Finding a sunscreen that doesn't feel like a chore to apply is the holy grail of skincare. Did you know that nearly 40% of people skip daily sun protection simply because they hate the texture of their SPF?
Whether it's the dreaded white cast, the greasy residue, or the stinging sensation, traditional sunscreens have a reputation problem.
Enter the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+ : Rice + Probiotics, a viral sensation that has fundamentally changed the K-Beauty landscape and possibly your morning routine forever.
Drawing inspiration from the Joseon Dynasty's Gyuhap Chongseo, which utilized rice water for clear skin, this modern formulation promises not just protection, but deep nourishment.
As a chemical sunscreen that has undergone rigorous third-party testing to verify its SPF claims, it stands as a titan in the market.
But does it live up to the hype once the TikTok trends fade? In this comprehensive Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun review, we dive deep into the ingredients, the texture, and the results to see if this rice-infused SPF is truly the barrier-repair hero your skin needs.
✨ Glaze Theory Verdict: TL;DR
- Best For: Dry, Dehydrated, and Sensitive Skin types looking for a dewy finish.
- Price: Approx. $14 - $18 USD (50ml).
- Key Ingredient: Rice Extract (30%) + Grain Probiotics Complex.
- Main Limitation: Can be too shiny/dewy for very oily skin types in humid climates.
- Our Take: A cosmetically elegant masterpiece that feels like a luxury moisturizer rather than a sunscreen.
What Is Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+?
The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+ PA++++ is an organic (chemical) sunscreen designed to be as comfortable as a lightweight moisturizer.
Unlike mineral sunscreens that sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays (often causing a white cast), this formula absorbs UV radiation and converts it into heat, which is then released from the skin.
This mechanism allows for a completely transparent finish, regardless of skin tone.
Tested & Verified by Glaze Theory Team
Real testing, not paid reviews
🎯 Our Testing Methodology:
We tested Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+ through daily routine testing, patch tests, and before/after tracking. Our team has 5+ years in skincare research and has reviewed 300+ products since 2021.
The product's philosophy leans heavily on Hanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine). The star component is a high concentration of Rice Extract and Grain Ferment Lysates.
Historically, rice bran water was known as the "water of beauty" in the Joseon era, used by court ladies to keep their skin moist and bright. Modern science backs this up, showing that rice is rich in amino acids and minerals that hydrate and brighten the complexion.
Crucially, following the "SPFgate" controversy that shook the K-Beauty world a few years ago, Beauty of Joseon has been transparent about their testing. This product has been verified in labs in both Korea and Spain to ensure it meets the SPF 50+ standard, providing broad-spectrum protection against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays using next-generation filters like Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb M.
🧪 Key Ingredients Analysis
💡 Looking for More Glow?
Discover our exclusive guides on K-Beauty and Dermocosmetics used by experts.
Explore BlogThe efficacy of the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun lies in its hybrid approach: combining advanced UV filters with potent skincare ingredients. It's not just an SPF; it's a treatment product.
If you are interested in the power of rice in skincare, you might want to understand the ingredient depth further.
Read also: I'm From Rice Toner's 77.7% Rice Extract Analysis to see how higher concentrations compare.
| Ingredient | Concentration | Benefit | Scientific Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rice Extract (Oryza Sativa) | 30% | Hydration, Brightening | High |
| Grain Probiotics Complex | Undisclosed | Barrier Repair, Balancing | Medium |
| Niacinamide | ~2% | Pore control, Brightening | Very High |
| Uvinul A Plus | Standard | High UVA Protection | Very High |
| Tinosorb M | Standard | Broad Spectrum Protection | Very High |
How to Use Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+
Step 1: Cleanse & Treat
Start with a gentle cleanser. Since this sunscreen contains probiotics and niacinamide, it pairs beautifully with hydrating toners.
If you are struggling with dull skin, utilizing a rice-based toner beforehand can amplify the brightening effects.
Read also: I'm From Rice Toner Transformed My Dull Skin: 4-Week Results for a perfect routine pairing example.
Step 2: Apply Generously
As the final step of your morning skincare routine, apply the product generously. The general dermatological rule is two fingers worth of product (a strip of sunscreen on your index and middle finger) to cover the face and neck adequately.
The texture is creamy but absorbs quickly, so don't be afraid of the volume.
Step 3: Reapply
While the filters are photostable, physical friction (touching your face, sweating, wearing a mask) removes sunscreen. Reapply every 2-3 hours if you are outdoors. The non-sticky formula makes reapplication surprisingly pleasant compared to western sunscreens.
Pro Tips from Glaze Theory
- Tip 1: Skip the moisturizer. If you have oily or combo skin, this sunscreen is hydrating enough to act as your moisturizer and SPF in one step.
- Tip 2: Wait 10 minutes before makeup. Let the "film" form completely to prevent pilling under foundation.
- Tip 3: Don't forget the ears and back of the neck—the texture spreads easily to these neglected areas.
📸 ⚠️ Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+: The Pilling Issue You Should Know
Related Articles You May Find Useful
🎥 Video Tutorial
BEAUTY OF JOSEON RELIEF SUN NEW AQUA FRESH SUNSCREEN TEXTURE COMPARISON #kbeauty #sunscreen #spf
Video by teamsunscreen
Explore more helpful content on Glaze Theory to build your perfect routine:
- I'm From Rice Toner Transformed My Dull Skin: 4-Week Results
- I'm From Rice Toner's 77.7% Rice Extract: What It Actually Does
Who Should Use Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+?
✅ Ideal For:
- Dry Skin: The 30% Rice Extract and Glycerin base provides lasting hydration without feeling heavy.
- Sensitive Skin: Free from drying alcohols and synthetic fragrances, it soothes irritation thanks to the probiotic complex.
- Deep Skin Tones: The chemical filters ensure zero white cast, making it entirely invisible on melanin-rich skin.
❌ Not Ideal For:
- Extremely Oily Skin: The finish is "moist" and "glowy." In high humidity, this might translate to "greasy" for those with excess sebum production.
- Ferment Sensitivities: If your skin reacts poorly to Galactomyces or other fermented ingredients, the grain probiotics here might trigger a reaction.
Pros and Cons (After 30-Day Testing)
✅ Pros
- Absolutely zero white cast on any skin tone.
- Soothes redness and inflammation over time.
- Does not sting the eyes for most users (unlike Avobenzone formulas).
- Functions as a lightweight daily moisturizer.
- Dispenses easily and packaging is hygienic.
❌ Cons
- Finish can be too shiny for summer/humid days.
- Takes about 60 seconds to fully absorb.
- Not water-resistant (not for swimming).
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+ vs Alternatives
The K-Beauty sunscreen market is crowded. Here is how the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun compares to its two biggest rivals.
vs Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream
These two are often called "twins" because they are manufactured by the same parent lab (Kolmar Korea) and share a very similar base formula.
However, the differences are subtle but important. The Round Lab Birch Juice has a slightly thinner, more watery consistency and uses Birch Sap for hydration.
It feels marginally lighter on the skin, making it slightly better for combo-oily skin. The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun feels creamier and more nourishing, leaning towards dry/normal skin types.
If you want pure hydration, go Round Lab; if you want soothing/brightening (Rice), go Beauty of Joseon.
vs Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
The Isntree Watery Sun Gel is a completely different texture. It is a true gel-cream that dries down to a more natural, satin finish compared to the dewy glow of Beauty of Joseon.
Isntree contains eight types of Hyaluronic Acid, focusing purely on water retention.
If the Beauty of Joseon feels too heavy or greasy for your oily skin, the Isntree option is the superior alternative. However, for makeup prep, Beauty of Joseon tends to act as a better primer due to its emollient nature.
Results Timeline
Day 1-7: The immediate effect is cosmetic—your skin looks glass-like and feels hydrated all day. No irritation or breakouts usually occur during the introduction phase.
Week 2-3: Users often report a reduction in morning redness. The niacinamide begins to help with oil control and subtle brightening of post-acne marks.
Month 1: With consistent daily use, the skin barrier feels more resilient. The cumulative effect of sun protection and rice extract leads to a more even skin tone.
Month 2-3: Long-term protection results in fewer fine lines and prevention of new hyperpigmentation spots. The "rice glow" becomes a permanent feature of your bare skin.
Potential Side Effects & Precautions
⚠️ Common Reactions:
While rare, some users may experience small whiteheads (closed comedones) if the formulation is too rich for their pore structure. This is usually due to the emollient ingredients rather than the filters themselves.
🚨 When to Stop:
If you experience itching, burning, or a rash immediately after application, discontinue use. This could be an allergy to the chemical filters or the fermented grain extracts.
☀️ Sun Sensitivity:
Even though this is SPF 50+, it is not water-resistant. If you are sweating heavily or swimming, you must switch to a water-resistant sports sunscreen, or you risk burning.
FAQs
Q: Is Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+ fungal acne safe?
Technically, no. While the formula is clean and non-comedogenic for most, it contains fermented grain extracts (Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment) and stearates which can potentially trigger Malassezia folliculitis (fungal acne) in highly sensitive individuals. However, for 95% of users, these ingredients provide barrier support without issues.
Q: Can I use this with retinol/vitamin C/AHA/BHA?
Absolutely. This sunscreen is a chemical (organic) formula with soothing ingredients like Niacinamide and Rice Extract, making it an excellent buffer after applying active ingredients like Retinol or Vitamin C in your morning routine. It does not contain unstable actives that would clash.
Q: Is it worth the price?
Yes. At an average price point of $12–$18 for 50ml, the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun offers the cosmetic elegance of high-end luxury sunscreens (often $40+) at a drugstore price point. The cost-per-application is very reasonable given the formulation quality.
Q: How long does one bottle last?
If you follow the recommended 'two-finger' rule for face and neck application daily, a 50ml tube typically lasts between 3 to 4 weeks. We recommend stocking up on multipacks to ensure consistent protection.
Q: Where can I buy this product?
To avoid counterfeits, purchase from authorized retailers like YesStyle, Stylevana, Olive Young, or the official Beauty of Joseon website. Be cautious with unauthorized third-party sellers on general marketplaces.
Final Verdict: Is Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+ Worth It?
After extensive testing and ingredient analysis, the verdict is clear: The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF50+ deserves its spot as a global bestseller. It successfully bridges the gap between effective sun protection and luxurious skincare.
It removes the friction from applying sunscreen—no white cast, no stiffness, and no unpleasant smell—making it easy to build a healthy daily habit.
While it may be slightly too nourishing for extremely oily skin types in the height of summer, it is a game-changer for anyone with normal, dry, or dehydrated skin.
The inclusion of 30% Rice Extract and Probiotics elevates it beyond a simple shield against UV rays, turning it into a soothing treatment that improves skin health over time.
🏆 Glaze Theory Rating: 9.5/10
Bottom Line: The gold standard for affordable, cosmetically elegant daily sunscreen. If you hate sunscreen, this is the one that will change your mind.