I've been testing the sun of joseon sunscreen for a few weeks now, and it's safe to say I finally get why everyone on the internet is obsessed with it. If you've spent any time on TikTok or Instagram lately, you've probably seen that sleek white tube with the minimal black text. It's everywhere. Usually, when something gets this much hype, I'm a little skeptical. I've tried enough "viral" products that ended up being "meh" to know better. But this one? It's different.
For a long time, I actually hated wearing sunscreen. I knew I had to wear it—skin cancer is no joke and wrinkles aren't exactly on my wishlist—but the experience was always miserable. Most sunscreens I tried were either way too thick, smelled like a swimming pool, or left me looking like I'd just seen a ghost. The sun of joseon sunscreen changed that for me, and honestly, it's the first time I've actually looked forward to putting on SPF in the morning.
The Hype is Real (And Here's Why)
So, what's the deal with this specific sunscreen? Well, it officially goes by the name Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, but most of us just call it the sun of joseon sunscreen because it's easier to remember. The brand, Beauty of Joseon, draws inspiration from traditional Korean herbal medicine (Hanbang). They use ingredients that have been used for centuries in Korea, and they've modernized them for our current skincare routines.
The reason it's blown up so much isn't just because of the pretty packaging. It's because it feels like a high-end moisturizer rather than a heavy-duty sunblock. When you're applying the sun of joseon sunscreen, it doesn't have that "drag" on the skin. You know what I mean? That feeling where you have to tug at your face just to get the product to spread? None of that here. It glides on like a dream and sinks in almost immediately.
What Actually Makes This Stuff Different?
If you look at the back of the tube, you'll see some ingredients that might sound a bit unusual if you're used to Western sunscreens. The big star of the show is rice extract—specifically, about 30% of the formula is rice extract.
That Texture, Though
The texture is probably the first thing you'll notice. It's a cream, but it's light. It's not runny like a milk, but it's definitely not a thick paste. When I first squeezed it out of the tube, I thought, "There's no way this is SPF 50." It felt way too elegant. But it is! It's been rigorously tested, and the protection is legit.
Because it's so creamy, I've found that I can actually skip my morning moisturizer most days. If you have oily or combination skin, this might be the only product you need after your toner or serum. For my friends with dry skin, it layers beautifully over a heavier cream without pilling up into those annoying little white balls.
The No-White-Cast Miracle
As someone who has struggled with the "white cast" problem for years, the sun of joseon sunscreen is a total game-changer. Most mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are great at reflecting UV rays but terrible at blending into anyone who isn't incredibly pale.
This sunscreen uses modern chemical filters that are popular in Korea and Europe. These filters are "invisible" on the skin. I've seen people with very deep skin tones use this, and it completely disappears. No purple tint, no ashy residue—just a nice, healthy-looking glow. It's honestly a relief to not have to check the mirror ten times to make sure I don't have white streaks by my ears or hairline.
How It Holds Up Throughout the Day
One of my biggest pet peeves with sunscreen is how it feels after four or five hours. A lot of them start to feel "greasy" or "heavy" as the day goes on. Or worse, they start to sting your eyes if you sweat even a little bit.
I've worn the sun of joseon sunscreen through long walks, grocery store runs, and even a light workout. It stays put. Most importantly, it doesn't sting my eyes. I have pretty sensitive eyes, and there's nothing worse than being halfway through your day and suddenly feeling like you've been pepper-sprayed because your sunscreen migrated. This formula seems to stay exactly where you put it.
Makeup Compatibility
If you wear makeup, you know the struggle of finding a base that doesn't ruin your foundation. Some sunscreens are so silicone-heavy that foundation just slides right off. Others are so dry that makeup looks patchy.
The sun of joseon sunscreen acts almost like a primer. It leaves the skin with a slightly dewy finish—not "greasy-slick," but "I-drank-enough-water" glowy. Foundation sits really nicely on top of it. I've tried it with both liquid foundation and just a bit of concealer, and both worked perfectly. It gives the skin a smooth, hydrated canvas that makes everything else look a little bit better.
Dealing With Different Skin Types
Is it for everyone? Mostly, yes, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
If you have dry skin, you are going to absolutely love this. The probiotics and rice extract are super soothing and hydrating. It feels like a hug for your face. It helps keep that moisture locked in all day, which is a struggle when you're sitting in an air-conditioned office or out in the wind.
If you have oily skin, you might find it a little too dewy in the middle of summer. I've heard some people with very oily skin say they prefer something with a more matte finish. However, if you use it in place of your moisturizer, it's usually fine. You can always hit your T-zone with a little bit of powder if you feel too shiny.
For those with sensitive or acne-prone skin, the sun of joseon sunscreen is usually a safe bet. It doesn't have a strong fragrance, and it's formulated to be gentle. I haven't experienced any breakouts from it, which is a win because my skin usually reacts to everything.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
At the end of the day, the best sunscreen is the one you're actually willing to wear every single morning. For me, that's the sun of joseon sunscreen. It takes away all the excuses I used to have for skipping SPF. It isn't sticky, it doesn't smell weird, it doesn't leave a white cast, and it actually makes my skin look better.
It's also surprisingly affordable. Even with the international shipping or buying it from a local K-beauty importer, it's usually cheaper than the high-end sunscreens you'd find at Sephora. Given how much I use (and you really should be using about two finger-lengths for your face and neck), the price point makes it sustainable for a daily habit.
If you're still searching for your "holy grail" SPF, I'd highly recommend giving this one a shot. It's one of the few products that actually lives up to the social media hype. Just make sure you're buying it from a reputable seller, because it's so popular that there are unfortunately a few fakes floating around out there. Once you get the real deal, though, I think you'll see exactly why the sun of joseon sunscreen is the only thing people want to talk about lately. My skin has never felt more protected or looked more hydrated, and I'm definitely not going back to my old "ghost-face" sunscreens anytime soon.