Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen Review: Is the Relief Sun Worth the Hype?

The Beauty of Joseon sunscreen — specifically the Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++ — became one of the most talked-about K-beauty products of the past two years. It trended on TikTok, sold out repeatedly on Amazon, and became a staple recommendation on Reddit's r/AsianBeauty and r/SkincareAddiction communities. But does it actually deserve the hype?

This Beauty of Joseon sunscreen review breaks down the formula, tests real-world performance, compares it against competing Korean sunscreens, and gives an honest assessment of who this product is truly best for — and who should look elsewhere.

Product Overview

Full name: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF/PA rating: SPF 50+ PA++++ (highest UV protection grades) Volume: 50ml Price: $10-$16 (varies by retailer) UV filters: Chemical filters (no mineral/physical filters) Key skincare ingredients: Rice extract, grain ferment filtrate (probiotics), niacinamide

Beauty of Joseon positions this as a "skincare sunscreen" — meaning it is not just sun protection but also provides hydration, brightening, and skin barrier support through its rice and probiotic ingredients.

Ingredient Breakdown

The full INCI list reveals a well-thought-out formula:

UV Filters:

• Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (Uvinul A Plus) — broad spectrum UVA protection
• Ethylhexyl triazone (Uvinul T 150) — photostable UVB filter
• Diethylhexyl butamido triazone — UVB filter with excellent photostability
• Bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine (Tinosorb S) — broad spectrum UVA/UVB

This combination of newer-generation chemical UV filters is a significant strength. Unlike older filters (oxybenzone, octinoxate), these are photostable — meaning they do not degrade quickly in sunlight. The inclusion of Tinosorb S, which provides both UVA and UVB protection, makes this a genuinely broad-spectrum formula.

Skincare Ingredients:

• Rice extract (Oryza sativa bran extract): Contains ferulic acid and gamma-oryzanol, both potent antioxidants that complement sun protection
• Grain ferment filtrate: A probiotic-derived ingredient that strengthens the skin barrier and helps maintain healthy skin microbiome
• Niacinamide: Brightening, oil control, and barrier support

The combination of antioxidants (rice) + barrier support (probiotics) + brightening (niacinamide) makes this more than just a sunscreen. It functions as a light moisturizer with sun protection.

Texture and Application

This is where the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun truly shines. The texture is a lightweight, milky fluid — thinner than most sunscreens but thicker than a serum. It spreads easily, absorbs quickly (under 30 seconds), and leaves zero white cast on all skin tones tested.

Application notes:

• Applies like a lightweight moisturizer, not like a traditional sunscreen
• Slightly dewy finish that settles to satin within 5-10 minutes
• No pilling when layered over serums and moisturizers
• Works well under makeup — provides a smooth, hydrated base
• Slight rice scent that dissipates quickly (no artificial fragrance added)

For the "two-finger rule" application (adequate SPF coverage), you need approximately 1.25ml for the face. The Relief Sun's fluid texture makes it easy to apply this amount without feeling heavy.

Real-World Performance

Protection Duration

In practical use, this sunscreen maintains its protective feel for approximately 4-5 hours of indoor activity or 2-3 hours of direct outdoor sun exposure. This is consistent with the recommendation to reapply every 2 hours during active sun exposure.

Wear Under Makeup

This is one of the Relief Sun's strongest use cases. It sits under foundation and BB cream without causing separation, pilling, or an overly greasy base. Many users have adopted it as their final skincare step specifically because it doubles as a primer.

Sweat and Water Resistance

This is a limitation. The Relief Sun is not marketed as water-resistant, and in practice, it does break down with heavy sweating or water exposure. For beach days, swimming, or intense outdoor exercise, you will want a dedicated water-resistant sunscreen instead.

Different Skin Types

• Oily skin: Slightly dewy finish may be too much for very oily skin types. The shine becomes noticeable by hour 3-4
• Dry skin: Excellent. The hydrating formula adds moisture without feeling heavy
• Combination skin: Works well for most combination types. A light powder over the T-zone controls any excess dewiness
• Sensitive skin: Generally well-tolerated, but those sensitive to chemical UV filters should patch test first

How It Compares to Other K-Beauty Sunscreens

Feature	Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun	Isntree HA Watery Sun Gel	COSRX Aloe Sun Cream	Missha Aqua Sun Gel
SPF/PA	50+ / PA++++	50+ / PA++++	50+ / PA+++	50+ / PA++++
Texture	Milky fluid	Watery gel	Creamy	Gel
White cast	None	None	Very slight	None
Finish	Dewy to satin	Matte	Satin	Dewy
Skincare benefits	Rice + probiotics	Hyaluronic acid	Aloe vera	Hyaluronic acid
Water resistant	No	No	No	No
Best for	Dry/combo/normal	Oily	Sensitive	Oily/combo
Price (50ml)	$10-$16	$12-$18	$10-$15	$8-$14

When to Choose the Relief Sun

Choose this sunscreen if you want a daily-wear SPF that doubles as a light moisturizer, sits beautifully under makeup, and provides skincare benefits beyond just UV protection. It is ideal for office workers, indoor professionals, and anyone whose sun exposure is primarily incidental (commuting, walking between buildings).

When to Choose Something Else

For outdoor sports, beach vacations, or very oily skin, consider alternatives. The Isntree Watery Sun Gel offers a more matte finish for oily skin. For water resistance, look at Anessa Perfect UV (a Japanese sunscreen) or dedicated sport sunscreens.

When to Choose Based on Climate

In hot, humid climates (Southeast Asia, Gulf Coast, etc.), the Relief Sun's dewy finish may feel too moist. In these environments, a gel or fluid-type sunscreen dries faster and feels more comfortable. In dry or temperate climates, the Relief Sun's hydrating formula shines — it adds a layer of moisture that dry-climate skin craves and serves as both moisturizer and SPF in one step.

The Other Beauty of Joseon Sun Products

Beauty of Joseon has expanded their sun protection line:

Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (Original)

The product reviewed above. Best for daily indoor/light outdoor use.

Matte Sun Stick SPF 50+ PA++++

A solid stick format designed for on-the-go reapplication. The matte finish makes it popular with oily skin types who need to reapply over makeup. Convenient for travel but less economical per application than the tube format.

UV Defense Sun Fluid

A newer addition with an even lighter, more fluid texture. Marketed toward those who found the original Relief Sun too dewy. Contains centella asiatica for additional soothing benefits.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Relief Sun

To maximize the performance of the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, follow these practical guidelines:

• Store properly: Keep the tube away from direct sunlight and heat. Chemical UV filters can degrade if the product is stored in hot conditions before use
• Shake gently before use: Separation can occur over time — a quick shake ensures even distribution of UV filters
• Apply generously: Under-application is the most common sunscreen mistake. Use the full two-finger-length amount for your face and do not forget your ears and neck
• Wait before makeup: Give the sunscreen 2-3 minutes to set before applying foundation or cushion to prevent pilling
• Replace every 6-12 months: Even unopened, sunscreen efficacy degrades over time. Check the expiration date and replace accordingly

Wholesale Considerations for Retailers

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun is consistently one of the top-selling K-beauty sunscreens globally. For retailers considering stocking it:

• Sell-through rate: Very high. Brand recognition and social media virality drive consistent demand
• Price positioning: Budget-luxury. Low enough cost to achieve strong margins while being perceived as premium by consumers
• Restock frequency: High. Sunscreen is a consumable — customers repurchase every 2-3 months
• Shelf appeal: The minimalist traditional Korean aesthetic packaging photographs well and looks distinctive on retail shelves

Sourcing directly from Korean brands through platforms like knok allows retailers to maintain healthy margins even at competitive retail pricing.

Why Source Through knok?

knok connects you directly with Korean beauty brand owners — no middlemen, wholesale pricing, and fast brand responses. Browse 150+ verified K-Beauty brands and start sourcing today.

Final Verdict

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun deserves most of its hype. It is a genuinely excellent daily sunscreen with good UV protection, elegant texture, zero white cast, and meaningful skincare benefits at an unusually affordable price point. It is not the best choice for outdoor sports or very oily skin, but for the vast majority of daily sunscreen users, it delivers outstanding value.

Rating: 8.5/10

Best for: Daily wear, under makeup, dry-to-combination skin, those who want skincare benefits in their SPF

Skip if: You need water resistance, prefer a fully matte finish, or are sensitive to chemical UV filters

For both consumers and retailers, the Relief Sun is a safe bet. It is the kind of product that converts people into Korean sunscreen believers — and once they make that switch, they rarely go back to Western formulas.

The Beauty of Joseon brand has built its reputation on combining traditional Korean herbal ingredients with modern cosmetic science, and the Relief Sun is the best example of that philosophy in action. Rice and probiotics are not just marketing — they contribute real antioxidant and barrier-supporting benefits that complement the UV protection. At under $16 for 50ml, it outperforms Western sunscreens costing three to four times as much. That value proposition is why it remains one of the most recommended K-beauty products worldwide.