A weightless, hydrating daily sunscreen that feels like skincare first and SPF second. Here is how Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics actually wears on real faces, from fair to deep skin tones, in everyday life.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++ has become that rare daily sunscreen people finish and repurchase. It promises high protection with a lotion-cream texture that vanishes on the skin, no white cast, and a softly luminous finish that plays well with makeup. After weeks of testing in different weather and on a range of skin types, here is how it really performs and who will love it most.
Overview
This is an everyday, broad-spectrum chemical sunscreen designed to feel like a moisturizer. The texture is a silky lotion that spreads quickly, sets without stickiness, and leaves a comfortable, hydrated feel rather than a heavy film. It is fragrance free and alcohol free, which is a big win for sensitive and reactive skin. The formula highlights rice extract and fermented probiotics alongside humectants to cushion the skin, so it reads as skincare-forward rather than purely functional SPF.
Protection is labeled SPF 50+ and PA++++. In plain language, that means strong UVB coverage and very high UVA protection for day-to-day exposure such as commuting, office lighting near windows, errands, and casual outdoor time. It is not marketed as water resistant, so it is not the pick for the beach, hot yoga, or a long run. Think of it as your comfortable, reliable daily driver for the face and neck.
The packaging is a slim, travel-friendly 50 ml squeeze tube with a narrow nozzle that helps control the amount you apply. The cap opens and closes securely, and the tube does not leak in a bag.
Who it’s for
If you prefer a sunscreen that disappears into skin with a soft glow instead of a matte or powdery finish, Relief Sun will be right up your alley. It suits normal and dry skin especially well, and combination skin often finds it hydrating enough to double as a light moisturizer in warmer months. Oily skin can still use it, particularly in drier climates or in winter, though a light hand with moisturizer underneath and a quick blot or setting powder on the T-zone at midday helps keep shine in check.
Because it uses modern, transparent filters rather than mineral pigments, there is no white cast on medium and deep skin tones. It is also a smart option for sensitive or fragrance-averse users thanks to the alcohol-free and fragrance-free formula. If you need sweat or water resistance, or you insist on a shine-free finish even in humid weather, you may want a different sunscreen for those specific situations.
How it feels and performs
Texture and finish: The lotion feels silky and lightweight, gliding over skin without tugging. It sets within about a minute to a satin-dewy finish that looks like healthy skin rather than slick shine. On normal to dry skin, it delivers comfortable moisture. On combination or oily skin, the finish is glowy at first and settles a bit as it dries down. In humid climates you may notice more glow than in dry climates.
White cast: We tested it on fair, medium, tan, and deep complexions. There was no visible cast once blended, and it did not leave a gray hue on deeper skin tones, including around the hairline and beard area where white cast often lingers. That is because the formula relies on modern chemical filters instead of zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.
Under makeup: Relief Sun layers smoothly under skin tints, liquid foundations, and mineral powders. It behaves like a light, moisturizing primer that improves slip without pilling. For best results, let it set for 2 to 3 minutes before applying makeup. If you use silicone-heavy primers, apply those after the sunscreen has fully dried and use a thin layer to minimize any chance of rolling.
Eyes and sensitivity: There is no added fragrance and no drying alcohol, and most testers reported no eye sting during the day. If any sunscreen tends to migrate into your eyes, try applying slightly less directly on the eyelids and focus on the orbital bone. If you sweat into your eyes during a workout, you may feel mild watering since this is not water resistant.
Hydration and skincare feel: With rice extract and fermented ingredients in the mix, this sits in the moisturizing-sunscreen category. It leaves skin soft and lightly cushioned. Dry skin may find it adequate as a moisturizer plus SPF in summer. Oily skin can often skip moisturizer underneath, especially if you use a hydrating toner or essence first.
Pilling and layering: Pilling was minimal in testing, even over humectant serums and peptide creams. To avoid pilling, keep layers light, let each step dry down, and avoid overusing thick silicones or balms right before application.
Wear time and reapplication: As with any non-water-resistant daily sunscreen, plan on reapplying every 2 hours during outdoor exposure, and sooner if sweating or toweling. The texture makes reapplication easier than many thicker formulas. Over makeup, dot small amounts and press in with a clean sponge, or reapply a full layer on bare skin midday if you can cleanse and reset.
Filters and stability: The formula uses modern, photostable organic filters common in Korean sunscreens for high UVB and UVA coverage. That combination is designed to stay effective in daylight without breaking down quickly, which helps maintain protection between applications during typical daily use.
How to use for best results
Apply as the final step of your morning skincare, before makeup. Use a generous amount. A reliable benchmark is two finger-lengths for the face, plus more for the neck and ears. If you prefer a more precise guide, about a quarter teaspoon covers the face. Take an extra moment to work product along the hairline, around the nostrils, and on the upper lip, where people commonly under-apply.
Let it set for 2 to 3 minutes before makeup. If you are oily, keep your moisturizer layer very light or skip it entirely on hot days, then set your T-zone with a thin veil of translucent powder. If you are dry, layer a hydrating serum or light cream first so you are not tempted to under-apply sunscreen to avoid tightness.
Reapply every 2 hours when you are outdoors. At a desk near a window, reapplying at lunch is a practical rhythm. Over makeup, tap small amounts with a sponge or cushion puff instead of rubbing. For the body, keep a separate product you are willing to use generously so you are not rationing a face sunscreen for arms and legs.
Since this is not water resistant, switch to a water-resistant sunscreen for workouts, beach days, or hikes. You can still come back to Relief Sun on lower-activity days when you want comfort and a naturally glowy finish.
Pros and cons
- Pros: no white cast on any skin tone, alcohol free and fragrance free, comfortable hydration without heaviness, sits beautifully under makeup, and offers high UVA and UVB protection for daily wear.
- Cons: not water resistant, can look shiny on very oily skin or in high humidity, may cause mild eye watering if it migrates, and the 50 ml tube runs out quickly with proper use.
Final verdict
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++ earns its reputation as an easy, elegant daily sunscreen. The texture is effortless, the finish looks like healthy skin, and there is truly no white cast. It is ideal for normal to dry skin and still workable for combination skin with a few shine-managing tweaks. Sensitive users benefit from the absence of fragrance and drying alcohol. The main limitation is its lack of water resistance, which is why active days call for a different formula. For everyday protection at your desk, on your commute, or running errands, this is a top-tier choice that makes applying enough sunscreen feel easy.
See also
If you love almost everything about Relief Sun but want a touch of mineral coverage for a slightly more muted finish, our guide to Best Hybrid (Mineral + Chemical) Sunscreens for Normal Skin is a helpful next read. For extra hydration under your SPF, compare lightweight layers like the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Review and the Vichy Mineral 89 Booster, Pure Hyaluronic Acid Serum Review.
Your face is only part of the picture. For simple, portable options you will actually use throughout the day, see Best SPF for Hands, Chest, and Neck You’ll Actually Reapply, and if you prefer a one-and-done step after your shower, check Best Body Lotions with SPF for Everyday Protection.
FAQ
Does Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun leave a white cast on deeper skin tones?
No. Because it uses transparent chemical filters rather than mineral pigments, it blends clear on medium to deep complexions, including at the hairline and beard area where cast often lingers.
Is Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun water resistant?
It is not labeled water resistant. For activities that involve sweating, swimming, or toweling, choose a water-resistant sunscreen and reapply as directed. Use Relief Sun for low-activity days and everyday wear.
Can I use Relief Sun around my eyes or will it sting?
Most users find it comfortable around the eyes since it is fragrance free and alcohol free. To minimize any chance of watering, apply a bit less directly on the eyelids and avoid rubbing your eyes until the sunscreen has set.
How much should I apply and how often should I reapply?
Use two finger-lengths for the face as a simple rule of thumb, plus more for the neck and ears. Reapply every 2 hours outdoors, and sooner if sweating or toweling. Over makeup, dot and press in with a sponge instead of rubbing.
Is Relief Sun good for oily or acne-prone skin?
Yes, it is lightweight and non-greasy for many acne-prone users, and it is free of fragrance and drying alcohol. If you are very oily, use a light or no moisturizer underneath, let it set fully, and finish with a touch of translucent powder on the T-zone.
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