Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Review: The Lightweight Korean Sunscreen Your Oily Skin Needs

If you’ve been searching for a sunscreen that offers high protection without the heavy, greasy feel, the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh might just be your new holy grail.

Korean sunscreens have taken the skincare world by storm, and for good reason. They combine cutting-edge UV protection with skincare benefits, making them a joy to apply rather than a chore. Today, we’re diving deep into one of the most talked-about releases: the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 SPF50+ PA++++. If you have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin, this one was practically made for you.

What is the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh?

The Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh is a lightweight chemical sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ protection . Think of it as the cooler, more refreshing younger sibling to the brand’s viral original Relief Sun (the Rice + Probiotics version that took over TikTok) .

While the original is beloved for its creamy, hydrating texture perfect for dry skin, the Aqua-Fresh was formulated with a different audience in mind: those with oily and combination skin who want powerful protection without any heaviness . It’s designed to feel like “a splash of lightweight hydration” on your skin .

Key Ingredients and Their Benefits

This isn’t just a sunscreen; it’s skincare in a tube. The formula is packed with ingredients that nourish and soothe your skin while shielding it from the sun.

• 30% Rice Seed Water: The star ingredient! Rice is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help restore your skin’s natural health, leaving it looking clear and radiant . It’s a time-honored beauty secret, drawing inspiration from traditional Korean skincare practices .
• Panthenol (Vitamin B5): This is a superstar soothing agent . It helps strengthen your skin’s moisture barrier and calms irritation, making it fantastic for sensitive or reactive skin. In fact, one clinical study by the brand showed a 51% improvement in soothing effects and a 152% drop in skin temperature after just one use! .
• Chemical UV Filters: The formula uses a blend of high-quality, lab-tested UV filters including Ethylhexyl Triazone and Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid to ensure you get that SPF50+ PA++++ protection .

The Real-World Verdict: What Users Are Saying

The consensus is clear: this sunscreen delivers on its promises of a weightless, non-greasy experience.

• Perfect for Oily and Acne-Prone Skin: One of the brand’s beauty panelists, Breinbae, called it her “new go-to,” saying it gives her skin a “natural, semi-matte finish with a subtle glow” and is perfect for her “oily, acne-prone skin” .
• The Texture is a Dream: Users describe the texture as “watery and so lightweight” that it feels refreshing to apply . It’s a lotion-like formula that breaks into a watery consistency, absorbing quickly and leaving no trace behind.
• Zero White Cast: This is a huge win. Reviewers consistently confirm there is absolutely no white cast, making it an excellent choice for all skin tones .

The Only Caveat: It’s Not Super Moisturizing

A few users with drier skin noted that while the texture is lovely, it isn’t intensely moisturizing on its own . If you have dehydrated skin, you might want to apply a light moisturizer underneath it.

Original Relief Sun vs. Aqua-Fresh: Which One is For You?

This is the big question. Both are fantastic, but they serve slightly different needs .

• Choose the Original Relief Sun (Rice + Probiotics) if:
  • You have dry, sensitive, or normal skin.
  • You prefer a more creamy, moisturizing texture.
  • You want a dewy, glowing finish.
• Choose the Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh (Rice + B5) if:
  • You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.
  • You want a watery, weightless, fast-absorbing texture.
  • You prefer a semi-matte, fresh, non-greasy finish .

How to Use It

It’s simple! As the final step in your morning skincare routine, apply a generous, even layer to your face and neck before sun exposure. Because it’s so lightweight, it layers beautifully under makeup without pilling . For best protection, don’t forget to reapply every 2-3 hours, especially if you’re spending extended time outdoors .

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth the Hype?

If you’ve been avoiding sunscreen because you hate the sticky, greasy feel, the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh is a total game-changer. It offers top-tier protection, soothing skincare benefits, and a finish that feels like you’re wearing nothing at all. It’s a worthy investment for anyone looking to upgrade their sun care routine, especially for those with oilier skin types.