If you’ve spent more than five minutes on skincare social media, you’ve seen the white and beige tubes. Beauty of Joseon basically redefined what a budget-friendly sunscreen could be with their original Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics. But honestly? The community was practically begging for a version that didn't just protect, but also blurred. Enter the Beauty of Joseon tinted spf—officially known as the Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh.
Wait. Let’s get one thing straight before we dive into the weeds.
Technically, Beauty of Joseon’s newest expansion isn’t a "tinted sunscreen" in the way a foundation is. It’s a subtle, skin-perfecting evolution. It’s for the people who want that "I just drank three liters of water and slept for ten hours" look without the heavy pigment of a BB cream. It’s about the finish. It’s about how it sits on the skin.
The Reality of the Beauty of Joseon Tinted SPF Formula
K-Beauty doesn't really do "heavy." When you look at the ingredient list for the Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh, you’re seeing a masterclass in modern UV filters. We are talking about Tinosorb S, Uvinul T 150, and Uvinul A Plus. These aren't your grandmother's chalky zinc oxides. These are high-stability, photostable chemical filters that provide a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ PA++++ rating.
Why does this matter for the tint?
Most American tinted sunscreens use iron oxides to get that tan or beige color. While Beauty of Joseon incorporates skin-identical ingredients, the "tinted" effect here is more about the Rice Seed Water (30%) and Panthenol creating a translucent, hydrated glow that cancels out dullness. It’s less about "covering" a pimple and more about making your entire face look like a polished river stone.
It feels like water. Seriously.
If the original Relief Sun was a light lotion, the Aqua-Fresh version is a splash of hydration. You apply the two-finger rule and it disappears in seconds. No pilling. No weird orange streaks around the jawline. Just skin that looks... better.
Does it actually work for all skin tones?
This is where things get nuanced.
Usually, "universal" tints are a lie. They’re either too ashy for deep skin or too orange for fair skin. Because the Beauty of Joseon tinted spf leans into a transparent, dewy finish rather than a high-pigment load, it avoids the "white cast" trap that plagues mineral sunscreens. However, if you are looking for actual coverage—like hiding melasma or active acne—this isn't going to do the heavy lifting of a foundation. It’s a finisher.
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I’ve seen it on Fitzpatric scales from I to VI. On deeper tones, it leaves a sheen that looks like a high-end serum. On very fair skin, it provides a slight warmth that keeps you from looking like a ghost in overhead office lighting. It’s subtle.
The Science of Rice and Glow
Beauty of Joseon thrives on Hanbang, which is traditional Korean herbal medicine. They aren't just throwing trendy words around.
The inclusion of rice bran water is a nod to the Joseon Dynasty women who used to wash their faces with rice water to brighten their complexion. Science actually backs this up now. Rice is rich in amino acids and minerals that help with skin elasticity. When you combine that with the UV filters, you’re basically wearing a treatment mask all day that happens to block the sun.
Then there’s the Niacinamide.
It’s in there to manage sebum. If you have oily skin, you know the struggle of a "glowy" sunscreen turning into an oil slick by 2 PM. This formula manages to balance that. It’s not matte—don't expect matte—but it’s "set." It stays put.
Let's talk about the "Blue Light" myth
A lot of brands claim their tinted SPFs protect against blue light from your phone.
Technically, it's the iron oxides in tinted formulas that do this. Since the Beauty of Joseon Aqua-Fresh is a chemical hybrid focused on a sheer finish, its blue light protection comes more from its antioxidant profile than from physical pigment blocking. If you spend 12 hours a day in front of a MacBook, you might still want a dusting of mineral powder on top, but for the average person, the antioxidant hit from the rice and grain extracts is a solid line of defense against oxidative stress.
Comparing the Icons: Original vs. Aqua-Fresh
You’re standing in the aisle (or scrolling YesStyle) and you’re torn.
The original Relief Sun is creamy. It’s like a hug for dry, sensitized skin. It feels like a moisturizer. If you have dry patches or live in a cold climate, stick with the classic.
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But the Beauty of Joseon tinted spf (Aqua-Fresh) is for the humid days. It’s for the person who hates the feeling of "stuff" on their face. It’s thinner. It’s faster. It’s the "sprinter" of sunscreens.
- Texture: Original is a cream; Aqua-Fresh is a gel-lotion.
- Finish: Original is dewy-natural; Aqua-Fresh is high-shine/glass skin.
- Best for: Original (Dry/Normal); Aqua-Fresh (Oily/Combination/Active lifestyles).
Honestly, most people I know use the original in the winter and swap to the Aqua-Fresh in the summer. It makes sense. Your skin’s needs change when the dew point hits 70.
Common Misconceptions About K-Beauty Sunscreens
After the "Purito Controversy" of a few years ago, people became skeptical of K-Beauty SPF ratings.
Let's clear the air. Beauty of Joseon doesn't play games with their testing anymore. Their products are tested in multiple independent labs, both in Korea and internationally (often in Spain). When the bottle says SPF 50+, it has been proven to hit that mark.
Another mistake? Thinking you don't need to reapply because it’s "skin-like."
You do.
If you’re outside, that beautiful glowy film is breaking down just like any other sunscreen. Because it’s so thin, it’s actually really easy to reapply over makeup. You just pat it on. It doesn't lift your concealer or turn your bronzer into mud. That is the real magic of this specific formula.
Why iron oxides (or lack thereof) matter
If you have severe hyperpigmentation, you need iron oxides. They are the only thing that really blocks visible light. While the Beauty of Joseon tinted spf is a gorgeous aesthetic choice, people with conditions like melasma should use this as a base layer and perhaps a more pigmented tinted mineral sunblock on top of the "problem" areas.
It’s about being smart with your layers.
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Actionable Steps for the Best Finish
If you want to actually look like those influencers using this product, you can't just slap it on a dry face and hope for the best.
- Skip the heavy moisturizer. If you’re using the Aqua-Fresh version, your skin is already getting a massive hit of hydration. A light serum is usually enough.
- Wait 60 seconds. Let your vitamin C or serum dry down completely. If the surface of your skin is "tacky," the sunscreen might streak.
- The "Dot" Method. Instead of rubbing a giant glob into your palms, dot the SPF all over your face—forehead, cheeks, nose, chin. Then blend. This ensures even coverage of those chemical filters.
- The Eye Area. Unlike many Western sunscreens that use Avobenzone, Beauty of Joseon rarely stings the eyes. You can get right up to the lash line. Use that to your advantage.
Real World Performance
I've worn this through a 45-minute HIIT workout.
It didn't run into my eyes. I didn't end up with white streaks of "sunscreen sweat" dripping down my neck. It’s remarkably "grippy" for something that feels so light.
On the flip side, if you are someone who likes a flat, matte look, you are going to hate this. You will look "shiny." To some, that’s the Korean Glass Skin dream. To others, it looks like you need a blotting paper. Know your preference before you buy into the hype.
How to spot a fake
Because Beauty of Joseon is so popular, the market is flooded with counterfeits.
If you find a tube for $5 on a random third-party marketplace, it’s fake. Real Beauty of Joseon products have specific packaging cues—the texture of the paper box, the crispness of the printing, and usually a QR code or authentication seal. Buy from trusted retailers like Olive Young, YesStyle, Stylevana, or the official brand website. Don't risk your skin's health on a "deal" that's too good to be true.
The Bottom Line
The Beauty of Joseon tinted spf (Aqua-Fresh) is a specialized tool. It isn't a foundation replacement. It’s a skin-enhancing shield. It solves the problem of the "sunscreen slog"—that feeling of dread when you have to apply a thick, sticky cream to your face.
It makes SPF the part of your routine you actually look forward to.
If you want the glow, get the tube. If you want a mask, look elsewhere.
Next Steps for Your Routine:
- Identify your skin type: If you're very oily, pair this with a translucent setting powder in the T-zone.
- Check your current "active" ingredients: This SPF plays well with Vitamin C in the morning, enhancing the antioxidant protection.
- Ensure you’re using enough: Measure out two full finger lengths to get the actual SPF 50 protection promised on the label.
- Look for authorized sellers: Verify your source to ensure you're getting the authentic, lab-tested Korean formula.