Beauty of Joseon's Relief Sun Aqua-fresh Rice+B5 is a re-formulated, ultra-light daily SPF50+ PA++++ offering enhanced barrier support, specifically crafted for those seeking a profoundly weightless, serum-like sunscreen experience.

What It Is

This sunscreen represents Beauty of Joseon's thoughtful evolution of their immensely popular Relief Sun, first released in 2023. The Aqua-fresh version, launched in 2024, directly addresses consumer feedback requesting an even lighter, more invisible texture. It introduces Panthenol (Vitamin B5) for superior skin barrier comfort, while retaining the core benefits of antioxidant-rich Rice Bran Extract. Unlike its predecessor, this formula leans into a truly serum-like feel, absorbing almost instantly without any residual tackiness or film. Where the original Relief Sun offers a comfortable cream texture, the Aqua-fresh delivers a watery veil, making it an excellent alternative to slightly richer options like Isntree's Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel for those in humid climates or with oily skin types.

Key Ingredients

• Rice Bran Extract (30%): Derived from rice bran, a staple in traditional Korean skincare, this extract is rich in antioxidants like ferulic acid and gamma-oryzanol. It helps protect the skin from environmental stressors and contributes to a brighter, more even-toned complexion by inhibiting melanin production, similar to the action of Niacinamide but with its own unique botanical synergy. This ingredient is central to Beauty of Joseon's heritage-inspired formulations.
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5): A deeply effective humectant and emollient, Panthenol is renowned for its exceptional ability to soothe, hydrate, and strengthen the skin barrier. It attracts and holds moisture, preventing dehydration, and aids in the skin's natural repair processes. For skin feeling compromised from environmental exposure or active treatments, Panthenol provides significant relief and promotes resilience, ensuring the skin remains comfortable and protected throughout the day.
• Niacinamide (2%): A multi-faceted form of Vitamin B3, Niacinamide is a powerhouse for various skin concerns. At a 2% concentration, it visibly improves the appearance of enlarged pores, helps regulate sebum production, and supports a healthy skin barrier function. Beyond its oil-balancing capabilities, Niacinamide also offers subtle brightening effects and helps to calm redness, making it an indispensable ingredient for maintaining overall skin health and clarity.
• UV Filters: This product employs a sophisticated blend of new-generation chemical UV filters, including Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb S, and Iscotrizinol. This combination ensures broad-spectrum protection against both UVA (responsible for aging) and UVB (responsible for burning) rays, delivering a high SPF50+ and PA++++ rating. These filters are photostable, meaning they maintain their efficacy under sunlight, and are designed for a cosmetically elegant finish without leaving a white cast or greasy residue.

The formulation prioritizes skin comfort, efficacy, and a modern sensorial experience. It is crafted with a meticulous approach, maintaining a skin-friendly pH between 5.5 and 6.5 to support the skin's natural acid mantle. This sunscreen is entirely free from added fragrance, essential oils, drying alcohols, parabens, and sulfates, making it suitable for even reactive skin types. The focus is on gentle, yet powerful, ingredients that work synergistically to protect and nurture the skin without unnecessary additives.

Who It's For

How To Use

1. When in routine: Apply as the absolute final step in your morning skincare routine, after all serums and moisturizers have fully absorbed. It forms the protective shield over your prepared skin.
2. How much: The standard dermatologist-recommended quantity for optimal SPF50 coverage on the face and neck is two full finger-lengths of product. Be generous, as under-applying significantly reduces efficacy.
3. How to apply: Dispense the required amount onto your fingertips and gently spread it evenly across your entire face, neck, and any exposed décolletage. Use gentle patting motions to aid absorption and ensure uniform distribution. Avoid harsh rubbing.
4. What to layer next: Once fully absorbed (typically within 60-90 seconds), your skin is ready for makeup application. It provides a smooth, slightly luminous base for liquid foundations, cushion compacts, or tinted moisturizers. If you're going makeup-free, it simply leaves a natural, healthy glow.
5. Frequency: This sunscreen is designed for daily use, every single morning, regardless of whether you're indoors or out. For prolonged outdoor activity or direct sun exposure, reapplication every two hours is critical. Always reapply immediately after swimming, intense sweating, or towel drying.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does this Relief Sun Aqua-fresh differ from the original Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice+Probiotics?

The primary distinction lies in texture and specific ingredient enhancements. The Aqua-fresh version is significantly lighter, with a more watery, serum-like consistency compared to the original's creamier feel. It features Panthenol for enhanced barrier soothing and hydration, while the probiotics found in the original formulation have been omitted. This makes Aqua-fresh a preferred choice for individuals with oilier skin, those in very humid climates, or anyone who prefers an almost undetectable SPF.

Will this sunscreen leave a white cast or interfere with my makeup?

No, the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-fresh is formulated with a sophisticated blend of modern chemical UV filters that are designed to be completely invisible on all skin tones, leaving no white cast whatsoever. Its lightweight, non-pilling texture absorbs quickly and cleanly, creating an ideal smooth base for makeup application without any tackiness or interference, ensuring your foundation applies flawlessly.

Is this product suitable for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?

While the ingredients in the Relief Sun Aqua-fresh are generally considered safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, it is always recommended to consult with your physician or a qualified healthcare professional before introducing any new skincare product. Every individual's situation is unique, and professional medical advice tailored to your specific circumstances is always the safest approach.

Can I use this product if I have very sensitive or reactive skin, such as rosacea?

This formula is carefully crafted to be gentle on sensitive skin, being fragrance-free, essential oil-free, and alcohol-free. The inclusion of Panthenol further aids in soothing the skin. For most sensitive users, it is well-tolerated. However, individuals with extremely reactive conditions like severe rosacea or atopic dermatitis should always perform a patch test on a small, inconspicuous area of skin for several days before full facial application, as individual sensitivities to chemical filters can rarely occur.

Pairs Well With

To build a comprehensive and effective Korean skincare routine around the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-fresh, consider layering complementary products. Begin with a hydrating toner, such as the Anua Heartleaf 77% Soothing Toner, to prep the skin and balance pH. Follow with a targeted serum, perhaps one rich in peptides for anti-aging or Centella Asiatica for calming, like the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule. For a boost of hydration without heaviness, a lightweight gel moisturizer, such as the Dr. Ceuracle Vegan Kombucha Tea Gel Cream, would complete your routine perfectly before applying this featherlight SPF, ensuring optimal skin health and protection.