Beauty of Joseon Sunscreens: Korea VS USA Versions

Korean sunscreens are a global phenomenon, and this month’s Brand of the Month is one of the pioneers behind that standing, thanks to its skincare-first approach.

Beauty of Joseon offers a growing selection of Korean sunscreen products, from their viral Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics and tinted SPFs to body moisturizer, each formulated for a specific skin type and all drawing on the brand’s knowledge of traditional ingredients paired with cutting-edge beauty science.

A regular feature in the best Korean sunscreen roundups, Beauty of Joseon sunscreen doesn’t just provide the broad-spectrum protection that skin from 20 to 60 years old and beyond needs. With lightweight, multi-tasking formulas that don’t clog the skin, moisturizing ingredients, and a dewy finish, its luxurious sunscreens are far removed from traditional SPFs.

In the OEB skincare step method, sunscreen is the fifth (non-negotiable) step in your AM routine. No matter how effective your other preferred skincare products and their ingredients are, exposure to harmful UVA and UVB rays can undo much of your well-aging progress. That’s why choosing a sunscreen you genuinely enjoy wearing every day is one of the most important decisions you can make for healthy, resilient skin over 40. Beauty of Joseon sunscreens are renowned for being comfortable, lightweight with skincare-inspired formulas to suit a range of skin types. Read on to discover how it became a leading name in the Korean sunscreen category.

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How Beauty of Joseon Became One of Korea’s Most Influential Sunscreen Brands

Despite differences in ingredients and the unavailability of certain products in the USA, there’s no doubt that Beauty of Joseon is one of the most popular and influential K-beauty brands in the world. Founded over a decade ago, it has set itself apart with its knowledge of traditional Korean ingredients, paired effectively with modern beauty innovations.

It’s this hanbang philosophy, which marries principles of Korean herbal medicine and traditional ingredients with contemporary skincare science, that helped to put the brand on the map. Unlike the thick, greasy SPFs that used to be the norm, Beauty of Joseon redefined what sun protection could feel like on the skin. Its lightweight formulas have more in common with skincare than traditional SPF. Combined with hydrating ingredients such as rice extract, probiotics, panthenol, green tea, and ceramides, its sunscreens are especially well suited to mature skin, thanks to additional benefits such as hydration and barrier support.

The cult favorite Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ is the perfect example of this new approach to sunscreen. Lightweight and loaded with 30% rice extract and fermented grain extracts including soybean, it glides effortlessly onto skin, immediately changing what millions of beauty fans thought they knew about SPF overnight.   Easy to wear under makeup and with no white cast, this cult product became a gateway into K-beauty, particularly Korean sunscreens, cementing Beauty of Joseon’s place as a leading Korean skincare brand.

Why Are Some Korean Sunscreens Different in the USA?

A traditional Korean skincare-first approach and the careful use of nourishing, hydrating, and brightening ingredients have made Beauty of Joseon’s sunscreen a worldwide viral sensation. So, it may come as a surprise to hear that the SPF you love in the USA could be quite different from the original Korean formula.

That difference is due to a key variation in how sunscreen is classified in each country. For more than 20 years, the FDA has treated sunscreen as an over-the-counter (OTC) drug. Sunscreen products (both foreign and domestic) must pass strict regulations and can only use certain pre-approved ingredients. In Korea and in many other nations, sunscreen is considered a cosmetic, so brands like Beauty of Joseon can use a wider variety of ingredients.

This regulatory difference mainly affects sunscreens with chemical filters, as only avobenzone is approved for use in the USA. This rule also means that some products, including the cult-favourite Relief Sun, aren’t sold in the USA, but the alternative, Day Dew Sunscreen, is.

Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen: Korean Versions 🇰🇷

Due to the filters used, these sunscreens are not available in the USA, however you can buy them from a number of global retailers including YesStyle. Use our shopping links below and don’t forget, you can get an extra 2 – 5% off at YesStyle using the code 👉 YUHEE10

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++)

One of the most talked about K-beauty products in the world, this viral chemical Korean sunscreen is a sell-out success but isn’t available in the USA. It’s formulated with 30%  rice extract to brighten the skin, fade hyperpigmentation, and provide antioxidant protection, along with panax ginseng root extract for an extra anti-oxidant and anti-aging benefits. There’s also soybean ferment extract to protect the skin barrier and seal in hydration.

The lightweight, creamy texture is quickly absorbed, hydrating, and gives a natural glow without leaving any white cast. 

Recommended for: Dry to combination skin, and those wanting a dewy, glowing finish.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Aqua-Fresh Rice+B5 (SPF50+ PA++++)

An ultra-light chemical sun cream is non-sticky and quickly absorbed. It contains 30% rice seed water which is rich in nourishing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Panthenol locks in moisture and helps calm irritation, giving a fresh, dewy glow.

Recommended for: Oily and acne-prone skin, along with mature skin that prefers a lighter-feeling SPF.

Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camellia (SPF50+ PA++++)

A low-irritation, waterproof chemical sunscreen in a convenient solid stick format, this silky stick glides effortlessly onto skin and absorbs excess sebum to give a matte finish. Suitable for even sensitive skin, it features anti-inflammatory mugwort, cica, and green tea extract to comfort, soothe, and calm redness along with a strong UV protection of SPF50+ PA++++.

Recommended for: Oily and combination skin looking for an SPF that can be easily used on the go and reapplied over makeup.

Beauty of Joseon Stay Fresh Tone-Up Sunscreen – 2 Types (SPF50+ PA++++)

With two color correcting versions, this tone-up sunscreen is a multi-functional heavy hitter that’s ideal for summer skincare. The green version of this product reduces redness and evens out tone, while the purple version brightens dull skin and boosts radiance. Both versions have a serum-like texture that sits nicely underneath makeup and doesn’t leave a greasy residue. The calming formula features Centella asiatica to soothe skin, and ceramide for hydration and barrier support.

Recommended for: Those who want to enhance or even out the skin tone while ensuring SPF protection.

Beauty of Joseon Sunscreens available in the USA 🇺🇸

These products are approved by the FDA so the exact ingredients will differ to the Korean version of each sunscreen.

Beauty of Joseon Day Dew Sunscreen (SPF 50 Broad Spectrum)

Day Dew Sunscreen was formulated specifically for the US market using a 3.0% Avobenzone chemical filter to comply with FDA legislation. Described by the brand as its most innovative formula yet, it feels more like a refreshing moisturizer than an SPF and can be worn comfortably under makeup without pilling. It’s infused with panthenol to soothe and hydrate, niacinamide to brighten, and rice extract to nourish.

Recommended for: Normal to dry skin.

Beauty of Joseon Tinted Mineral Dayscreen SPF 30

This NEW Tinted Mineral Dayscreen SPF 30 was developed specifically for the US market using an FDA-approved zinc oxide mineral UV filter. Offering broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, it combines lightweight sun protection with skin-enhancing coverage that helps blur the appearance of pores and create a naturally even complexion. Available in 15 flexible shades, the silky formula layers comfortably over skincare without feeling heavy. It’s also enriched with fermented brown rice and ceramides to support the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated.

Recommended for: All skin types looking for lightweight mineral sun protection that can also work as a bb cream with natural coverage.

Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen

A classic tinted fluid sunscreen from Beauty of Joseon with a shade for every skin tone and broad-spectrum protection. This tinted sunscreen gives a seamless, natural finish that’s more like makeup than SPF. The Korean version of this product is SPF 50+ PA ++++, while the USA and UK retail version is SPF 30 PA+++ with an FDA-approved zinc oxide mineral filter to protect against UVA and UVB rays. It also contains moisturizing, antioxidant-rich olive oil lipids, and Artemisia Capillaris (mugwort)to help calm irritation.

Recommended for: All skin types looking for an ultra-lightweight BB-cream like make-up finish with sun protection.

Beauty of Joseon Dayscreen Moisturizer SPF 30 Green Tea=HA + Ceramide

This breathable Korean sunscreen is exclusive to Sephora shoppers in the USA and UK. It’s made with FDA-approved OTC filters and has a weightless texture that feels like a daily moisturizer rather than SPF. It contains Beauty of Joseon’s Green Tea-HA complex, which harnesses the antioxidant properties of green tea while soothing and hydrating the skin. Ceramides are present to hydrate, repair and protect the skin barrier.

Recommended for: Dry and sensitive skin looking for a 2-in-1 SPF and moisturizer with light sun protection.

NEW Beauty of Joseon Body Sunscreens

Beauty of Joseon has recently launched its first ever collection of sunscreens for the body. The new products follow the same skincare-first philosophy as its existing Korean sunscreen products.

Beauty of Joseon Hydra Shield Body Sun Lotion SPF 50+

An ultra-lightweight chemical body sunscreen, Hydra Shield provides a welcoming dose of hydrating and leaves skin with a healthy, natural glow. Non-sticky and with no white cast, it is quickly absorbed to provide instant protection and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. A continuation of Beauty of Joseon’s skincare-inspired approach, this formula contains hydrating Fermented Brown Rice™ and ceramide to nourish the skin and support the skin barrier.

Recommended for: Normal to dry skin.

Beauty of Joseon Comfort Protection Mineral Body Sun Lotion SPF 40

This blendable mineral body sunscreen has a beautifully lightweight texture that melts seamlessly into the skin upon application. Suitable for everyone in the family, it’s kind to even sensitive skin and is water resistant for up to 80 minutes. The gentle formula includes Beauty of Joseon’s Fermented Brown Rice™ complex to deeply hydrate and refresh, along with soothing panthenol to support the skin barrier and lock in moisture.

Recommended for: All skin types and suitable for the whole family.

Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen Cheat Sheet

Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen FAQs

Why are Beauty of Joseon sunscreens so popular?

If you’re a Korean skincare fan, you’ll need no introduction to Beauty of Joseon. But what may be new to you is just how much of the brand’s hanbang philosophy where traditional herbal medicine meets modern skin science  is infused into each of its sunscreen products. The presence of hydrating, barrier-supporting ingredients elevates the daily SPF step.

Which Beauty of Joseon sunscreen is best for mature skin?

It’s fair to say there is a Beauty of Joseon sunscreen for every skin type. If you have normal to dry skin, Beauty of Joseon’s Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF remains OEB’s top recommendation thanks to its hydrating, barrier-supportive formula.

Combination to oily skin is better suited to a sun cream with a super light texture, such as the Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5.

Texture and routine also play a part in choosing a new sunscreen. If you wear minimum makeup but crave a brighter complexion, Beauty of Joseon’s new Stay Fresh Tone-Up Sunscreen could easily become your latest must-have.

Are the Korean versions better than those available in the USA?

No, it wouldn’t be correct to say one formula is better than the other, though many users say they prefer the texture of the Korean formulas. Because they use more modern UV filters, the Korean versions tend to offer greater hydration and feel smoother and more comfortable on the skin.

The difference in the formulations comes down to the regulations governing ingredients in each region. Products intended for sale in the USA are formulated to be as effective as their Korean counterparts with premium ingredients and the same skincare-first philosophy, while also complying with the FDA’s requirements regarding chemical filters.

Can you wear Beauty of Joseon sunscreen under makeup?

Absolutely! Most sunscreens have a lightweight, hydrating texture with no greasy finish and no white cast, so they’re very easy to layer under makeup or reapply over cosmetics throughout the day. If you want just a light coverage, their new Tinted Mineral Dayscreen SPF 30 or the Daily Tinted Sunscreen provides sun protection with a subtly make-up look.

Most product links lead to YesStyle and Olive Young Global 

Extra 2 – 5% off at YesStyle using the code 👉 YUHEE10

Get 5% off discount at Olive Young Global with our code 👉 OEB10OY

Why You Can Trust OEB (One Eye Beauty):At OEB, we don’t just share skincare. We deep-dive, fact-check, and ingredient-decode every recommendation with intensive research and science-backed analysis. All of this is guided by Yuhee’s expertise as a certified well-aging skincare coach, committed to helping your skin glow at every age. Yes, we use affiliate links, but our opinions are never for sale. Because no matter what, your skin comes first. Always.