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.