If you follow skincare on TikTok or Reddit, you have almost certainly seen someone rave about Beauty of Joseon sunscreen. The brand went from a niche Korean heritage label to one of the most recommended SPF names in the world, and for good reason. Their formulas sit at the intersection of serious UV protection, featherweight texture, and skin-loving ingredients that Western sunscreens rarely bother with. This guide covers every Beauty of Joseon sunscreen formula we carry, how they compare to other top Korean SPFs, and exactly which one is right for your skin type.
About Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen
Beauty of Joseon was founded on the idea of blending traditional Korean herbal medicine with modern cosmetic science. The brand name itself references the Joseon dynasty (1392 to 1897), a period celebrated for its sophisticated beauty rituals. Their sunscreens follow that same ethos: ingredient lists that read more like a skincare serum than a standard SPF product, yet with protection ratings that meet or exceed global standards.
Korean sunscreens differ from Western ones in two meaningful ways. First, the PA rating system. While American sunscreens focus almost entirely on SPF (which only measures UVB protection), Korean sunscreens carry a PA rating that measures UVA protection on a scale from PA+ to PA++++. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are the primary driver of photoaging, dark spots, and long-term DNA damage. A PA++++ rating represents the highest possible protection against them. Second, texture. Korean sunscreen formulas are engineered to feel like skincare, not sunblock. They are absorbed quickly, leave minimal to no white cast, and layer beautifully under makeup or over a moisturizer without pilling.
These are not accidental product features. The Korean beauty market is fiercely competitive and consumers there have extremely high standards for daily-wear products. Sunscreen has to double as a skincare step or it does not get used, and the brands know it.
Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen Lineup
We carry two Beauty of Joseon sunscreen formulas at Mirai Skin. Here is a detailed breakdown of each.
Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen VEIL COVER SPF50+ PA+++
The Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen VEIL COVER SPF50+ PA+++ 50ml ($45.00) is the SPF that doubles as a complexion product. The light tint evens out the skin tone without the cakey finish of a BB cream, and the fluid texture blends in seconds. It contains niacinamide for brightness, rice extract for moisture, and a hybrid filter system that protects against both UVA and UVB. The coverage is buildable but natural, making it the go-to choice for people who want to skip a separate foundation on low-maintenance days. It performs particularly well on normal-to-combination skin and for people who deal with mild redness or uneven tone.
Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camelia SPF50+ PA++++ Double Set
The Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camelia 18g SPF50+ PA++++ Double Set ($26.00) is the product that made solid sunscreens a mainstream format in K-beauty. You get two sticks in one set, making it exceptional value. The formula uses mugwort extract to calm inflammation and camellia oil to condition without greasiness. The matte finish absorbs excess sebum and makes this ideal for oily and acne-prone skin types. It is also the easiest sunscreen to reapply over makeup mid-day, since it goes on like a chapstick and leaves no residue. The PA++++ rating puts this at the top tier of UVA protection available anywhere.
Shop Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen
How to Choose the Right Korean Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
Different skin types need different things from a sunscreen. Here is a quick comparison table followed by specific product recommendations from our catalog.
| Skin Type | What to Look For | Recommended Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Oily / Acne-prone | Matte finish, non-comedogenic, sebum control | BOJ Matte Sun Stick, Anua Zero-Cast |
| Dry | Hydrating actives, no alcohol, dewy or satin finish | Round Lab Birch Juice, Anua Heartleaf Silky |
| Sensitive | Mineral or hybrid filters, minimal fragrance, soothing botanicals | Aromatica Mineral, Round Lab Dokdo |
| Redness-prone / Rosacea | Calming extracts, green-tint or neutral cast, no irritants | BOJ Tinted VEIL, AXIS-Y Biome |
| Combination | Balanced finish, lightweight, works across zones | Round Lab Tone Up, Rejuran SPF50+ |
Why Korean Sunscreen Is Different
The Korean approach to sun protection starts with the PA rating system, developed by the Japan Cosmetic Industry Association and adopted across East Asia. PA+ means some UVA protection, PA++ means moderate, PA+++ means high, and PA++++ means the highest measurable protection. Most Western brands that carry a PA rating stop at PA+++ because PA++++ requires a more sophisticated formulation process. Korean brands treat PA++++ as the minimum standard for a serious daily SPF product.
Filter types also matter. Chemical sunscreens use UV-absorbing compounds like avobenzone or octocrylene. Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which physically scatter UV light and are better tolerated by sensitive skin. Hybrid sunscreens combine both approaches to get the benefits of each. Korean formulas almost always favor hybrid or purely chemical filters because they produce a more cosmetically elegant finish with no white cast. The Aromatica Vitalizing Rosemary is an exception and uses a mineral formula specifically for maximum sensitivity compatibility.
Beyond filters, Korean sunscreens are designed to multi-task. You will regularly find centella asiatica, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid, fermented extracts, or peptides in the same formula as the UV actives. This is intentional. Korean consumers expect their sunscreen to also improve their skin over time, not just protect it.
All Korean Sunscreens Available at Mirai Skin
Here is the full lineup of Korean SPF products you can shop right now at Mirai Skin.
- Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen VEIL COVER SPF50+ PA+++ 50ml $45.00. Tinted, hybrid filter, niacinamide + rice.
- Beauty of Joseon Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camelia Double Set SPF50+ PA++++ $26.00. Stick format, matte finish, PA++++.
- Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen 50ml $35.36. Hydrating, heartleaf extract, silky finish.
- Anua Zero-Cast Moisturizing Finish Sunscreen 50ml $33.28. Zero white cast, moisturizing, everyday wear.
- Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Sunscreen 50ml SPF50+ PA++++ $28.16. Mineral-rich deep-sea water, sensitive skin focus.
- Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen 50ml SPF50+ PA++++ $25.31. Deep hydration, birch sap, dry skin favorite.
- Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Tone Up Sunscreen 50ml SPF50+ PA++++ $22.06. Brightening tone-up, dewy glow finish.
- AXIS-Y Biome Double Defense Sunscreen 50ml $44.20. Biome barrier care, calming, redness-prone skin.
- AROMATICA Vitalizing Rosemary Moist Barrier Mineral Sunscreen 50ml SPF50+ PA++++ $29.12. 100% mineral, reef-safe, sensitive + eco-conscious.
- REJURAN Sunscreen 50ml SPF50+ PA+++ $52.00. Polynucleotide repair actives, anti-aging SPF.
- belif UV Protector Multi Sunscreen+ 50ml SPF50+ PA++++ $16.00. Budget-friendly, multi-function, lightweight.
- I'm from Rice Sunscreen 50ml SPF50+ PA+++ $17.00. Brightening rice extract, accessible everyday formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Beauty of Joseon sunscreen leave a white cast?
The short answer is no, not for most skin tones. Both formulas we carry use chemical or hybrid filter systems rather than pure mineral zinc oxide, which is the main culprit behind white cast. The Tinted VEIL formula actually works in the opposite direction, adding a light skin-correcting tint. The Matte Sun Stick goes on clear and dries matte. People with very deep skin tones may want to patch test the tinted version to confirm the shade works for them, but the stick is universally flattering.
Can you wear Beauty of Joseon sunscreen under makeup?
Yes, both formulas layer well under makeup. The tinted fluid dries to a smooth base that holds foundation and concealer without pilling. Let it set for 60 seconds before applying any powder or liquid product on top. The matte sun stick is even more makeup-friendly because the solid format does not disturb the layers underneath when you are reapplying mid-day.
Is Beauty of Joseon sunscreen reef-safe?
The BOJ formulas we carry use chemical UV filters, which means they are not classified as reef-safe under the Hawaii standard that restricts oxybenzone and octinoxate. If reef safety is a priority for you, the AROMATICA Mineral Sunscreen is your best option from our catalog. It uses only zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, both approved for reef-safe use.
What is the best Beauty of Joseon sunscreen for oily skin?
The Matte Sun Stick wins for oily skin without question. The solid format means no greasy slip, the mugwort extract helps calm breakouts, and the matte finish actually absorbs sebum as the day goes on. It is also the easiest product to reapply over makeup at noon without disturbing your base. If you want a lotion format, the Anua Zero-Cast is a close second for oil control.
How does Beauty of Joseon sunscreen compare to La Roche-Posay?
Both brands make excellent sunscreens, but they take different approaches. La Roche-Posay focuses on dermatologist-tested formulas with strong clinical backing, often prioritizing stability and tolerability above all else. Beauty of Joseon prioritizes texture, ingredient layering, and aesthetics for daily wear. La Roche-Posay's Anthelios line is excellent for people with compromised skin barriers or post-procedure sensitivity. BOJ is the better choice if you want your sunscreen to double as a skincare step, feel weightless under makeup, and come at a lower price point per use. For most healthy skin types doing everyday sun protection, BOJ pulls ahead on wearability.
