If you have spent any time reading about Korean skincare, you have almost certainly seen Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++. It is the sunscreen that turned a relatively young Korean brand into an international name, and it is still the product most people buy first. But a cult following does not mean it is right for everyone. In this independent review we look at what Relief Sun actually is, how it feels, which skin types tend to love it, and when another Beauty of Joseon sunscreen is the better choice.
What is Relief Sun?
Relief Sun is a daily facial sunscreen with a rating of SPF50+ and PA++++. SPF measures protection against UVB rays, the ones mainly responsible for sunburn, while the Korean PA rating measures protection against UVA rays, which contribute to tanning, sun spots and visible skin ageing. PA++++ is the highest grade on that scale.
What makes Relief Sun different from many Western sunscreens is its skincare-like formula. Beauty of Joseon, founded in 2016 and inspired by the hanbang beauty traditions of the Joseon dynasty, built it around rice extract and grain-fermented extracts (the probiotics in the name). The goal is a sunscreen that feels like a light moisturizer rather than a sticky, perfumed layer.
Texture and finish
Out of the tube, Relief Sun is a soft, white cream. It spreads easily and turns clear within seconds, so it leaves no visible white cast on light, medium or deep skin tones. The finish is natural to slightly dewy: your skin looks healthy and hydrated, not greasy, and not completely matte either.
That finish is the main reason people either adore it or move on. Normal and dry skin types usually love the comfortable, glowy look. Very oily skin may find it a little too luminous by mid-afternoon, especially in summer humidity.
Who Relief Sun suits best
- Normal skin – the easiest match. It works year-round and doubles as a light moisturizer on lazy days.
- Dry and dehydrated skin – the rice and fermented extracts give a cushioned feel that dry skin appreciates, particularly during Canadian winters when indoor heating dries skin out.
- Combination skin – most people with combination skin do well with it, especially if they blot the T-zone or pair it with a lighter moisturizer underneath.
- Makeup wearers – it makes a smooth base for foundation and does not usually pill if you let it set for a few minutes.
Who should consider another option
If your skin is very oily, the lighter Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 was designed for exactly that situation. It has a more watery, fresh texture and a less dewy finish. And if you want to control shine and reapply over makeup, the Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camelia is a practical companion.
Relief Sun uses chemical (also called organic) UV filters. If you know your skin reacts to these filters, or if your dermatologist has advised a mineral-only sunscreen, this is not the product for you. It is also a daily sunscreen rather than a sport formula, so it is not the best choice for long swims or intense sweating.
How to use Relief Sun correctly
Even the best sunscreen only works if you apply enough. Here is the routine we recommend:
- Apply it last. In the morning, after cleansing, toner, serum and moisturizer, Relief Sun goes on as the final skincare step.
- Use enough product. A common rule of thumb is two finger-lengths for the face and neck. Many people apply half of that, which gives far less protection than the label says.
- Wait before makeup. Give it a few minutes to settle before foundation or powder.
- Reapply. Outdoors, reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating or towel drying. A sun stick makes this easier when you are wearing makeup.
- Remove it at night. Sunscreen is designed to stay on your skin, so a single wash may not remove it completely. A first cleanse with Ginseng Cleansing Oil or Radiance Cleansing Balm, followed by the gentle Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser, is the classic Korean double cleanse.
A simple morning routine built around Relief Sun
You do not need ten steps. For most people, this is plenty:
- Cleanse with Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser (or simply rinse with water if your skin is dry).
- Hydrate with Ginseng Essence Water.
- Treat with a serum: Glow Serum for oily or blemish-prone skin, Glow Deep Serum for dark spots.
- Moisturize with Dynasty Cream (dry skin) or Red Bean Water Gel (oily skin).
- Protect with Relief Sun.
If you use brightening serums or vitamin A products such as the Revive Eye Serum, daily sunscreen is not optional: these ingredients work best, and are safest, when your skin is protected from UV.
Buying Relief Sun in Canada
Relief Sun is widely available online in Canada, including on Amazon.ca. Because popular K-beauty products are sometimes counterfeited, buy from reputable sellers and check that the packaging, batch code and expiry date look right. Formulas and labelling can also vary between markets, so read the label of the exact unit you receive. Sunscreens sold in Canada are regulated by Health Canada; for general sun-safety guidance, the Government of Canada sun safety page is a reliable reference.
Our verdict
Relief Sun deserves its reputation. It offers high SPF50+ PA++++ protection in a texture that people actually enjoy wearing every day – and the best sunscreen is the one you will use consistently. It is an easy recommendation for normal, dry and most combination skin. If you are very oily, start with Aqua-Fresh instead; if you need to reapply over makeup, add the Matte Sun Stick.
Quick FAQ
Does Relief Sun leave a white cast?
No. Its chemical filters turn clear on the skin, which is why it is popular with all skin tones.
Can I use it as a moisturizer?
On normal skin some people skip moisturizer in summer, but dry skin still benefits from a cream underneath.
Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
Many sensitive skin types tolerate it well, but if you react to chemical UV filters, choose a mineral sunscreen. Always patch test.
See Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics in our catalogue or browse all Beauty of Joseon sunscreens.
This site is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Beauty of Joseon brand. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This article is general information, not medical advice.