Beauty of Joseon vs Round Lab vs Skin1004: Korean Sunscreens Compared for All Skin Tones
Three of the most-bought Korean facial sunscreens in the world — BoJ Relief Sun, Round Lab Birch Juice, and Skin1004 Air-Fit — all under $18. We compared all three on formula, finish, and what users report to settle which one suits your skin.
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Beauty of Joseon vs Round Lab vs Skin1004: Korean Sunscreens Compared for All Skin Tones
Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links. SeoulGlowClub may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure below.
If you have narrowed your daily Korean sunscreen down to three names, it is almost certainly these: the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics, the Round Lab 1025 Dokdo Birch Juice Sunscreen, and the Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream. All three are top-sellers across Olive Young, Amazon, and Stylevana, all sit under roughly $18, and all promise the same headline: high SPF, no white cast, comfortable enough to wear every single day.
They are not the same product, and in humid weather the finish is what separates them. We compared all three on formula, finish, and what combination-to-oily users consistently report, to find which one earns your daily slot. As always, this is a cosmetic comparison of texture and wear — not medical advice, and sunscreen is one layer of sun-safe habits.
The Three at a Glance
| BoJ Relief Sun | Round Lab Birch Juice | Skin1004 Air-Fit | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | SPF50+ PA++++ | SPF50+ PA++++ | SPF50+ PA++++ |
| Filter type | Chemical | Chemical | Chemical |
| Finish | Natural / slightly dewy | Dewy, hydrating | Light, closer to matte |
| White cast | Minimal | Low | Low |
| Best skin type | Combination / all-rounder | Dry / dehydrated | Oily |
| Signature feel | Comfortable everyday | Hydrating, cushiony | Lightest, least shine |
| Price | ~$11–16 | ~$12–18 | ~$12–18 |
Round 1 — Finish & Comfort
This is the decisive round. The BoJ Relief Sun lands in the middle: a natural finish with a slight dewiness, comfortable on most skin types. The Round Lab Birch Juice is the most hydrating and cushiony — lovely on dry or AC-dehydrated skin, but it reads as the shiniest of the three on oily faces. The Skin1004 Air-Fit is the lightest and closest to matte, which is why oily-skinned global readers tend to gravitate to it.
Winner depends on skin type: dry → Round Lab; oily → Skin1004; everything else → BoJ.
Round 2 — White Cast
All three perform well here by global sunscreen standards. On light-to-medium tones, none leaves a meaningful cast once rubbed in. On deeper tones, the BoJ and Skin1004 have a marginal edge over the Round Lab, which can flash very slightly in photos before it settles. Slight edge: BoJ / Skin1004.
Round 3 — Layering & Makeup
The Skin1004 Air-Fit is the easiest to layer makeup over thanks to its lighter finish. The BoJ is reliable under most bases. The Round Lab's dewiness can shorten the wear of powder products on oily skin. Winner: Skin1004, with BoJ close behind.
Round 4 — Value & Availability
All three are excellent value and widely stocked across global retail platforms. The BoJ is frequently the cheapest and the most consistently in stock, which matters when you want to never run out of your daily SPF. Slight edge: BoJ.
The Verdict — Match the Finish to Your Skin
There is no single loser here; all three are strong daily Korean sunscreens. The right pick is the one whose finish matches your skin:
- Combination skin / first-timer / want one safe default → Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun. The best all-rounder and the easiest to keep buying.
- Dry or dehydrated skin → Round Lab Birch Juice. The most comfortable, hydrating finish.
- Oily skin that hates shine → Skin1004 Air-Fit. The lightest, least dewy of the three.
If you genuinely cannot decide, buy the BoJ Relief Sun. It is the most universally agreeable and the one most likely to become the bottle you actually finish.
How to Wear Any of These in Hot, Humid Weather
- Apply as the last AM step, after toner, serum, and moisturizer
- Use two finger-lengths for the face — under-applying is the most common reason people don't get the rated protection
- Wait 1–2 minutes before makeup
- Reapply every 2–3 hours of sun exposure; a stick or cushion makes this realistic on a workday
- Pair with a calming toner like the Anua Heartleaf 77 in your routine if your skin runs reactive
Where to Buy
AD — This section contains affiliate links. SGC earns a commission at no extra cost to you.
| Store | Pick |
|---|---|
| Amazon | → BoJ Relief Sun on Amazon |
| Stylevana | → Round Lab Birch Juice Sunscreen on Stylevana |
| Stylevana | → Skin1004 Air-Fit Sun on Stylevana |
Full Disclosure
SeoulGlowClub is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All product recommendations are independently researched against Korean cosmetic regulations (KFDA) and verified buyer reviews. We do NOT receive products for free in exchange for positive reviews.
Sources
- Beauty of Joseon — official site
- Round Lab — official site
- INCIDecoder — Skin1004 Air-Fit Sun ingredients
- Related: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Review
- Related: Best Korean Sunscreens for Oily/Acne-Prone Skin in Hot, Humid Climates 2026
*Published 2026-05-31 by SeoulGlowClub. Comparison #068. Next review scheduled