Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Vs Aqua-Fresh Review | Which One Is Better (For You)?

Beauty of Joseon provides classic, elegant Korean skincare that elevates a variety of skin types using traditional, nourishing ingredients. Their most famous product by far is their world-famous Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics. Having sold over 25 million units worldwide, its creamy rice-based formula is soothing, hydrating and provides a solid +50 SPF protection. It leaves no cast and absorbs quickly into skin, making it beloved for make-up, dry skin types and brightening up natural skin tone. Korean sunscreens are challenging previous oil-based and thick sunscreens, by creating light, enjoyable products that still provide the same protection as dedicated sun serums.

This beloved sun serum was followed by their Aqua-Fresh Sun Serum, which was enriched with panthenol to soothe redness and a lighter formula. Designed as an alternative for their airy rice-probiotic serum, the Aqua-Fresh sun serum provided a lighter, oily-friendly alternative made of rice seed water in place of creamy rice extracts. Designed to combat redness, it is well-loved in its own right. But which one should you pick? Is one better than the other? We dive deep into the ingredients and test them out so you know which is better once and for all. 

The Relief Sun Serum contains a base of rice extract (30%) and 4 chemical sunscreen filters for UVA and UVB: 
 
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 
Ethylhexyl Triazone 
Methylene Bis-Benzotriazolyl Tetramethylbutylphenol 
Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone 

All the above filters have been tested and found to be safe and effective at protecting skin, although there is a risk of irritation in a small population of sensitive skin types; so take that into consideration. It's important to note, however, that this is a cosmetic sunscreen and not designed to protect or maintain itself when swimming. DHHB especially cannot be used swimming and not in chlorinated water.

It also contains background extracts of green tea, ginseng and fermented pumpkin (to give those strengthening probiotics). With a dash of brightening niacinamide; it’s a classic, light and creamy moisturizer that quickly absorbs into the skin (with a pop of moisture for dry skin). 

The Aqua Fresh Serum contains a base of lighter rice-seed extract, creating a watery and lighter sun serum. This serum contains 5 chemical sunscreen filters for UVA and UVB: 
 
Ethylhexyl Triazone 
Drometrizole Trisiloxane 
Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid 
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate 
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxylphenyl Triazine 
 

These sun filters are also all effectively tested and confirmed safe for use, although ‘Terephthalylidene Dicamphor Sulfonic Acid’ does carry a slight risk of acne outbreaks (so keep in mind when selecting your sunscreen). This serum also contains DHHB, which cannot be used swimming (especially in chlorinated pools).

This is boosted with oat extract (which soothes irritated skin), vitamin E (to strengthen and hydrate), beta glucan, ferulic acid and phytosphingosine (all to boost moisture). This creates a light, watery serum which is both incredibly hydrating, but also calming for redness and irritation. 

Both serums together work to cover a variety of skin types to ensure good coverage. However, if you have incredibly sensitive skin or are outdoors in direct sunlight; be sure to always wear coverage. Australian sun is one of the most dangerous exposures we get on a daily basis. So, it’s important to take your sun-safety seriously and always wear a hat, long sleeves and a strong layer of sunscreen. Also chemical sunscreens are not currently approved for use in pregnancy (as its effects have not been well studied), so if you are conceiving or pregnant it might be safer to switch to a mineral sunscreen. 

These sun serums are perfect for daily use, in-frequent exposure and for blending perfectly under make-up and although they have a great SPF in theory, always take care when using a sun serum over a sunscreen (a balance of cosmetic choice and safety). 

We tested both sun serums over a variety of two weeks. We tested them on a variety of criteria to test which one is better to choose for daily use, depending on your individual needs. 

This serum is a lightweight, but creamy sun serum that provides a notable coat and deep brightness to skin. The use of rice creates a light base and the chemical filters provide strong protection that doesn’t wear down easily. It’s light enough to wear under make-up, but provides a gentle dose of moisture. This base sun serum is classic and the soothing green tea makes it a gentle balm (even for irritated and acne-prone skin).

I would recommend the Relief Sun most to combination skin, acne-prone skin, skin prone to redness and irritation and those who use make-up and need a nice silky base to start their routine on. Although when trying to simplify use, people mark Relief Sun for dry skin and Aqua Fresh for oily skin – it's not really true. The formula of the Aqua Fresh was designed to combat issues that people experienced with the Relief Sun (specifically), which actually gives both a broad appeal to different skin types. 
 
- can leave a cast on some skin types 
- thicker formula which has soothing qualities for irritated or acne-prone skin 
- balances combination skin 
- provides a strong seal for dry skin to prevent water loss 
- dewy finish (perfect for make-up) 
- best for acne
- best for oily skin type
- best for glow

This sun serum was designed as a foil for the original – to help solve problems people had with the original. It’s designed to be deeply soothing (infused with oat extracts and panthenol), which makes it better for sensitive skin types. It’s also designed to be more hydrating and lightweight; which helps infuse moisture better into dry skin types (if you need that from your sun serum), whilst also balancing oily skin types with a matte finish. 

If you hate that sunscreen feeling, the Aqua Fresh has an ultimate, airy finish and is designed to absorb into skin quickly and with ease. Its also used fairly easily with make-up, but does provide a less dewy platform. It’s also better for darker or tan skin, where a white cast might be irritating (with a watery texture it leaves absolutely no cast). 
 
- no white cast 
- thin, watery formula that easily absorbs quickly 
- hydrates dry skin and helps balance oily skin too 
- does contain a filter which can irritate acne 
- matte finish 
- quickest to absorb (and lightest feel)
- best for sensitive skin
- best for dry skin
- most sweat-resistant

Both sun serums are excellent products for any routine and there's a reason they are the most popular sun protection in Korean routines worldwide. If you are after a light daily sun serum; for moisture and SPF protection, either one will be really beneficial.

Genuinely, when you wear both - the differences are so nuanced. They have the same base; simply the Aqua Fresh is lighter and more soothing, designed to expand use of the original sun serum to a wider audience. And both are fantastic for daily use, are whisper light and you'll forget that you are wearing them (whilst being well protected).

Looking for nourishing, traditional skincare that provides maximum benefit? Check out the carefully designed products by Beauty of Joseon, all available on Arktastic. Every single one is high-quality, carefully designed and you're certain to feel the benefits.

Excited to learn more about skincare? Check out our history on the Beauty of Joseon and how they grew to one of the top Korean beauty companies globally. Or check out our review of the amazing Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum.

History of Beauty of Joseon 

Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Honest Review