Kelly Driscoll

I’m back with another sunscreen review for you all! I recently received the new Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics Sunscreen from the brand when they launched this last month. (Disclosure, this product was received for free but I am under no obligation to review).

This product was supposed to be released at the end of 2020, but just around the time it was announced the Korean sunscreen “scandal” started with the revelations around the Purito Centella sunscreen being uncovered. The Beauty of Joseon sunscreen launch was then scrapped.

Fast forward to late 2021 and Beauty of Joseon is back with their new and improved Relief Sun. It appears the brand has taken the opportunity to fine tune the formula and improve its performance. Old ingredient lists from 2020 show that this new 2021 release has added 2 more UV filters and some really exciting ones you don’t see often in Korean skincare!

Ingredients:

While the rice and probiotics in the name of this sunscreen sound great, I only focus on UV filters when it comes to sunscreen ingredients.

This is a chemical sunscreen offering SPF 50+ PA++++ protection. The sunscreen has been verified for its SPF claims in Korea and in Spain.

Water, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract (30%), Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Methylene Bis-benzotriazolyl 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

All four of the UV filters being used are all new-generation chemical filters that are highly photostable. New-generation filters tend cause less irritation than their older generation counterparts.

Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus) Offers UVA I and II protection

Ethylhexyl Triazone (Uvinul T 150) Offers UVB protection

Methylene Bis-benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (Tinosorb M) UVA I and II protection

Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone (Iscotrizinol) Offers UVB, UVA II protection (doesn’t cover UVA I).

I was impressed to see the use of Tinosorb M and Iscotrizinol. I’ve not seen the use of these two newer filters in Korean skincare yet. They are exciting and appear to be the new additions to the original 2020 formula. I can see why they would add these to strengthen the UV protection. They are both high performing filters, Tinosorb M covering the elusive UVA I range and Iscotrizinol is a super photostable filter that loses 10% of its SPF protection after… 25 hours! Anyways, it’s a mix of filters to get excited about, in my opinion!

Other notables: formula is free from fragrance, essential oils and drying forms of alcohol.

Texture:

The creamy texture is not as thick feeling as it appears! This has a really nice spread on the skin and good absorbency. This feels moisturizing and slightly hydrating but settles to a light feel on the skin. There is a bit of a glowy finish to this but I noticed that it seems to calm down on my skin in 5-10 minutes after it has fully absorbed.

I didn’t notice a white cast on the first application but darker skin tones might detect a whisper of a white cast on the 2nd application. I can’t emphasis how faint this is but it’s still important to note!

I didn’t notice any type of pilling with this, even on reapplication.

My Thoughts:

I’m really digging this sunscreen! It feels so comfortable on my sensitive skin and I love that it offers a little moisture to my now dry winter skin without overwhelming it with grease. I also really appreciate that there isn’t a shiny finish to this because it means I never hesitate to apply this in the morning!

I think this sunscreen will mostly suit those who enjoy a little moisture from their SPF product. I predict those with combo to dry skin types will like this the most. But I also think those on the oilier side might enjoy this as moisturizer replacement, since it does have a lightweight feel on the skin.

I also have to highlight the the affordable price. This 50ml tube has a full price of $16 (and I’ve already seen it on sale).

All in all, I have been really impressed with this and it’s been my go-to for the last 4 weeks — and I’m not tempted to switch to anything else! I’m only going to knock off one point from my rating because you might notice a very faint hint of a white cast if you reapply this a lot, especially on those blessed with melanin.

TL;DR

It’s an elegant, moisturizing but still light feeling, chemical sunscreen. The UV filters are all new-generation chemical filters offering really good protection. This is not water resistant, so I would recommend this for use as a daily, casual sun exposure sunscreen. Because it does offer moisture to the skin I’d definitely recommend it for combo and dry skin types, but can see oilier types enjoying this as their moisturizer because it’s not heavy!

My rating: 9/10

Where to buy:

50ml tube, full price $16
*Yesstyle: https://ys.style/w2fX5sgxnlb
*Stylevana: https://shrsl.com/39k5y

*Links are affiliate. If you choose to purchase from them I will received a small commission which goes towards supporting my work on this blog and my YouTube channel. Thank you so much for your support!