Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen Guide for Indian Skin

If you’ve spent any time in Indian skincare communities lately, you’ve probably seen Beauty of Joseon sunscreen trending everywhere — from Nykaa reviews to Reddit’s r/SkincareAddiction. The buzz is real, but so is the confusion: there are now four distinct products in the lineup, each suited to a different skin type, climate, and routine.

This guide draws on formula analysis, documented user feedback from Indian beauty communities, and cross-referenced dermatological guidance — and it addresses what most global reviews skip: how these formulas behave on South Asian skin tones and in India’s humidity.

Quick Answers Before You Scroll

• Best overall Joseon sunscreen? → Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++) for most skin types
• Best for oily or acne-prone skin? → Matte Sun Stick or Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5
• Does it leave a white cast? → Mostly no, but Tinosorb M can leave a faint cast on very deep skin tones — see the skin type section for a full breakdown
• Is it available in India? → Yes — Nykaa, Myntra, Tira, and Blinkit all stock it
• Worth the price in India? → Yes, for the formula quality — but buy from verified platforms only to avoid fakes

What Is Beauty of Joseon? (And Why It Matters for Skincare)

Beauty of Joseon sunscreen refers to the range of SPF50+ PA++++ sun protection products by the South Korean brand Beauty of Joseon. The current lineup includes four formulas — Relief Sun, Matte Sun Stick, Ginseng Serum, and Aqua-Fresh — each combining UV protection with Hanbang-inspired skincare actives like rice extract, ginseng, and mugwort.

Beauty of Joseon is a South Korean skincare brand built around a philosophy called Hanbang — the practice of using traditional Korean herbal medicine ingredients alongside modern cosmetic science. Founded with the idea that ancient wisdom and contemporary formulation aren’t mutually exclusive, the brand has become one of the most recommended K-beauty names globally.

Their sunscreens went viral for a straightforward reason: they feel nothing like the thick, greasy SPF products most of us grew up with. They absorb quickly, sit well under makeup, and don’t demand a separate moisturising step. For Indian consumers navigating a confusing SPF market — where most affordable options either leave white cast or feel like sunblock from 2005 — Joseon landed at exactly the right time.

The brand is vegan and cruelty-free — a designation noted across authorised retail partners including Nykaa and Beauty Bay. All products are free from artificial fragrances and alcohol in levels that would irritate skin.

Every Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen — Full Lineup (2025–2026)

At a glance — pick your formula before reading the full reviews:

Prices are approximate. Verify on Nykaa, Myntra, or Tira at the time of purchase — platform pricing varies.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ — The Hero Product

This is the one that started everything. The Relief Sun is a chemical sunscreen with a gel-cream hybrid texture — it applies like a moisturizer, absorbs in seconds, and leaves a natural, skin-like finish without shine or greasiness.

What’s actually in it:

• 30% rice extract — Rich in ferulic acid, a potent antioxidant that neutralises free radicals from UV exposure and pollution
• Probiotic ferment complex (Lactobacillus/Rice Ferment) — Strengthens the skin’s microbiome and barrier function
• Niacinamide — Brightens, minimises pores, and helps regulate sebum
• UV filters: Uvinul A Plus + Tinosorb M + Ethylhexyl Triazone (next-generation organic filters that offer superior UVA coverage and photostability compared to older avobenzone-based SPFs common in the Indian market)

Finish: Dewy, glowing, skin-like — never greasy White cast: None for light to medium skin tones; faint cast possible on very deep skin tones due to Tinosorb M Under makeup: Excellent — acts as a hydrating primer In Indian climate: In moderate humidity, it performs beautifully. In peak summer humidity (think Mumbai July), the hydrated-skin look can tip into shiny. If you have oily skin, use blotting paper or top up with the Matte Sun Stick.

Best For: Dry, normal, combination, and sensitive skin | Daily wear | Makeup primer step

Skip If: You have very oily skin in a hot, humid climate | You need water-resistance for outdoor/sports use

Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camellia SPF50+ PA++++ — The Reapplication Champion

The Sun Stick exists to solve a problem every SPF-conscious person in India knows too well: reapplying sunscreen over makeup. Most lotions ruin your base. This stick doesn’t.

It glides on as a smooth, near-invisible layer that sets to a soft matte finish — no tugging, no crumbling, no pilling on concealer. Mugwort calms post-acne redness and soothes irritation; camellia oil provides a lightweight moisture layer without greasiness.

• How to use it for reapplication: After the first morning application of your SPF lotion, dab 2–3 swipes of the stick over makeup every 2–3 hours. Pat gently with a clean finger — do not rub.
• Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin | On-the-go reapplication | Office workers | Outdoor activities in moderate weather
• Skip If: You have dry skin and need hydrating SPF | You want your sunscreen to double as a moisturizer

Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ — The Anti-Aging Multitasker

If you’re focused on skin aging or brightening alongside sun protection, this is the one to consider. The serum texture is the lightest of the four — it feels like water at first, builds to a skin-like layer, and leaves a subtle luminous finish.

Key ingredients:

• 30% ginseng root extract — Research suggests Panax ginseng extract may support collagen synthesis and skin elasticity, though large-scale clinical trials in topical sunscreen formulations remain limited
• 2% niacinamide — Brightening + oil-water balance
• Squalane — Lightweight non-comedogenic emollient for barrier support

Finish: Luminous base — not glassy, not oily, just healthy-looking skin In Indian climate: Works well year-round for dry-to-normal skin. In high humidity, the serum’s lightweight texture holds its finish better than the original Relief Sun — a genuine advantage for oily-combination skin in Mumbai or Chennai summers. Who it’s really for: Anyone over 25 focused on prevention of UV-related aging; oily skin types that want a serum-light finish

Best For: Oily, dehydrated, or mature skin | Brightening routines | Lightweight finish seekers

Skip If: You need maximum hydration | You have very dry skin

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 SPF50+ PA++++ — The New Contender

The Aqua-Fresh is the newest formulation and the most oily-skin-friendly in the lotion category. Where the original Relief Sun is dewy, this is breathable and low-shine on the skin. It also contains Vitamin B5 (Panthenol) which actively supports the skin barrier.

Key ingredients:

• Vitamin B5 (Panthenol): Humectant and barrier-repairing agent; helps the skin retain moisture without heaviness
• UV filters: Same next-gen organic filter blend as the original Relief Sun — SPF50+ PA++++ verified

Think of it as the entry point: it’s slightly more affordable (approx. ₹1,350 vs. ₹1,500 for the original) and better suited to those who found the original too rich.

Best For: Oily and acne-prone skin | First-time Joseon buyers | Humid climates | Everyday light wear | Indian summer conditions

Skip If: You have dry skin that needs intensive hydration | You prefer a dewy glow finish

Which Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen Is Right for Your Skin?

Use this matrix before buying:

Looking at the broader category? See our complete guide to the best Korean sunscreens available in India for a full cross-brand comparison.

A Note on White Cast for South Asian and Darker Skin Tones

This deserves an honest paragraph — not a footnote.

The original Relief Sun uses Tinosorb M, an insoluble organic UV filter that can leave a faint but visible white cast on deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick Types V–VI). Most fair-to-medium skin users won’t notice it at all. But if your skin is deeper, the Aqua-Fresh or Ginseng Serum may be better options, as their formulations work differently.

The white cast is not a permanent marker — it typically fades within a few minutes. If this is a concern, the Aqua-Fresh is your safest starting choice.

Performance in Indian Climates

Indian summers create a specific SPF challenge: UV Index regularly hits 8–11 (Extreme) across most of the country during March–September — according to data from the World Health Organization’s UV Index guidelines, this level requires maximum protection and strict reapplication. Joseon’s SPF50+ PA++++ rating covers you on paper. The real question is wearability.

In moderate climates (Delhi October–March, Bangalore year-round), both the Relief Sun and Aqua-Fresh wear comfortably all day. In high-humidity monsoon conditions (Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata), go for the Aqua-Fresh or Matte Stick — the dewy finish of the original Relief Sun can become uncomfortable.

Ingredients Deep-Dive — What You’re Actually Putting on Your Skin

The UV Filters Explained (In Plain English)

Beauty of Joseon uses what skincare chemists call “next-generation organic UV filters” — the same calibre used in European premium SPFs. Key ones:

• Uvinul A Plus (Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate): Highly photostable UVA filter. Doesn’t degrade in sunlight the way older filters like avobenzone can.
• Tinosorb M: Hybrid organic/inorganic filter covering both UVA and UVB. Very effective, but its particle size can occasionally cause a subtle white cast on deep skin tones.
• Uvinul T 150 (Ethylhexyl Triazone): Broad UVB protection, stable and lightweight.

These filters are approved under the EU Cosmetics Regulation, which permits a wider library of UV filters than the US FDA currently allows — a key reason why K-beauty and European SPF formulas tend to feel lighter and more wearable than many American counterparts.

The PA++++ rating (a Japanese/Korean system) means the formula blocks more than 90% of UVA radiation — per Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) PA standard. UVA is the ray responsible not just for tanning but for deeper, aging skin damage. Most Indian SPF labels only prominently display SPF (UVB protection), so PA++++ is a meaningful extra guarantee. For a plain-language explanation of SPF and PA ratings, refer to reputable dermatology resources or official sunscreen education sites.

Rice Extract, Probiotics, and Ginseng — Do They Actually Work?

• Rice extract (30% concentration): Rice bran is rich in gamma-oryzanol and ferulic acid — both established antioxidants that reduce oxidative stress caused by UV exposure. At 30% concentration, this isn’t a trace amount for marketing purposes — it genuinely contributes to the post-sun soothing effect users report.
• Probiotic ferment: The skin has its own microbiome — a community of beneficial bacteria that maintains barrier integrity. When it’s disrupted (by sun, pollution, or harsh products), you get sensitivity, breakouts, and slow healing. Fermented lactobacillus extracts help support and restore this balance. The evidence is promising, though not yet at the level of large randomised clinical trials.
• Ginseng (Panax ginseng root extract): Used in traditional Korean medicine for centuries. Research suggests it may support collagen synthesis and improve skin elasticity — though as noted above, concentration and formulation context matters. The Ginseng Serum concentrates this more intentionally than the other products.
• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): One of the best-studied topical ingredients in dermatology. Brightening, pore-minimising, sebum-regulating, and barrier-strengthening — it earns its place in these formulas. Especially relevant for Indian skin types prone to hyperpigmentation.

For independently verified ingredient safety profiles, the EWG Skin Deep database offers research summaries for most cosmetic ingredients — a useful cross-check tool for skeptical buyers.

Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen vs. Competitors — Honest Comparison

*Bioderma offers fragrance-free variants (e.g., XDefense Ultra Fluid); always check the specific product page before purchasing.

Bottom line: Joseon sits in a sweet spot — better skin feel and active ingredients than Cetaphil, better India availability and price than Bioderma, and a broader product range than SKIN1004. It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s competitive for what it delivers.

Side Effects and Who Should Be Cautious

Most people use Beauty of Joseon sunscreen without issues. But honest reviews include the limitations too:

• Eye stinging: Reported by a consistent minority of users. Keep product away from the immediate eye area and use a dedicated eye SPF if needed.
• Pilling: Can occur if applied over a still-wet moisturizer or heavy occlusive cream. This happens because UV filter particles don’t layer smoothly over still-wet film-forming products — a 90-second wait after moisturizer resolves this in most cases.
• Humidity-driven shine: The Relief Sun’s skin-like finish can become uncomfortable or shiny in very humid conditions — not a safety issue, but worth knowing for peak Indian summer days.
• Not water or sweat resistant: Reapplication every 60–90 minutes is required if swimming or sweating heavily — see the reapplication guide below.
• Individual sensitivity: Even fragrance-free formulas can trigger reactions in very reactive skin. Always patch-test on a small area (inner wrist or jaw) for 24–48 hours before full application.
• White cast on deep skin tones: See the skin type section above for a full product-by-product breakdown.

Who should definitely consult a dermatologist first: Anyone with known UV filter allergies, active eczema or rosacea flares, or a history of reactions to chemical sunscreens.

Where to Buy Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen in India (With Current Prices)

How to Spot Fake Beauty of Joseon Products Online

To identify a genuine Beauty of Joseon product, check these five indicators before opening or using:

• Packaging: The original has a cream-coloured matte tube with clean, minimal Korean/English text. Fonts should be crisp, not blurry.
• Consistency: Authentic Relief Sun has a smooth, uniform gel-cream. Fake versions are often more runny or distinctly white.
• Smell: Genuine product is very lightly scented (almost odourless). Strong fragrance is a red flag.
• Seller rating + returns policy: On Amazon India, only purchase from sellers with 4.5+ ratings and a clear returns policy.
• Price: Authentic product listed consistently below ₹900 is almost certainly not legitimate — grey-market pricing at that level is a well-documented counterfeit signal based on reported buyer experiences.

How to Use Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen — Application and Reapplication

Getting SPF right matters as much as picking the right product. If you’re building a full skincare routine around it, our guide on building a Korean skincare routine for Indian skin walks through where SPF fits in the full sequence. Here’s the correct application approach:

Morning application:

1. Cleanse and apply any treatment serums first
2. Apply moisturizer — wait 90 seconds for it to absorb fully
3. Dispense a pea-to-almond sized amount of sunscreen (approximately ¼ teaspoon for face + neck)
4. Apply in dots across forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin; blend outward with fingertips
5. Do not rub hard — pat and blend gently for the best finish
6. Wait 1–2 minutes before applying makeup

Reapplication (every 2–3 hours in sun exposure):

• With the Matte Sun Stick: Apply 2–3 swipes directly over makeup, then pat lightly with a clean finger. Do not rub.
• With the lotion: Best applied after gently blotting excess oil with tissue; reapply ¼ teaspoon amount and blend carefully

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Using too little: The SPF rating is only valid at the tested dosage — about ¼ teaspoon for face. Less product = meaningfully lower real-world protection.
• Skipping reapplication: SPF degrades with UV exposure, sweat, and physical contact. A morning application does not last a full day outdoors.
• Applying on damp skin: This dilutes the formula and can cause pilling.
• Skipping SPF on cloudy days: Up to 80% of UV rays penetrate cloud cover — consistent with guidance from the Skin Cancer Foundation — and the UV Index in Indian cities remains high even on overcast days.

Final Verdict: Is Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen Worth It?

Yes — for most skin types, in most Indian conditions, at the price point they’re offered.

Here’s how to decide quickly:

• Buy the Relief Sun (Rice + Probiotics) if you want an all-rounder for dry to combination skin, a glowing finish, and a sunscreen that doubles as a moisturizer. It’s the #1 recommendation for most buyers.
• Buy the Aqua-Fresh if you have oily or acne-prone skin, or if you live in a high-humidity city (Mumbai, Chennai, Kochi) and want a lighter, low-shine formula.
• Buy the Matte Sun Stick as a companion product — it’s not ideal as your sole sunscreen, but it’s the most practical reapplication tool available in India right now.
• Buy the Ginseng Serum if you’re above 25 and actively thinking about anti-aging and brightening alongside sun protection.

Consider alternatives if you need water resistance (none of the Joseon formulas offer this), if you have very reactive skin that needs a dermatologist-tested mineral-only formula, or if budget is a firm constraint — Cetaphil and the best sunscreens for oily skin in India are credible step-downs worth reviewing.

At ₹1,200–₹1,500, it’s better formulated than Cetaphil at that price tier and more widely available in India than Bioderma — a rare combination in the Indian SPF market.

Frequently Asked Questions About Joseon Sunscreen

Q1. Is Beauty of Joseon sunscreen a chemical or mineral sunscreen?

All Beauty of Joseon sunscreens are chemical (organic) sunscreens. They use next-generation UV filters — including Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb M — that absorb UV radiation rather than physically blocking it. There are no mineral (zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) variants in the current range.

Q2. Does Beauty of Joseon sunscreen leave a white cast?

For most skin tones, no white cast is visible. However, the Relief Sun contains Tinosorb M, an insoluble filter that may leave a faint white cast on deeper skin tones (Fitzpatrick Types V–VI). The Aqua-Fresh and Ginseng Serum formulas have reduced white cast risk. In all cases, the effect fades within a few minutes on the skin.

Q3. Is Beauty of Joseon sunscreen water-resistant?

No — none of the Beauty of Joseon sunscreens are water-resistant or sweat-resistant. If you plan to swim, exercise outdoors, or sweat heavily, you should reapply every 60–90 minutes. Do not rely on a single morning application for full-day outdoor protection.

Q4. Can I use Joseon sunscreen under makeup?

Yes — it’s one of the better SPFs for use under makeup. The lightweight, fast-absorbing textures (especially the Relief Sun and Ginseng Serum) do not cause pilling under foundation or tinted products. Allow 1–2 minutes for the sunscreen to settle before applying makeup.

Q5. Is Beauty of Joseon sunscreen pregnancy-safe?

Beauty of Joseon sunscreens do not contain oxybenzone or parabens — the ingredients most commonly flagged for restriction during pregnancy. However, as with any skincare product during pregnancy, consult your OB-GYN or dermatologist before use. Individual sensitivities during pregnancy can differ significantly from baseline.

Q6. What is the difference between Relief Sun and Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh?

The original Relief Sun has a dewy, gel-cream finish suited to dry, normal, and sensitive skin. The Aqua-Fresh has a lighter, low-shine finish specifically formulated for oily and acne-prone skin, and is slightly more affordable. Both offer SPF50+ PA++++ protection. If you have oily skin or live in a humid climate, the Aqua-Fresh is the better daily driver.

About Theglamourmedia

Theglamourmedia publishes practical, easy-to-understand content on health, technology, business, marketing, and lifestyle. Articles are based mainly on reputable, publicly available information, with AI tools used only to help research, organise, and explain topics more clearly so the focus stays on real‑world usefulness rather than jargon or unnecessary complexity.

Disclaimer:

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical, dermatological, or legal advice. Sunscreen tolerance, effectiveness, and side effects can vary widely between individuals. Always consult a qualified dermatologist or healthcare professional before starting or changing any skincare routine, and follow product labels and local regulations. Theglamourmedia does not guarantee outcomes and is not responsible for decisions made based on this content.