Last updated: September 24, 2026
If one product turned Beauty of Joseon into a global name, it is the Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen. Praised for a lightweight, no-white-cast finish, it made high-protection daily SPF feel genuinely wearable. This review covers the formula, the finish and who should add it to their routine.
The formula
Relief Sun is an organic (chemical) sunscreen offering SPF50+ and PA++++ protection, meaning strong defense against both UVB and UVA rays. Rice extract and probiotics-derived ingredients add a soothing, skin-comforting angle, and the texture is light and slightly dewy rather than heavy or greasy.
The finish
The standout feature is the near-invisible finish with no chalky cast, which historically was difficult to find, especially for deeper skin tones. It doubles as a smooth makeup base.
Protection at a glance
| Spec | Relief Sun | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| SPF | 50+ | High UVB protection |
| PA rating | PA++++ | Highest UVA protection tier |
| Filter type | Chemical | Lightweight, no cast |
| Finish | Dewy-natural | Comfortable for daily wear |
How to use it
Apply as the final step of your morning routine, using roughly two finger-lengths of product for the face and neck to reach the labeled protection. Reapply every two hours during prolonged sun exposure. Its comfortable texture makes hitting the full recommended amount much easier than with heavier formulas.
Who it suits
Normal, combination and dry skin will love the dewy finish, and the lack of white cast makes it friendly across skin tones. Very oily skin may prefer a more matte sunscreen, though many oily users still enjoy it under makeup. As a chemical sunscreen, it is best patch tested by those with very reactive skin.
Frequently asked questions
Is Relief Sun good under makeup?
Yes, it is one of the reasons it went viral. The smooth, slightly dewy base grips makeup well without pilling for most people, making it a practical everyday choice.
Does it leave a white cast?
No, the near-invisible finish is its signature feature, which is why it became popular across a wide range of skin tones. That said, applying enough product is still essential for full protection.
Applying enough for real protection
Even the best sunscreen underperforms when you skimp. To reach the labeled SPF50+, use roughly two finger-lengths of product for the face and neck, applied as the final skincare step before makeup. Because Relief Sun feels so light, hitting that amount is far easier than with heavy, greasy formulas, which is a genuine protective advantage, not just a comfort one. Reapply every two hours during extended sun exposure, using a stick or powder over makeup if needed.
Remember that a chemical sunscreen needs a short window to settle before sun exposure, so apply it before you head out rather than in direct sunlight.
Where it fits and where it does not
Relief Sun excels as a daily, urban, under-makeup sunscreen for normal, combination and dry skin. It is only moderately water resistant, so for swimming, sports or heavy sweat a dedicated water-resistant formula is a better choice. Very oily skin may prefer a more matte option, though many oily users still reach for Relief Sun and simply set it with powder.
Can I use it on my body?
You can, but the bottle size and price make it better suited to the face. For large body areas, a more economical sunscreen is the practical pick, saving Relief Sun for your face and neck.
Reapplication in the real world
The hardest part of sun protection is reapplying through a normal day, and Relief Sun’s light finish makes the first application easy but does not solve midday touch-ups over makeup. For that, keep a sunscreen stick or a mineral powder handy to refresh coverage every couple of hours outdoors without disturbing your look. Indoors away from windows, a single morning application is generally fine. The goal is habit: a sunscreen you enjoy is one you will actually reapply.
Does Relief Sun expire?
Like all sunscreens it has a shelf life and a period-after-opening window, usually printed on the packaging. Using it well within that window ensures the filters still perform, so replace old bottles rather than stretching them for years.
Bottom line
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun earns its cult status by making high SPF50+ PA++++ protection feel light and invisible. For a comfortable daily sunscreen that people actually want to reapply, it remains one of the easiest recommendations in skincare.
