Korean sunscreen fans keep coming back to one name. Beauty of Joseon built its reputation on a small white tube that felt more like a serum than a sun product. Millions of bottles later, the brand now sells several sun formulas, and shoppers feel confused about which one deserves a spot on the shelf.
This review covers the real experience of using Beauty of Joseon sunscreens through 2026. You get honest notes on texture, finish, eye sting, pilling, and the moments the formula falls short. You also get clear guidance on the name change that confused thousands of buyers this year. Read on before you spend money on a tube that may not suit your skin.
In a Nutshell:
- The formula stays the same in 2026. Beauty of Joseon renamed Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics to Relief Sun: Rice + Niacinamide and updated the packaging. The ingredient list and the 50ml size did not change.
- Four UV filters do the work. The formula uses Uvinul A Plus, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Tinosorb M, and Uvinul T 150. These filters give SPF 50+ PA++++ broad spectrum coverage without a chalky look.
- The finish suits dry and normal skin best. It feels like a light moisturizer and leaves a soft glow. Oily skin types often report shine within three hours.
- Clogged pores happen for some users. A number of long term users notice closed comedones after four weeks. The formula is not truly non comedogenic for everyone.
- The Matte Sun Stick solves the reapplication problem. It sits on top of makeup and controls shine, though it can pill in layers.
- Value stays strong. Most sellers list the 50ml tube between $15 and $18, which beats many Western sunscreens of the same quality.
What Is Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun?
- Sun Protection: Offers SPF 40 to guard against UVA/UVB, ideal as a reliable daily Korean skincare daily sunscreen for face
- Lightweight and Moisturizing: Provides hydration without white cast; gentle and won't sting eyes, ideal for daily use.
Last update on 2026-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
Relief Sun is a chemical sunscreen from the Korean brand Beauty of Joseon. The brand takes inspiration from traditional Korean beauty recipes and builds modern formulas around rice and ginseng. This tube holds 50ml and carries an SPF 50+ PA++++ rating.
The product markets itself as a daily face sunscreen with skincare benefits. Rice extract sits at 30% of the formula. Grain fermented extracts and probiotic derived ingredients support the moisture barrier. Niacinamide brightens the skin tone over weeks of use.
The texture surprised most first time buyers. It pours out thin and milky, closer to a lotion than a thick cream. The product spreads across the whole face with two fingers worth of product.
Beauty of Joseon sells this tube in more than forty countries. Amazon listings show over twelve thousand reviews with an average near 4.6 stars. That volume tells you the formula works for a large share of buyers, though not every single one.
The Unboxing Experience
The box arrives small and light. Beauty of Joseon uses a matte beige carton with soft gold text and a small illustration on the front. The design feels calm rather than loud. The carton fits in the palm of your hand.
Inside, the tube sits without extra plastic padding. The tube itself feels squeezable and soft. A screw cap seals the top, and a foil layer covers the nozzle on first opening. You need a fingernail or a pin to lift that foil.
The nozzle opening measures small, which gives you control over the amount you dispense. That detail matters because sunscreen needs a measured dose. Two finger lengths of product covers a face properly.
No spatula, no sample packets, no printed leaflet beyond the basic ingredient panel. The presentation stays plain and honest. Some shoppers expect more for a viral product, but the money clearly went into the formula rather than the packaging.
Texture, Finish, and the White Cast Test
The first pump feels cool on the fingertips. The lotion spreads fast and sinks in within about ninety seconds. No tackiness remains once it settles.
White cast stays close to zero. Deeper skin tones report a faint grey tint during the first thirty seconds, and it fades completely as the product absorbs. This single trait explains most of the product’s popularity, since many high SPF sunscreens leave a purple or ashy film.
The finish reads as satin with a soft glow. Dry skin looks plumper and healthier. Oily skin looks shiny in photos taken with flash, especially around the nose and forehead.
The scent stays neutral. Beauty of Joseon adds no fragrance, so you smell a faint raw material note that disappears in a minute. Sensitive noses handle this formula well.
One warning matters here. Several users report stinging when the product migrates near the eyes on hot days. Sweat carries the filters into the eye area, and the burn lasts several minutes.
What Is Inside the Formula
Four modern UV filters carry the sun protection. Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate handles long wave UVA. Methylene Bis Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol covers both UVA and UVB. Ethylhexyl Triazone and Bis Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine round out the UVB defense.
These filters are photostable and common in European and Asian sunscreens. None of them appear in older American sunscreen formulas, which explains why the product feels different from a drugstore SPF bought in the United States.
The skincare side of the list looks solid. Rice extract at 30% delivers moisture and mild brightening. Niacinamide supports an even tone. Panthenol and glycerin hold water in the skin.
The base contains dibutyl adipate and propanediol as solvents. Dibutyl adipate helps dissolve the filters and gives the formula its slip. Some acne prone users point to this ingredient as the cause of their clogged pores.
No alcohol denat sits high in the list. No essential oils appear. The formula suits reactive skin better than most Korean sunscreens on the market.
Top 3 Alternative for Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun
- [NBC SELECT'S #1 FACIAL SUNSCREEN]: Ranked No.1 out of 100+ sunscreens tested by NBC Select editors. Praised for its hydrating yet lightweight formula, zero white cast, and skin-soothing finish for daily use, even under makeup
- [OTC REGISTERED, TRUSTED SUN PROTECTION]: This OTC registered UV Lock sunscreen is developed to retain the soothing, moisturizing benefits of our original Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen while meeting SPF 45 Broad Spectrum regulations in the US (Exclusive to the US)
Last update on 2026-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen
- ☀️ Daily Lightweight Sunscreen: Formulated for everyday use, providing SPF 30 broad-spectrum protection with a non-greasy finish.
- ☀️ Deep Hydration: Infused with 10 types of hyaluronic acid to help maintain skin moisture throughout the day.
Last update on 2026-05-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
- BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 50 PROTECTION – Lightweight daily sunscreen that provides Broad Spectrum UVA & UVB protection with SPF 50. This Korean sunscreen helps defend skin from sun exposure while supporting healthy looking skin.
- HYDRATING CENTELLA CARE – Formulated with Hyalu-Cica complex combining Hyaluronic Acid and Centella Asiatica Extract to help soothe and hydrate skin. This moisturizing centella sunscreen helps maintain a refreshed, plump looking complexion.
Last update on 2026-06-15 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
SKIN1004 Hyalu Cica Water Fit Sun Serum
Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort and Camelia
- Sun Protection: Offers SPF 40 to guard against UVA/UVB, ideal as a reliable daily Korean skincare daily sunscreen for face
- Lightweight and Moisturizing: Provides hydration without white cast; gentle and won't sting eyes, ideal for daily use.
Last update on 2026-09-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API Some of the links on this website are affiliate links, which means that at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. I only recommend products and services that I believe will add value to my readers. Thank you for your support!
The stick solves the biggest sunscreen problem, which is reapplication over makeup. This 18g stick carries SPF 50+ PA++++ and glides on clear.
The formula feels cool on contact. It sets to a near matte finish within fifteen seconds. Mugwort extract calms the skin and camellia oil adds a small amount of nourishment, so the matte effect never looks dry or flaky.
Shine control impresses oily skin types. Users with combination skin report a smooth, velvety surface hours after application. No white cast appears, even on medium and deeper complexions.
The problems are real though. The stick pills when you layer it over other products or apply more than two passes. Makeup can shift underneath it. The stick shape also makes proper dosing hard, since you cannot measure how much product transfers to your skin.
Treat it as a top up tool rather than your only sun protection. Apply your main sunscreen in the morning, then use the stick at lunch. That routine works well and keeps the SPF layer honest.
The 2026 Name Change Explained
Buyers panicked earlier this year when tubes started arriving with a new label. The brand renamed Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics to Relief Sun: Rice + Niacinamide. New packaging arrived at the same time.
Beauty of Joseon confirmed the change on its official channels. The formula, the ingredient list, and the 50ml size all stayed identical. Only the name and the tube design moved.
The likely reason involves ingredient labeling rules. Regulators in several markets question the word probiotics on cosmetic labels, since live cultures cannot survive in a sunscreen base. Niacinamide describes an actual active in the list, so the new name reads more accurately.
Old stock still circulates on Amazon and in Korean beauty shops. Both versions perform the same way. Check the batch date rather than the name if you worry about freshness.
Counterfeits remain a genuine risk during a packaging transition. Buy from the official brand store or a known retailer. Fake tubes feel thicker, smell sharper, and often print the text slightly off center.
Relief Sun Aqua Fresh vs Original Relief Sun
Beauty of Joseon launched Relief Sun Aqua Fresh: Rice + B5 as a lighter sibling. The two products serve different skin types, so the choice matters.
The original feels like a light moisturizer. It leaves a glow and works beautifully on dry and normal skin in cooler months. It can feel heavy on oily skin during summer.
Aqua Fresh feels watery and almost weightless. It absorbs in under a minute and dries down closer to a natural finish. Panthenol and green tea extract calm redness. Oily and combination skin types usually prefer this version.
Aqua Fresh also reapplies more easily. The thin texture spreads over existing layers without rolling up. The original can pill if you rush a second coat.
Neither version wins outright. Pick the original for dry skin and winter. Pick Aqua Fresh for oily skin, humid weather, and days under makeup.
How It Performs Under Makeup
The original Relief Sun plays well with most base products if you wait. Give the sunscreen a full three minutes before you touch foundation. Rushing this step causes pilling around the nose and chin.
Liquid foundations blend smoothly over the settled layer. Cream blushes and cream bronzers also grip well. The slight glow underneath makes skin look healthy rather than flat.
Powder products create more friction. Heavy setting powders can cling in patches. A light dusting works, but a full powder base fights the dewy finish.
By hour five, oily skin shows real shine. The sunscreen does not break down your makeup, though it does push oil to the surface. Blotting papers handle this better than more powder.
Sunscreen sticks beat cream formulas for midday top ups over makeup. That fact explains why so many people own both the tube and the Matte Sun Stick.
Who Should Use It and Who Should Skip It
Dry skin gets the most benefit. The rice extract and glycerin base add comfort that most sunscreens lack. Flaky patches look softer after two weeks of daily use.
Sensitive skin usually tolerates the formula well. No fragrance, no essential oils, and modern filters reduce the risk of reaction. Rosacea prone users report calm skin, though everyone should patch test first.
Normal and combination skin types find a reliable daily option here. The finish looks natural under office lighting and in photos.
Very oily skin should look at Aqua Fresh or a gel sunscreen instead. Acne prone skin should proceed with caution, because a meaningful number of users develop closed comedones after three to five weeks.
People who need water resistance should shop elsewhere. This formula is not built for swimming or long workouts. Sweat moves the product around and carries it into the eyes.
What This Sunscreen Does Not Do Well
Honest reviews name the flaws. Here are the real weak points after long term use.
The eye sting ranks first. Heat and sweat push the filters into the eye area and the burning lasts several minutes. Contact lens wearers report the worst experience.
Pore clogging comes second. Users on skin barrier forums describe tiny bumps on the cheeks and jaw after a month. The bumps clear when they stop using the product.
Shine control ranks third. The formula never claimed to be matte, but oily skin reads greasy by early afternoon.
Pilling happens with certain moisturizers, especially silicone heavy ones. A second coat over the first also rolls up.
Finally, the tube offers no pump. Squeeze tubes make exact dosing harder, and the last few uses require patience. None of these flaws are dealbreakers for dry skin, but they matter a lot for oily skin.
Pros and Cons
Here is the balanced summary.
Pros
- No white cast on light, medium, or deep skin tones
- SPF 50+ PA++++ protection from four photostable filters
- Fragrance free formula suits sensitive and reactive skin
- Absorbs in about ninety seconds with a soft satin glow
- Rice extract and niacinamide add real skincare value
- Strong price at roughly $15 to $18 for 50ml
- Comfortable enough for daily use through all seasons
Cons
- Stings the eyes when mixed with sweat or heat
- Can clog pores for acne prone users after several weeks
- Turns shiny on oily skin within three to five hours
- Not water resistant, so it fails for swimming and sport
- Pills under heavy powder or when layered too quickly
- Squeeze tube makes accurate dosing difficult
- Counterfeit listings circulate on marketplace sellers
How to Apply for Full SPF Protection
Dosing decides whether you get the labeled protection. Lab tests apply 2mg per square centimeter of skin. Most people apply less than half that amount.
Use the two finger rule. Squeeze two lines of product along your index and middle fingers, then spread that whole amount across your face and neck. That dose equals roughly a quarter teaspoon.
Apply after moisturizer and before makeup. Pat rather than rub if you use actives underneath. Wait three minutes for the film to set.
Do not forget the edges. Ears, the hairline, the sides of the neck, and the eyelid area all burn easily. Use the sun stick for these spots if the cream stings.
Reapply every two hours in direct sun. Indoor workers near windows can stretch that to a single midday top up. A sunscreen you apply thinly protects you far less than the label promises.
Price and Where to Buy in 2026
The 50ml tube sits between $15 and $18 at most retailers this year. Amazon, Walmart, and the official brand site all carry it. The brand site runs regular sitewide sales that drop the price closer to $12.
Multi packs offer the best value per millilitre. Two pack bundles often land near $26. Buy only what you will use within a year of opening.
Beauty of Joseon also reached Sephora shelves with a formula called Day Dew Sunscreen. Prices there run higher, and reviews stay mixed, with some buyers reporting grease and eye sting.
Counterfeits remain the main shopping risk. Check that the seller name reads Beauty of Joseon or a known Korean beauty retailer. Deep discounts from unknown sellers usually signal fake stock.
Compare cost per use rather than sticker price. At a proper daily dose, one tube lasts about six weeks. That works out to a few cents each morning for high level protection.
Real User Feedback From 2026
Community reviews stay largely positive but more critical than two years ago. The honeymoon period ended, and long term users now share detailed notes.
Dry skin users call it a holy grail. They mention the glow, the comfort, and the way it replaces moisturizer entirely on busy mornings. Fragrance free status earns repeated praise.
Oily skin users split down the middle. Some accept the shine and blot through the day. Others moved to Aqua Fresh or to gel formulas from Isntree and Round Lab.
Acne prone users post the harshest feedback. Threads on skin barrier forums describe closed comedones appearing after a month of daily use.
Sun stick reviews highlight the matte finish and the pilling problem in equal measure. Most reviewers own both products and use each for a different purpose. That pattern says a lot about how the range actually works in real routines.
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It in 2026?
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun still earns a recommendation, with conditions. The filter lineup remains excellent, the price stays fair, and the finish beats almost every Western sunscreen at this price point.
Buy the original if your skin runs dry, normal, or sensitive. You get sun protection and a genuine moisture boost in one step.
Buy Aqua Fresh if your skin runs oily or you live somewhere humid. Buy the Matte Sun Stick as a companion for midday reapplication over makeup.
Skip the range if you are strongly acne prone or if you need water resistance for sport and swimming. Those two gaps are real and the brand does not solve them.
The 2026 name change means nothing for performance. Rice + Niacinamide is the same product you already know. Buy from a trusted seller, apply a proper dose, and this tube will serve you well for years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Beauty of Joseon change the Relief Sun formula in 2026?
No. The brand renamed Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics to Relief Sun: Rice + Niacinamide and refreshed the packaging. The ingredient list, the performance, and the 50ml size all stayed the same.
Does Beauty of Joseon sunscreen leave a white cast?
No. The four modern filters absorb clear and leave no chalky film. A faint tint may show for thirty seconds on deeper skin tones, then it disappears completely.
Is Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun good for acne prone skin?
Results vary. Many users tolerate it fine, but a meaningful group develops closed comedones after three to five weeks. Patch test on your jaw for two weeks before committing to daily use.
Will this sunscreen sting my eyes?
It can. Heat and sweat carry the filters toward the eye area and cause several minutes of burning. Keep the cream away from the lash line and use a sun stick around the eyes instead.
How much product should I apply to my face?
Use two finger lengths of product, which equals about a quarter teaspoon. Anything less drops your real protection well below the SPF 50+ printed on the tube.
Which Beauty of Joseon sunscreen suits oily skin best?
Relief Sun Aqua Fresh: Rice + B5 works better for oily skin. The watery texture dries down lighter and reapplies without pilling. The Matte Sun Stick handles shine control through the day.
Is Beauty of Joseon sunscreen water resistant?
No. The formula is not built for swimming or heavy sweating. Choose a dedicated water resistant sunscreen for beach days and outdoor sport.
How can I spot a fake Beauty of Joseon tube?
Buy from the official brand store or a known retailer. Genuine tubes feel soft, print text cleanly aligned, and smell neutral. Fakes often have a sharp scent, thicker plastic, and crooked labeling.
