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 dewy, glow-giving favorite. 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.
We wore each sunscreen daily for a month — outdoors, under makeup, through humid weather and dry office air — to figure out which one actually deserves the top spot. The answer depends entirely on your skin type and what 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 (30%) for brightening and niacinamide production, grain ferment filtrate (probiotics) for skin barrier support. This sunscreen doubles as a skincare treatment, which is part of why it’s become a Beauty of Joseon bestseller.
UV protection. Hybrid formula combining chemical and physical filters. The protection is reliable and holds up well through moderate outdoor activity. Our UV camera tests showed even coverage with no gaps when applied properly (two finger-lengths for face and neck).
Under makeup. Excellent. The dewy base works as a primer, giving foundation and cushion products a luminous, hydrated base to cling to. Zero pilling with any product we tested over it.
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 — no added shine, no white cast, no heaviness. On oily skin, it controls shine better than almost any sunscreen at this price point.
Key ingredients. Centella asiatica extract from Madagascar provides anti-inflammatory and soothing benefits. If your skin is acne-prone or reactive, the centella does meaningful calming work while you’re getting UV protection.
UV protection. Fully chemical filter system. The protection tested well and maintained coverage through the day. Our UV camera showed clean, even application. The fluid texture actually makes it easier to apply the correct amount, which matters more for real-world protection than filter type.
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 SPF50+ PA++++. Both tested reliably in our UV camera checks. In terms of raw protection, we couldn’t find a meaningful difference. The BoJ hybrid formula may offer slightly broader spectrum coverage from the physical filter component, but in daily practical use, application consistency matters more than filter 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, lit, and healthy — like you slept 10 hours and drank a gallon of water — Beauty of Joseon delivers that in a single step. If you want your sunscreen to disappear completely 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 felt more comfortable across all skin types. It never felt heavy, never got shiny on oily testers, and didn’t dry out our dry-skin tester’s face. It just sat there, doing its job, unfelt.
BoJ was comfortable on dry and normal skin but became noticeably shiny on our oily-skin testers by the 4-hour mark. In humid conditions, the dewiness intensified past the point of looking intentional.
Winner. Skin1004.
Skincare Benefits
BoJ has the edge here. The rice bran extract genuinely brightens over time (our testers noticed improved tone after three weeks), and the probiotic ferment supports the skin barrier. You’re getting a treatment product and a sunscreen in one.
Skin1004 provides soothing benefits from centella, which is meaningful for acne-prone and sensitive skin but less dramatic than the brightening BoJ delivers.
Winner. BoJ for brightening. Skin1004 for calming.
Value
Nearly identical pricing at $10–$17 for 50ml from either brand. Both are extraordinary value compared to Western sunscreens in the same performance tier. We covered both extensively in our no-white-cast sunscreen roundup.
Winner. Tie.
For Deeper Skin Tones
Both sunscreens performed well with no white cast across all skin tones tested, from fair to deep. BoJ’s dewy finish can look particularly beautiful on medium and deeper skin tones, adding luminosity without any gray or ashy undertone. Skin1004 is truly invisible on everyone. If white cast has been a concern with previous sunscreens, both are safe choices.
Winner. Both excellent. Slight edge to Skin1004 for absolute invisibility.
If you want even more K-beauty sunscreen options, the Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sunscreen offers another solid calming alternative 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
- Calming, anti-inflammatory benefits matter to you
- 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 matte comfort (outdoor activity, work, humid weather). Many of our testers ended up with both in rotation, and honestly, at these prices, owning two is still cheaper than one premium Western sunscreen. 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?
Both are generally well-tolerated by sensitive skin. Skin1004 has a slight edge because centella is specifically anti-inflammatory. 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.
