Beauty of Joseon vs Supergoop: Which Sunscreen Should You Buy?

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How we researched this: this is a research-based comparison, not a personal hands-on test. We compared official brand information, retailer listings and independent reviewer experiences. Where we cite brand claims, we say so.

Should you spend about $15 on a creamy Korean sunscreen or about $38 on a clear, primer-like American one? That is the real question behind Beauty of Joseon vs Supergoop. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++ is a moisturizing, dewy cream. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50 is a silicone-based clear gel that many people use as a makeup primer.

They differ in texture, finish, price and best use. Below, we break down filters, skin types, makeup wear, value and water resistance so you can choose with confidence.

Quick Verdict: Beauty of Joseon vs Supergoop at a Glance

Product	Best For	SPF	Texture	Finish	Main Advantage	Approximate Price
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics	Everyday wear, normal to dry skin, dewy-finish fans	SPF 50+ PA++++	Lightweight cream	Dewy, moisturized	Low cost per ml	Roughly $14–$18 for 50 ml
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 50	Makeup wearers, people who like a gel primer feel	SPF 50	Clear silicone gel	Smooth, velvety, primer-like	Makeup grip, no visible tint	$38 for 1.7 fl oz

Short verdict: Beauty of Joseon is the better value and has a more moisturizing daily-wear feel. Supergoop suits readers who want a clear, primer-like finish under makeup. Neither is universally better.

Prices and availability change often, so check the current listing before you buy.

Beauty of Joseon vs Supergoop: Key Differences

Feature	Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun	Supergoop Unseen SPF 50
SPF rating	SPF 50+	SPF 50
UVA labeling	PA++++ (Korean system)	“Broad spectrum” (US system); some retailers also list PA+++, so confirm on your pack
UV filter type	Chemical (organic) filters	Chemical filters: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 7%, octisalate 5%, octocrylene 9%
Main ingredients	Rice and grain ferment extracts (brand says about 30%)	Silicone-based gel base
Texture	Creamy, lightweight	Clear gel
Finish	Dewy, moisturized	Velvety, primer-like
White cast	None reported by most reviewers	None; clear, per the brand
Makeup compatibility	Good for many, but dewy base can feel slippery under some foundations	Designed to grip makeup; some users report pilling in layered routines
Best skin types	Normal, dry, combination	Oily, combination, makeup wearers
Water-resistance labeling	No verified claim; do not rely on it for swimming	Directions mention reapplying after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating
Size	50 ml	1.7 fl oz (about 50 ml)
Price	Roughly $14–$18	$38
Value for money	Higher	Lower, but you pay for texture

In plain English: Beauty of Joseon feels like a light moisturizer with SPF. Supergoop feels like a silky primer with SPF. Your preferred feel should drive the decision, since both offer high SPF.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Review

Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics is the formula most readers mean when they say “Beauty of Joseon sunscreen.” You will also see newer packaging labeled Rice + Niacinamide, so check the exact name on the listing. The Korean-market tube is 50 ml.

Don’t confuse it with Day Dew. Beauty of Joseon Day Dew SPF 50 is a separate US-market product. We cannot assume its formula matches the Korean tube, so this review covers only Relief Sun.

What it offers

• Rice and fermented grain extracts. The brand says the formula contains about 30% of them, plus amino acids and vitamins B, C and E.
• Chemical UV filters, not mineral ones. The brand describes it as a chemical sunscreen. Check the ingredient list on your own tube for the exact filters.
• A creamy, fast-absorbing texture. Brand and reviewer descriptions say it feels like a light moisturizer and is not sticky.
• A dewy finish and no reported white cast.

Makeup compatibility is mixed. Many reviewers say it makes a pleasant base, but a dewy cream can slide under some full-coverage foundations. Give it a few minutes to set before applying makeup.

Pros

• Low price and low cost per ml.
• Comfortable, moisturizing feel.
• Comes in SPF 50+ PA++++.

Cons

• Dewy finish may look shiny on very oily skin.
• No verified water-resistance claim.
• Packaging and formula names vary by market, so versions can differ.

Best for: normal, dry and combination skin. Limitations: not the pick for swimming, heavy sweat or a mattified finish.

Visit the official Beauty of Joseon product page for the brand’s own claims. Read our complete Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun review for more detail.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen Review

Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is a clear gel that spreads thin and feels almost like nothing on skin. Make sure you are looking at the current SPF 50 face formula. Older SPF 40 versions were different, and we do not mix their details here.

What it offers

• Active filters: avobenzone 3%, homosalate 7%, octisalate 5% and octocrylene 9%.
• A silicone-based gel texture that the brand markets as invisible and usable as a primer.
• A standard size of 1.7 fl oz.
• Directions that call for reapplying after 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, immediately after towel drying, and at least every two hours.

That 40-minute wording points to a water-resistance claim, but confirm it on the box or bottle you receive.

Makeup compatibility. The silicone feel gives foundation something to glide over, which is why many makeup fans like it. Pilling can happen when you layer several silicone-heavy products or rub them in too fast. Apply thin layers, wait a minute, then pat on makeup.

Pros

• Clear, with no visible tint or white cast.
• Primer-like, velvety finish.
• Works well with makeup for many users.

Cons

• Costs more than twice as much per ml.
• Can pill with certain layering combinations.
• Not moisturizing, so very dry skin may need a cream underneath.

Best for: oily, combination and makeup-wearing skin. Limitations: the price, and the feel may bother people who dislike silicone.

See the official Supergoop Unseen SPF 50 page for current ingredients. Our detailed Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen review goes deeper.

Which Is Better for Different Skin Types?

Group	Better Pick	Why
Oily skin	Supergoop	Gel feels lighter and less shiny
Dry skin	Beauty of Joseon	Cream feels moisturizing
Combination skin	Either	Choose gel for a shiny T-zone, cream for dry cheeks
Sensitive skin	Patch test either	Both use chemical filters, and fragrance-free status varies; check ingredients
Acne-prone skin	Patch test either	Neither can promise to prevent acne; look for non-comedogenic claims on your pack
Normal skin	Either	Pick by feel and budget
Makeup users	Supergoop	Primer-like grip
Dewy finish fans	Beauty of Joseon	Skin-like glow
Velvety finish fans	Supergoop	Smooth, soft-focus feel

Neither sunscreen treats pigmentation or acne. Consistent sunscreen use supports sun protection, nothing more. If you have eczema, rosacea or reactive skin, ask a dermatologist.

Price Comparison: Which Offers Better Value?

	Beauty of Joseon	Supergoop
Size	50 ml	1.7 fl oz (about 50 ml)
Typical US price	Roughly $14–$18 in listings we found	$38 at major retailers
Price per ml	About $0.28–$0.36	About $0.76

Beauty of Joseon costs less than half as much per ml. We do not list a price per application because brands do not publish a reliable figure, and it depends on how generously you apply. Whatever the tube, use a generous amount, since under-applying reduces real protection.

Amazon prices shift with sellers and promotions, so recheck the live listing. The Beauty of Joseon price in particular can vary with importer and shipping.

Which Sunscreen Is Better Under Makeup?

The two formulas serve different purposes. Supergoop acts like a primer that also protects. Beauty of Joseon acts like a moisturizer that also protects.

• Primer-like feel: Supergoop wins.
• Moisturizing base: Beauty of Joseon wins.
• Foundation compatibility: Supergoop tends to grip foundation; Beauty of Joseon may need setting time.
• Pilling: possible with either if you layer too fast.
• Finish by midday: Supergoop stays smoother on oily skin; Beauty of Joseon can look glowier.

For readers who prioritize a silicone-primer feel, Supergoop has the edge. If you prefer a hydrated base and a natural glow, Beauty of Joseon may suit you better. If you want other options for aging skin, see our best non-greasy sunscreens for mature skin.

Which One Is Better for Daily Use?

For commuting and office days, either works if you wear it consistently. The best sunscreen is the one you will apply generously every day.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using enough sunscreen and reapplying about every two hours, or after swimming or sweating, as explained in its guide to applying sunscreen. The FDA’s sunscreen guide adds that water-resistant labels must state how many minutes of protection you get.

Beauty of Joseon has no verified water-resistance claim, so do not make it your swimming or heavy-sweat sunscreen. Supergoop’s directions reference 40 minutes of swimming or sweating, so confirm the claim on your bottle and follow it strictly.

Curious about Korean sunscreen testing? Consumer Reports looked at the question in Does Korean Sunscreen Work Better?. Also note that many Korean filters are not FDA-approved for US sale, so imported tubes are regulated differently. If you want another budget-friendly Korean option, compare Beauty of Joseon with Round Lab sunscreen. For a dermatologist-favorite option, explore our EltaMD UV Clear review.

Pros and Cons

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun

• Pros: affordable, moisturizing, no white cast, SPF 50+ PA++++.
• Cons: shiny on oily skin, no verified water-resistance claim, formulas vary by market.

Supergoop Unseen SPF 50

• Pros: clear, primer-like, good makeup grip, current SPF 50 formula with a clear reapplication schedule.
• Cons: expensive, can pill, not hydrating.

Which One Should You Buy?

Choose Beauty of Joseon if:

• You want better affordability.
• You like a moisturizing cream.
• You prefer a dewy finish.
• You want a Korean sunscreen for everyday use.

Choose Supergoop if:

• You want a clear gel.
• You regularly wear makeup.
• You prefer a primer-like finish.
• You are comfortable paying more for texture and convenience.

Skip both if you need a sunscreen specifically labeled water-resistant for long swims or heavy sweating. Look for a sport formula with a label of 40 or 80 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beauty of Joseon better than Supergoop? Not universally. It wins on price and moisturizing feel. Supergoop wins on primer-like finish.

Is Beauty of Joseon a dupe for Supergoop Unseen? No. One is a cream and the other a silicone gel, with different filters and finishes.

Which sunscreen is better for oily skin? Supergoop usually, because the gel feels lighter and less glossy.

Which is better under makeup? Supergoop for primer grip, Beauty of Joseon for a hydrated base.

Does Beauty of Joseon leave a white cast? Most reviewers report none, since it uses chemical filters. Results vary by skin tone.

Is Supergoop Unseen worth the extra money? It is if you value the silky, primer-like feel. If not, the cheaper option protects just as well on paper.

Which sunscreen is better for sensitive skin? Neither can be guaranteed. Patch test and check ingredients, especially fragrance and filters you react to.

Can you use either sunscreen every day? Yes, as directed, with reapplication as needed.

Which sunscreen is better for swimming? Neither is ideal. Supergoop’s directions mention 40 minutes in water, while Beauty of Joseon has no verified claim. Choose a dedicated water-resistant sport sunscreen.

Is SPF 50+ PA++++ better than SPF 50? Not automatically. They are different labeling systems. SPF measures UVB protection, while PA ratings describe UVA protection. US “broad spectrum” means UVA protection that meets FDA standards.

Final Verdict

In the Beauty of Joseon vs Supergoop debate, there is no single winner. Beauty of Joseon is the value-oriented everyday option: creamy, glowy and cheap per ml. Supergoop is the premium primer-like option: clear, silky and better suited to makeup routines.

Before buying, check current prices and the exact product version on the listing, including the SPF 50 Supergoop formula and the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun name on the box.

Product details and prices were gathered from brand pages and retailer listings and may change. Always follow the directions printed on your own package.