What are the differences?
| Detail | Relief Sun, UK listing | EltaMD UV Clear |
|---|---|---|
| Protection rating | SPF 50+ PA++++ | Check the exact version's protection rating. |
| UV filters | Ethylhexyl triazone, diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate, diethylhexyl butamido triazone and methylene bis benzotriazolyl tetramethylbutylphenol | Check the active ingredient panel. |
| Supporting ingredients | Rice extract and niacinamide | Check the full ingredient list. |
| Texture and finish | Creamy, lightweight and dewy | Confirm the finish for the version you are buying. |
| Directions | Apply generously as the last morning skincare step; reapply at least every 2 hours. | Follow the exact label's application and reapplication directions. |
| Price and size | £15 for 50 mL | Check the local price and pack size before comparing value. |
Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics has been renamed Relief Sun : Rice + Niacinamide without changing the formula or size, so the packaging has had a career change, not the sunscreen.1
Which should you choose?
Choose Relief Sun if hydration and a radiant finish are priorities. Its creamy, lightweight texture leaves a dewy finish, so matte has not been invited to this particular meeting. Beauty of Joseon advises dry, dehydrated and normal skin types to use moisturizer underneath; oily skin types can skip the extra moisturizer.1
For sensitive skin, mineral sunscreen containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide is a general option dermatologists recommend. A sunscreen containing both mineral and chemical filters is a hybrid, not a purely mineral formula. Check UV Clear's active ingredients rather than assuming its name tells you which category it belongs to.2
Does a higher SPF settle the comparison?
SPF mainly describes protection against UVB, the rays responsible for sunburn. It does not tell you how many hours you can stay outside. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB. SPF 50+ filters about 98% of UVB under test conditions, but applying too little can leave you with less protection than the rating suggests.234
How should you apply either sunscreen?
- 1Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outdoors. For Relief Sun, make it the last step of morning skincare.
- 2Use at least 1 teaspoon for your face and rub it in thoroughly. Most adults need about 1 ounce to cover all skin not covered by clothing.
- 3Cover exposed areas beyond your face, including your ears, neck and hands. Keep sunscreen away from your eyes and mouth.
- 4Reapply every 2 hours outdoors and immediately after swimming or sweating. Follow any additional directions on your product's label.
What about swimming or exercise?
For swimming or sweating, choose a sunscreen explicitly labeled water resistant. Beauty of Joseon directs Relief Sun users to use a water resistant sunscreen for those activities. Water resistance lasts for the stated 40 or 80 minutes, not indefinitely. Also use shade and protective clothing; no sunscreen filters out every UVB ray.123
Beauty of Joseon says Relief Sun can be used during pregnancy, but advises checking with your doctor before introducing it because pregnancy can make skin more sensitive.1
Where this answer comes from
- 1Relief Sun Sunscreenbeautyofjoseon.com
- 2How to decode a sunscreen labelaad.org
- 3Sunscreen: How to Help Protect Your Skin from the Sunfda.gov
- 4Sunscreens: A Complete Overviewdermnetnz.org
- 5How to apply sunscreenaad.org
