The Beauty of Joseon brand is based on the principles of traditional Korean medicine (K beauty). But are Beauty of Joseon products good for your skin? yourhat about your skin? Which skincare products are worth incorporating into your routine? Here are my top 3 products.
⭐ My review is based on my personal experience with these skincare products. I have completed this evaluation with an analysis of Beauty Of Joseon customer reviews written on the Beautydecoded app.

The name Beauty of Joseon refers to the Joseon dynasty. This family ruled Korea from 1392 to 1910, a total of 630 years. Under this reign, the "hanbang" (equivalent to the pharmacopoeia) brought together all the principles of their traditional medicine. Based on acupuncture and herbs, these treatments are still an integral part of Korean culture.
In those days, women weren't really allowed to wear make-up, but outward appearance counted as much as inner beauty. In Asian culture (China, Japan, Korea...), women have always attached particular importance to skin care, because their face, and therefore the quality of their complexion, reflects their inner well-being and morality.
To achieve this, women were already applying two leading beauty products:
toner called "eau de beauté";
and the cream called "Myunyak".
The ancestor of tonic lotion was boiling water infused with plants such as angelica, peach and watermelon. It supported skin hydration. The cream, on the other hand, consisted of eggs, Camellia oil, sesame oil or sunflower oil. Its purpose was to moisturize and nourish your tissues.
In Seoul, this "Joseon-style" beauty canon remains the model, even more than 200 years later: clean skin, a clear, even complexion.
It goes without saying that the Koreans excel in the art of sunscreens, and the Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ from Beauty of Joseon is no exception. These sunscreens include: uvinul A and T150; tinosorb S; UVA sorb.
From the very first use, I was pleasantly surprised. Its light, fluid texture leaves no whitening effect, no sticky or greasy feeling. Unlike conventional sunscreens, it feels more like a moisturizing milk, which makes it particularly pleasant to apply. My skin absorbs it quickly, leaving no white film or odor typical of SPFs. This is quite a feat for a product that combines optimal moisturization with SPF50+ UV protection.
💡 My final opinion: This SPF cream is a real success. It stands out for its ease of use and lightness. For me, it's a 9/10 and a totally validated cream!
Two drawbacks: it's not waterproof and in winter it can dry out my skin. In winter, I prefer its cousin, aquafresh. Download the beautydecoded app to see if it's right for your skin type.

Visit Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal from Beauty of Joseon has attracted a lot of attention online for its promise to reduce dark circles and bring firmness and softness to the eye contour area. Curious to try out this star product, I was nonetheless aware of the caution required to avoid any irritation. With sensitive skin, it's essential to be careful when using skincare products containing powerful active ingredients, particularly retinal.
The good news is that my experience with this eye serum has been trouble-free. I didn't apply it every night, but gradually integrated it into my evening routine to get my skin used to retinal.
My first impressions were very positive. However, I'm still curious to see whether the absence of irritation is maintained with long-term use, on this particularly delicate area. So far, I've enjoyed using it and think it's an effective product, provided you introduce it gently and maintain adequate sun protection.
Rating: 8.5/10
Visit Ginseng Essence Water by Beauty of Joseon is an elegant Korean essence, formulated with 80 % of ginseng root water and 2 % of niacinamide. Its light texture, somewhere between a serum and a toner, is easy to apply and suitable for sensitive skin thanks to the absence of alcohol, colorants and artificial fragrances.
It leaves skin revitalized and luminous. An excellent addition to your routine! Note: 9/10.
Overall, this experience with Beauty of Joseon confirms the brand's well-deserved praise.
Overall score for Beauty of Joseon: 9/10
This collection of four serums will perfect your skincare routine. Their sophisticated textures merge with your skin to revive it. Ultra-light and fluid, just a few drops are enough to treat your skin's problems in depth. Formulated without essential oils or fragrances, these formulas respect everyone's skin sensitivities. Another plus? Affordable prices. A 30 ml glass bottle costs around 15 euros.
It's a repairing, moisturizing serum designed for skin lacking vitality, tone and radiance. This treatment is suitable for dry, combination and oily skin. Its slightly viscous texture is rapidly absorbed by the epidermis and dermis. Nourishing, this concentrate of active ingredients ingeniously combines ingredients proven by traditional Korean medicine, but also by today's scientific studies. 63 % of a ginseng infusion in which 3 % of snail mucin, niacinamide, hyaluronic acid and centella asiatica are immersed. This marvelous cocktail optimizes hydration and thus tissue tone. It protects and repairs skin damage caused by external aggression. Its second function is to regulate hyperpigmentation problems while evening out your complexion.
A texture and color inspired by honey, but without the stickiness! Rapidly absorbed by your skin, it lets its high concentration of propolis (60 %) penetrate. This key molecule from the beehive is naturally antibacterial and soothing. It reduces inflammation in reactive skin. Combined with 2 % niacinamide and 0.5 % BHA, this serum regulates excess sebum and tightens pore size. Neem extract, rich in vitamin E, helps counter the effects of oxidative stress. Turmeric, which contains curcumins, has been the subject of numerous scientific studies. They reveal its promising role in facial care. It is a moisturizing, anti-wrinkle agent capable of boosting collagen production.
Suitable for everyone, it's perfect for refining your skin texture, supporting the hydration of your epidermis and therefore the maintenance of your pore walls, while matifying the skin. A judicious blend of "hanbang" and modern cosmetic active ingredients to revive your glow!
An essential K-beauty ingredient, rice combines with alpha arbutin to tackle hyperpigmentation problems and tone your tissues.
Beauty of Joseon and its illuminating serum offer an ultra-watery texture, ideal for normal, combination and oily skin. For dry skin, I don't recommend it and recommend a richer concentrate or layering on a nourishing cream. 2 % alpha arbutin is renowned for its lightening properties, inhibiting tyrosinase activity and thus the uncontrolled production of melanin. Rice water's 63 %s even out collagen irregularities, restoring light and radiance to your face. Rice water optimizes your epidermis' hydration, and Beauty Decoders know that good hydration means tissue toning!
There's a slight downside to this product, which doesn't concern the formula, but rather the packaging. Beauty of Joseon alpha arbutin is a light- and heat-sensitive molecule, so you'll need to keep it refrigerated and away from light. It's a pity it doesn't come in an opaque bottle.
Dynasty crème is the first product to be marketed by Beauty of Joseon. A firm, nourishing and thirst-quenching emulsion designed for dry skin. A formula with the right balance of moisturizers and fats. Water exchange from the dermis to the epidermis is supported by three forms of hyaluronic acid and a generous amount of glycerine. To prevent insensible water loss, emollients and film-forming agents such as ceramides and squalane keep the water in your epidermis. Rice and niacinamide strengthen the skin barrier. While ginseng re-energizes your skin cells. An ideal, affordable complement to your morning and/or evening beauty routine. Expect to pay around twenty euros for a 50 ml jar.
Beauty of Joseon customers express great satisfaction with the brand's products, awarding an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 based on dozens of reviews.
| Product (Description) | Skin type | Average rating | Strengths (based on reviews) | Approximate price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+(sunscreen) | All types (even sensitive) | ~4.8★ (based on >180 reviews) | Slight, without any greasy effect or white marks; very moisturizing and protector day-to-day | ~$20 |
| Dynasty Cream(face moisturizer) | Normal to dry skin (⚠️ combination/oily) | ~4.5★ (based on >100 reviews) | Nourishing and soothing ; gives a complexion rebounded and bright without weighing down the skin | ~€22 |
| Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide (radiance serum) | All skin types (ideal for dull or blemished skin) | ~4.7★ (based on >120 reviews) | Illuminate complexion and calm redness; helps regulate sebum and refine skin texture (effect «honey skin») | ~$15 |
| Radiance Cleansing Balm (cleansing balm) | All types (even sensitive) | ~5★ (100 % positive reviews) | Efficient to dissolve makeup and impurities; texture melt-in-the-mouth does not dry out the skin, pleasant mild fragrance | ~18 € |
Table: Beauty of Joseon's top products according to customer reviews.
1. Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ – This moisturizing sunscreen is undoubtedly the brand's most acclaimed product. Users praise its ultra-light texture, which leaves no white residue and its comfortable finish. Even sensitive skin or skin prone to small pimples tolerates it very well: «I am highly sensitive as usual, but I use this sunscreen every day without any problems. It is by far my favorite ! (customer review). With an average rating of around 4,8/5 Based on hundreds of reviews, Relief Sun is appreciated for its lack of greasiness, its moisturizing power (thanks to rice water and probiotics) and its reliable UV protection. Result: protected skin, radiant and without any unpleasant white film, making it an everyday essential. Its few detractors point out that it can seem a little rich on very oily skin, but most people find it perfect for everyone and consider it to be a «holy grail» in Korean solar
2. Dynasty Cream – This face moisturizer made from rice, ginseng, and niacinamide has won over many users, especially those with dry or dehydrated skin. With its creamy but non-greasy texture, it deeply nourishes and leaves the skin plump and bright when I wake up. One user says, for example: «My face is well hydrated, and the small dry areas have disappeared. I have oily skin, but no button with this product.» Its formula combines traditions (extracts of ginseng conditioner) and modern active ingredients has earned it a solid reputation. In fact, many recommend it as night cream for a peachy complexion in the morning. Its average rating is around 4,5/5, with some criticizing its texture as a little too rich for combination skin in summer, but most praising its radiant effectiveness on the complexion. In short, Dynasty Cream is often cited as a must-have to restore the skin's moisture and elasticity.
3. Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide – Nicknamed the «honey skin» serum, Glow Serum is one of the best-sellers for restoring a glowing complexion and uniform. Infused with 60% propolis (with soothing properties) and 2% niacinamide (anti-blemish), it combines tradition and science. Reviews highlight its power to both anti-acne (it soothes small pimples without drying them out) and splendor complexion. «I love the Glow Serum, it helps me with my acne » says one customer, while another notes that she finally has the «skin glow» so sought after. Its slightly thick texture is considered nourishing but quickly absorbed, especially when used at night. With an average of around 4.7★, It is unanimously popular among those who want smoother, more radiant skin. Note: some users with very oily skin find it a little sticky, but by reducing the amount they use, they are able to enjoy its benefits (a tip often shared in the comments).
4. Radiance Cleansing Balm – This cleansing balm Solid is also a favorite among K-beauty enthusiasts. Its promise: to remove makeup (even waterproof), sunscreen, and impurities with a massage, without damaging the skin. Reviews confirm that it is «effective and gentle at the same time». At skin temperature, the balm transforms into a silky oil that dissolves everything in its path, then emulsifies with water without leaving a greasy film. Users love its melt-in-the-mouth texture and its subtle fragrance. On the Ksisters store, it even displays 100% 5-star reviews– a very rare score – a sign of a unanimous enthusiasm. Many note that after rinsing, the skin is clean and comfortable, not dried out (thanks to the mild oils and rice it contains). It is therefore a top product to start a double cleansing routine. As a bonus, several comments highlight its good value for moneycompared to more expensive competing balms.
In summary, these “Tops” Beauty of Joseon stand out with a excellent customer satisfaction rate. Whether it's sun protection, moisturizing, or radiance-boosting serums, the brand has successfully offered effective and pleasant care which often feature among consumers' favorites.
No manufacturer is immune to criticism, and Beauty of Joseon is no exception. While the vast majority of its products are well received, some have garnered more mixed consumer reviews, pointing out recurring flaws. Here are the main ones: “flops” highlighted by users, with their lower average rating and frequently recurring criticisms in the comments.
| Product (Description) | Skin type | Average rating | Recurring criticisms | Approximate price. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal (eye contour serum) | All types (anti-aging eye cream) | ~3.5★ (44 reviews) | Little effect visible on dark circles/wrinkles (results considered losers by some); may sting the eyes | ~$18 |
| Ginseng Essence Water(tonic essence) | Normal to dry skin (⚠️ acne) | ~3-4★ (mixed reviews) | Ineffective according to some («no hydration or radiance» observed); caused buttons at others' | ~$19 |
| Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel (enzymatic exfoliating gel) | All types (except sensitive reactive) | ~3★ (very mixed reviews) | Exfoliation deemed too mild (little effect on the skin); sensation of fake stuffed animals and possible tingling on sensitive skin | ~$15 |
| Green Plum Refreshing Toner (AHA) (exfoliating toner) | Combination to oily skin | ~3★ (limited reviews) | Sticky texture unpleasant, leaving the skin «very sticky» ; little visible benefits (skin tone and pores unchanged) | ~$18 |
Table: Beauty of Joseon's «Flops» products based on customer reviews (recurring criticisms).
1. Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal – This eye contour serum promises to smooth fine lines with retinol and brighten the eyes with ginseng. However, many customer reviews are disappointing after several weeks of use. On the Boots UK website, it has stagnated at 3,5/5 on average, with some giving it low marks because of its inefficiency. For example, one user comments: « Very moisturizing, but that's all., didn't do anything for my bags or dark circles.» This observation «did nothing for my dark circles» occurs frequently. Some sensitive individuals even report mild tingling when applied, although most find the texture smooth. Overall, Revive Eye Serum is often considered disappointing in terms of results anti-aging effects, despite generally good tolerance. For a product that is supposed to be a best-selling anti-wrinkle treatment, customers« high expectations have not always been met.
2. Ginseng Essence Water – This is a tonic essence enriched with ginseng water, designed to hydrate and brighten the skin as a pre-serum. While many love it for its softness, others have been completely taken in by it. Several reviews mention that it did not improve the condition of their skin : «This tonic did nothing for me: no shine, no hydration perceptible» says one disappointed user. More annoyingly, some people with acne-prone skin accuse this essence of triggering pimple breakouts unusual. «Almost immediately after starting, my chin became covered in pustules... after stopping, no new ones appeared,» reports one customer, who concludes: «I definitely won't buy it again.", it gave me acne. Although each skin reacts differently, these recurring negative reviews suggest that Ginseng Essence may be a blunder of the brand for certain profiles (highly reactive skin or overly high expectations).
3. Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel – This enzymatic exfoliating gel (grain-free scrub with apricot extract) has divided users. Korean peeling gels are supposed to remove dead skin cells by exfoliating on contact with the skin, but several consumers feel that this one does not keep his promises. On Reddit, we can read: «I have hated their apricot scrub», with the author explaining that she felt the product rolled away residue without really exfoliating the skin deeply. Others confirm this. sensation of artificial “rolls” of dead skin, a common phenomenon with this type of product (polymer exfoliating agents can give the illusion of lint). In addition, some users with sensitive skin report tingling or redness, a sign that the formula may cause slight irritation. While some people with thick skin appreciate the gentleness of this peel (less aggressive than a grainy scrub), many find it «gadget» and prefer a more effective exfoliant. The result: very mixed average ratings and a feeling that this “flop” is one of the brand's least essential items.
4. Green Plum Refreshing Toner (AHA) – This exfoliating toner with fruit acids (green plum and AHA) has received mixed reviews, partly because of its texture. One negative point often comes up: the product leaves a adhesive film. «This toner makes my skin VERY clingy for a long time» complains one user, who, despite trying different dosages, was unable to avoid this effect. Many people disliked this sticky feeling, which made the user experience less enjoyable. In addition, several comments note that despite a promising composition, they did not observe few results on the radiance of the complexion or the reduction of pores. In short, «It doesn't do much, except stick.»summarizes a critical review. In its defense, some users still find this toner refreshing and mild, probably on skin that is less sensitive to AHAs. But compared to other highly effective Korean exfoliating lotions, this one struggles to impress. It is therefore one of Beauty of Joseon's relative flops, especially if you are looking for a noticeable exfoliating effect.
Looking through all the customer reviews, we can see that Beauty of Joseon enjoys an excellent global reputation, carried by highly popular flagship products for their effectiveness and traditional inspiration. “tops” such as Relief Sun sunscreen, Dynasty Cream, and propolis serums have won the hearts (and skin) of thousands of users around the world, thanks to their well-thought-out formulas and suitable for the widest possible audience. These products garner near-perfect grades and often appear in recommendations from the skincare community
Conversely, a few “flops” However, some caveats temper this picture by reminding us that not everything can work for everyone. Products such as Revive Eye Serum and Ginseng Water Essence have received more mixed reviews, with some users expressing their disappointment with poor results (or even minor inconveniences). It should be noted that these negative opinions remain in the minority and often depend on the skin type and individual expectations. A product deemed ineffective by one person may well suit another—the proof is that there are also positive reviews for each of the flops, but they are less unanimous.