Beauty of Joseon vs SKIN1004 Sunscreen: Which Is Better?
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun is creamier and better for normal-to-dry skin; SKIN1004 Water-Fit Sun Serum is thinner and better suited to combination or oily skin. Both offer SPF50+ PA++++ in cosmetically elegant daily formats. The useful question is not which brand “wins,” but which finish you will apply generously and willingly reapply.
Last verified: July 2026. This evidence-led editorial assessment uses current formulas, official directions and published research. Margaret’s hands-on wear notes and original photographs will be added as testing progresses.
TL;DR
- Beauty of Joseon: moisturizing cream finish; choose it when SPF doubles as morning moisturizer.
- SKIN1004: serum-like format; choose it when weight and shine are the bigger concerns.
- Both target daily, comfortable wear rather than beach performance.
- Neither gets a no-cast or no-sting guarantee without testing on the individual wearer.
At a glance
| Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun | SKIN1004 Water-Fit Sun Serum | |
|---|---|---|
| Protection | SPF50+ PA++++ | SPF50+ PA++++ |
| Format | Moisturizing cream | Lightweight sun serum |
| Hero story | Rice + grain ferment | Centella + hyaluronic acid |
| Best fit | Normal-to-dry skin | Combination-to-oily skin |
| Likely routine role | Moisturizer plus SPF | SPF over light hydration |
| Sport use | Choose a dedicated water-resistant SPF | Choose a dedicated water-resistant SPF |
How we evaluated
We compared role, texture positioning, barrier fit, supporting ingredients, value and the claims that require real wear testing. Protection labels matter, but the best daily sunscreen is also the one a person can apply at a sufficient dose without pilling, eye migration or an intolerable finish.
What Margaret will add after testing
This comparison does not claim first-hand use yet. Margaret will test both products at the same measured facial dose, alone and under makeup. We will add cast on her skin tone, shine after 15 minutes and four hours, pilling, eye migration and reapplication notes. Those results will be explicitly personal—not universal guarantees.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun
Relief Sun is the more moisturizer-like option. Its rice-and-ferment positioning and cream format make it a natural fit for normal, dry or dehydrated skin. The trade-off is straightforward: a nourishing finish can become excess shine when skin is already oily or the weather is humid.
Best for Normal-to-Dry Skin Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++
SKIN1004 Water-Fit Sun Serum
SKIN1004 packages sunscreen as a lighter serum step with centella and hyaluronic acid. It is the more intuitive choice for combination or oily skin and for anyone who dislikes a cream sitting over several morning layers.
SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++
Which should you buy?
Choose Beauty of Joseon if your skin often feels tight and you want sunscreen to replace or reduce moisturizer. Choose SKIN1004 if you are more worried about weight, shine or layering. If you swim, sweat heavily or spend extended time outdoors, neither elegant daily texture should automatically replace a sunscreen carrying the water-resistance claim you need.
Verdict
Beauty of Joseon wins for cushion and dry-skin comfort; SKIN1004 wins for a lighter routine. Protection depends more on adequate, even application and reapplication than on choosing the internet’s favorite tube.
FAQ
Is Beauty of Joseon or SKIN1004 sunscreen better?
Beauty of Joseon is the better moisturizer-like SPF for normal-to-dry skin; SKIN1004 is the better lightweight serum texture for combination or oily skin. Both are daily SPF50+ PA++++ products, so finish and skin type should decide the purchase.
Which is lighter, Beauty of Joseon or SKIN1004 sunscreen?
SKIN1004 Water-Fit Sun Serum is positioned as the lighter, serum-like option. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun has a creamier, more moisturizing feel that can replace a morning moisturizer for some dry or normal skin.
Do Beauty of Joseon and SKIN1004 leave a white cast?
Both are designed as transparent chemical sunscreens and are widely chosen for minimal cast. Finish can still vary by skin tone, application amount and regional formula, so no-cast claims should be confirmed with a full-dose wear test.
Which is better for oily or acne-prone skin?
SKIN1004 is the more logical first choice for oily skin because of its thinner serum format. Neither sunscreen is guaranteed not to cause breakouts, so introduce one product at a time and patch-test if you are highly reactive.
Are these sunscreens water-resistant?
Treat both as elegant daily sunscreens rather than dedicated swimming or heavy-sweat SPFs unless the current package explicitly states water resistance. For sport or water exposure, choose a tested water-resistant sunscreen and reapply as directed.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Sources: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun — official product information, SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum — official product information, and American Academy of Dermatology sunscreen guidance.