Beauty of Joseon vs COSRX Sunscreen: Which One Wins for Your Skin

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun and COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun are the two most-recommended Korean sunscreens online, and they are genuinely different products. Here is a side-by-side verdict so you can pick the one that fits your skin, not just the louder TikTok.

The quick verdict

Pick Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics if you want a glowy, dewy finish, hate white cast, and have normal, dry or combination skin.

Pick COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream if you want a heavier, more cushioning sunscreen, prefer a satin-matte finish, or have very sensitive, redness-prone skin.

UV filters and protection

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun uses modern organic filters (including Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb S in the EU formula) for broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ with a very light texture.

COSRX Aloe blends organic filters with a small amount of zinc oxide, which is why it feels slightly heavier and leaves a faint cast on deeper skin tones.

Both meet PA++++, the highest UVA rating. Day to day, protection is comparable when you apply the right amount.

Finish, feel and makeup compatibility

BOJ: thin, milky, sinks in fast, gives a healthy glow. Plays well under makeup and almost invisible on most skin tones.

COSRX Aloe: thicker, more occlusive, leaves skin feeling cushioned. Can pill if you layer heavy serums underneath.

Ingredients to know

BOJ: rice extract, probiotics-derived ferments, niacinamide. Lightly brightening, comfortable on dry skin.

COSRX Aloe: aloe leaf extract, panthenol, allantoin. More soothing-focused, good for irritated or post-procedure skin.

Price and value

BOJ is usually 15 to 20 USD for 50 ml. COSRX Aloe is around 20 to 25 USD for 50 ml. Both last roughly 2 months at honest reapplication.

BOJ wins on cost per ml in most markets. COSRX wins if you specifically need the heavier aloe-based comfort.

Frequently asked

Which one is better for oily skin?
Beauty of Joseon. The lighter texture sits better on oily skin, and the finish is closer to natural than wet.
Which one leaves less white cast?
Beauty of Joseon, by a clear margin. COSRX Aloe contains zinc and shows a faint cast on medium to deep skin.
Are they both reef-safe?
Neither is certified reef-safe in the strict mineral-only sense. If reef safety is the priority, look for a 100 percent zinc oxide formula.
Can I use either under makeup?
Yes. BOJ is the easier base because it is thinner. COSRX needs a minute to settle before foundation to avoid pilling.

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