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How this review was made: This is a research-based review, not a hands-on test. We did not personally try the product. We used Beauty of Joseon’s official product pages, FDA and American Academy of Dermatology guidance, published research, and a comparison of what other reviewers report. Where something couldn’t be verified, we say so.
- 1.Korean Rice Probiotics Anti-black frost offers , ideal for all skin types.
- 2.Enriched with nourishing ingredients for superior skin protection and deep hydration.
- 3.Provides long-lasting moisture to keep skin supple and hydrated.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun has become one of the most talked-about Korean sunscreens online. It’s an SPF 50+ PA++++ formula that the brand describes as creamy, lightweight, and free of white cast. But hype doesn’t tell you whether it will suit your skin, your climate, or your routine. This Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun review covers what the official information says about the ingredients and UV filters, how it’s likely to feel and wear, where it falls short, and what to double-check before you buy, especially on Amazon, where names, versions, and sellers can vary.
Quick Verdict
Best for: Normal, dry, and combination skin; daily commuting and office days; people who want a moisturizer-like sunscreen to wear under makeup.
Not ideal for: Swimming, sports, or heavy sweating; very oily skin that dislikes a dewy finish; anyone with a known rice allergy; anyone who wants a tinted sunscreen.
Overall: A strong daily-wear option if you buy the right version from a trustworthy seller. It is not an all-purpose beach or sports sunscreen.
| Product or feature | What buyers should know | Best for | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relief Sun (Rice + Probiotics) | SPF 50+ PA++++, four UV filters, rice extract and fermented ingredients | Normal, dry, combination skin | No water-resistance claim on the official pages we checked |
| Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh (Rice + B5) | Lighter fluid with rice seed water and panthenol, five UV filters | Oily and combination skin | A different formula; don’t assume it matches Relief Sun |
| Round Lab Birch Juice sunscreen | Hydration-focused Korean sunscreen built around birch sap | Dry or dehydrated skin | The US-market version may differ from the Korean SPF 50+ PA++++ original |
| Amazon listings | Names and packaging vary (Rice + Probiotics vs. Rice + Niacinamide) | Shoppers who check the label | Price, seller, and authenticity vary |
Check the current price on Amazon: . Prices and availability can change, so compare sizes and seller details before ordering.
- 1.Korean Rice Probiotics Anti-black frost offers , ideal for all skin types.
- 2.Enriched with nourishing ingredients for superior skin protection and deep hydration.
- 3.Provides long-lasting moisture to keep skin supple and hydrated.
What Is Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun?
Relief Sun is Beauty of Joseon’s best-selling sunscreen. According to the official Relief Sun product page, it’s a creamy, lightweight, non-sticky SPF 50+ PA++++ formula with rice extract and fermented grain extracts. The brand also labels it fragrance-free and alcohol-free.
The naming is confusing. The official page we checked says “Rice + Probiotics,” while some packaging and listings say “Rice + Niacinamide.” One outside review reports the brand says the rename didn’t change the formula, but we couldn’t confirm that with the brand directly. Compare the ingredient list on your box with the official page.
Also, this is the global Korean sunscreen. It is not the same as the separate US-market sunscreens the brand sells, such as Day Dew.
Key Ingredients Explained
UV filters. The brand lists four: Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, and Methylene Bis-benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol. These are chemical (organic) filters that absorb UV light. The brand doesn’t publish their concentrations, so the list alone can’t verify the SPF. That rests on the brand’s own testing.
Rice extract. The brand says it’s rich in vitamins, amino acids, and minerals and helps moisturize. Its page also states 30% rice extract, but another review says newer listings don’t repeat that claim. Treat 30% as a brand claim for now.
Fermented extracts. The brand says these help soothe and hydrate. “Probiotics” in the name refers to fermented ingredients. It doesn’t mean live bacteria are in the tube.
Niacinamide. If your packaging says Rice + Niacinamide, it’s in the formula. A third-party review lists it eighth in the ingredient list, but no concentration is published. Niacinamide is well studied in skincare, but that research doesn’t prove this sunscreen will fade marks. For more on how it compares with vitamin C, see our guide to niacinamide vs. vitamin C for acne marks.
What to expect. These ingredients may help the formula feel hydrating and comfortable. They don’t guarantee acne, pigmentation, brightening, or anti-aging results. The sunscreen’s main job is UV protection.
Texture, Finish, and Daily Wear
The brand describes the texture as creamy like a moisturizer, non-sticky, and quickly absorbed. Verified-buyer reviews on the brand’s page often mention a lightweight, glowy feel. Outside reviewers describe the finish anywhere from satin to dewy, so expect something in between rather than a matte result.
In hot, humid weather, a dewy finish can look shiny, especially on oily skin. Because Relief Sun isn’t labeled water-resistant, it’s better suited to commutes and indoor days than long outdoor activity.
Does It Leave a White Cast?
The brand says it leaves no white cast. Many users agree, but results vary. One of its filters is particle-based, and some reviewers report a faint grayish cast on deeper skin tones. Application amount and layering matter too. Test it on your jawline in daylight before committing, and buy from a seller with easy returns.
Is It Good for Oily, Dry, Combination, Sensitive, and Acne-Prone Skin?
- Dry skin: Likely a good fit. The brand suggests layering over moisturizer if your skin is dry or dehydrated.
- Combination skin: Usually workable, with moisturizer optional.
- Oily skin: This is the weak spot. The brand itself suggests skipping extra moisturizer or switching to Aqua-Fresh.
- Sensitive skin: The brand cites small tests showing it’s non-irritating, and it’s fragrance-free. Small tests don’t predict every reaction, so patch-test first. If you have a known rice allergy, check with a doctor before using it.
- Acne-prone skin: The brand says it’s suitable, based on small studies. No sunscreen can be guaranteed not to cause breakouts for everyone.
Does It Work Under Makeup?
The brand says it layers well under makeup, and some verified buyers on its site describe it as a smooth base. Pilling usually depends on how much you apply and what’s underneath. Use thin layers, let each product settle, and give the sunscreen a few minutes before foundation.
Is Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Water-Resistant?
Not according to the official pages we checked, which make no water-resistance claim and say to reapply every 2–3 hours. The FDA explains that no sunscreen is truly waterproof, and that “water resistant” products must be tested and state 40 or 80 minutes of protection. For swimming, sports, or heavy sweating, choose a sunscreen labeled water-resistant.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Moisturizer-like feel that encourages daily use
- Modern UV filters and SPF 50+ PA++++ labeling
- Fragrance-free and alcohol-free, per the brand
- Widely praised for daily wear and layering
Cons
- No water-resistance claim
- Dewy finish may be too shiny for oily skin or humid weather
- Naming and formula claims are inconsistent across listings
- Possible faint cast on deeper skin tones; rice sensitivity is a concern for some
[Image: Back of a Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun box showing the ingredient list and SPF 50+ PA++++ label]
Relief Sun vs. Aqua-Fresh: Which Should You Choose?
The official Aqua-Fresh page describes a lighter, fluid sunscreen built on rice seed water and panthenol (vitamin B5), made for combination to oily skin. Its five UV filters differ from Relief Sun’s four, so it’s a separate formula, not just a renamed one.
Choose Relief Sun if you want a creamier, moisturizing feel. Choose Aqua-Fresh if you find creamy sunscreens too rich or shiny.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun vs. Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen
Both are Korean chemical-filter sunscreens aimed at comfortable daily wear. Retailer listings position Round Lab around birch sap, hydration, and ingredients like niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. Check which version you’re buying: the US-market version, sold as “UV Lock SPF 45,” may not match the Korean SPF 50+ PA++++ original. For a detailed texture and finish comparison, read our Beauty of Joseon vs. Round Lab sunscreen guide.
In short, decide based on finish preference and on which verified version you can actually buy.
[Image: Comparison graphic of Relief Sun, Aqua-Fresh, and Round Lab Birch Juice sunscreens by finish and skin type]
How to Apply It Correctly
The AAD’s sunscreen application guide recommends at least 1 teaspoon for the face, applied about 15 minutes before going outside, and reapplying every two hours.
- Layering: Apply moisturizer first if your skin is dry, then sunscreen as the last skincare step before makeup.
- Don’t skip spots: Ears, neck, and hairline are easy to miss.
- Reapply: The brand says every 2–3 hours. Use the shorter interval outdoors.
This matters because people tend to under-apply. In a small 1999 study, 10 women with photosensitivity applied about a quarter of the tested amount, and often missed the neck, temples, and ears. It was a small, older study using an SPF 15 product, so it shows a pattern rather than proving anything about Relief Sun.
Is It Worth the Price? Value and Buying Considerations
Prices vary by country, seller, and promotion, so compare the price per milliliter, not just the sticker price. The real value comes down to whether you’ll apply enough and reapply. A sunscreen you enjoy wearing is one you’ll actually use. Check the size and seller details on Amazon before buying.
Where to Buy and How to Check Authenticity
Buy from the brand’s official store or authorized retailers whenever possible. On Amazon:
- Confirm the exact product name and “SPF50+ PA++++” on the listing
- Check who the seller is and who ships it
- Be wary of listings with unusual titles or claims the brand doesn’t make
- Compare the ingredient list on arrival with the official page
In the US, sunscreens are regulated as drugs, and the FDA advises reading labels carefully on products bought from other countries.
View the current Amazon listing:
- 1.Korean Rice Probiotics Anti-black frost offers , ideal for all skin types.
- 2.Enriched with nourishing ingredients for superior skin protection and deep hydration.
- 3.Provides long-lasting moisture to keep skin supple and hydrated.
Who Should Buy It and Who Should Skip It?
Buy it if you want a comfortable daily sunscreen for normal, dry, or combination skin, or a moisturizer-like base under makeup.
Skip it if you’ll be swimming or sweating heavily, have very oily skin, have a known rice allergy, or need a tint.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beauty of Joseon sunscreen worth it?
For daily wear on non-oily skin, it’s a strong option if you buy a verified version. It’s not the right pick for water sports.
Does Relief Sun leave a white cast?
The brand says no, and many users agree. Results can vary on deeper skin tones.
Is it good for oily skin?
The brand suggests Aqua-Fresh for oily skin because Relief Sun is richer and dewier.
Is it good for sensitive skin?
It’s fragrance-free and the brand cites small tolerance tests, but always patch-test first.
Is it water-resistant?
No water-resistance claim appears on the official pages we checked.
Are Rice + Probiotics and Rice + Niacinamide the same?
One review says the brand reports no formula change. Check your box against the official ingredient list.
Can I buy it on Amazon?
Yes, but check the seller, product name, and ingredient list to avoid mix-ups.
Final Verdict
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun is a worthwhile, comfortable daily sunscreen for normal, dry, and combination skin, as long as you apply enough and reapply. Skip it for sports, swimming, or very oily skin. If it fits your routine, check the current price on Amazon. Prices and availability can change.
- 1.Korean Rice Probiotics Anti-black frost offers , ideal for all skin types.
- 2.Enriched with nourishing ingredients for superior skin protection and deep hydration.
- 3.Provides long-lasting moisture to keep skin supple and hydrated.