Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ Review: The K-Beauty Sunscreen That Went Viral

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ is one of the internet’s most-recommended sunscreens for a specific and interesting reason. It uses chemical filter combinations that aren’t currently approved for U.S. manufacture (specifically Uvinul A Plus and Uvinul T 150) but are common in Korean, European, and other international sunscreens. These filters are widely considered more elegant and more photostable than the older filters (avobenzone, octocrylene, homosalate) that dominate the U.S. market.

The result is a sunscreen with a finish and feel that most U.S.-made products can’t match — lightweight, non-greasy, no white cast, and a natural dewy glow that feels more like a hybrid moisturizer than a sunscreen. Combined with rice extract at 5% (a K-beauty brightening tradition) and niacinamide support, the product delivers real skincare benefit alongside UV protection.

What it is

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ is a Korean-made broad-spectrum chemical sunscreen with skincare-actives support. It comes in a 1.7oz amber glass bottle at around $15-18.

SPF 50+ / PA++++. Korean and European rating scale — PA++++ is the highest UVA rating available.

Chemical filter blend. Uses filters from the current Korean regulatory approval list, including:

• Uvinul A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate) — advanced UVA filter
• Uvinul T 150 (Ethylhexyl Triazone) — highly stable UVB filter
• Octinoxate (also known as octyl methoxycinnamate)
• Additional supporting filters

Rice extract (5%). A K-beauty tradition. Contains niacinamide, ferulic acid derivatives, and supporting antioxidants. Provides real brightening effect over weeks.

Niacinamide. Additional supporting concentration.

Probiotic complex. Marketing-heavy but includes lactobacillus ferment lysate — a fermented ingredient with mild barrier-supporting claims.

Fragrance-free. No added fragrance or masking scent.

Alcohol-free. No denatured alcohol.

Amber glass packaging. Protects the formula from UV degradation.

Lightweight, dewy-finish gel.

Who this is for

Sensitive skin users. Fragrance-free, alcohol-free formulation with anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Users seeking real brightening from sunscreen. Rice extract + niacinamide provide meaningful supporting benefit.

Users of dewy skincare finishes. The finish is dewy-adjacent — good for dry or normal skin who want that look.

K-beauty enthusiasts. Fits alongside snail mucin, propolis, and other K-beauty staples.

Budget-conscious users. At $15-18 for a 1.7oz tube, one of the best values in K-beauty sunscreen.

Users seeking advanced filter chemistry. The Uvinul filters used aren’t currently in U.S. formulas — a real chemistry advantage.

All skin tones. No white cast, works across the range.

Users who want SPF 50+ without the heavy feel. The combination is rare in U.S. sunscreens.

Users of the Beauty of Joseon ecosystem. Fits alongside their propolis, ginseng, and other product lines.

Who this isn’t the best pick for:

• Users requiring FDA-manufactured formulations only.
• Very oily users who prefer matte finish — this is dewy-adjacent.
• Beach or water-sport users — no strong water-resistance rating.
• Users who react to niacinamide or other actives.
• Users who prefer physical mineral filters.

Key ingredients

Uvinul A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate). A photostable UVA filter approved in Europe and Asia. Not FDA-approved for U.S. manufacture but legal to sell as import. Widely considered more elegant and stable than avobenzone.

Uvinul T 150 (Ethylhexyl Triazone). UVB filter. Similarly foreign-approved. Highly photostable, elegant sensory experience.

Octinoxate. UVB filter. Present in this formulation.

Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octisalate). UVB filter and stabilizer.

Rice (Oryza Sativa) Extract (5%). Contains niacinamide, ferulic acid derivatives, phytoceramides, and various antioxidants. Provides brightening and mild barrier-supporting benefit.

Niacinamide. Additional concentration for brightening and barrier support.

Lactobacillus Ferment Lysate. Fermented probiotic ingredient. Mild barrier-supporting effect.

Panthenol (Provitamin B5). Humectant with anti-inflammatory benefit.

Sodium Hyaluronate. Humectant.

Butylene Glycol. Solvent and humectant.

Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone. Silicones that contribute to the smooth, weightless finish.

Ceramide Complex. Trace ceramide support.

Various stabilizers and preservatives. Standard formulation.

The formulation is genuinely thoughtful — not just chemical filters but chemical filters plus meaningful supporting skincare actives.

How it performs

Broad-spectrum protection is real. Rated SPF 50+ / PA++++. Testing verifies broad-spectrum performance.

Extremely lightweight. Feels like a lightweight moisturizer, not a sunscreen.

Dewy-adjacent glow. Not shiny — a natural-looking glow finish.

No white cast. Works on all skin tones.

Applies smoothly. Silicone-supported spread is elegant.

Absorbs in 30-60 seconds.

Layers well under makeup. Foundation applies smoothly on top; some users go without foundation entirely.

Rice extract benefit is subtle but real. Over 6-8 weeks of consistent use, skin appears slightly brighter and more even in tone.

Doesn’t sting eyes. Rare irritation reports.

Long-wearing. Doesn’t oxidize or break down through the day for most users.

Water resistance not rated. For beach or heavy sweating, choose a water-resistant option.

Value per tube. 1.7oz used for face daily lasts 2-3 months. Under $8 per month — exceptional value for this quality.

How to use it

Basic application:

1. Complete morning skincare. Cleanse, treat, moisturize.

2. Wait 2-3 minutes for moisturizer to absorb.

3. Dispense a quarter-teaspoon (two-finger-lengths).

4. Apply evenly across face, ears, neck.

5. Wait 3-5 minutes.

6. Apply makeup if desired.

Amount matters. As with all sunscreens, applying too little reduces protection. Two-finger-length is the standard “adequate face amount” for average-size face.

Reapplication. Every 2 hours in direct sunlight. Powder sunscreens or setting sprays work for reapplication over makeup.

For heavy sun exposure:

Reapply more frequently. Consider a water-resistant SPF for beach or pool days.

For makeup wearers:

Wait 5 minutes after Beauty of Joseon before applying makeup. Foundation adheres well.

Best paired with

Vitamin C serum (before, morning). Antioxidant support layered under UV protection.

Niacinamide serum (before). Reinforces the sunscreen’s supporting active.

Hyaluronic acid serum (before, on damp skin). Adds base hydration.

Retinoid (evening, not this same time). Complementary anti-aging strategy.

Ceramide moisturizer (before). Basic barrier support if skin is dry.

Beauty of Joseon Propolis Toner or Serum. Same-brand pairing.

Foundation and makeup (over). Applies smoothly.

COSRX Snail 96 Mucin (K-beauty pairing). Natural pairing for K-beauty routines.

Skin-type suitability

Worthy alternatives

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 — around $38. Similar invisible finish, matte-adjacent. Premium price.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk SPF 60 — around $30. U.S.-approved chemical filter combination. Face + body.

EltaMD UV Clear SPF 46 — around $41. Facial focus with niacinamide.

Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ — around $19. K-beauty competitor with similar advanced filters.

Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF 45 — around $10. Budget K-beauty option.

Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ — around $22. Japanese alternative with advanced filter chemistry.

Naturium Multi-Peptide Sunscreen SPF 30 — around $18. U.S.-made peptide-supported option.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 — around $16. K-beauty alternative with aloe base.

Bottom line

Editorial Rating: 4.7 / 5

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF 50+ is one of the highest-value sunscreens on the market — advanced international filter chemistry, meaningful skincare-active support, elegant lightweight finish, and drugstore-competitive pricing. For daily face use, it’s arguably the best sub-$20 sunscreen you can buy.

The FDA-approval caveat matters to understand but shouldn’t be alarming. The filters used (Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150) are widely used across Europe and Asia, have decades of safety data, and are considered more elegant and photostable than the older U.S.-approved filters. Selling as import is legal and common — the FDA’s pipeline for approving new filters is famously slow.

At $15-18 for a 1.7oz tube lasting 2-3 months, the value is exceptional. Rice extract brightening is a real bonus over pure sun protection. The dewy-adjacent finish is beautiful for most skin types.

For its target user — someone seeking advanced sunscreen chemistry with genuine skincare benefits at drugstore prices — this is one of the best picks in the entire category. Cult status is earned. If the FDA filter caveat concerns you, choose the excellent La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-In Milk instead. For everyone else, this is often the answer.