Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun vs. Aqua-Fresh: What Is the Difference and Which One Suits You?

The difference in one sentence: the Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics is the creamy, hydrating version for normal to dry skin, the Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 the light, fresh version for combination skin, oily skin and warm days. Both provide SPF 50+ and PA++++, both rely on organic ("chemical") UV filters and leave no white cast, both come in 50 ml and carry rice in their name. What differs is the texture and finish, the caring additional ingredients (rice extract, probiotics and niacinamide versus rice water and panthenol) and therefore the skin type they suit. This comparison is based on manufacturer information, ingredients and our own use; we have not measured the protection in a laboratory.

What do Relief Sun and Aqua-Fresh have in common?

• Protection: SPF 50+ and PA++++, meaning very high UVB protection and the highest UVA level on the Asian scale.
• Filter type: organic UV filters. They make the light textures possible and, according to the manufacturer, leave no white cast.
• Rice: both contain rice, as an extract or as rice water, a classic of the Korean hanbang tradition for hydration and an even complexion.
• Use: as the last step of the morning routine on face and neck, reapplied regularly during longer sun exposure; according to the manufacturer, both are suitable as a make-up base.
• Content: 50 ml each.

In the EU, only UV filters from Annex VI of the Cosmetics Regulation may be used, and the UVA protection must be at least one third of the sun protection factor, recognisable by the UVA symbol in a circle on the packaging. The exact list of filters is in the INCI list on the packaging; because formulations can differ between batches and markets, we deliberately do not name individual filters here.

How do texture and finish differ?

This is the real difference. The Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics is a creamy lotion that feels like a moisturiser: it absorbs but leaves the skin slightly satin to subtly glowy and keeps a cared-for feel throughout the day. According to the manufacturer it leaves neither a white cast nor stickiness. The Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 is noticeably lighter: a watery lotion that spreads quickly, absorbs within seconds and leaves a fresh, natural to slightly matte finish without a greasy film. In our use, the Aqua-Fresh stays less noticeable in the heat and on a shiny T-zone, while the Rice + Probiotics can take over the moisturising step on dry cheeks.

Which ingredients set the two apart?

Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics

Besides the filters, it contains 30% rice extract, fermented probiotic extracts and niacinamide. Rice extract brings hydration and a soft glow, niacinamide supports the skin barrier and an even skin tone, and the ferments add to the caring effect. Together, this explains the creamy, nourishing texture.

Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5

Here, rice water and panthenol (provitamin B5) take centre stage. Panthenol binds water in the stratum corneum and has been used in dermatology for decades as a soothing, hydrating active. The formula does without heavier caring components, which is why it feels lighter.

Which one suits which skin type?

The classification by skin type is our editorial recommendation, not a guarantee. In detail:

Dry and normal skin

The Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics. It nourishes the skin at the same time, so in the morning toner and sunscreen are often enough. If you find the glow too much in summer, switch to the Aqua-Fresh in the warm months and layer a light cream underneath.

Combination and oily skin

The Aqua-Fresh. It does not turn shiny later, does not feel heavy under make-up and does not feel like a layer even in the heat. Dry cheeks get a gel cream first.

Blemish-prone skin

Also the Aqua-Fresh, because the lighter texture weighs pores down less. In the evening it should be removed with a cleansing oil; what else matters for blemishes is covered in the guide Korean skincare for blemish-prone skin.

Sensitive skin

Organic filters are usually well tolerated by sensitive skin, but some people react to them. Try a new sunscreen on the jawline for a few days first. If you react to organic filters, switch to a formula with zinc oxide, for example the SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-fit Suncream Light with SPF 30 and PA++++.

How do they behave under make-up?

According to the manufacturer, both are intended as a make-up base. The Relief Sun works like a slightly glowy primer, and foundation glides on well; on very oily skin it can make make-up softer after a few hours. The Aqua-Fresh dries to a smooth, barely noticeable film and holds powder and foundation well; on dry patches, however, it can settle a little if the moisturiser underneath is missing. In both cases: let the sunscreen absorb for three to five minutes before applying make-up on top, and do not rub foundation in but press it on with your fingers or a sponge.

How much to apply and how often to reapply?

The sun protection factor is measured with 2 mg of product per square centimetre of skin; for face and neck that is about 1.2 to 1.5 g, roughly two finger lengths. Applying less means significantly less protection, and that applies equally to both formulas. Reapplying: after about two hours in the sun, immediately after swimming or heavy sweating; in an office without direct sun the morning layer is enough, but the protection decreases over the day. Over make-up, you can dab a thin layer of Aqua-Fresh on with your fingers; if you want to spare your make-up, refresh at midday with a cleansing wipe and a new layer. Neither is advertised as water-resistant; for the beach and sport, explicitly water-resistant formulas are the better choice.

What alternatives are there in the range?

• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum (SPF 50+ PA++++): serum-like, with centella, hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, perfume-free; for sensitive and dehydrated skin, as a twin pack.
• Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum (SPF 50+ PA++++): serum texture with 30% ginseng extract and niacinamide; for normal to dry skin that likes it lighter than the Relief Sun.
• Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Mild Sunscreen (SPF 50+): creamy with heartleaf and hyaluronic acid, fragrance-free according to the manufacturer; classic organic filters such as Homosalate and Octocrylene according to the INCI list, transparent finish; for redness-prone skin.
• Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen (SPF 50+ PA++++): unscented, with rice bran oil, niacinamide, heartleaf and ceramide NP, velvety matte finish; for combination skin under make-up.
• SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Air-fit Suncream Light (SPF 30 PA++++): with zinc oxide, centella and niacinamide, minimal white veil; for skin that reacts to organic filters.
• COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Face Sunscreen (SPF 50): semi-matte finish with vitamin E; according to the manufacturer for oily and combination skin.

The guide Korean sunscreen compared gives a broader overview; you will find all formulas in the sun protection collection and at Beauty of Joseon.

Where does sunscreen belong in the routine?

Always as the last skincare step in the morning, after toner, serum and cream, before make-up. The Relief Sun can replace the cream for normal skin, while the Aqua-Fresh needs a moisturiser underneath on dry skin. In the evening, both are removed with cleansing oil, because water alone does not dissolve organic filters. The routine guide explains the whole order; the Routine Builder sets sun protection as a fixed step in every morning routine.