If you've been scrolling through K-beauty recommendations lately, you've probably seen Beauty of Joseon's sunscreen everywhere.

The brand's original Relief Sun became a cult favourite for its lightweight texture and dewy finish. Now, Beauty of Joseon has introduced a new version: Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 SPF50+ PA++++.

So what's different about it? And more importantly, is the Aqua-Fresh version actually worth adding to your skincare routine?

We took a closer look at its formula, key ingredients, benefits and how we'd incorporate it into an everyday routine.

What Is Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh?

The Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice + B5 SPF50+ PA++++ is a lightweight daily sunscreen designed to provide high UVA and UVB protection while giving the skin a fresh, hydrated finish.

Like the original Relief Sun, the Aqua-Fresh version contains rice extract, but it also features panthenol (vitamin B5) as one of its key ingredients.

The biggest difference is the texture.

The original Relief Sun is known for its more moisturising, creamy texture and radiant finish. Aqua-Fresh is designed to feel lighter and more refreshing, making it particularly appealing if you enjoy hydration but don't want your sunscreen to feel heavy.

It is rated SPF50+ PA++++, meaning it provides a high level of UV protection for daily use.

What Are the Benefits?

1. High SPF50+ PA++++ protection

The most important reason to use Aqua-Fresh is still sun protection.

The formula provides SPF50+ protection against UVB rays and PA++++ UVA protection.

Daily sunscreen is one of the most important parts of a skincare routine because UV exposure contributes to premature skin ageing and pigmentation.

No matter how extensive your skincare routine is, it can't replace consistent sun protection.

2. Lightweight hydration

One of Aqua-Fresh's biggest selling points is its lightweight, refreshing texture.

Instead of feeling like a thick layer sitting on top of your skincare, it is designed to blend comfortably into the skin while still providing moisture.

This makes it particularly appealing if you find traditional sunscreens too heavy or greasy.

3. Supports a healthy-looking skin barrier

The formula contains panthenol, also known as vitamin B5.

Panthenol is a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient that helps attract moisture and support the skin's hydration levels.

For people who are trying to keep their routine simple, having hydrating and barrier-supportive ingredients in their sunscreen is a nice bonus.

4. Helps give skin a fresh, natural finish

Aqua-Fresh is designed to leave the skin looking hydrated and fresh rather than extremely matte.

The finish is more lightweight and refreshing compared with the richer feel associated with the original Relief Sun.

This makes it a particularly interesting option for people who want their sunscreen to sit comfortably underneath makeup or other daytime products.

Key Ingredients Explained

The ingredient list can look complicated, but there are a few ingredients worth paying attention to.

Rice Extract

Rice extract is one of the signature ingredients in Beauty of Joseon's sunscreen range.

Rice has a long history in Korean skincare and is commonly used in cosmetic formulations for its conditioning and moisturising properties.

In Aqua-Fresh, rice extract helps support the formula's hydrating and nourishing qualities.

In simple terms:
Rice extract is there to help keep the skin feeling moisturised and comfortable while complementing the sunscreen's main function.

Panthenol (Vitamin B5)

This is probably the ingredient to pay the most attention to if you're interested in hydration and skin-barrier care.

Panthenol is a humectant, meaning it helps attract and retain moisture.

It is also commonly used in skincare products designed to soothe and condition the skin.

In simple terms:
Think of panthenol as a hydration-supporting ingredient that helps your skin feel softer and more comfortable.

This is also one of the key differences between Aqua-Fresh and the original Relief Sun, which is formulated around rice and fermented extracts.

Niacinamide

Aqua-Fresh also contains niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3.

Niacinamide is a versatile skincare ingredient that can support the skin barrier, help regulate excess sebum and improve the appearance of uneven skin tone over time.

However, because Aqua-Fresh is primarily a sunscreen, it's best to think of niacinamide as a supporting ingredient, rather than expecting your sunscreen to replace a dedicated niacinamide serum.

Glycerin

Glycerin is another classic humectant.

It works by attracting water to the skin, helping maintain hydration and preventing the formula from leaving the skin feeling excessively dry.

It's a particularly useful ingredient in sunscreen because some UV-filter formulas can otherwise feel drying.

UV Filters

Of course, the most important ingredients in Aqua-Fresh are its UV filters.

The formula uses modern organic UV filters to provide broad-spectrum protection.

These filters absorb and/or transform UV radiation before it can penetrate the skin.

While ingredients like rice extract and panthenol make the product more appealing from a skincare perspective, the sunscreen filters are ultimately what make it a sunscreen.

How to Incorporate Aqua-Fresh Into Your Routine

The best thing about a good daily sunscreen is that it shouldn't require a complicated routine.

I'd keep the morning routine simple.

Step 1 — Cleanser

Start with a gentle cleanser to remove overnight oil and skincare residue.

A product such as the ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser would fit nicely here if you prefer a gentle, low-stripping cleanser.

Step 2 — Essence

If you enjoy using an essence, apply it after cleansing.

A lightweight hydrating essence can add another layer of moisture without making your routine feel too heavy.

Step 3 — Serum

This is where I'd address your specific skin concerns.

For example:

Dullness → brightening serum
Dehydration → hydrating serum
Excess oil → lightweight niacinamide serum

You don't need five different serums. One targeted product is more than enough for a simple routine.

Step 4 — Moisturiser

If your skin is dry, apply moisturiser before sunscreen.

If you're more oily or combination-skinned, you may find that Aqua-Fresh provides enough hydration on its own during the day.

Step 5 — Beauty of Joseon Aqua-Fresh

Apply your sunscreen as the final step of your morning skincare routine.

Make sure you use enough product to achieve the labelled SPF protection.

And remember: sunscreen isn't a one-and-done product.

If you're spending extended periods outdoors, sweating or otherwise exposed to conditions that remove sunscreen, reapplication is important.

Who Is Aqua-Fresh Best For?

I'd consider Aqua-Fresh if you:

• Prefer lightweight skincare

• Don't enjoy thick or greasy sunscreens

• Have normal, combination or oily skin

• Like a fresh, hydrated finish

• Want sunscreen that layers easily with other skincare

• Wear makeup during the day

• Enjoy K-beauty products

Aqua-Fresh vs Original Relief Sun

If you're deciding between the two, here's the easiest way to think about it:

Relief Sun VS Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh

• Texture: Creamier VS Lighter & fresher

• Key ingredients: Rice + fermented extracts VS Rice + Panthenol

• Finish: More moisturising/dewy VS Fresh & lightweight

• Best suited to: Normal/dry skin VS Normal/combination/oily skin

• Main appeal: Hydration + glow VS Lightweight hydration

Neither is necessarily "better."

It really comes down to what you want from your sunscreen.

Want a richer, moisturising feel? → Original Relief Sun

Want something lighter and fresher? → Aqua-Fresh

So, Is Beauty of Joseon Aqua-Fresh Worth the Hype?

I'd say yes, especially if your main complaint about sunscreen is that it feels too heavy.

Aqua-Fresh takes what made the original Relief Sun popular like high SPF protection, skincare-focused ingredients and a comfortable finish, and packages it into a lighter formula.

Its combination of rice extract, panthenol, niacinamide and hydrating ingredients makes it more than just a basic sunscreen, while SPF50+ PA++++ keeps sun protection at the centre of the formula.

But I wouldn't call it a miracle product.

It isn't going to replace your moisturiser, serum or other targeted skincare treatments. Its biggest strength is much simpler:

It makes daily sunscreen easier to enjoy.

⭐ Our Take

UV Protection: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Texture: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Hydration: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Lightweight Feel: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Makeup-Friendly: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Best For: Normal, combination and oily skin types who prefer lightweight, fresh-feeling sunscreen

The Glow Journal Verdict

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh is worth considering if you want high daily SPF protection without sacrificing a lightweight, comfortable texture.

Pic Credits: Thehappysloths.com

The Glow Journal Co.

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