BEAUTY OF JOSEON Relief Sun Rice Cream — SPF50+ Hydratant

This hybrid sunscreen combines four next-generation UV filters with a typically Hanbang botanical cocktail.

Niacinamide : a pigment modulator that evens out skin tone while strengthening the skin barrier — ideal as a complement to sun protection to prevent brown spots.

Rice extract (Oryza Sativa Extract, 30%) : rich in ferulic acid, vitamins B/C/E, and amino acids, it soothes sun-heated skin and gives it a radiant glow without a greasy effect.

Fermented cereal complex (Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment, Bacillus/Soybean Ferment): these probiotics strengthen the skin microbiome, reduce photo-induced inflammation, and help the skin defend against residual UV damage.

Green tea extract (Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract) : a polyphenolic antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals generated by sun exposure — an invisible anti-aging shield.

Adenosine : an anti-wrinkle active ingredient recognized in South Korea, which stimulates collagen synthesis and reduces fine lines accentuated by photoaging.

☀️ Morning routine

1. Apply your usual serum or essence on cleansed and toned skin.
2. If you have dry or normal skin: apply your moisturizer (such as Dynasty Cream), let it absorb for 1 minute.
3. Squeeze a generous amount (≈ 0.5 finger) of Relief Sun, spread by tapping from the center outward — forehead, cheeks, chin, neck.
4. Wait 2 minutes before applying makeup: the cream texture blends into a velvety base, without pilling.

🔁 Reapplication

1. Every 2-3 hours if you are outdoors or near a sunny window.
2. On makeup: gently tap with clean fingers or a damp sponge to avoid disturbing the foundation.

MPC tip : oily skin can skip moisturizer in the morning — Relief Sun provides enough comfort to serve as a light day cream.

This sunscreen is designed for several skin types:

• Combination to oily skin that avoid thick SPFs — here, a creamy, melting texture that leaves no greasy film or excessive shine.
• Dehydrated skin seeking protection that hydrates: 30% rice extract + glycerin maintain moisture throughout the day.
• Sensitive skin and reactive: non-irritating formula tested (clinical study on 50 subjects), fragrance-free, suitable even for acne-prone skin.
• Makeup lovers : flawless base that doesn’t migrate, pill, or fade under liquid foundation or cushion.
• Fans of Korean layering who want a “skincare” SPF — packed with active ingredients (niacinamide, adenosine, antioxidants) to protect AND treat.

Avoid if : you’re looking for a waterproof formula for the beach or pool (this version is not water-resistant — opt instead for a mineral sunscreen stick).

From the very first application : zero white residue, absorbs in 30 seconds, with a slightly luminous velvety finish — as if you had applied a high-end day cream.

After 2 weeks of daily use : the complexion appears more even thanks to niacinamide; post-exposure redness fades faster (soothing action of rice + probiotics).

After 4 weeks : the epidermis shows better resilience to the sun — less tightness, refined skin texture, natural radiance preserved even at the end of the day.

In the long term (3+ months) : active prevention of photoaging (wrinkles, pigmentation spots) thanks to SPF50+ enhanced with adenosine and antioxidants — a beauty step that pays off in youthful skin.

MPC note : this cream does not claim to "erase" existing spots, but it stops their worsening dead in its tracks — a must in any serious anti-spot routine.

Should I apply a moisturizer underneath?

It depends on your skin type. If you have dry, dehydrated, or normal skin, layer your usual cream (like Dynasty Cream) first, then apply Relief Sun. Combination skin can add a light moisturizer if needed. Oily skin can skip this step — the cream texture of Relief Sun often suffices as a morning moisturizer.

What’s the difference with Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh?

Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics has a richer cream texture, ideal for normal to dry skin. The Aqua-Fresh version (Rice + B5) is formulated as an ultra-light aqueous gel, specifically designed for oily to combination skin. Both offer SPF50+ PA++++, but the feel on the skin is very different.

Does it hold up under makeup?

Absolutely. The formula blends into a silky base that doesn’t cling to foundation. Even when applying multiple layers (reapplying at noon), there’s no pilling or cakey effect. Just wait 2 minutes for the cream to absorb before applying makeup.

Do I really need to reapply every 2-3 hours?

Yes, if you’re exposed (office with windows, city stroll, terrace). Indoors without direct light, a morning application is enough. To reapply over makeup: gently pat with fingers or a damp sponge, don’t rub.

Does the formula contain nanoparticles?

Yes, one of the four UV filters (Methylene Bis-benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol) is labeled “nano” to ensure zero white residue. Rest assured: current studies confirm these particles do not penetrate beyond the stratum corneum — they stay on the surface to deflect rays.

Can I use it if I’m pregnant?

The chemical filters in this cream are approved in Europe and considered safe. However, skin can sometimes become more reactive during pregnancy — test on a small area (wrist) 24 hours before facial use. If in doubt, consult your midwife or dermatologist.

Founded in 2016, Beauty of Joseon draws its DNA from the Gyuhap Chongseo, a women's encyclopedia written in 1809 by the scholar Yi Bingheogak during the Joseon dynasty. This manual covered everything—from agriculture to skincare—and revealed the beauty rituals of Korean aristocratic women: gentle gestures, botanical ingredients, a pursuit of clear and calm skin rather than heavy makeup.

The founder Sumin Lee (or Hyemin Park according to some sources) translated this Hanbang philosophy—traditional Korean herbal medicine—into modern clinically tested formulas. Each product combines a historical active ingredient (rice, ginseng, white lotus) with contemporary technologies (encapsulated retinol, next-generation UV filters) to maximize effectiveness while minimizing irritation.

Notably, Beauty of Joseon exploded internationally even before breaking through in Korea. Its minimalist beige packaging, affordable prices, and “skincare-first” textures won over TikTok, Reddit, and beauty editors worldwide—to the point of being exhibited at the V&A in London in 2022 during the “Korean Wave” exhibition.

Discover the full Beauty of Joseon range

Full INCI:

Aqua (Water), Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract (30%), Dibutyl Adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (UVA filter), Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl Triazone (UVB filter), Methylene Bis-benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol (nano) (broad-spectrum UV filter), Niacinamide, Coco-caprylate/Caprate, Caprylyl Methicone, Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone (photostable UVB filter), Glycerin, 1,2-Hexanediol, Butylene Glycol, Pentylene Glycol, Behenyl Alcohol, Poly C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 Methylglucose Distearate, Decyl Glucoside, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Extract, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, T-Butyl Alcohol, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea), Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Ferment Extract, Bacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract, Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Monascus/Rice Ferment.

Key active ingredients: four new-generation chemical UV filters (including a photostable one that retains 90% of its effectiveness after 25 hours of exposure), brightening niacinamide, fermented probiotics (pumpkin, soy, rice) for the microbiome, multiple antioxidants (vitamin E, green tea, ginseng), anti-wrinkle adenosine.

Free from: artificial fragrance, parabens, sulfates, essential oils, octinoxate, and oxybenzone (= reef-safe).

Formula verified by HRIPT dermatological tests (Human Repeat Insult Patch Test) — hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic.