A Deep Dive into the Beauty of Joseon Tinted Sunscreen’s Formula

Hello, skincare lovers!

Let’s talk about one of the most important, but often most boring, steps in our skincare routine: sunscreen.

We all know we should wear it every single day. It protects our skin from ageing, dark spots, and, most seriously, skin cancer. But so many of us skip it. Why?

Well, many sunscreens can feel awful. They can be greasy, leave a white cast, pill under makeup, or just feel heavy and uncomfortable on the skin. It’s a chore.

But what if your sunscreen felt like a luxurious skincare product? What if it not only protected your skin but also made it look better? What if you actually looked forward to putting it on?

This is the promise of Korean beauty, and one product, in particular, has taken the world by storm: the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics. And even more excitingly, they’ve now released a tinted version.

Also Read: A Deep Dive into Sam Beauty’s Online Empire

This isn’t just another sunscreen. It’s a multi-tasking marvel. In this article, we’re going to do a deep, deep dive into its formula. We’ll look at every key ingredient, understand why it feels so good, and discover why your skin will genuinely thank you for using it.

Ready to fall in love with sunscreen? Let’s begin.

First, What Exactly Is This Product?

Before we get into the science, let’s be clear about what we’re talking about.

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun is a Korean sunscreen (often abbreviated as K-beauty). The original version is a classic, non-tinted, lightweight cream. The new tinted version does everything the original does, but with one key addition: a sheer, universal tint.

This tint is designed to:

• Even out your skin tone slightly, giving you a “your skin but better” look.
• Avoid the white cast that some sunscreens leave, making it perfect for all skin tones.
• Act as a perfect makeup base or a standalone product for a no-makeup day.

It’s a sunscreen, a skincare product, and a light makeup base all in one simple step.

You can find it at trusted K-beauty retailers like Stylevana and YesStyle.

Also Read: A Deep Dive into Laura Geller Beauty and Baked Wonders

The Hero: Sun Protection That Feels Like Nothing

First and foremost, this is a sunscreen. So, how does it protect your skin?

Modern UV Filters: The Secret to No White Cast

Many traditional sunscreens, especially in the UK, use “mineral” or “chemical” filters that can be problematic. Mineral ones (like zinc oxide) often leave a white cast. Older chemical ones can feel greasy or irritate the skin.

Beauty of Joseon uses a modern, hybrid formula that uses new-generation chemical filters. The key ones are:

• Uvinul A Plus: Specifically filters UVA rays. These are the ageing rays that penetrate deep into the skin, causing wrinkles and sun spots.
• Uvinul T 150: Specifically filters UVB rays. These are the burning rays that cause sunburn and play a key role in developing skin cancer.
• Tinosorb S: A brilliant filter that protects against a very broad spectrum of both UVA and UVB rays. It’s photostable, meaning it doesn’t break down easily in the sun.

Why This Matters for Your Skin:

This combination provides broad-spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ protection. Let’s break that down:

• SPF50+: The highest rating for protection against UVB (burning) rays.
• PA++++: The highest rating for protection against UVA (ageing) rays.

This is the gold standard of sun protection. Your skin is getting top-tier defence against both burning and ageing, without the heavy, chalky feel of old-fashioned sunscreens.

The Supporting Cast: Skincare Superstars

This is where the “Beauty of Joseon” philosophy truly shines. The brand is inspired by the skincare routines of the Joseon Dynasty, which used natural, fermented ingredients. They’ve built upon that history with modern science.

Let’s meet the incredible skincare ingredients that make this more than just a sunscreen.

1. Rice Bran Water & Niacinamide: The Brightening Duo

• What it is: Rice bran is a traditional Korean beauty secret. It’s rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
• What it does: Rice bran water is a gentle brightening agent. It helps to even out skin tone and give you that coveted Korean “glass skin” glow. It’s also incredibly soothing and hydrating.
• The Power of Niacinamide: This formula also includes Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). This is a true skincare superstar. It works in harmony with rice bran to:
  • Minimize the look of pores.
  • Regulate sebum (oil) production.
  • Strengthen the skin barrier.
  • Reduce redness and inflammation.

Why Your Skin Loves It: Instead of just sitting on your skin as a protective layer, the sunscreen is actively working to make your complexion clearer, brighter, and more balanced.

2. Probiotics: The Soothing Superheroes

• What it is: Probiotics are the “good bacteria” that help maintain a healthy skin barrier.
• What it does: When your skin barrier is healthy, it’s better at keeping moisture in and irritants out. Probiotics, specifically the Bifida ferment in this formula, help to:
  • Soothe sensitivity and redness.
  • Boost hydration levels.
  • Protect the skin from environmental damage and pollution.

Why Your Skin Loves It: Sunscreen can sometimes irritate sensitive skin. This one does the opposite. It calms and strengthens your skin, making it more resilient over time. It’s like a comforting shield.

3. Grain Ferment Extracts: The Hydration Powerhouse

The formula contains a blend of ferment extracts from Rice, Soybean, and Job’s Tears.

• What they are: These are traditional ingredients that have been fermented to boost their potency.
• What they do: Fermentation breaks down the ingredients into smaller molecules. This allows them to:
  • Penetrate the skin more deeply.
  • Provide intense, long-lasting hydration.
  • Deliver a powerful cocktail of antioxidants that fight off free radicals (the molecules that cause ageing).

Why Your Skin Loves It: It’s like giving your skin a super-charged, nutrient-rich drink. You’re not just preventing sun damage; you’re actively hydrating and nourishing your skin all day long.

The Experience: What It’s Really Like to Use It

A great formula is nothing if the product isn’t a pleasure to use. So, what’s the experience like?

The Texture: A Lightweight Dream

When you squeeze it out of the tube, it has a light, creamy lotion consistency. It’s not runny or thick. It spreads over the skin like a dream, absorbing almost instantly.

There is zero white cast because of its modern filters and subtle tint. The tint is very light and adaptable, designed to blend into a wide range of skin tones, providing a unified, natural finish.

The Finish: Dewy, Not Greasy

This sunscreen gives a healthy, dewy glow. If you have dry skin, you will adore this. It makes your skin look plump and hydrated.

If you have oily skin, you might worry about the “dewy” description. But “dewy” is not the same as “greasy.” The finish is natural and skin-like. Because it contains niacinamide to control oil, many people with combination or oily skin still find it works beautifully. You can always set your T-zone with a little translucent powder if you prefer a more matte look.

Under Makeup: The Perfect Primer

Because it’s so lightweight and moisturising, it acts as a fantastic base for makeup. Your foundation will glide on smoothly and evenly. It doesn’t pill (form little balls) as long as you let it set for a minute or two before applying your base makeup.

Who Is This Sunscreen Perfect For?

Let’s make it simple. Your skin will love this sunscreen if:

• You have dry or normal skin and crave hydration.
• You have sensitive skin that is easily irritated.
• You hate the feeling of heavy, greasy sunscreen.
• You want to simplify your routine by combining skincare and sun protection.
• You love a natural, dewy, “glass skin” finish.
• You want a sunscreen that doesn’t leave a white cast.

A Quick Word of Caution

No product is for everyone. You might want to think twice if:

• You have extremely oily skin and strongly prefer a completely matte finish.
• You need a fully waterproof sunscreen for intense sweating or swimming (this is water-resistant, but not entirely waterproof).
• You are looking for full, makeup-level coverage. The tint is very subtle and is for light evening-out, not for covering blemishes.

How to Use It For Best Results

To get the most out of this product:

1. Apply it as the last step of your morning skincare routine, after your serum and moisturiser.
2. Use a generous amount! The recommended amount for full protection is about two finger-lengths worth of product for your face and neck. Don’t skimp.
3. Reapply every two hours if you are in direct sun for extended periods.

The Final Verdict: More Than Just Sunscreen

The Beauty of Joseon Tinted Sunscreen isn’t just a product; it’s a new way of thinking about sun protection. It proves that sunscreen doesn’t have to be a necessary evil.

By combining gold-standard UV filters with a soothing, brightening, and hydrating skincare formula, it creates a product that you’ll want to use every day.

You are not just protecting your skin from future damage. With every application, you are:

• Soothing it with probiotics.
• Brightening it with rice and niacinamide.
• Hydrating it with grain ferments.

Your skin gets to be protected, calm, and glowing all at once.

In the world of skincare, that’s as close to magic as it gets. So, go on, give your skin the love and protection it deserves. It will thank you for it.

Frequently Asked Questions: The Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen

1. Is the tint suitable for very fair or very deep skin tones?

The tint is designed to be a universal, adaptable sheer tint. For very fair skin, it works beautifully to neutralize any potential white cast from the UV filters and provides a subtle, healthy warmth without looking orange. For medium to tan skin, it blends in seamlessly, often acting as a perfect skin-tone enhancer. However, for very deep skin tones, the tint may still be perceptible and could leave a slight ashy or grey cast, as it doesn’t have enough pigment to fully blend into richer complexions. While it’s more inclusive than purely mineral sunscreens, it’s not a perfect match for all skin tones.

2. Is this a mineral or chemical sunscreen, and is it safe for sensitive skin?

This is a hybrid sunscreen that primarily uses new-generation chemical filters (Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, Tinosorb S). These are modern, advanced filters known for their high stability and low irritation potential, unlike some older chemical filters that can cause sensitivity. Crucially, the formula is packed with soothing ingredients like probiotics (Bifida ferment) and anti-inflammatory niacinamide, which actively calm the skin. It is also free from essential oils and synthetic fragrance, which are common irritants. While “sensitive skin” is highly individual, its formulation makes it one of the safest and most gentle chemical-hybrid sunscreens available.

3. I have oily, acne-prone skin. Will the “dewy” finish make me look greasy?

The “dewy” finish is a result of intense hydration, not oiliness. Furthermore, the inclusion of niacinamide is a game-changer for oily skin. Niacinamide helps to regulate sebum production and minimize the appearance of pores. Many people with combination and oily skin find that while it provides a healthy glow, it doesn’t exacerbate oiliness throughout the day. If you are extremely oily, you can easily blot or set your T-zone with a translucent powder. The non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) formula is generally safe for acne-prone skin, but as always, patch-test if you are particularly reactive.

4. How does the level of sun protection (SPF50+ PA++++) compare to European sunscreens?

The protection level is exceptional and meets the highest global standards. SPF50+ indicates powerful protection against UVB rays (the burning rays), and PA++++ is the highest rating in the PA system for protection against UVA rays (the ageing, penetrating rays). This is comparable to a “Ultra” or “Extreme” UVA protection rating on a European sunscreen bottle (indicated by a UVA circle). The combination of modern, photostable filters ensures this protection remains effective for the recommended two-hour window before reapplication. You are receiving best-in-class, broad-spectrum protection.

5. Can I use this sunscreen around my eyes without irritation?

The gentle, fragrance-free formula is tolerated by many around the eye area, which is a common trouble spot for stinging. The soothing probiotics and lack of alcohol contribute to this. However, the eye area is the most sensitive on the face. If you are particularly prone to irritation from any product migrating into your eyes, it is always wise to perform a patch test directly under one eye first. Some users may still experience slight watering, but it is far less common than with many other chemical sunscreens.

6. Does the rice bran and niacinamide really brighten skin over time, or is it just a temporary effect?

This is where the product transitions from a mere sunscreen to a true skincare treatment. With consistent daily use, the niacinamide and rice bran work synergistically to provide cumulative brightening benefits. Niacinamide inhibits the transfer of pigment (melanin) to skin cells, helping to fade existing dark spots and prevent new ones. Rice bran is rich in antioxidants and nutrients that support an even complexion. The sunscreen itself prevents UV-induced darkening. So, while you get an immediate, hydrated glow, you are also actively working towards a long-term, more even, and brighter skin tone.

7. Is it water-resistant or sweat-proof?

The product is described as having some water resistance, but it is not marketed as intensely waterproof or sweat-proof for heavy swimming or intense exercise. For a day at the office, running errands, or light activity, it will hold up well. However, if you plan on swimming, engaging in high-intensity sports, or are in a very hot and humid climate where you will sweat profusely, you should reapply more frequently (every 40-80 minutes) or opt for a sunscreen specifically labelled as “very water-resistant.”

8. How does it work under makeup? Does it cause pilling?

It is widely praised as an excellent makeup primer due to its moisturizing, skin-like finish. To prevent pilling (when products ball up), follow these steps:

1. Allow your previous skincare (serum, moisturizer) to fully absorb.
2. Apply the sunscreen in gentle, patting and pressing motions, avoiding harsh rubbing.
3. Let the sunscreen set for 1-2 minutes to form a uniform film on your skin before applying foundation.
   When this protocol is followed, it typically provides a smooth, hydrated canvas that helps makeup apply evenly and last longer.

9. Where can I reliably purchase this in the UK?

As a Korean brand, it is not typically sold in UK high-street stores. The most reliable sources are authorized K-beauty e-retailers that ship to the UK. Two of the most trusted are:

• StyleVana
• YesStyle
  Always ensure you are buying from the official store on these platforms or reputable sellers to avoid counterfeit products. Shipping can take 2-3 weeks.

10. If I use this, can I skip my moisturizer in the morning?

Absolutely, and this is one of its key benefits for simplifying a routine. The formula is intensely hydrating, thanks to the rice bran water and grain ferment extracts. For most people, especially those with normal to dry skin or those using hydrating serums underneath, this sunscreen provides more than enough moisture to serve as a combined moisturizer and SPF. If you have very dry skin or are in a harsh winter climate, you may still prefer a light moisturizer underneath, but for many, it is a brilliant all-in-one step.