Compare the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun and Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Key Differences, Ingredients, and Benefits

Choosing between the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun and the Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh can feel tricky, especially when both promise strong UV protection and skin benefits. Each sunscreen offers a unique texture and finish that suits different skin types and preferences. If you want deep nourishment with a creamy glow, go for Relief Sun; if you prefer a light, quick-absorbing formula, Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh is your match.

You’ll notice that the original Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics provides a rich, moisturising feel ideal for dry or normal skin. In contrast, the newer Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 delivers a lightweight, semi-matte finish that suits oily or combination skin. Both formulas reflect the thoughtful approach of Korean skincare—balancing protection, hydration, and comfort.

By understanding how each sunscreen performs and feels, you can confidently choose the one that fits your daily routine and skin needs. This comparison helps you make that choice simple and effective.

Key Takeaways

• Relief Sun nourishes and protects with a creamy, glowing finish.
• Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh feels light, refreshing, and suits oilier skin types.
• Knowing your skin type helps you pick the most effective Beauty of Joseon sunscreen.

Overview of Beauty of Joseon Sunscreens

Beauty of Joseon sunscreens combine traditional Korean hanbang ingredients with modern skincare science. You get formulas that protect your skin from UV damage while supporting hydration, brightness, and barrier health. Each product reflects a balance between natural extracts and lightweight, daily-wear comfort.

Brand Philosophy and Hanbang Ingredients

Beauty of Joseon is a Korean brand inspired by the skincare practices of the Joseon dynasty. The brand focuses on hanbang—a traditional Korean approach that uses herbal and plant-based ingredients to improve skin health over time.

You’ll find ingredients like rice extract, ginseng, green tea, and lotus in its products. These ingredients aim to brighten skin, calm irritation, and strengthen the skin barrier.

The brand avoids artificial fragrance and essential oils, making its sunscreens suitable for sensitive skin. Its formulas are vegan, cruelty-free, and designed for everyday use.

By blending time-tested herbal knowledge with modern UV filters, Beauty of Joseon creates sunscreens that feel gentle yet effective for daily wear.

Evolution of the Sunscreen Range

Beauty of Joseon first became well-known for its Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++, released after the Korean sunscreen reformulation wave in 2021. This product gained attention for its creamy texture and natural glow finish.

Following its success, the brand introduced the Relief Sun: Aqua-Fresh (Rice + B5), a lighter, gel-cream version better suited for oily or combination skin. According to The Summer Study, this expansion reflected the brand’s goal to offer options for different skin types and climates.

The range now includes other formats, such as sun sticks, but both Relief Sun versions remain its most popular. These sunscreens show how the brand adapts traditional concepts to meet modern skincare needs.

What Sets Beauty of Joseon Apart

Beauty of Joseon stands out for combining heritage ingredients with modern textures and high SPF protection. Unlike many K-beauty sunscreens, it focuses on comfort and skin health rather than heavy coverage or fragrance.

Both sunscreens use chemical UV filters that offer broad-spectrum protection without leaving a white cast. They layer well under makeup and work across seasons.

The brand’s commitment to transparency, gentle formulation, and hanbang-inspired care has helped it earn a strong reputation in the K-beauty community. Its sunscreens appeal to you if you value lightweight, non-irritating products that reflect both tradition and innovation.

Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics Detailed Review

You can expect a lightweight sunscreen that blends skincare and sun protection. It focuses on nourishing your skin while maintaining comfort, even with daily use or reapplication.

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ combines traditional Korean ingredients with modern skincare science. Its main ingredient, rice extract, helps brighten and smooth your skin by providing amino acids and antioxidants that support a healthy moisture barrier.

Probiotics strengthen your skin barrier and help balance your microbiome, reducing irritation and dryness. This makes the formula suitable for those with sensitive or easily dehydrated skin.

You’ll also find niacinamide, vitamin E, and glycerin, which work together to improve hydration and elasticity. Niacinamide supports even skin tone, while vitamin E offers antioxidant protection from environmental stress. Glycerin attracts and locks in moisture, keeping your skin soft throughout the day.

Texture, Finish, and Skin Feel

The texture feels smooth and creamy, similar to a lightweight moisturiser rather than a typical sunscreen. It spreads easily without tugging and absorbs quickly, leaving no white cast or sticky residue.

You’ll notice a natural, dewy finish that gives your skin a fresh look without appearing oily. This makes it easy to layer under makeup or wear alone.

The formula remains breathable even in humid weather, and it stays comfortable through the day. Many users describe it as a sunscreen that feels like skincare — hydrating yet weightless. If you prefer a soft glow instead of a matte finish, this texture suits that preference well.

Ideal Skin Types and Concerns

This sunscreen suits dry, normal, and sensitive skin best. Its hydrating base helps relieve tightness and supports your skin’s moisture barrier. If your skin often feels rough or dull, the rice extract and probiotics help restore balance and radiance.

Those with sensitive skin benefit from the gentle ingredients that calm redness and reduce irritation. The fragrance-free and alcohol-free formula minimises the risk of reaction.

If you have combination skin, you may still enjoy this sunscreen during cooler months when your skin needs more moisture. However, very oily skin types might prefer a lighter option like the Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5, which offers a more matte finish.

The SPF50+ and PA++++ rating ensures strong protection against UVA and UVB rays, making it effective for everyday wear while maintaining skin comfort and hydration.

Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 In-Depth Analysis

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 SPF50+ PA++++ offers light yet effective protection using advanced UV filters and hydrating ingredients. It focuses on comfort, quick absorption, and a clean finish that suits warm climates and active lifestyles.

Formulation and Innovative Ingredients

This sunscreen combines rice seed water and vitamin B5 (panthenol) to hydrate and calm your skin while maintaining its moisture barrier. The formula uses modern chemical UV filters such as Ethylhexyl Triazone and Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate for broad-spectrum protection.

You’ll also find glycerin and butyloctyl salicylate, which help retain moisture and improve the product’s spreadability. These ingredients work together to keep your skin soft without feeling greasy.

Unlike heavy creams, the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+ avoids mineral filters that can leave a white cast. It’s fragrance-free and designed to reduce irritation, making it suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin. You get dependable SPF protection with a formula that feels refreshing and breathable.

Texture, Absorption, and Finish

The Aqua-Fresh formula has a light gel-cream texture that spreads easily and absorbs almost instantly. When applied, it delivers a mild cooling effect that makes it comfortable to use even in humid weather.

It leaves a semi-matte finish that looks natural, not shiny or greasy. The texture feels smooth and non-sticky, so you can layer it under makeup without pilling.

Compared to the original Relief Sun, this version feels thinner and more fluid. You’ll notice how quickly it sinks into your skin, leaving it hydrated but weightless. The finish balances moisture and oil control, ideal for those who dislike heavy sunscreens.

Best Skin Types and Usage Scenarios

You’ll find the Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh especially beneficial if you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin. Its lightweight texture prevents clogged pores while still offering lasting hydration.

People with sensitive skin may appreciate the inclusion of panthenol, which helps calm redness and support recovery. The formula’s balance of rice extract and vitamin B5 keeps your skin comfortable throughout the day.

This sunscreen works well for daily wear, especially in warmer months or when you spend time outdoors. It’s also a good option if you prefer a non-greasy SPF that feels like a light moisturiser. 

Comparing Relief Sun and Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh

Both Beauty of Joseon sunscreens offer SPF50+ PA++++ protection and focus on skin comfort. They differ mainly in texture, ingredients, and skin-type suitability, helping you choose a formula that fits your daily routine and climate.

Similarities in Protection and Performance

Both Relief Sun and Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh provide broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays. Their SPF50+ PA++++ rating helps reduce the risk of sunburn and hyperpigmentation caused by prolonged sun exposure.

Each sunscreen uses chemical UV filters that absorb UV rays before they damage your skin. The formulas aim to deliver high protection without leaving a white cast, making them suitable for all skin tones.

Both products also include rice extract, known for its hydrating and soothing properties. This ingredient helps maintain moisture balance while supporting a smooth, even texture. You can expect a lightweight feel that layers well under makeup or skincare.

In everyday use, both sunscreens perform well in maintaining hydration and preventing dryness from sun exposure. They also work well for sensitive skin, as neither formula contains strong fragrances or heavy oils.

Key Differences in Ingredients and Finish

The Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics has a creamy, lotion-like texture that feels richer on the skin. It leaves a dewy finish, making it ideal for dry or normal skin that benefits from extra moisture. The addition of probiotics supports the skin barrier and helps calm irritation.

The Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5, described in the Beauty of Joseon blog, features a light gel-cream texture that absorbs quickly. It gives a semi-matte finish, reducing shine for oily or acne-prone skin. Vitamin B5 (panthenol) provides hydration without heaviness and helps soothe blemish-prone areas.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin Type

If your skin feels tight or flaky, the Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics offers extra hydration that helps restore comfort. Its creamy texture supports dry or sensitive skin and minimises irritation.

For oily or combination skin, the Aqua-Fresh version keeps your complexion balanced. Its quick-absorbing formula prevents greasiness while maintaining hydration. Those with acne or enlarged pores often prefer its lighter texture.

If you have hyperpigmentation or dullness, both formulas assist by protecting against UV damage that worsens uneven tone. However, the probiotic version may offer more nourishment for skin repair, while the Aqua-Fresh version focuses on oil control and freshness.

Seasonal and Lifestyle Considerations

Your environment and daily routine can influence which sunscreen suits you best. During summer or humid weather, the Aqua-Fresh formula feels cooler and less sticky, making it comfortable for outdoor activities or sports.

In winter or dry climates, the Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics provides a richer barrier that prevents moisture loss. It works well under makeup for a glowing look without feeling heavy.

If you spend long hours indoors, both formulas protect against incidental UV exposure through windows. For frequent travellers or those in mixed climates, alternating between the two ensures consistent sun protection and comfort throughout the year.

You can read more about how to choose between these two in this comparison guide.

Ingredient Spotlight: UV Filters and Supporting Components

Both Beauty of Joseon sunscreens use advanced chemical filters and skin-conditioning agents that balance protection with comfort. Their formulas rely on modern UV filters for broad-spectrum defence and include hydrating and soothing components that support your skin barrier throughout daily use.

Modern UV Filters Explained

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun and Relief Sun Aqua Fresh use new-generation chemical filters that provide stable, high-level UV protection. These include Ethylhexyl Triazone, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (Uvinul A Plus), and Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S).

These filters absorb both UVA and UVB rays efficiently, helping prevent premature ageing and sunburn. Unlike older filters, they are photostable, meaning they remain effective longer under sunlight.

The Aqua Fresh version also includes Drometrizole Trisiloxane and Terephthalidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid (Mexoryl SX), which further enhance UVA coverage. According to the Beauty of Joseon product page, this combination offers SPF 50+ and PA++++ protection while maintaining a lightweight texture.

Supporting Ingredients for Skin Health

To complement the UV filters, both formulas include humectants such as pentylene glycol and propanediol that draw water into your skin. These help maintain hydration without heaviness.

Emollients like dibutyl adipate and caprylyl methicone smooth the skin’s surface, improving spreadability and giving a soft finish. The Aqua Fresh version uses a higher ratio of these lightweight emollients for a fresher feel.

You’ll also find tocopherol (vitamin E), an antioxidant that supports skin resilience, and ethylhexylglycerin and 1,2-hexanediol, which act as mild antimicrobials and preservatives. The Aqua Fresh formula also includes panthenol (vitamin B5) to calm irritation and strengthen the skin barrier.

Potential Sensitivities and Free-From Claims

Both sunscreens avoid common irritants such as artificial fragrance, mineral oil, and parabens. Their lightweight emulsions rely on stabilisers like carbomer and acrylates/C10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer rather than heavy silicones.

However, if your skin is highly reactive, you should patch test first. Some chemical filters, including Tinosorb S and Uvinul A Plus, may cause mild sensitivity in rare cases.

The formulas also use xanthan gum and polymethylsilsesquioxane to improve texture and film formation. These ingredients help the sunscreen stay even on your skin without clogging pores. The Relief Sun Aqua Fresh focuses on a “non-greasy” claim, described by Beauty of Joseon as quick-absorbing and breathable, making it suitable for oily or combination skin.

How to Incorporate Beauty of Joseon Sunscreens Into Your Skincare Routine

Use Beauty of Joseon sunscreens as the final step of your morning skincare routine to protect your skin while keeping it hydrated and balanced. Choose a texture that suits your skin type—whether it’s a lightweight daily tinted fluid sunscreen, a matte sun stick, or a hydrating sun serum.

Application Tips and Layering Advice

Apply sunscreen after your moisturiser and before makeup. Use about two fingers’ length of product for your face and neck to ensure full coverage. Spread it evenly and allow it to absorb before layering foundation or tinted sunscreen.

If you use hydrating formulas like the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, apply it after lighter serums but before heavier creams. For oily or combination skin, the Ginseng Moist Sun Serum offers a lighter texture that layers well under makeup without pilling.

Avoid mixing sunscreen directly with foundation or moisturiser, as this can dilute its protection. Instead, let each layer absorb fully. You can find detailed guidance on how to integrate these products into your skincare steps at Day to Joah.

Sunscreen Reapplication and Sun Care Habits

Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors and after sweating or swimming. This helps maintain full UV protection throughout the day. A matte sun stick like the Mugwort + Camellia version makes reapplication easier without disturbing makeup.

If you prefer a fluid texture, use a daily tinted fluid sunscreen or cushion compact for quick touch-ups. Gently pat it over your skin instead of rubbing to avoid removing earlier layers.

Keep a small sunscreen in your bag for convenience. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can cause damage, so daily use is essential. For more information on proper use and common mistakes to avoid, see this YouTube guide.

Pairing With Other Beauty of Joseon Products

Pair your sunscreen with other Beauty of Joseon products that complement your skin’s needs. For instance, use the Ginseng Moist Sun Serum after the brand’s Ginseng Essence Water for extra hydration and balance.

If you have dry or sensitive skin, layer the Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics over a lightweight moisturiser or serum to lock in moisture. For oily or acne-prone skin, the Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camellia works well after oil-controlling treatments.

You can also combine these sunscreens with nourishing serums or essences from the same line to support your skin barrier and improve texture. Learn how to build an effective routine with compatible Beauty of Joseon products at Beauty of Joseon’s official blog.