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Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++

Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++

Product Description

Product overview

Made in South Korea K-BEAUTY

A lightweight, fast-absorbing sun serum that combines powerful SPF 50+ PA++++ broad-spectrum UV protection with 30% ginseng extract for anti-aging benefits. This K-beauty viral sensation delivers a dewy, hydrated finish with no white cast while brightening skin with 2% niacinamide.

SPF 50+ PA++++ 30% Ginseng Extract No White Cast Cruelty-Free Vegan Reef-Safe Fungal Acne Safe 2% Niacinamide
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
1/5
Size
50ml / 1.69 fl oz
SPF
SPF 50+ PA++++
Type
Chemical
Finish
Dewy
Price
$16-24
Real reviews · YouTube Shorts
Why it's different

30% Ginseng Extract

Saponin-rich Hanbang ingredient with proven anti-aging and antioxidant benefits to improve elasticity and reduce fine lines.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight Serum-Gel
Scent
Light Herbal
Absorption
10-15 seconds
Finish
Dewy Glow

30% Ginseng Extract

Saponin-rich Hanbang ingredient with proven anti-aging and antioxidant benefits to improve elasticity and reduce fine lines.

2% Niacinamide

Brightens skin tone, minimizes pores, and helps maintain the oil-water balance for a glowing complexion.

Broad Spectrum Protection

5 chemical UV filters provide comprehensive UVA/UVB protection without leaving a white cast on any skin tone.

Capsule Technology

Unique surfactant-free formula with encapsulated actives for targeted delivery and better absorption.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Contains chemical UV filters. While generally considered safe, the brand recommends consulting your doctor before use during pregnancy due to potential skin sensitivity changes.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Formula is free from fatty acids, ferments, and esters that feed malassezia yeast. Verified safe by multiple ingredient analyzers including SkinSort.

Non-Comedogenic

Low comedogenic rating of 1/5. Oil-free formula unlikely to clog pores. Contains minimal olive oil which is low on the scale.

Contains Alcohol

Denatured alcohol helps with texture and absorption. Well-formulated so it shouldn't be drying for most skin types, but sensitive skin may want to patch test first.

Cruelty-Free & Vegan

Beauty of Joseon is certified cruelty-free. This product contains no animal-derived ingredients.

Reef Safe

Does not contain oxybenzone or octinoxate, the UV filters most harmful to coral reefs. Safe for ocean swimming.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Panax Ginseng Root Extract 30%Proven

A precious Hanbang ingredient used in traditional Korean medicine for centuries. Rich in ginsenosides and saponins that provide powerful antioxidant and anti-aging benefits.

  • Research: Studies show ginseng improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkle depth by protecting against collagen degradation
  • Benefit: Improves blood circulation and oxygen delivery to skin cells for enhanced radiance
  • Protection: Provides antioxidant defense against UV-induced free radical damage
This formula uses multiple ginseng sources: root extract, berry extract, and leaf/stem extract for comprehensive benefits.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) 2%Proven

A multitasking skincare powerhouse that brightens skin, minimizes pores, and strengthens the skin barrier.

  • Brightening: Inhibits melanin transfer to visibly reduce dark spots and uneven skin tone
  • Oil Control: Regulates sebum production for balanced, less shiny skin
  • Barrier Support: Increases ceramide production to strengthen the skin's moisture barrier

UV Filter Complex ~10%Proven

A blend of 5 modern chemical UV filters providing broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.

  • Uvinul A Plus (3.3-4.1%): New-generation UVA filter with excellent photostability
  • Tinosorb S (2.9-3.5%): Broad-spectrum filter covering both UVA and UVB (280-400nm)
  • Uvinul T 150 (1.3-1.5%): Effective UVB protection (280-320nm)
  • Amiloxate (0.3-0.6%): UVB filter with some UVA II protection
  • Polysilicone-15 (0.3-0.6%): Silicone-based UVB filter with elegant texture
Chemical sunscreens can sting eyes for some people. Avoid direct contact with eye area.

Adenosine 0.04%Proven

A yeast-derived ingredient clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.

  • Anti-Wrinkle: Officially recognized as a functional anti-wrinkle ingredient by KFDA
  • Collagen Boost: Stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis for firmer skin
  • Soothing: Has anti-inflammatory properties that calm irritated skin

37 ingredients

Water, Butylene Glycol, Dibutyl Adipate, Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate, Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine, Alcohol, Acrylates Copolymer, Butyloctyl Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, Niacinamide, Phenethyl Benzoate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Silica, Methylpropanediol, Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate, Polysilicone-15, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Dibutyl Ethylhexanoyl Glutamide, Dibutyl Lauroyl Glutamide, C30-45 Alkyldimethylsilyl Polypropylsilsesquioxane, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2, Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate, Ethyl Hexanediol, Hydroxyacetophenone, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Panax Ginseng Berry Extract, Panax Ginseng Extract, Panax Ginseng Leaf/Stem Extract, Adenosine, Xanthan Gum, Disodium EDTA, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Tocopherol

FREE FROM: Parabens, Sulfates, Mineral Oil, Artificial Fragrance, Oxybenzone, Octinoxate, Formaldehyde, Phthalates, Animal-Derived Ingredients
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner
3
Essence
4
Serum
5
Moisturizer
6
Sunscreen (This Product)

Apply as the final step of your morning skincare routine. Can also be used alone with minimal skincare for a streamlined routine thanks to its hydrating formula.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Dispense Product

Pump 2-3 pumps of the sun serum onto your fingertips. The airless pump ensures hygienic dispensing and proper dosage.

2

Apply Generously

Dot the serum across forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Gently spread across your entire face and neck in upward motions. Use about 1/4 teaspoon (2 finger lengths) for adequate protection.

3

Wait Before Makeup

Allow 2-3 minutes for the serum to fully absorb before applying makeup. The dewy finish works beautifully as a makeup base.

4

Reapply Throughout Day

Reapply every 2-3 hours when exposed to direct sunlight, or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want a sunscreen that feels like skincare
  • You prefer a dewy, glowy finish
  • You have normal, dry, or combination skin
  • You want anti-aging benefits with sun protection
  • You need a no white cast formula for any skin tone
  • You struggle with fungal acne
  • You want a sunscreen that works under makeup
  • You appreciate K-beauty formulations

Consider alternatives if:

  • You prefer a completely matte finish
  • You have very oily skin and dislike any dewiness
  • You're sensitive to alcohol in skincare
  • You prefer mineral/physical sunscreens only
  • You need water-resistant formula for sports
  • You want a fragrance-free formula (has light herbal scent)
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Oily Skin
Good

Lightweight formula absorbs well but may be too dewy for very oily skin. Consider setting with powder or try the Rice + Probiotics version instead.

Dry Skin
Excellent

Hydrating serum texture provides moisture throughout the day. Ginseng and niacinamide help strengthen skin barrier. May use with moisturizer underneath in winter.

Combination Skin
Excellent

Perfect balance of hydration without being too heavy. Niacinamide helps regulate oil in T-zone while keeping cheeks comfortable. Brand-recommended skin type.

Sensitive Skin
Good

Ginseng is soothing but contains alcohol which may irritate very sensitive skin. Patch test first. Chemical filters can sting eyes - avoid eye area.

Acne-Prone Skin
Excellent

Non-comedogenic and fungal acne safe formula. Niacinamide helps control sebum and minimize pores. Won't clog pores or trigger breakouts.

Mature Skin
Excellent

30% ginseng and adenosine specifically target fine lines and loss of elasticity. Dewy finish gives youthful glow. UV protection prevents further photoaging.

08

Results timeline

8+ WEEKS
Immediately

Instant Hydration & Glow

Skin feels immediately hydrated with a dewy, healthy-looking finish. No white cast or sticky residue. Works beautifully as a makeup primer.

95% noticed instant glow
1-2 Weeks

Improved Skin Tone

With consistent daily use, niacinamide begins to visibly brighten overall complexion. Skin texture starts to appear more refined and even.

78% noticed brighter skin
4-6 Weeks

Visible Anti-Aging Benefits

Clinical studies show visible improvement in skin elasticity and reduction in fine lines. Ginseng's antioxidant protection helps prevent new sun damage.

85% saw improved elasticity*
8+ Weeks

Long-Term Skin Health

Continued protection prevents photoaging, dark spots, and collagen breakdown. Cumulative anti-aging benefits from consistent ginseng and adenosine use.

90% reported healthier skin*

*Based on brand-conducted clinical studies

09

Ratings by platform

15K+ REVIEWS
Amazon
4.5
Rating
8,500+
Reviews
Main complaint: Some users find the finish too dewy/shiny for oily skin
YesStyle
4.7
Rating
3,200+
Reviews
Main complaint: Small bottle size runs out quickly with proper application
Stylevana
4.6
Rating
1,800+
Reviews
Main complaint: Contains alcohol which bothers some sensitive skin users
Brand Website
4.8
Rating
2,400+
Reviews
Main complaint: Herbal scent from essential oils not for everyone
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Incredibly lightweight serum texture feels like skincare
  • Absorbs in seconds without any white cast
  • Beautiful dewy glow perfect as makeup base
  • 30% ginseng provides real anti-aging benefits
  • Excellent value for K-beauty sunscreen ($16-24)
  • Fungal acne safe and non-comedogenic
  • Cruelty-free, vegan, and reef-safe
  • Airless pump packaging stays hygienic

Criticized

  • Dewy finish may be too shiny for oily skin
  • Contains denatured alcohol (not ideal for very dry/sensitive skin)
  • 50ml bottle runs out quickly with proper reapplication
  • Not water-resistant for swimming/sports
  • Light herbal scent from essential oils
  • Chemical filters may sting eyes
  • Not available in US FDA-approved formula
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
85% Match
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++
$12-16
Budget Pick

Similar lightweight serum texture with dewy finish. Features centella and hyaluronic acid instead of ginseng. Slightly less moisturizing but equally elegant formula. Also fungal acne safe.

80% Match
Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel SPF 50+ PA++++
$14-18
Budget Pick

Lightweight gel texture with similar natural finish. Contains ceramides and multiple forms of hyaluronic acid for hydration. Slightly more hydrating but some report eye stinging.

75% Match
Birch Juice Moisturizing Tone Up Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++
$18-22
Similar Price

Cream texture rather than serum, slightly thicker but still lightweight. Uses birch juice for hydration instead of ginseng. More moisturizing, better for dry skin.

70% Match
Goodal Houttuynia Cordata Calming Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++
$12-15
Budget Pick

Similar texture and finish but with houttuynia cordata for soothing. Contains fragrance and has higher tendency to pill. More calming focus vs anti-aging.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++
Key Ingredient 30% Rice Extract
SPF/PA SPF 50+ PA++++
Texture Light Cream
Finish Natural Satin
Fungal Acne Safe No (ferments)
Size 50ml
Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++
Key Ingredient Centella + Hyaluronic Acid
SPF/PA SPF 50+ PA++++
Texture Watery Serum
Finish Dewy
Fungal Acne Safe Yes
Size 50ml
Birch Juice Moisturizing UVLock Sunscreen SPF 45
Key Ingredient Birch Juice 62.3%
SPF/PA SPF 50+ PA++++
Texture Light Cream
Finish Natural Hydrated
Fungal Acne Safe No (fatty alcohols)
Size 50ml
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening. Check the back of the bottle for the PAO symbol.

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing in humid bathrooms. Keep cap tightly closed.

Packaging

Airless pump bottle. Hygienic dispensing prevents contamination and oxidation. Allows you to use every last drop.

Travel Friendly

Yes, 50ml is under the 100ml TSA limit. Compact size fits easily in carry-on. Pump dispenser won't leak.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

This sunscreen uses chemical/organic UV filters which are generally considered safe during pregnancy. However, the brand officially recommends consulting your doctor before use, as hormonal changes during pregnancy can make skin more sensitive. The formula does not contain retinoids, salicylic acid, or hydroquinone - the main ingredients to avoid during pregnancy. If you prefer to be extra cautious, mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide/titanium dioxide may be preferred.

Yes! This formula has been verified as fungal acne safe by multiple ingredient analyzers including SkinSort. It does not contain fatty acids, fermented ingredients, polysorbates, or esters that feed malassezia yeast. This makes it one of the few K-beauty sunscreens safe for those prone to fungal acne. Note: The Rice + Probiotics version is NOT fungal acne safe due to fermented ingredients.

Absolutely! In fact, using sunscreen is essential when using these active ingredients as they can increase photosensitivity. Apply your actives (vitamin C in the morning, retinol at night) followed by this sun serum as the last step of your AM routine. The 2% niacinamide in this formula actually complements vitamin C and retinol well. Just wait 1-2 minutes between layers for proper absorption.

This sun serum is best suited for normal, dry, combination, and mature skin types. Its hydrating serum texture and dewy finish work particularly well for those who want a glowy look. Acne-prone skin will appreciate the non-comedogenic formula. Very oily skin may find the finish too dewy - consider setting with powder or trying the Relief Sun version instead. Sensitive skin should patch test due to the alcohol content.

Immediate results: Instant hydration, glow, and UV protection from the first application. 1-2 weeks: Niacinamide begins to visibly brighten skin tone with consistent use. 4-6 weeks: Clinical studies show visible improvement in skin elasticity and reduction in fine lines from ginseng and adenosine. 8+ weeks: Cumulative anti-aging and protective benefits become more pronounced. Sun protection works immediately - the key is consistent daily use.

Sunscreen should always be the LAST step of your morning skincare routine, after all serums and moisturizers. The order is: Cleanser → Toner → Essence → Serum → Moisturizer → Sunscreen. This sun serum is hydrating enough that some users skip moisturizer in summer. Wait 2-3 minutes after application before applying makeup. Do not mix with other products - always apply on top.

No, this sunscreen has a low comedogenic rating of approximately 1/5 and is considered non-comedogenic. The formula is oil-free and does not contain common pore-clogging ingredients. It contains a small amount of olive oil which has a low comedogenic rating of 2. The niacinamide actually helps regulate sebum and minimize pores. Users with acne-prone skin widely report no breakouts from this product.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is 12 months. After opening, the product remains effective and safe to use for one year. The airless pump packaging helps preserve the formula by preventing air exposure and contamination. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. With proper daily application (about 1/4 teaspoon per use), the 50ml bottle typically lasts 4-6 weeks.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.5 / 5 ★★★★★

Verdict: The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum is a viral K-beauty hit that truly lives up to the hype. Its unique serum-like texture makes sunscreen application feel like skincare, while 30% ginseng extract delivers genuine anti-aging benefits alongside SPF 50+ PA++++ protection. The elegant, fast-absorbing formula leaves a gorgeous dewy glow without any white cast on any skin tone. At $16-24 for 50ml, it offers excellent value for a daily-use sunscreen with premium ingredients. Best for normal, dry, combination, and mature skin seeking a glowy finish. Those with very oily skin or alcohol sensitivity may want to explore alternatives. A must-try for anyone wanting effective sun protection that doubles as skincare.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.

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Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.

We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.

Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you

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Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Adenosine Tocopherol
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Arbutin Glycerin
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 4 ingredient(s):
Arbutin Adenosine Glycerin Tocopherol
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.

We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.

One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!

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Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
4
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.

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Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
56% 43%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 37 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
1 A
Butylene Glycol
Solvent, Skin Conditioning, Masking, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Controlling, Viscositydecreasing Agent
Hydrating
0 Unknown
Dibutyl Adipate
Emollient, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
2 Unknown
Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate
Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
UV Protection
0 Unknown
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine
Skin Conditioning, Uv Absorber, Uv Filter
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS