Yes, the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun with Rice + Probiotics is Vegan
For skincare enthusiasts, determining if a product is truly vegan can be a challenge, especially with the influx of Korean beauty products. Thankfully, Beauty of Joseon has made it clear that their viral Relief Sun with Rice + Probiotics is formulated without any animal-derived ingredients. This reassurance allows individuals following a vegan lifestyle to enjoy this popular sunscreen worry-free.
What Makes the Relief Sun Vegan?
The formulation of the Relief Sun is the key to its vegan status. It relies on a blend of botanical ingredients, with a notable 30% rice extract and grain-derived probiotics. These components are sourced from plants and fermentation processes, not animals. The use of traditional Korean 'Hanbang' ingredients in a modern, gentle formula ensures its effectiveness without compromising ethical standards.
Ingredient Highlights:
- 30% Rice Extract: Sourced from Oryza sativa (rice), this provides nourishing and hydrating benefits.
- Grain-derived Probiotics: The fermented extracts come from grains and cereals, not from animal sources like dairy.
- Absence of Common Non-Vegan Ingredients: The formula is free from honey, propolis, and snail mucin, which appear in some other Beauty of Joseon products.
Other Vegan Beauty of Joseon Products
While the Relief Sun is vegan, it's important to remember that not all products from the brand are. Beauty of Joseon is a cruelty-free brand, meaning they do not test on animals, but some products contain animal-derived ingredients. The brand itself provides a helpful FAQ on its website listing which of its products are vegan.
List of Vegan Beauty of Joseon Products (as per brand website):
- Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (SPF50+ PA++++)
- Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Camelia
- Ginseng Moist Sun Serum
- Relief Sun Aqua-fresh: Rice + B5
- Daily Relief Sunscreen: Broad Spectrum SPF 40
- Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
- Ginseng Cleansing Oil
- Radiance Cleansing Balm (renewed vegan-friendly version)
- Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel
- Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA + BHA
- Ginseng Essence Water
- Glow Replenishing Rice Milk
- Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal
- Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin
- Calming Serum: Green tea + Panthenol
- Light On Serum: Centella + Vita C
- Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
- Centella Asiatica Calming Mask
- Low pH Rice Face and Body Cleansing Bar
- JELLOSKIN Massage Cream For Face and Body
How to Identify Non-Vegan Ingredients in Skincare
To ensure a product is vegan, it's crucial to read the ingredients list carefully. While some are obvious, others can be harder to spot.
Common Non-Vegan Ingredients to Watch For:
- Honey, Beeswax, Propolis: Derived from bees.
- Snail Mucin: A secretion from snails, often used for moisturizing and repairing skin.
- Lanolin: A wax from sheep's wool.
- Collagen: Frequently sourced from animals, though vegan alternatives exist.
- Guanine: Often from fish scales, used to create a pearlescent effect.
- Carmine: A red pigment from cochineal insects.
Comparison: Vegan vs. Non-Vegan Beauty of Joseon Products
To illustrate the difference, here is a comparison of vegan and non-vegan products from the brand, highlighting the ingredient distinctions.
| Feature | Vegan (Relief Sun) | Non-Vegan (Glow Serum) |
|---|---|---|
| Key Ingredients | Rice Extract, Grain Probiotics | Propolis, Niacinamide |
| Animal-derived? | No | Yes (Propolis) |
| Purpose | Sunscreen, Hydration, Soothing | Brightening, Soothing |
| Ideal For | All skin types, daily use | Combination, acne-prone skin |
| Texture | Lightweight, moisturizing cream | Slightly viscous serum |
The presence of propolis, a substance made by bees, is the key differentiator in the Glow Serum. This shows that even within a cruelty-free brand, product formulations can vary significantly based on the intended effects.
The Importance of Verification
While brands like Beauty of Joseon are transparent about their ingredients, it is always best practice to verify the information yourself. Certifications from organizations like The Vegan Society or Leaping Bunny are excellent indicators of a product's ethical status. For K-beauty products, checking the brand's official website or reliable retailers is essential, as formulations can sometimes be updated.
Conclusion
In summary, the popular Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun with Rice + Probiotics is unequivocally vegan. The brand has explicitly confirmed that this product, and many others in their line, contain no animal-derived ingredients. By relying on beneficial plant-based and fermented components like rice extract, this sunscreen delivers excellent sun protection and hydration without compromising a vegan lifestyle. For those seeking ethical and effective skincare, the Relief Sun is a safe and highly recommended choice, though it is always wise to check the specific product's ingredients and the brand's official stance before purchasing.
For more information directly from the source, consult the Beauty of Joseon website FAQ section.
Key Takeaways
- Vegan Status Confirmed: The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics is officially vegan, as stated by the brand.
- Cruelty-Free Brand: Beauty of Joseon is a cruelty-free brand, but not all of its products are vegan.
- Plant-Based Ingredients: The Relief Sun's vegan formulation uses rice extract and fermented grains for its key benefits.
- Check Individual Products: Always check the ingredient list for specific items, as other Beauty of Joseon products like the Glow Serum contain non-vegan components such as propolis.
- Verify for Updates: It's good practice to verify product formulations with the brand's official website or reliable sources, especially for popular products.
FAQs
question: Is the Beauty of Joseon brand completely vegan? answer: No, the Beauty of Joseon brand is not completely vegan, though they are cruelty-free and offer many vegan-friendly products. Some products, like the Glow Serum and Dynasty Cream, contain animal-derived ingredients such as propolis and honey.
question: What are the main vegan ingredients in the Relief Sun? answer: The main vegan ingredients include 30% rice extract and grain-derived fermented extracts (probiotics), which provide hydrating and nourishing benefits to the skin.
question: Is the Relief Sun with Rice + Probiotics also cruelty-free? answer: Yes, the product is cruelty-free. Beauty of Joseon is a cruelty-free brand that does not test on animals.
question: How can I tell if a different Beauty of Joseon product is vegan? answer: The best way is to check the ingredient list on the product packaging or consult the brand's official website FAQ page, which lists all their vegan and non-vegan products.
question: Did the Radiance Cleansing Balm used to contain animal ingredients? answer: Yes, earlier versions of the Radiance Cleansing Balm contained non-vegan ingredients. However, the product has since been renewed and is now vegan-friendly.
question: Are the probiotics in the sunscreen dairy-based? answer: No, the probiotics in the Relief Sun are derived from fermented grains and cereals, not from dairy or other animal sources.
question: Can I use this sunscreen if I have sensitive skin? answer: Yes, the Relief Sun formula is generally considered suitable for sensitive skin. It is free from fragrance and essential oils, and dermatologically tested.
question: Does Beauty of Joseon have any third-party vegan certifications? answer: While many sources confirm the vegan status of specific products and the brand's cruelty-free stance, it's best to check individual product certifications. The brand's website serves as the primary source for product-specific vegan information.
question: What should I look out for when buying other vegan K-beauty products? answer: Look for official brand statements on vegan status, check ingredient lists for animal-derived components like honey or snail mucin, and seek products with recognized vegan certification labels.
