This side-by-side comparison features two very different approaches to clean, tinted SPF. One is made in Korea, the other in the U.S., and while both aim to blend skincare with sun protection, the textures, finish, and formulation philosophies are quite different.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: SPF40
Made in Korea | Zinc Oxide 20.90% | Shade: 110 Light Neutral
50mL | $20 USD
Beauty of Joseon’s Daily SPF is a cult favorite for good reason. This is a true fluid sunscreen—lightweight, borderline oily (in a good way), and very sheer. It gives the skin a glow, not a cast. The shade LN110 (Light Neutral) leans slightly warm but blends in easily even on fair skin. The finish is luminous and breathable, ideal for those who prefer a dewy rather than a matte look.
It does need a good shake before applying, and while coverage is minimal, If you have dry or normal skin and appreciate a “barely there” tint with a moisturizing glowy finish, this one is worth trying.
Note: This formula is marketed as clean and vegan, but does include alcohol denat., which may not suit extremely sensitive skin types.
🧪 Ingredient Highlights (as listed on packaging):
- Zinc Oxide (20.90%) – non-nano mineral UV filter
- Butyloctyl Salicylate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate – emollients for a silky, moisturizing texture
- Silica, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer – help diffuse light and control shine
- Artemisia Capillaris Extract – antioxidant-rich Korean botanical
- Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Palmitate – support skin barrier and provide antioxidant benefits
- Iron Oxides (CI 77492, CI 77491, CI 77499) – provide the tinted pigment
🇰🇷 Made in Korea | Vegan | Fragrance-Free
Saie Slip Tint SPF 35 Tinted Moisturizer
Made in the U.S. | 100% Non-Nano Zinc Oxide
1.35 oz / 40 mL | $36
Slip Tint is Saie’s best-selling SPF base and one of the cleanest mineral tints on the market. It features non-nano zinc oxide, ethically sourced beeswax, and skin-conditioning fatty acids. The finish is creamier and more moisturizing than a fluid, with moderate coverage. The downside? It’s not vegan. Slip Tint includes beeswax described by Saie as ethically sourced, though no additional sourcing info is provided. This may be a deciding factor for some clean beauty consumers. In addition, Shade One, described as “very light,” is noticeably darker than expected—closer to a light-medium, making it a difficult match for fair skin tones.
Still, there’s a lot to love: the sugarcane-based tube, skin-first formula, and commitment to clean ingredients.
🧴 Packaging: 100% sugarcane bioresin tube with post-consumer recycled outer box
🧪 Ingredients callout: Ceramides, Squalane, Glycerin, Sunflower Seed Oil
🇺🇸 Made in the U.S. | Cruelty-Free | Gluten-Free
Formulated Without:
❌ BHA, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, synthetic fragrance, GMOs, petrolatum, talc, polybutene, and chemical sunscreens.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a sheer, glow-boosting mineral SPF with a silky texture and dewy finish, Beauty of Joseon is hard to beat—especially for under $25!But if you want medium coverage, a verified 100% mineral sunscreen with sustainable U.S.-made packaging, and a clean ingredient list, Saie’s Slip Tint is a great (if pricier) option—as long as you find the right shade match.
Note: This post includes Amazon affiliate links, which help support this editorial platform at no additional cost to you. I personally purchased and tested both sunscreens for this comparison.
