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

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

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

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun uses modern organic filters, including Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb S in the EU formula. It offers broad spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ protection in a very light texture.

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

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

BOJ has a thin, milky texture that sinks in fast and leaves a healthy glow. It sits well under makeup and looks almost invisible on most skin tones.

COSRX Aloe is thicker and more occlusive, leaving skin feeling cushioned. It can pill over heavy serums.

BOJ contains rice extract, ferments derived from probiotics, and niacinamide. It offers light brightening and feels comfortable on dry skin.

COSRX Aloe contains aloe leaf extract, panthenol and allantoin. It focuses on soothing and suits irritated skin or skin after a procedure.

BOJ usually costs 15 to 20 USD for 50 ml. COSRX Aloe costs around 20 to 25 USD for 50 ml. Both last roughly 2 months with regular reapplication.

BOJ costs less per ml in most markets. COSRX is the better buy if you specifically want the heavier comfort of an aloe formula.

Application matters as much as your sunscreen choice. Use the 'two finger' rule for both Beauty of Joseon and COSRX: squeeze two full lines onto your index and middle fingers. This approximates the quarter teaspoon needed for face and neck protection.

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun spreads easily thanks to its serum texture. Its light feel can tempt you to use too little, so measure carefully. The full amount feels comfortable without heaviness or grease.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is richer and creamier. Spend a few extra seconds massaging it in, especially around your hairline and jaw, for even coverage. Its moisturising texture helps create a uniform protective layer. For reapplication over makeup, Beauty of Joseon’s thinner consistency is generally easier to pat on without disturbing foundation.

Beauty of Joseon contains 30% Rice Extract and a complex of Grain Ferment Lysates. These supporting ingredients work together to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier. Fermentation breaks molecules into smaller, more bioavailable forms, helping skin resist environmental stressors, including UV rays.

Relief Sun’s niacinamide works alongside the UV filters. It provides antioxidant benefits, improves skin tone and regulates sebum production, adding skincare benefits to the protective final step.

COSRX uses Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract, a type of aloe known for its high concentration of active compounds. One of these, aloesin, has been shown to help inhibit melanin production. While the sunscreen protects against new sun damage, the aloe gently supports management of existing pigmentation for a brighter, more even complexion over time.

What you wear underneath can prevent pilling and improve sunscreen performance. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun works like a hydrating serum and sunscreen in one. Combination to oily skin may need only a toner or lightweight essence underneath, without a separate morning moisturiser. On drier skin, it layers well over gel creams and light emulsions.

Let earlier skincare layers absorb for a minute or two before applying Relief Sun. Very heavy, occlusive creams underneath can cause pilling, where the product rolls into little balls. Stick with simple, hydrating layers.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is a traditional moisturising sunscreen that suits normal to dry skin as the final routine step. It pairs well with hydrating toners and antioxidant serums. Very oily skin may find it provides enough moisture and SPF without an extra cream underneath.

Both have limits. They use modern chemical UV filters, but if your extremely sensitive or reactive skin has reacted to chemical sunscreens before, a mineral formula may be a safer choice. Look for Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide as the primary filters.

Neither Beauty of Joseon nor COSRX claims water resistance. Both suit daily, incidental exposure, such as commuting or working near a window. For the beach, an intense workout or any exposure to sweat or water, use a dedicated water resistant sport sunscreen for consistent protection.

If you’re treating stubborn hyperpigmentation or melasma, many dermatologists now recommend tinted sunscreen. Its iron oxides add protection against visible light, a known contributor to pigmentation. These Korean sunscreens offer excellent UV protection, but a tinted option could give you more comprehensive protection against discoloration.