Beauty of Joseon became famous for one sunscreen, but the range now covers creams, sticks, a moisturizer with SPF, a tinted sunscreen and a body lotion. This guide compares every Beauty of Joseon sunscreen we cover, so you can match the formula to your skin, your routine and the way you actually spend your day in Canada. Each product name links to its own page, and we link out to our in-depth reviews where we have them.
One rule applies to every product below: apply sunscreen generously as the last step of your morning routine, and reapply at least every 2 hours when you are outdoors, and after swimming, sweating or towel-drying.
Every Beauty of Joseon SPF compared
| Sunscreen | Format | SPF | Filters | Finish | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relief Sun | Cream | SPF50+ PA++++ | Chemical (organic) | Natural, dewy | Daily face SPF, normal to dry skin |
| Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh | Light cream / fluid | SPF50+ PA++++ | Chemical (organic) | Fresh, lighter | Oily and combination skin |
| Matte Sun Stick | Stick | SPF50+ PA++++ | Chemical (organic) | Matte, powdery | Reapplying over makeup, shine control |
| Glow Sun Stick | Clear gel stick | SPF50 | Chemical (organic) | Glowy | Dewy reapplication, dry skin |
| Day Dew Sunscreen | Lotion | SPF50 (US) | Chemical (organic) | Natural glow | Glowy look, water-resistant wear |
| Dayscreen Moisturizer | Moisturizer | SPF30 | See label | Moisturizing | Two-in-one mornings, indoor days |
| Tinted Mineral Dayscreen | Tinted cream | SPF30 | Mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) | Light, buildable tint | Mineral fans, light coverage |
| Hydra Shield Body Sun Lotion | Body lotion | SPF50+ | See label | Hydrating | Arms, legs, back and chest |
Filters, ratings and formulas can differ between the Korean, US and Canadian versions of a product. Always read the label on the exact product you buy.
Relief Sun: the original
The Relief Sun (Relief Sun SPF50+ PA++++) is the cult classic, long sold as “Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics”. It is a lightweight, moisturizing cream with a natural finish that works well under makeup for most skin types. If you only buy one Beauty of Joseon sunscreen, this is the usual starting point. Our Relief Sun review covers who it really suits.
Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: for oilier skin
The Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 SPF50+ keeps the rice theme but adds vitamin B5 (panthenol) in a lighter, fresher texture. Oily and combination skin often prefers it in summer. We compare both formulas in Relief Sun vs Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh.
Sun sticks: Matte vs Glow
Sticks are not the easiest way to apply your first full layer of SPF, because it is hard to judge how much you have used. They shine for reapplication: over makeup, on the go, or on the tops of ears and the back of the neck. Use several passes over each area.
- Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camelia SPF50+ gives a matte, powdery finish that helps with midday shine. See our Matte Sun Stick review.
- Glow Sun Stick is a clear gel stick with propolis and niacinamide for a glowy look, a better fit for dry or normal skin.
Day Dew Sunscreen: the glowy US formula
The Day Dew Sunscreen SPF50 is part of the brand’s US catalogue. It is a lightweight SPF50 with hyaluronic acid, niacinamide and panthenol, a natural glowy finish and water resistance for up to 80 minutes, according to the brand. Water resistance does not remove the need to reapply after swimming or sweating. Availability in Canada can vary, so check the listing before buying.
Dayscreen Moisturizer SPF30 and the tinted option
The Dayscreen Moisturizer SPF 30 combines moisturizer and sunscreen in one step, which suits people who want a short morning routine and spend most of the day indoors. Remember that you still need a generous amount for the stated protection, so a thin layer of a moisturizer-SPF is not enough on its own.
If you are looking for a tinted sunscreen, the Tinted Mineral Dayscreen SPF 30 is the only tinted SPF in the range. It uses mineral filters (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide), comes in a wide range of shades and gives light, buildable coverage. It is a good choice if you prefer mineral filters or want to skip foundation on easy days.
Body: Hydra Shield Body Sun Lotion
Face sunscreens come in small tubes, which makes them impractical for the whole body. The Hydra Shield Body Sun Lotion SPF 50+ is designed for arms, legs, chest and back, and it is a useful pick for Canadian summers at the lake or beach. Pack it with a stick for your face; our Beauty of Joseon travel kit guide has a ready-made list.
Which Beauty of Joseon sunscreen should you choose?
| If you… | Choose |
|---|---|
| Want the classic, all-round daily SPF | Relief Sun |
| Have oily or combination skin | Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh |
| Want a tinted sunscreen or mineral filters | Tinted Mineral Dayscreen SPF 30 |
| Need to reapply over makeup | Matte Sun Stick or Glow Sun Stick |
| Want a glowy, water-resistant lotion | Day Dew Sunscreen |
| Want moisturizer and SPF in one step | Dayscreen Moisturizer SPF 30 |
| Need body protection | Hydra Shield Body Sun Lotion |
How much sunscreen is enough?
The SPF number on a label is measured with a generous layer of product. Most people apply much less, which means they get less protection than the label suggests. For the face and neck, a common guide is about two finger lengths of cream or lotion. Apply it in two thinner layers if one thick layer feels heavy. With sticks, glide several times over each area rather than once. Do not forget ears, the back of the neck, the hairline and the tops of hands.
Sunscreen tips for Canadian skin
- UV can still be significant on bright winter days, especially on snow. Read Korean sunscreen in Canadian winter.
- Use roughly two finger lengths of cream for the face and neck, and do not dilute it with moisturizer.
- If you use vitamin C, exfoliating acids (AHA/BHA) or retinal/retinol, daily SPF is non-negotiable.
- Take off your sunscreen in the evening with an oil or balm first; see How to double cleanse with Beauty of Joseon.
- Buy from reputable sellers to avoid counterfeits: Is Beauty of Joseon legit? How to spot fakes.
For a complete morning routine built around SPF, see the Beauty of Joseon morning routine. Browse every product on our sunscreen category page.
FAQ
Is Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun a chemical or mineral sunscreen?
The Relief Sun uses chemical (organic) UV filters. If you want mineral filters, look at the Tinted Mineral Dayscreen SPF 30, which uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
Does Beauty of Joseon make a tinted sunscreen?
Yes. The Tinted Mineral Dayscreen SPF 30 is a mineral sunscreen with a light, buildable tint in a wide range of shades.
How often should I reapply?
At least every 2 hours when outdoors, and after swimming, sweating or towel-drying. A stick such as the Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camelia SPF50+ makes reapplying over makeup easier.
Can I use a moisturizer with SPF30 instead of sunscreen?
It can work for mostly indoor days if you apply enough. For long outdoor days, a dedicated SPF50 such as the Relief Sun SPF50+ PA++++ applied generously and reapplied is a safer choice.
This is an independent guide, not the official Beauty of Joseon website. Product pages link to Amazon.ca search results; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Always patch test new products, and check Health Canada guidance on sun safety at canada.ca.