If you’re on social media, you’ve probably noticed the buzz around Korean skincare products. Last time, I tried and reviewed a Beauty of Joseon gem – brightening Deep Glow Serum.
Korean sunscreens, in particular, are taking the spotlight for their innovative formulas and skin-friendly properties. Among them, Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice & Probiotics SPF50 stands out as a crowd favorite. After using the third tube of this exact sunscreen, I’m excited to share my experience.
The Formula
The formula is free from strong fragrances and heavy ingredients that can irritate or clog pores. It’s non-comedogenic and has a lightweight texture that caters to all skin types, especially sensitive and combination skin.
The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen Ingredients List
Water, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract (30%), Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Methylene Bis-benzotriazole Tetramethylbutylphenol, Coco-caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Monascus/Rice Ferment, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, 1,2-Hexanediol,Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Tocopherol, Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment, Aspergillus Ferment, Saccharomyces/Rice Ferment Filtrate
- Rice Extract (30%). This key ingredient has been used for centuries in Asian skincare. It is known for its ability to calm, hydrate, and brighten the skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
- Probiotics. Extracted from fermented grains, probiotics work to strengthen the skin barrier, balance the skin’s microbiome, and reduce inflammation. They’re also rich in antioxidants like vitamins C and E.
- Niacinamide. Known for its multitasking properties, this ingredient helps even out skin tone, minimize redness, and provide additional environmental protection.
- SPF50 PA++++. Ensures broad-spectrum protection from both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays, making it a trustworthy choice for daily wear.
The incorporation of rice extract and probiotics makes this sunscreen truly unique. These ingredients work together to hydrate, brighten, and soothe the skin, while also strengthening the barrier against external aggressors.
Its ability to deliver effective sun protection without compromising on comfort or compatibility with other products sets it apart from many different sunscreens on the market.
Claims, recommendations, and cautions
- The Beauty of Joseon promises: “Experience the effortless glide of a light moisturizing cream that seamlessly melds into your skin. No stickiness, no waiting – just swift absorption, leaving behind a nourished, radiant canvas.” Sounds like a dream, right?
- The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice & Probiotics SPF50 is a chemical sunscreen. It uses chemical filters like Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (also known as Octinoxate) and Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone) to absorb UV rays, rather than physical mineral filters like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are used in mineral sunscreens.
- Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen is generally considered good for acne-prone skin.
- The sunscreen is also non-comedogenic, meaning it is designed not to block pores to prevent breakouts.
- It is free from strong fragrances and harsh ingredients.
- BOJ Rice & Probiotics SPF50 has been tested in both Korean and Spanish labs, showing it provides strong sun protection with an SPF of 52.5 to 63.1 and excellent UVA protection, earning the highest PA++++ rating.
- This sunscreen is suitable for all skin types but performs exceptionally well for sensitive and combination skin.
- If you have very dry skin, you might need to pair it with a richer moisturizer to ensure optimal hydration.
- To maintain its effectiveness, reapply every two or three hours, especially if you’re outdoors or sweating heavily.
- It contains a filter that can even block blue light. However, please note that there is no separate clinical test to prove blue light block.
- It needs to be used as the last step of the skincare routine, evenly spread a generous amount over areas vulnerable to sun exposure.
The Price
United States (US): $17 (50 ml)
Europe (EU): Approximately €16.00
United Kingdom (UK): Approximately £13.50
These prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer, location, and any ongoing sales or promotions. Always compare prices across retailers like Amazon, Boots, Beauty Bay, or Superdrug for the best deal.
The Texture
The texture of the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice & Probiotics SPF50 is one of its standout features. It has a creamy yet lightweight consistency that feels velvety on the skin.
Upon application, the sunscreen glides smoothly and absorbs quickly without any greasiness or heavy residue, leaving a soft, hydrated finish with that healthy skin glow.
First Impressions
As someone with sensitive skin, finding a sunscreen that works without irritation is always a challenge. From the first application, I noticed several things I loved:
- No white residue. Unlike many sunscreens, this one blends seamlessly into the skin, leaving no chalky or ashy cast, even on deeper skin tones.
- Fragrance-free. There’s no overwhelming scent, which is a big plus for those who prefer unscented products or have sensitivities to strong smells.
- Velvety texture. The creamy yet lightweight consistency feels comfortable on the skin and absorbs quickly without leaving any greasiness. It left my skin feeling nourished and smooth, almost like a moisturizer.
Performance with Makeup
One of the standout features of the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun is how well it pairs with makeup. Some sunscreens can cause the foundation to pill or slide, but not this one.
It creates a smooth base that doesn’t interfere with makeup application, ensuring a flawless finish throughout the day. Even after hours of wear, my makeup stayed intact, and my skin didn’t feel oily or congested.
After a Few Months
After using this sunscreen consistently, I’m happy to report that it has become a staple in my routine. Here’s why:
- My skin feels protected and hydrated without any irritation.
- There’s a subtle dewy finish that gives my skin a healthy glow.
- The sunscreen’s lightweight formula makes it easy to layer with other products, whether it’s serums or moisturizers.
- I feel that it helped me to improve and strengthen my skin barrier.
I’ve also noticed that my skin feels less congested at the end of the day, a welcome change from the pore-clogging sensations I’ve experienced with other sunscreens.
Summary
Main Pros
- Gentle, non-irritating formula.
- Affordable.
- No white cast, making it suitable for all skin tones.
- Lightweight, velvety texture that’s makeup-friendly.
- Broad-spectrum SPF50 PA++++ protection.
- Fragrance-free and non-comedogenic.
- Reef-safe and cruelty-free.
Main Cons
- Those seeking a richer formula might find it slightly lightweight.
- Requires consistent reapplication to maintain protection.
Rating: 4.9/5
Since sunscreen is something I use daily, it doesn’t last long, and I’ve just come to the end of my third tube of this one. I’m looking forward to trying the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Stick and the new version of their Aqua Fresh sunscreen, as I’ve heard great things about them!
The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice & Probiotics SPF50 is a fantastic addition to any skincare routine. I definitely will purchase more of these in the future because it is my number one so far.
