Beauty of Joseon SPF No Longer in the U.S.? Meet Your New Favorites

For years, fans of Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ and other Beauty of Joseon (BOJ) sunblocks relied on these lightweight, skin-loving sunscreens as staples in their daily routines. However, Beauty of Joseon has stopped selling several of its popular sunscreen products in the U.S. markets — including the beloved Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ and other variants — due to regulatory issues with the sunscreen UV filters they use, which aren’t yet approved by the U.S. FDA.

While you can still sometimes find BOJ sunscreens through third-party retailers that ship internationally (like Stylevana or YesStyle), the catch is that they must be shipped from overseas, which often means longer delivery times and high shipping costs.

So what’s the alternative — especially if you loved the lightweight, comfortable feel of BOJ sunscreen that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy?

If you’re looking for that same skin-like texture, easy blendability, and everyday comfort, two Korean sunscreen brands consistently stand out as the closest alternatives: Tocobo and Skin1004.

Why Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen Was So Popular

BOJ sunscreens earned their cult status because they didn’t feel like traditional SPF. Instead, they were known for being:

• Lightweight and breathable

• Hydrating with a serum-like texture

• Easy to blend with no white cast

• Comfortable enough for daily, consistent wear

Both Tocobo and Centella follow this same skin-first sunscreen philosophy.

Tocobo Sunscreens: Lightweight, Calming & Easy to Wear

Tocobo is a Korean skincare brand known for modern UV filters, skin-soothing ingredients, and ultra-light textures. Like BOJ, Tocobo sunscreens feel more like skincare — absorbing easily without heaviness, greasiness, or a thick sunscreen finish. Their SPF lineup focuses on daily-wear formulas that are comfortable, breathable, and easy to stay consistent with.

Tocobo Cica Calming Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++

The Tocobo Cica Calming Sun Serum is a favorite among those who loved BOJ’s sunscreen texture.

Why it stands out:

• Ultra-light, water-like serum texture

• Absorbs quickly and blends effortlessly

• Feels refreshing and never heavy or greasy

Key ingredients:

• Centella Asiatica (Cica) to calm redness and irritation

• Panthenol to support the skin barrier

• Modern chemical UV filters for broad-spectrum protection

Tocobo Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++

The Tocobo Sun Stick is ideal for easy SPF reapplication throughout the day.

• Glides smoothly without tugging

• Can be applied over makeup

• Leaves a lightweight, skin-like finish

Skin1004 Sunscreens: Water-Light & Deeply Hydrating

Skin1004 Centella's sunscreens from the Hyalu-cica Line are another top choice for BOJ lovers, especially for those who want maximum hydration with zero heaviness.

Skin1004's Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++

This sunscreen is known for its weightless, watery texture that feels almost like applying water to the skin.

Why clients love it:

• Extremely lightweight and fast-absorbing

• Easy to blend with no white cast

• Leaves skin hydrated, plump, and comfortable

Key ingredients:

• Centella Asiatica to soothe and calm

• Hyaluronic Acid to deeply hydrate

• Modern UV filters for high, comfortable protection

Skin1004's Centella Hyalu-Cica Sun Stick

The sun stick offers the same hydrating, calming benefits in a convenient format.

• Smooth, non-greasy application

• Perfect for reapplying SPF on the go

• Comfortable finish suitable for all skin types

How Tocobo & Skin1004 Compare to Beauty of Joseon

Feature	Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen	Tocobo Sunscreens	Skin1004 Centella Hyalu-Cica Sunscreens
Texture	Lightweight cream-serum	Water-light serum	Ultra-watery, serum-like
Finish	Hydrating, skin-like	Fresh, calming, non-greasy	Hydrating, plump, weightless
White Cast	None	None	None
Key Soothing Ingredients	Ginseng, Rice Extract	Centella (Cica), Panthenol	Centella Asiatica, Hyaluronic Acid
Skin Type Focus	All skin types, sensitive	Sensitive, acne-prone, reactive	Dehydrated, sensitive, compromised
SPF Type	Modern chemical filters	Modern chemical filters	Modern chemical filters
Daily Wear Comfort	Very high	Very high	Very high

Ingredient- and texture-wise, both Tocobo and Skin1004 are similar to BOJ because they:

• Use modern chemical UV filters for lightweight, high SPF protection

• Focus on hydration and soothing ingredients

• Feature serum-like or water-light textures

• Feel comfortable enough for daily wear, even under makeup

While BOJ highlights traditional herbal ingredients like ginseng, Tocobo focuses on calming cica, and Skin1004 emphasizes hydration through centella and hyaluronic acid — offering different approaches with the same effortless SPF feel.

Available at Peonies Beauté in San Jose

While Beauty of Joseon sunscreen may require overseas shipping and long wait times, Tocobo and Skin1004 sunscreens are available at Peonies Beauté in San Jose, serving clients across the Bay Area.

 You can shop online or opt for in-store pickup, making it easy to stay consistent with your daily sun protection routine.

Not sure which sunscreen is right for you? Our team is always happy to help you choose the best option based on your skin type and lifestyle.

Your daily SPF — made easy ☀️