Beauty of Joseon has become one of the most recognisable Korean skincare brands because its products combine traditional hanbang ingredients with modern cosmetic science.
The brand embodies many of the principles that make Korean skincare products popular worldwide, including gentle formulas, layered routines, and skin-barrier-focused ingredients.
In this guide, we rank the best Beauty of Joseon skincare products based on ingredients, skin type suitability, texture, popularity, and how well each product fits into a complete Korean skincare routine.
Whether you have oily skin, dry skin, acne-prone skin, sensitive skin, or you’re building your first K-beauty routine, this guide will help you choose the right Beauty of Joseon products for your skin.
Why Beauty of Joseon is The Best Korean Skincare Brand
Unlike brands that rely on trendy ingredients or flashy packaging, Beauty of Joseon focuses on balancing traditional Korean herbal ingredients (Hanbang) with clinically recognised skincare actives.
Some of the brand’s signature ingredients include:
Ingredient | Why Beauty of Joseon Uses It | Best For |
Ginseng | Antioxidant-rich ingredient used throughout hanbang skincare and commonly found in ginseng skincare products. | Mature skin, dull skin |
Rice Extract | Supports hydration and brighter-looking skin | Dry skin, uneven tone |
Propolis | Helps soothe and nourish skin | Sensitive skin |
Niacinamide | Supports oil balance and skin tone | Oily skin |
Retinal | Helps improve visible signs of ageing | Fine lines |
Snail Mucin | Supports hydration and skin barrier | Dehydrated skin |
This philosophy has earned Beauty of Joseon a loyal following among skincare enthusiasts and dermatology content creators, where products like Relief Sun and Glow Serum are consistently recommended for beginners and experienced skincare users alike.
Beauty of Joseon’s formulations have also been positively reviewed by skincare educators such as cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong (Lab Muffin Beauty Science), who has highlighted products including Relief Sun, Glow Serum, Revive Eye Serum and the Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser for their thoughtful ingredient choices and gentle formulations.
How We Ranked the Best Beauty of Joseon Products
Every person’s skin is different, so there isn’t a single “best” product for everyone. Instead, we ranked these products using five practical criteria.
1. Ingredient Formulation
Products containing well-researched ingredients like niacinamide, retinol, ginseng, rice extract, propolis, squalane, and hyaluronic acid scored highly because they address multiple skin concerns without relying on marketing hype alone.
2. Skin Type Compatibility
Products that work across multiple skin types while remaining gentle received higher rankings.
3. Texture & Daily Wearability
One reason Beauty of Joseon has become so popular is its elegant formulations. Lightweight, non-greasy textures make many of their products easy to layer within a Korean skincare routine.
4. Community Consensus
We reviewed discussions across skincare communities, particularly r/AsianBeauty, where long-term users frequently compare Beauty of Joseon products against other popular Korean brands.
Products receiving consistently positive long-term feedback ranked higher than those driven primarily by social media trends.
5. Expert Reviews
We also considered reviews from skincare educators, including Michelle Wong (Lab Muffin Beauty Science), alongside the ingredient-focused buying guidance from Joybuy’s 2026 Beauty of Joseon buyer guides.
6. Value for Money
We also considered how much product you receive, ingredient quality, versatility within a skincare routine, and overall value compared with similar Korean skincare products.
Quick Rankings: Best Beauty of Joseon Products (2026)
Rank | Product | Best For |
1 | Everyday sunscreen | |
2 | Brightening & acne-prone skin | |
3 | Hydration & dull skin | |
4 | Dry skin & barrier support | |
5 | Fine lines & anti-ageing | |
6 | Radiance Cleansing Balm | Makeup & sunscreen removal |
7 | Gentle daily cleansing | |
8 | Mature skin & elasticity | |
9 | Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel | Gentle exfoliation |
1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+
Our pick for the best overall Beauty of Joseon product thanks to its lightweight texture, excellent broad-spectrum protection, and suitability for almost every skin type.
Why We Recommend It
Relief Sun has become Beauty of Joseon’s signature product because it combines high SPF50+ PA++++ protection with a lightweight, moisturising texture that feels more like a daily lotion than a traditional sunscreen.
Unlike many sunscreens, it layers comfortably under makeup, leaves little to no white cast on most skin tones, and suits a wide range of skin types, making it one of the easiest products in the brand’s range to recommend.
Best For
✔ Normal skin
✔ Dry skin
✔ Combination skin
✔ Daily sunscreen users
✔ Beginners to Korean skincare
Key Ingredients
- Rice Extract – helps support hydration and a brighter-looking complexion.
- Grain-Derived Probiotics – help maintain a healthy skin barrier.
- Modern UV Filters – provide broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.
- Humectants – attract moisture to help keep skin comfortable throughout the day.
Pros
- SPF50+ PA++++ protection
- Lightweight, moisturising finish
- Layers well under makeup
- No noticeable fragrance
- Minimal white cast after settling
Texture & Finish
Lightweight cream that spreads easily across the skin and dries down to a natural, moisturised finish without feeling sticky or heavy. It layers well under makeup and doesn’t pill when applied over lightweight skincare.
Consider Before Buying
People with very oily skin, particularly during hot summer months, may find Relief Sun moisturising enough to replace a separate morning moisturiser.
Because of its popularity, counterfeit versions have appeared online. Purchasing from authorised retailers helps ensure authenticity, a point echoed by both expert reviewers and community discussions.
Works Best With
To build a complete Beauty of Joseon routine, pair Relief Sun with:
- Ginseng Essence Water for lightweight hydration before sunscreen.
- Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide if you’re looking to improve dullness or uneven-looking skin.
- Dynasty Cream if your skin needs extra moisture, particularly during cooler months or if you have dry skin.
If you’re new to Korean skincare, our Complete Korean Skincare Routine explains how sunscreen fits into your morning routine.
2. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
Best Serum for Glowing Skin
If your goal is brighter, calmer, healthier-looking skin, Glow Serum is arguably the standout serum in the Beauty of Joseon lineup.
Its formula combines 60% propolis extract, 2% niacinamide, and 0.5% salicylic acid, creating a serum that targets multiple concerns at once without overwhelming the skin.
Propolis helps soothe irritation while supporting the skin barrier, niacinamide improves uneven skin tone and helps regulate excess oil, while salicylic acid provides gentle exfoliation for congested pores.
Michelle Wong describes Glow Serum as one of the few products she reaches for even when her skin is irritated because it delivers hydration and a healthy-looking glow without increasing sensitivity.
Best For
✔ Dull skin
✔ Acne-prone skin
✔ Combination skin
✔ Enlarged pores
✔ Uneven skin tone
Pros
- Lightweight honey-like texture
- Fragrance-free
- Helps reduce redness
- Supports clearer-looking pores
- Suitable for daily use
Consider Before Buying
Although Glow Serum contains salicylic acid, it isn’t designed as an intensive acne treatment. Instead, it works best as a daily balancing serum for maintaining healthier-looking skin.
Works Best With
For a balanced brightening routine, pair Glow Serum with:
- Ginseng Essence Water to boost hydration before applying your serum.
- Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ every morning to help protect against UV-induced pigmentation.
- Dynasty Cream to seal in hydration and support the skin barrier.
If you’re using Glow Serum for breakouts or clogged pores, you may also benefit from learning more about Korean skincare for acne, including ingredients that support clearer-looking skin.
3. Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water
Best Hydrating Essence
One of Beauty of Joseon’s most underrated products is Ginseng Essence Water, a lightweight essence that delivers hydration without leaving the skin sticky or greasy.
The formula contains 80% ginseng root water alongside 2% niacinamide, making it an excellent first step after cleansing.
Unlike richer moisturisers, this watery essence can be layered multiple times depending on your skin’s hydration needs. It’s especially useful for people who experience dehydration but dislike heavy creams.
Best For
✔ Dehydrated skin
✔ Oily skin
✔ Combination skin
✔ Dull complexion
✔ Summer skincare routines
Pros
- Absorbs quickly
- Layers easily
- Supports balanced oil production
- Hydrates without heaviness
- Fragrance-free
Consider Before Buying
If your skin is extremely dry, Ginseng Essence Water works best when followed by a moisturiser such as Dynasty Cream, which we’ll cover next.
Works Best With
To maximise hydration, pair Ginseng Essence Water with:
- Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide for brightening and oil balance.
- Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin if your skin needs extra barrier support.
- Dynasty Cream to lock in moisture, especially if you have dry skin.
4. Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream
Best Moisturiser for Dry Skin & Skin Barrier Support
If there’s one moisturiser that has become a staple in countless K-beauty routines, it’s Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream. Often described as the brand’s “hero moisturiser,” it combines traditional Hanbang ingredients with modern barrier-supporting actives to deliver long-lasting hydration without feeling excessively heavy.
The formula contains 29% rice bran water, 5% ginseng root water, 2% niacinamide, and 2% squalane, creating a moisturiser that hydrates, brightens, and strengthens the skin barrier in a single step.
While it has a richer texture than many Korean gel creams, it spreads easily and leaves behind a healthy, dewy finish rather than a greasy film. This makes it particularly popular among those with dry, dehydrated, or mature skin.
Best For
✔ Dry skin
✔ Normal skin
✔ Dehydrated skin
✔ Compromised skin barrier
✔ Achieving the “glass skin” glow
Pros
- Deep, long-lasting hydration
- Supports the skin barrier
- Layers well over serums
- Leaves skin plump and radiant
- Works well under makeup despite its richness
Consider Before Buying
Those with very oily skin may find Dynasty Cream too rich during warmer months. If your skin produces excess oil naturally, a lighter moisturiser or simply pairing Ginseng Essence Water with Relief Sun may be sufficient during the day.
Works Best With
For a nourishing routine, pair Dynasty Cream with:
- Ginseng Essence Water to hydrate the skin before moisturising.
- Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide for a brighter, more even-looking complexion.
- Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ as the final step in your morning routine.
5. Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal
Best Anti-Ageing Product
Despite its name, Revive Eye Serum isn’t just an eye cream. Many skincare enthusiasts use it across the entire face as a gentle retinal treatment.
Unlike retinol, retinal (retinaldehyde) requires one fewer conversion step before becoming retinoic acid, making it a more efficient Vitamin A derivative. Beauty of Joseon formulates this serum with liposome-encapsulated retinal, which helps improve stability while reducing irritation.
Combined with ginseng, niacinamide, vitamin E, and adenosine, it offers a well-rounded formula designed to target fine lines while supporting hydration and skin comfort.
Best For
✔ Fine lines
✔ First signs of ageing
✔ Beginners to retinol
✔ Mature skin
Pros
- Gentle compared with many retinal products
- Fragrance-free
- Hygienic pump packaging
- Suitable for both the eye area and full face
- Excellent value compared with many retinal serums
Consider Before Buying
Although gentler than many retinoids, retinal can still irritate if introduced too quickly. Begin by applying it 2–3 nights per week, using only a pea-sized amount before gradually increasing frequency.
Works Best With
To create a beginner-friendly retinal routine, pair Revive Eye Serum with:
- Ginseng Essence Water to maintain hydration before applying retinal.
- Dynasty Cream to minimise dryness and support the skin barrier.
- Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ every morning, as daily sun protection is essential when using retinal.
6. Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
Best Makeup Remover
Double cleansing is one of the foundations of Korean skincare, and Radiance Cleansing Balm is one of Beauty of Joseon’s best first-cleansing products.
The balm melts into a lightweight oil that dissolves sunscreen, waterproof makeup, and excess sebum before emulsifying into a milky texture with water.
Unlike many cleansing balms, it’s fragrance-free, making it an excellent choice for sensitive skin.
Best For
✔ Daily sunscreen wearers
✔ Makeup removal
✔ Sensitive skin
✔ Evening double cleansing
Pros
- Melts makeup quickly
- Rinses clean
- Doesn’t leave a greasy residue
- Minimal fragrance
- Easy-to-use flip-top packaging
Consider Before Buying
As with any oil-based cleanser, always emulsify the balm with water before rinsing. Skipping this step can leave residue behind and reduce the effectiveness of your cleanse.
Works Best With
For an effective double-cleansing routine, pair Radiance Cleansing Balm with:
- Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser to remove any remaining impurities after cleansing away makeup and sunscreen.
- Ginseng Essence Water to replenish hydration after cleansing.
- Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide as your first treatment step.
7. Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Best Water-Based Cleanser
The Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser is the perfect second step after an oil cleanser. Choosing the right Korean cleanser can help maintain a healthy skin barrier while removing impurities.
Unlike many foaming cleansers that leave the skin feeling tight, this low-pH cleanser effectively removes sweat and daily impurities while helping maintain the skin barrier.
Best For
✔ Oily skin
✔ Combination skin
✔ Sensitive skin
✔ Everyday cleansing
Pros
- Low-pH formula
- Doesn’t strip the skin
- Fragrance-free
- Rich, gentle foam
- Suitable for daily use
Works Best With
For a gentle everyday routine, pair Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser with:
- Radiance Cleansing Balm as the first cleanse in your evening routine.
- Ginseng Essence Water to restore lightweight hydration after cleansing.
- Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide to target dullness and excess oil.
8. Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin
Best for Skin Repair
If your skin feels tired, dehydrated, or lacks elasticity, Revive Serum is worth considering.
It combines ginseng root water with 3% snail mucin, alongside niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, to support hydration and strengthen the skin barrier.
Best For
✔ Mature skin
✔ Barrier repair
✔ Dehydrated skin
✔ Loss of elasticity
Works Best With
For a barrier-supporting routine, pair Revive Serum with:
- Ginseng Essence Water to layer extra hydration underneath.
- Dynasty Cream to seal in moisture and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ to protect your skin from daily UV exposure.
9. Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel
Best Gentle Exfoliator
Unlike harsh facial scrubs, Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel uses cellulose fibres to gently lift away dead skin cells.
For those comparing different exfoliation methods, our chemical exfoliation guide explains how acids differ from gentler exfoliating products.
Best For
✔ Rough texture
✔ Flaky skin
✔ Sensitive skin
✔ Gentle weekly exfoliation
Works Best With
To keep skin smooth and hydrated after exfoliation, pair Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel with:
- Ginseng Essence Water to replenish moisture immediately after exfoliating.
- Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide on non-exfoliation days to maintain a healthy-looking glow.
- Dynasty Cream to support the skin barrier and reduce post-exfoliation dryness.
Which Beauty of Joseon Product Is Right for Your Skin?
If your main concern is… | Our Recommendation |
Dry skin | Dynasty Cream |
Oily skin | Ginseng Essence Water |
Acne-prone skin | Glow Serum |
Fine lines | Revive Eye Serum |
Daily sun protection | Relief Sun SPF50+ |
Makeup removal | Radiance Cleansing Balm |
Gentle cleansing | Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser |
Barrier repair | Revive Serum |
Weekly exfoliation | Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel |
A Simple Beauty of Joseon Routine for Beginners
If you’re new to the brand, you don’t need to buy every product. A simple routine can deliver excellent results while allowing you to see how your skin responds.
Morning
- Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser (optional if cleansing in the morning suits your skin)
- Ginseng Essence Water
- Glow Serum (optional)
- Dynasty Cream (if needed)
- Relief Sun SPF50+
Evening
- Radiance Cleansing Balm
- Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
- Ginseng Essence Water
- Glow Serum or Revive Eye Serum (alternate if using retinal)
- Dynasty Cream
This routine follows the Korean skincare principle of layering lightweight products before richer creams while keeping the focus on barrier support rather than overloading the skin with actives.
Beauty of Joseon Products at a Glance
Product | Best For | Routine Step | Skin Type |
SPF | Morning | All | |
Brightening | Serum | Combination | |
Moisturiser | Evening | Dry | |
Hydration | Essence | All | |
Anti-ageing | Treatment | Mature |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Beauty of Joseon product should I buy first?
If you’re trying the brand for the first time, Relief Sun SPF50+ is the easiest recommendation. It suits most skin types and is consistently praised by skincare experts and the K-beauty community.
Which Beauty of Joseon serum is best?
For brightening and everyday use, choose Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide. If your primary concern is fine lines and signs of ageing, Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal is the better option.
Is Beauty of Joseon good for sensitive skin?
Many Beauty of Joseon products are fragrance-free and designed with gentle formulations. However, if you have sensitive skin, it’s still a good idea to patch test new products before applying them to your entire face.
Which Beauty of Joseon Product Should You Buy First?
- New to Korean skincare? Start with Relief Sun SPF50+.
- Want brighter-looking skin? Choose Glow Serum.
- Need more hydration? Ginseng Essence Water.
- Have dry or compromised skin? Dynasty Cream.
- Concerned about fine lines? Revive Eye Serum.
Ready to Build Your Beauty of Joseon Routine?
Whether you’re starting your first Korean skincare routine or looking to add a new favourite, choosing products that match your skin type will give you the best results.
At MoskinLocker, we’ve carefully selected Beauty of Joseon products that work together as part of a complete Korean skincare routine.
Explore our collection of:
If you’re unsure where to start, Relief Sun SPF50+ and Glow Serum remain two of the easiest recommendations for most skin types thanks to their gentle, beginner-friendly formulas.
Final Verdict: Which Beauty of Joseon Products Are Worth Buying?
Beauty of Joseon has earned its reputation by focusing on quality over quantity. Instead of releasing endless new products, the brand has refined a collection built around effective ingredients like ginseng, rice extract, niacinamide, propolis, retinal, and snail mucin, all formulated with the gentle, layerable textures that Korean skincare is known for.
If we had to narrow the lineup to the essentials, these would be our top recommendations:
- Best Overall: Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+
- Best Serum: Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
- Best Hydrating Step: Ginseng Essence Water
- Best Moisturiser: Dynasty Cream
- Best Anti-Ageing Product: Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal
Whether you’re building your first K-beauty routine or expanding an existing one, choosing products that match your skin type and concerns will always deliver better results than following viral trends alone.