As an editor with combination skin, dealing with oily skin is the bane of my beauty life. My complexion often leans on the shiny side (no matter how much powder and setting spray I use) and especially now that we’re entering the warmer months of the year. So I know exactly why some people might be reluctant to apply SPF underneath their makeup. The idea of ​​layering on another product when you’re trying to deal with oiliness beneath your foundation or skin complexion seems counterintuitive, right? However, ask any dermatologist or skin care expert, and they’ll tell you that wearing SPF daily is one of the best things you can do for your skin, and for that reason, I’m not willing to remove it from my skin care routine.
And after testing hundreds and hundreds of SPFs throughout my decade of working as a beauty journalist, I finally found one that looks and feels almost weightless under my makeup and doesn’t even contribute to my afternoon glow. And the best part? It costs less than £20. Needless to say, I’m so glad I found the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun SPF after seeing the K-Beauty skincare brand in my feed. Scroll through for my full review of the two best SPFs I discovered last year.
beauty of josian spf
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
beauty of joseon
Relieving Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+
Pros
- hydrating and lightweight
- Absorbs quickly and doubles as a moisturizer
- spf 50
- Sits well under makeup
- Ideal for most skin types
- no white cast
- reasonably priced
Shortcoming
- People with oily skin may find this formula too good and may prefer the Aqua-Fresh formula instead
beauty of joseon
Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+
Pros
- Hydrating and ultra-lightweight
- Absorbs fast and doubles as a moisturizer
- spf 50
- Sits well under makeup and combats shine
- Ideal for oily and combination skin types
- no white cast
- reasonably priced
Shortcoming
- People with dry skin may prefer the Rice + Probiotics formula
Formula
While I’m a fan of Beauty of Joseon Tinted SPF, there are two non-tinted, chemical-based sunscreens that I’m totally obsessed with: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ and Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF 50+. Honestly, I like both the formulas, but below are the main differences between them.
Relieving Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
This TikTok-viral SPF really deserves its hype. The SPF50+ formula is delivered in a soft, creamy lotion texture that melts on contact without weighing down the skin. Ingredients-wise, you’ll find 30% rice extract, which contains vitamins B, C and E and amino acids, as well as grain-fermented extracts that work as probiotics for the skin.
I find this consistency to be hydrating enough to use in place of my moisturizer to help prevent any shiney conditions throughout the day, but it’s a great all-rounder for all skin types that want hydration without the heaviness of most SPFs. It is best suited for dry or balanced skin types and is soothing and calming even on sensitive skin. There is zero white cast, and it absorbs quickly, so you can go straight in with makeup if you want. I adopt this version in the colder weather when my skin needs a little more moisture in my routine.
Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
This formula might be my favorite of the two, especially for the warmer months. It also has a lighter lotion consistency that sinks in quickly with a refreshing and watery texture, making it a great SPF for oily skin. It satisfies the skin with hydration but no greasy residue, no white spots and no hint of stickiness. I would recommend this formula to people with oilier or combination skin types who want a virtually weightless SPF that sits well under makeup and doesn’t add any shine. It blends in within seconds and doesn’t even look under my makeup.
The ingredients in this formula also stand out, including rice seed water and vitamin B5 that hydrate and moisturize without overpowering the skin. It dries to a completely non-sticky matte finish, and it stays put well under makeup all day. I usually switch to this formula when the weather gets hot and I need a lighter base for my makeup.
application
Here both the sources are compared side by side. They both absorb pretty quickly, but I would say the Aqua-Fresh formula absorbs a little faster and the Rice + Probiotics formula feels more moisturizing. However. Both blend into a second-skin, non-greasy finish and leave no white cast behind.
my decision
(Image credit: @eleanorvousden for Who What Wear UK)
sincerely? These might be two of the best SPFs I’ve tried. Not only do these feel good to wear under makeup, but they also don’t leave any hint of oiliness. They really have SPF like me want To use. Above, I’m applying foundation on top of SPF on both sides of my face, and it applied seamlessly and without any added shine. In fact, I didn’t even really need to add powder. A big thumbs up.
If you’re wondering which one to get, I’d recommend going with the Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ formula if you have dry or balanced skin, want a little more hydration or want an SPF that also doubles as your moisturizer. If you’re on the oily or combination side, you’ll love the Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+. It sits very well under makeup and does not aggravate my skin’s oily tendencies or cause breakouts. The best part is that both of these come in at just £16, making them friendly to your bank account too.
Buy Now:
beauty of joseon
Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+
beauty of joseon
Relieving Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+
How we tested
I’ve worn both of these SPFs for over six months now, so I’ve put them through their paces to test each formula. I tested them on my oily complexion to see how well they sit on my skin type, and wore them alone and under makeup to see how each formula performed. I’ve now gone through several tubes of both formulas, so I’ve tested each rigorously.
why trust us
At Who What Wear UK, we know beauty isn’t one size fits all. Our editors have tested thousands of products over the years, including some skin care, makeup, hair and nails and have worked closely with trusted experts—dermatologists, makeup artists and leading industry insiders—to make sure each guide is well-researched, inclusive and relevant to you.
We focus on formulas that deliver results, whether they’re affordable favorites or luxury investments. Our product selections are based on real results, ingredient information, and what we would actually recommend to a friend.
