Let me tell you something that might blow your mind: I found a sunscreen that's actually 30% ginseng extract.
Not 1%. Not 3%. 30%.
And it's not $80 from some fancy French brand. It's $14. And yes, it's Korean.
If you're tired of sunscreens that feel like you're rubbing cooking oil on your face, or if you're looking for a product that does more than just protect—this might be the one you've been waiting for.
What Even Is This Product?
Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Moist Sun Serum is basically sunscreen that decided it didn't want to be just sunscreen anymore.
It's a serum. It's an anti-aging treatment. It's sunscreen. And somehow, it manages to be all three without feeling like sludge on your face.
The specs:
- SPF 50+ PA++++ (that's the highest UVA protection rating)
- 30% Panax Ginseng Root Extract
- 2% Niacinamide
- Chemical sunscreen filters (no white cast!)
- 50ml bottle
- $14-18 USD
Let me break down why this is actually special, because honestly? After trying probably 50 sunscreens in my life, this one is different.
The Ginseng Story: Why 30% Is Actually Wild
So here's the thing about ginseng in skincare: most products have like 1% ginseng extract, and then they slap it on the label like it's going to change your life.
Beauty of Joseon has 30% ginseng extract.
That's not a typo. That's not marketing fluff. That's genuinely one of the highest concentrations in any sunscreen on the market.
Why ginseng matters:
Ginseng has been used in Korean traditional medicine for literally thousands of years. They called it the "king of herbs" because it was associated with longevity, vitality, and youth.
In modern skincare, ginseng is rich in ginsenosides (that's the active compounds). These things:
- Boost hydration (better than regular moisturizers)
- Support your skin barrier (fewer breakouts, less irritation)
- Provide antioxidant protection (fights aging)
- Stimulate collagen (fewer wrinkles)
- Reduce inflammation (calmer, happier skin)
And here's the kicker: while most sunscreens sit on your face doing nothing but blocking UV, this one is actively working. The ginseng extract is providing anti-aging benefits while you wear it.
That's not how traditional sunscreens work. Most of them are just... sitting there.
What Makes This Different from Every Other Sunscreen
The "Moist Serum" Texture
This doesn't feel like sunscreen. It feels like a luxury serum that happens to have SPF.
Traditional sunscreens: Thick, greasy, you can feel them on your face all day
This product: Lightweight, absorbs quickly, you forget you're wearing it
When I first tried it, I genuinely thought I'd gotten the wrong product. It's got this fluid, runny texture that spreads like silk across your skin.
The Dewy Finish (Not Matte, Not Greasy)
Here's where things get interesting: this leaves a dewy finish. Not greasy, not matte—dewy.
If you have oily skin, you might find this too much. The reviews confirm it: 71% of people mention an oily texture. So if you're naturally oily, this might not be your best friend.
But if you have dry, normal, or combination skin? This is heavenly. Your skin looks plump, hydrated, and glowy without looking greasy.
Chemical Filters (The Good Kind)
This uses modern Korean chemical sunscreen filters:
- Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (say that five times fast)
- Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S)
- Ethylhexyl Triazone (UVB protection)
Why these matter:
- No white cast (works on all skin tones)
- Lighter texture than mineral/physical sunscreens
- More stable in sunlight
- Better UVA protection
- Easier to reapply throughout the day
The research tests confirm this sunscreen is actually SPF 57-60 (tested in both Korea and Spain), which means it's exceeding the claimed protection level.
My Real Experience: Week by Week
Week 1: The Skepticism
Okay, full disclosure: I was skeptical.
A $14 sunscreen with 30% ginseng? That sounded too good to be true. And honestly, the first few days weren't dramatic.
What I noticed:
- Applied easily, absorbed quickly
- No white cast (finally!)
- Dewy finish that I actually liked
- Made my makeup sit better
What I didn't notice:
- No miraculous transformation
- Scent was a bit strong (herbal, not unpleasant but definitely there)
I wasn't blown away, but I wasn't disappointed either. It was... fine.
Week 2-3: Okay, This is Different
About two weeks in, I started noticing some things:
My skin felt healthier. Not perfect, but healthier. Less reactive, more resilient.
My texture improved. Smoother skin, less rough patches.
The hydration was real. I could skip my moisturizer on lighter makeup days because this was genuinely moisturizing enough.
This wasn't dramatic, but it was definitely happening.
Month 2: I'm Actually Impressed
Here's where I got excited:
My skin barrier felt stronger. I'd been dealing with some sensitivity issues, and they were genuinely improving.
My complexion was more even. The niacinamide was doing its job—2% is a solid concentration for brightening.
Fine lines looked less prominent. I'm not saying it reversed my aging, but my skin definitely looked more plump and smooth.
I was getting compliments. People asking what I was doing differently with my skincare.
And the best part? I was actually wearing sunscreen every single day. Not begrudgingly, not as a chore—I was looking forward to it because it felt like a luxury treatment, not sunscreen duty.
Who This Is FOR (And Who Should Skip It)
Buy It If You:
✅ Want anti-aging benefits in your sunscreen
✅ Have dry, normal, or combination skin
✅ Prefer serums over traditional sunscreens
✅ Want to simplify your routine (this replaces serum + sunscreen + sometimes moisturizer)
✅ Love ginseng and Korean skincare
✅ Want no white cast on your skin
✅ Don't mind spending $14-18 on a sunscreen
✅ Appreciate herbal scents
Skip It If You:
❌ Have very oily skin (71% of reviews mention oily texture)
❌ Are sensitive to fragrances (has a noticeable herbal ginseng scent)
❌ Prefer mineral/physical sunscreens
❌ Need a matte finish
❌ Want something available on Amazon (it's not currently listed there)
❌ Are looking for dramatic, overnight results
The Honest Truth: The Cons
Let me be real with you. This product has issues.
The Scent Situation
The ginseng smell is noticeable. Some people find it pleasant and earthy. Others describe it as an "odd nicotine smell" that lingers.
I didn't hate it, but it's definitely there. If you're sensitive to scents, this might bug you.
The Oily Texture
71% of reviewers on SkinSort mention an oily texture. That's a lot of people.
If you have oily skin, this will probably be too rich for you. The dewy finish turns into actual oil for some people.
The Irritation Factor
57% of reviewers report irritation. Again, that's significant.
Even though it's marketed as gentle, some people's skin just doesn't like the formula. Always patch test.
The Availability Problem
This isn't on Amazon US. You have to buy it from:
- Beauty of Joseon's official website
- Stylevana
- YesStyle
- Nature Republic USA
It's not as easy to get as your local drugstore sunscreen.
How to Use It (The Right Way)
Step 1: Apply as final step in morning routine After your moisturizer (if you need one), before makeup.
Step 2: Use enough About 1/4 teaspoon for face and neck. Don't skimp.
Step 3: Pat it in Don't rub aggressively. Pat and press it into your skin.
Step 4: Wait before makeup Give it 2-3 minutes to absorb before applying makeup.
Step 5: Reapply throughout the day Every 2-3 hours if you're outside. This is pretty easy to do because the texture doesn't feel gross.
The Price Breakdown: Is It Actually Worth It?
Let's do the math here:
If you bought everything this product claims to replace:
- Sunscreen: $20-30
- Anti-aging serum: $30-50
- Brightening treatment: $20-40
- Hydrating serum: $20-30
Total: $90-150 for separate products
This product: $14-18
So yes, even if it's not perfect at every single thing, the value proposition is insane.
For $14, you're getting:
- SPF 50+ PA++++ protection
- 30% ginseng extract (anti-aging)
- 2% niacinamide (brightening)
- Hydration benefits
- No white cast
That's genuinely impressive.
Where to Buy
Amazon Status: Not currently available on Amazon US as of writing this.
Buy From:
- Beauty of Joseon Official Website
- Stylevana - Korean beauty retailer
- YesStyle - Another Korean beauty site
- Nature Republic USA - Occasionally carries it
Alternative on Amazon: While this specific Ginseng Sun Serum isn't on Amazon yet, you can find other Beauty of Joseon products, including their popular Relief Sun (Rice + Probiotics) sunscreen. Search Beauty of Joseon on Amazon to explore the brand's other products.
How It Compares to Other Korean Sunscreens
I've tried a lot of Korean sunscreens. Here's how this stacks up:
vs. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun (Rice + Probiotics):
- Relief Sun is more matte, better for oily skin
- This one has more anti-aging focus
- This one is more hydrating
vs. Round Lab Birch Juice Sun Cream:
- Similar dewy finish
- This one has ginseng, that one has birch
- This one is more affordable
vs. Klairs Soft Airy UV Essence:
- Klairs is more matte
- This one is more hydrating
- Both are great, different finishes
vs. ISNtree Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel:
- ISNtree is more lightweight
- This one has stronger anti-aging claim
- Different focuses, both good
If you want the full breakdown of Korean sunscreens, check out my complete guide to why Korean sunscreens are the best.
The Final Verdict
Rating: 8/10
Why not a 10?
- Scent might bother some people
- Oily texture for some skin types
- Irritation reported by 57% of users
- Not available on Amazon
Why it's still great:
- The 30% ginseng is genuinely impressive
- Texture is luxurious and feels like skincare
- Good value for the money
- Multi-tasking (replaces multiple products)
- No white cast, works on all skin tones
- Actually provides anti-aging benefits
Who should buy it: If you want a sunscreen that feels like a luxury serum, you have dry to normal skin, and you love the idea of getting anti-aging benefits while wearing SPF—this is worth trying.
Who should skip it: If you have oily skin, are sensitive to scents, prefer mineral sunscreens, or need something from Amazon.
The Bottom Line
This isn't a miracle product. It's not going to transform your skin overnight.
But what it does do is make sunscreen actually enjoyable to wear. And when sunscreen becomes enjoyable instead of a chore, you're way more likely to wear it consistently.
Consistent sunscreen usage is the best anti-aging treatment you can do.
The 30% ginseng extract is legit—it's providing real skincare benefits while you wear it. And for $14, that's a steal.
Is it perfect? No. But it's damn close for what it's trying to do.
Will I repurchase? Yes. It's earned a permanent spot in my routine.
Want to see this sunscreen in action? Check out my review below.
Have you tried the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Sun Serum? I'd love to hear your experience! Drop a comment below and let me know what you think.
Looking to build your perfect sunscreen routine? Check out my guides on the best sunscreen for runners or why Korean sunscreens dominate the market.