These two sunscreens have been fighting for the K-beauty SPF throne for two years running. The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics is the dewier of the two. The Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream is the lightweight, matte-leaning alternative. Both are SPF50+ PA++++, both have zero white cast, and both cost roughly the same.
Which one suits you depends on your skin type and the finish you want.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun | Skin1004 Centella Sun |
|---|---|---|
| SPF/PA | SPF50+ PA++++ | SPF50+ PA++++ |
| Filter Type | Chemical + physical hybrid | Chemical |
| Finish | Dewy, glowy | Lightweight, natural-to-matte |
| Key Skincare Ingredient | Rice bran + probiotics | Centella asiatica |
| White Cast | None | None |
| Size | 50ml | 50ml |
| Price Range | $10–$16 | $12–$17 |
| Best For | Dry, normal, dull skin | Oily, combo, acne-prone skin |
| Fragrance | Very mild herbal | Minimal |
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun (Rice + Probiotics)
Shop Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun →
Texture and finish. Creamy but not heavy. It spreads smoothly and leaves a distinct dewy glow — your skin looks like it’s wearing a luminous primer. This is a sunscreen that enhances your complexion rather than sitting on top of it. On dry or normal skin, it looks beautiful. On oily skin, it can look too shiny by midday.
**Key ingredients. Rice bran extract and grain ferment filtrate (probiotics). It pairs sunscreen filters with skincare ingredients.
**UV protection. Hybrid formula combining chemical and physical filters. Apply two finger-lengths for face and neck to reach the labeled protection.
**Under makeup. The dewy base works as a primer and gives foundation and cushion a hydrated base. Let it set for a few minutes before makeup to reduce pilling.
Reapplication. Here’s where it gets tricky. Reapplying over makeup adds visible shine. If you’re outdoors and reapplying every two hours, the dewiness compounds. Consider the Beauty of Joseon Aqua Sun for a lighter, less glowy option from the same line when you know you’ll reapply frequently.
Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream
**Texture and finish. Lightweight and fluid. It absorbs quickly and dries down to a natural, slightly matte finish. Your skin looks like skin, with no added shine, no white cast and no heaviness.
**Key ingredients. Centella asiatica extract from Madagascar, a common soothing ingredient in Korean skincare.
**UV protection. Fully chemical filter system. The fluid texture makes it easier to apply the correct amount, which matters for real-world protection.
Under makeup. Very good. The matte-natural finish creates a smooth canvas for foundation. Cushion foundations and powders sit particularly well over it. No pilling, no separation.
Reapplication. This is where Skin1004 wins. Reapplying over makeup stays comfortable and doesn’t create an overly shiny buildup. The lightweight formula sits cleanly over existing products without disturbing them.
Head-to-Head by Category
UV Protection
Both are labeled SPF50+ PA++++. The BoJ hybrid formula adds a physical filter component; in daily use, applying enough matters more than the formula type.
Winner. Tie.
Finish and Appearance
This is the defining difference. BoJ gives you glow. Skin1004 gives you invisibility.
If you want your skin to look dewy, Beauty of Joseon gives that finish in a single step. If you want your sunscreen to disappear and let your skin look normal (or set the stage for a matte makeup look), Skin1004 is the answer.
Winner. Subjective. BoJ for glow-seekers. Skin1004 for natural-matte lovers.
Comfort Through the Day
**Skin1004 has a lighter feel, which suits oily skin.
**BoJ’s dewy finish suits dry and normal skin. On oily skin or in humid weather, it can look shiny.
Winner. Skin1004.
Skincare Benefits
**BoJ has more skincare ingredients here, starting with the rice extract in its name. You’re getting a skincare step and a sunscreen in one.
**Skin1004 contains centella, a common soothing ingredient; BoJ’s listing focuses on rice and probiotics.
**Winner. BoJ if you want rice and probiotics; Skin1004 if you want centella.
Value
Both come in 50ml tubes from budget brands. For current prices, check the product links. We covered both in our no-white-cast sunscreen roundup.
Winner. Tie.
For Deeper Skin Tones
Both are marketed as lightweight, no-white-cast formulas. BoJ’s dewy finish adds luminosity, while Skin1004 has a lighter, more invisible finish.
**Winner. Depends on the finish you prefer.
If you want even more K-beauty sunscreen options, the Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen offers another option that sits between these two in terms of finish.
Who Should Buy Which
Choose Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun if:
- You have dry, normal, or dull skin
- You want a dewy, glowy finish that doubles as a primer
- Brightening benefits matter to you
- You mostly wear sunscreen indoors or for commutes (less reapplication)
- You like the idea of skincare-meets-SPF
Choose Skin1004 Centella Sun if:
- You have oily, combination, or acne-prone skin
- You want a natural or matte finish
- You reapply sunscreen throughout the day
- You want a centella formula
- You want a sunscreen that truly disappears on the skin
**For the undecided: Keep both. BoJ for days you want glow (date night, photos, indoor days). Skin1004 for days you want a lighter feel (outdoor activity, work, humid weather). For a full breakdown of SPF in your daily lineup, see our complete skincare routine guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do these sunscreens work for sensitive skin?
Skin1004 contains centella, a common soothing ingredient. If your skin reacts to chemical filters, note that BoJ uses a hybrid formula (chemical + physical), which some sensitive skin types tolerate better. Patch test either way. For more sensitive-skin SPF options, see our Korean sunscreens for acne-prone skin guide.
Can I use these under cushion foundations?
Yes. Both work beautifully under cushion foundations. BoJ adds luminosity that makes dewy cushions look even better. Skin1004 creates a smooth, non-interfering base that lets matte and satin cushions perform as intended.
How much should I apply?
Two finger-lengths (index and middle finger, from base to tip) for face and neck. Both products spread well enough that this amount covers adequately without looking heavy. Underapplication is the most common sunscreen mistake — more product matters more than which product you choose.
Do I need to double-cleanse to remove these?
BoJ’s hybrid formula (containing physical filters) benefits from double-cleansing. An oil cleanser or cleansing balm will remove it more thoroughly than a water-based cleanser alone. Skin1004’s fully chemical formula removes more easily with a standard gentle cleanser, though double-cleansing is still a good practice.
Are these reef-safe?
Both avoid oxybenzone and octinoxate, the two filters most commonly flagged for coral reef damage. However, “reef-safe” has no regulated definition. If reef safety is a priority, check the full ingredient list against your preferred standard.
