BEAUTY OF JOSEON (BOJ) RELIEF SUN AQUA-FRESH RICE + B5 SPF 50+ PA+++ REVIEW

Source BoJ

"An extra hydrating version of Beauty of Joseon’s popular Relief Sun sunscreen, Relief Sun Aqua-fresh boasts a lightweight and refreshing liquid formula that won’t leave a white cast or sticky residue. The chemical sunscreen boasts SPF 50+ PA++++ sun protection. It’s formulated with 30% rice seed water, along with colloidal oatmeal and panthenol to soothe and revitalize skin. Suitable for all skin types." -Yesstyle

After retrying the gold standard, OG BOJ Sun Relief sunscreen, I fell out of love with it. I noticed it smelled waxy and crayon-like, which is another complaint I had for Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Airyfit Daily Sunscreen. The smell was so off-putting that I didn't bother paying attention to the texture or how it performed on me because I didn't want to use it anymore.

Aqua-Fresh also has that weird, waxy smell. It has a light, cool, watery texture. The texture is reminiscent of BoJ's successor from my list of Holy Grail sunscreens, Skin1004 Hyalu-cica Water-fit Sun Serum.

Aqua-Fresh feels more hydrating because it's lighter and sinks in faster, but my skin isn't any less dehydrated than usual. There is a mild tightness to my skin that persists, even with layers of moisturizer, so I disagree with its claim that it is an extra-hydrating version of the OG. Frankly, it has the same level of moisturization, but the lighter texture tricks your mind into thinking it's more hydrating. My skin is also oilier than before, so I end up quite shiny by the end of the day, regardless of whether I layer moisturizers or only apply this sunscreen. 

The claim that it doesn't leave a white cast or sticky residue is true. That was never an issue with BoJ sunscreens, so I didn't expect this product to have this issue. 

Another issue I had was that the Aqua-Fresh stung my eyes. I carefully apply a thin layer, but I still experience mild stinging. Sweating exacerbates the sensation. This may be due to my cleansing oil, Muji Mild Cleansing Oil (link to review), but it also stings when I cleanse. 

This product is best suited for those who felt the OG to be too heavy and greasy. The lighter texture feels more elegant on the face. The cool sensation is also great for the summer. (There are no cooling properties! The company does not make that claim!) However, if you are seeking something more hydrating than the OG, this product likely won't address your dryness concerns. 

Since I don't go out much, I cannot fully attest to the sun protection for more extensive outdoor activities. While I cannot find official test results from the company, I generally trust BoJ with their SPF claims/expect brands to be vigilant after the Purito scandal. As long as you remember to reapply an *appropriate* amount every two hours, or after an hour if in contact with water, I think (I'm not a licensed medical professional) you should be safe.

While the texture is lovely, the smell and eye-stinging prevent me from repurchasing. 

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