Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Mini
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Sun protectionSPF 50 · 4 UV filtersBroad spectrum
This product offers a good level of protection against both UVB and UVA rays.
This sunscreen uses organic (so-called "chemical") sunscreen filters. Organic, or "chemical" filters usually provide reliable sun protection and rarely leave a white cast. Sunscreens with organic filters can sting eyes.
This product can be considered "reef safe" because it does not contain the UV filters (oxybenzone and octinoxate) that can be harmful to coral reefs when present in the water in high concentrations.
Moisturizing16 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
“Additional ingredients of rice extract and grain-derived probiotics keep skin supple and hydrated.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, saccharomyces/rice ferment filtrate.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-agingNot advertised by the brand · 4 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains adenosine, niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
This product can also help prevent early signs of skin aging because it offers a good level of broad spectrum sun protection. Sun damage is the main cause of premature skin aging, and protecting your skin from the sun is the best anti-aging strategy.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · 2 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · 4 ingredients credited for this claimStrong support
This product offers broad spectrum sun protection. It means that it can prevent hyperpigmentation and help keep the skin tone even (sun damage is the main factor causing age spots, darkening of post-acne marks and other discolorations).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy14 flagged ingredientsLow risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Dibutyl adipate~5.6–6.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Dibutyl adipatePropanediol~4.2–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin
More about PropanediolDiethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate~3.6–4.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul A Plus. A new generation broad spectrum sunscreen that offers an effective protection especially in the UVA range. It is stable in formulations. Unfortunately, is not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoatePolymethylsilsesquioxane~2.3–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A silicone that improves product texture and helps dissolve other ingredients. Can form a non-greasy film on the skin to prevent moisture loss
More about PolymethylsilsesquioxaneEthylhexyl triazone~2.5–3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvinul T. A UV filter. Effective against UVB rays. It is photostable. Can increase water resistance properties of the sunscreen. Unfortunately, not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Ethylhexyl triazoneNiacinamide~1.6–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamideMethylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol~1.9–2.3%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Tinosorb M. A UV filter. Is effective against both UVA and UVB rays. It also provides some protection against visible light. It is photostable and can also be used to improve photostability of other sunscreen ingredients. Its physical properties help to create lightweight sunscreen formulations. It can leave a slight white cast. Unfortunately, it is not approved by the FDA (US) yet
More about Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenolCoco-caprylate/caprate~1.2–1.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture
More about Coco-caprylate/caprateCaprylyl methicone~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of silicone that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product finish on the skin
More about Caprylyl methiconeDiethylhexyl butamido triazone~1.1–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Uvasorb HEB. A UV filter. Is effective against UVB and UVA II rays (but not UVA I). It is photostable. Unfortunately, is not approved by FDA (US) yet
More about Diethylhexyl butamido triazoneGlycerin~0.6–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about Glycerin1,2-hexanediol~0.5–0.75%
Butylene glycol~0.5–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolPentylene glycol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture
More about Pentylene glycolBehenyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Non-drying alcohol that helps water and oil mix together. Also serves as an emollient
More about Behenyl alcoholPoly c10-30 alkyl acrylate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearateDecyl glucoside~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosideOryza sativa extract~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A grain extract that helps to create a thicker product consistency. It might have some anti-oxidant properties and help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Oryza sativa extractTromethamine~0.3–0.55%
Carbomer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together
More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerSodium stearoyl glutamate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps oil and water mix together
More about Sodium stearoyl glutamatePolyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.5%
Adenosine~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineXanthan gum~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumT-butyl alcohol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to dissolve other ingredients and to improve smell of products. It could be irritating
More about T-butyl alcoholTocopherol~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolOryza sativa germ extract~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation
More about Camellia sinensis leaf extractLactobacillus/rice ferment~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An enzyme-based exfoliant
More about Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extractMonascus/rice ferment~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Bacillus/soybean ferment extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Saccharum officinarum extract~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sugar extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharum officinarum extractAspergillus ferment~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An extract from fungus (mold) that typically appears on rice. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin, might help neutralize free radicals and possibly somewhat reduce hyperpigmentation
More about Aspergillus fermentMacrocystis pyrifera extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Cocos nucifera fruit~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Panax ginseng root extract~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating
More about Panax ginseng root extractSaccharomyces/rice ferment filtrate~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A product of yeast fermentation. Can contain humectants that help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help neutralize free oxidants
More about Saccharomyces/rice ferment filtrateIngredient list view
Water, Dibutyl adipate, Propanediol, Diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Ethylhexyl triazone, Niacinamide, Methylene bis-benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Caprylyl methicone, Diethylhexyl butamido triazone, Glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Butylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Behenyl alcohol, Poly c10-30 alkyl acrylate, Polyglyceryl-3 methylglucose distearate, Decyl glucoside, Oryza sativa extract, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Xanthan gum, T-butyl alcohol, Tocopherol, Oryza sativa germ extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Lactobacillus/rice ferment, Lactobacillus/pumpkin ferment extract, Monascus/rice ferment, Bacillus/soybean ferment extract, Saccharum officinarum extract, Aspergillus ferment, Macrocystis pyrifera extract, Cocos nucifera fruit, Unknown, Panax ginseng root extract, Saccharomyces/rice ferment filtrate
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| Beauty of JoseonRelief Sun MiniYOUR PRODUCT | ROUND LABBirch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++ | BarrCentella Soothing Sun Essence | SCINICEnjoy Super Mild Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA++++ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 93% | 93% | 90% |
| Price | $6.46 | $6.35 | $18.80+$12.34 | $9.97+$3.51 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 8 of 11 | 9 of 11 | 9 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate | Panthenol | Panthenol |
| Irritancy | Low | Low | Low | Low |
| SPF | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 | SPF 50 |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
We assess that "Beauty of Joseon - Relief Sun Mini" can provide reliable sun protection based on the ingredient list. We love that it can protect from both UVA and UVB rays (not all sunscreens with SPF ratings give UVA protection. UVA rays do not cause sunburn, but still damage our skin and lead to early aging).
As a plus, this sunscreen uses some of the new generation UV filters (Tinosorb M). These filters are more stable and more gentle on the skin.
Its formula is also hydrating, so you might not need an additional moistruizer during the day. Like all broad-spectrum sunscreens, this product has an anti-aging benefit.
Sunscreen filters
This is a so-called "chemical" sunscreen. It means that it uses organic UV filters. They typically offer good sun protection and rarely leave a white cast, but they can be irritating for some people with sensitive skin. Here are the exact UV filters in this sunscreen: uvinul a plus 3.60% - 4.40%, uvasorb heb 1.10% - 1.40%, uvinul t 2.50% - 3.00% and tinosorb m 1.90% - 2.30%.
Irritation risk
There are actives in this product that can be irritating. We assess the overall irritancy of it to be low. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
About the brand
According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Beauty of Joseon" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.
Price
The product retails for 6.46$ in the United States.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3Safety Assessment of Alkyl Esters as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
- 4
- 5
- 6
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