every two hours remains the rule of thumb for optimum protection, whatever sun protection you choose.
What’s more, its affordability – less than 20 euros at Sephora – makes it a serious option for those looking for effective skincare without spending a fortune. Given idealo’s popularity, it’s best not to wait too long before adding it to your summer routine.
