The Best Korean Sunscreens in Australia: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun and More

The best Korean sunscreens in Australia are the ones you will wear every morning. Two stand out. The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun has a soft, creamy finish, and the SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum has a light, watery feel. Both are rated SPF50+ PA++++, and both sit well under skincare and makeup. This guide shows how they differ so you can pick one.

What to look for in a Korean sunscreen

Start with the rating on the pack. SPF tells you how well a sunscreen helps protect against UVB rays, the ones that burn. PA tells you how well it helps protect against UVA rays, the ones linked to skin ageing. PA++++ is the top rating on that scale. Cancer Council Australia advises an SPF of 30 or higher, so SPF50+ clears the bar.

Next, think about feel. Many people skip sunscreen because it feels greasy or leaves a white film. Korean formulas aim for the opposite, so they are light, they sink in fast, and they layer well. That is why so many people find them easy to use every day.

Last, think about your skin. Oily skin often likes a watery fluid. Dry skin may like a creamier finish over a rich cream. Not sure what to wear underneath? Our guide to the best Korean moisturisers can help you choose the step before sunscreen.

Best for a soft, creamy finish: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ is the one most people look for first. It holds 30% rice extract and a grain probiotics complex. Rice extract has long been used for skin comfort and a soft, even look.

The texture is a light fluid that sinks in fast, with no heavy white cast. It uses several chemical filters in a light base and sits well under makeup, so it works on busy mornings. If you like this brand, read our full guide to the best Beauty of Joseon products.

Who is it not for? If you want a sunscreen that feels like water, this one is a little creamier than a serum. If you react to chemical filters, it may not suit you. Try it on a small patch of skin first.

Best for a watery feel: SKIN1004 Sun Serum

The SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum is rated SPF50+ PA++++. The texture is watery, which is where the serum name comes from. It slides on under foundation and other skincare.

It holds 9,800 ppm of centella asiatica extract. This plant has long been used for skin comfort and a calm look. It also has sodium hyaluronate and niacinamide, which help skin feel hydrated and look more even through the day. Curious about the plant? Our guide to centella asiatica explains it, and what niacinamide does covers the other one.

It suits most skin types, including combination and sensitive skin. Who is it not for? If you want a rich, cushiony finish, a serum texture may feel too light. It is part of a bigger range, so see our guide to the best SKIN1004 products too.

Korean sunscreens at a glance

Product	Rating	Feel	Key ingredient	Best for
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics	SPF50+ PA++++	Light, soft, creamy fluid	30% rice extract	A comfortable finish under makeup
SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum	SPF50+ PA++++	Watery, serum-like	9,800 ppm centella asiatica extract	Oily, combination or sensitive skin that wants a light feel

How to choose between them

Both are rated SPF50+ PA++++, so the choice comes down to feel. If you like a soft, cushiony finish, pick the Relief Sun. If you want something that feels like water, pick the sun serum. Either way, the best sunscreen is the one you reach for each day.

Think about the weather too, because on hot, humid Sydney days many people like a thinner layer. In cooler months, a creamier finish can feel nicer over a rich cream. Some people keep one of each and swap with the seasons.

Which one is easier to wear under makeup? Both layer well, so it comes down to the finish you like. Building a full routine? Browse the moisturiser collection and the sunscreen collection side by side.

Which sunscreen suits your skin type?

Is your skin oily or prone to shine? A watery fluid usually feels better, because it adds less weight to your face. The SKIN1004 sun serum is the natural pick here, and it also suits combination skin.

Is your skin dry or tight by afternoon? Then the creamier Relief Sun may feel more comfortable, especially over a good cream. Add a hydrating serum under it on dry days. Our SKIN1004 collection and Beauty of Joseon collection have plenty to pair with either one.

Is your skin sensitive? Both products suit most skin types, but sunscreen filters can bother some people. Patch test first and start slowly. If you get stinging or redness, stop using it and ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice.

How to wear Korean sunscreen well

Sunscreen is the last skincare step in the morning. Put it on after your cream and before makeup. Always follow the directions on the pack, because how much you use matters more than which brand. A thin smear will not give you the protection printed on the tube.

Cancer Council Australia says to put it on again at least every two hours outdoors, and after swimming or heavy sweating. Sunscreen is one part of sun care, and shade, a hat and clothes help too.

At night, wash it off. A cleansing oil or balm lifts sunscreen well, and a gentle foam finishes the job. Our guide to cleansing oil vs cleansing balm explains the first step, and the best Korean cleansers list has more picks. The cleanser collection has them all.

Shop sunscreen and cleansers

Every product here is genuine, imported from Korea and sent from our Sydney warehouse. Start with a sunscreen, then add a cleanser for the evening.

Where to start

Pick one sunscreen and use it every morning for two weeks. That is long enough to know if you like the feel. If the finish is not right, try the other one.

Skip anything that stings or leaves your skin red. If a product bothers you, stop using it, and see your pharmacist or doctor if the irritation lasts. A daily habit beats a perfect product, so choose the one you enjoy putting on.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use Korean sunscreen in Australia?
Yes. Both sunscreens here are rated SPF50+ PA++++. Cancer Council Australia advises an SPF of 30 or higher, so these clear the bar. Always follow the directions on the pack.

What does PA++++ mean?
PA is a Korean and Japanese rating for UVA protection. More plus signs mean more protection, and four is the top level on the scale. SPF covers UVB rays, and PA covers UVA rays.

Does Korean sunscreen leave a white cast?
The Relief Sun is a lightweight fluid that absorbs quickly without a heavy white cast. The sun serum has a watery texture that sinks in fast. Everyone's skin is different, so test it on a small patch first.

Does sunscreen go before or after moisturiser?
After. Sunscreen is the last skincare step in the morning, because it needs to stay on top of your skin. Put makeup on after it.

How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Cancer Council Australia advises reapplying at least every two hours when you are outdoors. Reapply after swimming or heavy sweating too. Follow the directions on the pack.

Can I wear Korean sunscreen under makeup?
Yes. Both sunscreens here are made to layer under skincare and makeup. Let the sunscreen settle for a minute before you put foundation on.

Questions about sunscreen? Email us at contact@dlux-essentials.com and we will help.