Your tube got a facelift and I need you to sit down before you pump it. The new Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun swapped the old formula for a “Reformulated” version — and the texture is a totally different animal.
This isn’t a marketing tweak. The old one was a dewy, almost slippery milk. This one dries down in 20 seconds flat and feels like a matte primer. If you have dry skin, you might actually hate it.
It’s still SPF50+ PA++++, still about $18, and still claims to be a “skin-softening” hybrid. But the finish says otherwise.
New Filter Blend
They swapped the old chemical filters for a mix that feels lighter but sits closer to the skin — less slip, more grip.
Rice Extract Shift
The rice probiotics are still there, but the texture is less creamy — it’s almost like a gel-cream now.
No White Cast
Still a win. Zero chalkiness, even on deeper skin tones. That didn’t change.
Photo: Nora Topicals / Unsplash
It’s not a serum, but it’s not just sunscreen either. The rice extract is the star — it brightens slightly and calms redness, but the real work is the probiotics keeping your barrier chill while the SPF does its job.
- Rice Extract: softens and evens tone
- Probiotics: supports skin barrier
- Niacinamide: fades dark spots
- Hyaluronic Acid: hydrates without greasiness
Photo: Lina Verovaya / Unsplash
First pump: it’s thinner, almost watery, and sinks in before you finish rubbing your forehead. No tacky stage — that’s rare. But the matte finish is a shock if you loved the old glow.
Week three: I’m actually converted. My T-zone stays oil-free until 4pm — the old one gave me a grease slick by noon. But my cheeks feel a bit tight by evening. If you’re dry, moisturize before this.
Photo: Tamara Bellis / Unsplash
My pores look smaller by midday — that’s new. But the dewy “glass skin” effect is gone. You’re trading glow for grip. Honestly, as a combo-skin person, I’ll take it.
Photo: Sarah Sheedy / Unsplash
It’s better for oil control, worse for dry skin. A solid swap, but not an upgrade for everyone.