Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen: Is It Really Good? Why Discontinued?

If you’ve browsed K-beauty forums lately, you’ve probably seen Beauty of Joseon’s sunscreen mentioned as a holy-grail product, blending traditional rice-based ingredients with modern SPF science. But with availability hiccups in the US and a growing list of alternatives, it’s worth separating the cult hype from the facts.

SPF Level: SPF 50+ PA++++ ·
Key Ingredients: Rice extract, Probiotics ·
Texture: Moisturizing cream-like, no white cast ·
Price Range: €18 – €22 per 50ml ·
Availability: Boots, Lookfantastic, Beauty of Joseon official site ·
Skin Types: Dry, sensitive, normal

Eight key specs summarised in one table:

Is Beauty of Joseon sunscreen really good?

That’s the first question most shoppers ask. The short answer, backed by ingredient data and independent reviews, is yes — with caveats.

What makes it stand out from other sunscreens?

• SPF 50+ PA++++ provides high broad-spectrum protection (Beauty of Joseon official page)
• Moisturising texture absorbs quickly without white cast (Lab Muffin Beauty Science)
• Contains rice extract and probiotics for skin barrier support (Beauty of Joseon official page)
• Positive reviews on texture and wearability (Dr Rachel Ho, dermatologist)

User reviews and dermatologist opinions

Dr. Rachel Ho, a Singapore-based dermatologist, reviewed the newer formulation and confirmed it contains four chemical filters: Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb M, and Iscotrizinol (Dr Rachel Ho). These are modern UV filters that provide strong protection without the irritation of older chemical filters. User forums regularly praise the cream-gel texture and the absence of a white cast, even on deeper skin tones.

How it performs under makeup

K-beauty bloggers note that the sunscreen layers well under foundation without pilling (Beautyfeatures.ie). The moisturising finish eliminates the need for a separate primer for many users.

The implication: This sunscreen meets its core promises, but the choice ultimately depends on skin type and availability.

Why was Beauty of Joseon sunscreen discontinued?

Rumours of discontinuation have spread widely, especially among US-based fans. Here’s what we know.

What exactly has been discontinued?

The original Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics is no longer sold in the US via official channels (Beauty of Joseon). However, it remains widely available in Europe, South Korea, and other Asian markets. Boots UK and Ireland stock it, as does Lookfantastic.

US market restrictions and distribution changes

The reason is likely regulatory. The US FDA has a limited list of approved sunscreen filters, and many modern Korean UV filters — including those used in Relief Sun — are not yet approved in the US (European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients, overview of global filters). The brand has not issued an official statement about permanent discontinuation. Some speculate a reformulation for the US market may be in the works.

Alternative ways to purchase

For readers in the US, ordering from international retailers like Boots (shipping to the US) or using third-party Amazon sellers (with caution for authenticity) are options. The brand’s official store still ships to Europe and Asia.

What this means: For European readers, the product is easily accessible, while US buyers face a regulatory roadblock.

What is the no. 1 sunscreen in Korea?

There’s no single official “number one”, but certain brands and formulations dominate consumer rankings.

Current top-selling Korean sunscreens

• Innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 36 PA+++
• Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF 45 PA+++
• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
• Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++

Korean sunscreens are known for lightweight textures and high UV filters. Consumer preference leans toward hybrid chemical-mineral formulations that are cosmetically elegant (Lab Muffin Beauty Science).

How Beauty of Joseon ranks among them

In online community polls and editorial round-ups, Beauty of Joseon frequently appears in the top five. A 2023 dermatologist review by Dr Rachel Ho placed it among her recommended sunscreens for daily wear.

Factors driving popularity in Korea

Texture is key. Korean consumers prioritise sunscreens that feel like skincare — no stickiness, no white residue, and added skin benefits. Beauty of Joseon’s rice extract and probiotics align with this trend.

The pattern: Beauty of Joseon is a top contender, but no single brand dominates the Korean sunscreen market.

Which Joseon SPF is best?

The brand markets two main sunscreen formats. Here is a direct comparison.

Two products from the same house, one winner for each use case:

Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics vs. other Beauty of Joseon sunscreens

The brand also offers Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5, a newer variant with panthenol (Beauty of Joseon official site). This one is lighter and more suitable for combination to oily skin. The original Relief Sun remains the most popular.

Best choice for different skin types

Dry skin: original Relief Sun cream. Oily skin: Aqua-Fresh or the Sun Stick. Normal skin: both work. Sensitive skin: both are fragrance-free, but the original has fewer potential irritants.

The catch: The best choice depends on use case—cream for daily wear, stick for touch-ups.

Why is Beauty of Joseon sunscreen so good?

The answer lies in the formulation philosophy: combine effective UV filters with proven skincare ingredients.

Ingredient science: rice extract and probiotics

Rice extract is rich in antioxidants and has been used in Korean skincare for centuries to hydrate and brighten (Beauty of Joseon official page). Lactobacillus ferment supports the skin microbiome and helps calm irritation. Niacinamide (vitamin B3) brightens and strengthens the barrier.

Formulation advantages: no white cast, fast absorption

Unlike mineral sunscreens that rely on zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, Beauty of Joseon uses modern chemical filters that spread clear. The creamy base absorbs within 30 seconds (Lab Muffin Beauty Science).

Comparison with Western sunscreens

Many Western sunscreens still use older filters like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can irritate sensitive skin and damage reefs. Beauty of Joseon uses neither, making it reef-safe by the standards of the EU and Hawaii (European Federation for Cosmetic Ingredients).

The verdict: For most users, this sunscreen offers a rare balance of protection and skin benefits, but alternatives exist for specific needs.

For anyone searching for a reliable daily sunscreen that doubles as skincare, the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun remains a standout. The brand’s ability to combine high SPF with soothing, traditional ingredients explains its cult status. The main challenge — US availability — is a regulatory hurdle, not a product flaw. For Irish and European readers, the choice is simple: pick it up from Boots or Lookfantastic and enjoy the protection. For American buyers, the effort of importing may still be worth it, or an alternative like Isntree’s Watery Sun Gel waits at home.

Frequently asked questions

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