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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

How you apply your sunscreen is just as important as which one you choose. For both the Beauty of Joseon and COSRX sunscreens, you should be using the 'two finger' rule. Squeeze two full lines of product onto your index and middle fingers, as this approximates the quarter teaspoon amount needed for proper face and neck protection.

With the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, its serum-like texture spreads very easily. Because it feels so light, it is tempting to use less than you need. Be diligent with your measurement. Its elegant feel makes it a pleasure to apply the full amount without feeling heavy or greasy on the skin.

The COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream has a richer, creamier texture. You may need to spend a few extra seconds massaging it in to ensure even coverage, especially around the hairline and jaw. Its moisturising nature means you can be confident it's creating a uniform, protective layer. For reapplication over makeup, the Beauty of Joseon sunscreen is generally easier to pat on gently without disturbing foundation, due to its thinner consistency.

Beyond just UV filters, the supporting ingredients in these formulas are designed to work in synergy. The Beauty of Joseon sunscreen contains 30% Rice Extract and a complex of Grain Ferment Lysates. These ingredients do more than just hydrate. The fermentation process breaks down molecules into smaller, more bio-available forms that help strengthen the skin barrier, making your skin more resilient against environmental stressors, including the UV rays you are trying to block.

Niacinamide is another key player in the Relief Sun formula. It works alongside the UV filters to provide antioxidant benefits, improve skin tone, and regulate sebum production. This makes the sunscreen an active part of your skincare routine, not just a protective final step.

In the COSRX sunscreen, the star is Aloe Arborescens Leaf Extract. This is a specific type of aloe known for its high concentration of active compounds. One of these, aloesin, has been shown to help inhibit melanin production. This means that while the sunscreen protects you from new sun damage, the aloe is also providing gentle support to help manage existing pigmentation for a brighter, more even complexion over time.

Choosing what to wear under your sunscreen can prevent pilling and enhance performance. For the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun, think of it as a hydrating serum and sunscreen in one. If you have combination to oily skin, you may find you can apply it directly after a toner or lightweight essence and skip a separate moisturiser in the morning. For drier skin types, it layers beautifully over gel creams and light emulsions.

To avoid issues, it is best to let your previous skincare steps absorb for a minute or two before applying the Relief Sun. Applying it over very heavy, occlusive creams could lead to a 'pilling' effect, where the product rolls into little balls on the skin. Simple, hydrating layers are its best companions.

The COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream is more of a traditional moisturising sunscreen. It is ideal for normal to dry skin types as the final step in a routine. It pairs well with hydrating toners and antioxidant serums. If you have very oily skin, you might find this sunscreen is your one-and-done moisturiser and SPF, and you may not need an additional cream underneath.

As much as we love these two sunscreens, no single product is perfect for every person or situation. It's important to know their limitations. Both use modern chemical UV filters, which are fantastic, but if you have extremely sensitive or reactive skin that has previously reacted to chemical sunscreens, a mineral-based formula might be a safer bet for you. Look for sunscreens with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide as the primary filters.

Neither the Beauty of Joseon nor the COSRX sunscreen claims to be water resistant. They are perfect for daily, incidental sun exposure like commuting or working near a window. However, for a day at the beach, an intense workout, or any situation involving sweat or water, you need a dedicated water resistant sport sunscreen to ensure consistent protection.

Additionally, if you are actively treating stubborn hyperpigmentation or melasma, many dermatologists now recommend a tinted sunscreen. The tint comes from iron oxides, which add crucial protection against visible light, a known contributor to pigmentation. While these Korean sunscreens offer excellent UV protection, adding a tinted option to your collection could provide more comprehensive defence against discoloration.