Why Everyone's Obsessed with Beauty of Joseon Skincare

I found out about Beauty of Joseon the way most of us do: scrolling. I was deep into one of those “best Korean skincare products” rabbit holes when I saw the Ginseng Essence Water pop up. Again. And again. And again.

At first, I didn’t think much of it. Just another trendy brand with pretty packaging, right? But the more I looked into it, the more I realized people weren’t just buying this stuff for the aesthetic. They were raving about the textures, the ingredients, and how well it actually works, especially for sensitive or acne-prone skin (which I have).

So I tried a few things. And yep, I get the hype. If you’ve been curious too, this Beauty of Joseon review will tell you everything you need to know about Beauty of Joseon, plus why I keep repurchasing their products.

What makes Beauty of Joseon so popular?

Beauty of Joseon is a Korean skincare brand inspired by hanbang, traditional herbal medicine that uses ingredients like ginseng, rice, and green plum to nourish the skin. The vibe? Calm, gentle, and functional. It’s skincare that doesn’t try to do too much, but quietly gets the job done.

The brand first took off with their Dynasty Cream, which went viral for how rich and bouncy it feels without being greasy. Since then, they’ve released hits like the Relief Sun sunscreen, the Glow Deep Serum, and of course, the Ginseng Essence Water. TikTok? Obsessed. Reddit? On board. Your favorite skincare YouTuber? Probably using it already.

Why people love Beauty of Joseon (including me)

• Gentle formulas. Most of their products are fragrance-free, low-irritant, and great for sensitive skin.
  
  
• Great ingredients. You’ll find things like ginseng, rice, niacinamide, green tea, and snail mucin–nothing trendy just for the sake of it.
  
  
• Affordable prices. It feels high-end but won’t wreck your budget.
  
  
• Pretty, minimal packaging. Okay yes, I care about this. It looks good on the counter.
  
  
• Layerable textures. Everything plays well with others in your routine. No pilling. No weird sticky feeling.

My favorites from the brand (and what to try first)

If you’re new to the brand and not sure where to start, here’s my full list!

Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum Rice + Alpha-Arbutin

This was one of the first serums that got me hooked. It’s light, non-greasy, and works well under other products. The combo of 68% rice water and 2% alpha-arbutin brightens and smooths my skin without causing irritation. It’s part of my current routine when I want to even out my tone without using stronger actives.

Price: $15.99 for 30 ml

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Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask

We love this one for lazy weekend masking. It’s creamy and easy to spread, and the red bean powder gives gentle exfoliation without drying us out. Kaolin helps soak up oil, but the skin still feels soft and balanced after. Bonus: the texture is suuuper satisfying.

Price: $19.00 for 140 ml

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Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water

I use this when my skin feels dull or tired. It’s super lightweight but hydrating, thanks to the 80% ginseng water. With niacinamide and a bit of BHA, it keeps my skin smooth and hydrated. You’ll see it featured in our full Beauty of Joseon review for this product.

Price: $17.48 for 150 ml

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Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

This cleanser is underrated. If you want something gentle but effective, this is it. With 24% plum water and mung bean extract, it gives a fresh, non-stripping cleanse that works great after workouts or hot days. It foams lightly and rinses clean without tightness.

Price: $13.00 for 100 ml

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Beauty of Joseon Daily Relief Sunscreen

We’ve gone through several tubes of this. It’s SPF 40, but goes on like a lightweight moisturizer. It never pills, doesn’t sting our eyes, and leaves no white cast–just hydrated, calm skin. Perfect for everyday wear, even under makeup.

Price: $18.00 for 50 ml

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Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream Hydrating Face Moisturizer

This one surprised me. It looks heavy in the jar, but melts in beautifully. I love how it locks in all my serums and gives that soft glow without feeling greasy. Niacinamide and squalane work together to keep the skin balanced and happy.

Price: $24.00 for 50 ml

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Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis and Niacinamide

Another cult favorite, and I get why. It’s calming, brightening, and adds a dewy finish that doesn’t feel sticky. Propolis makes it feel soothing on bad skin days, and the 2% niacinamide helps with tone and oil balance. It’s a staple in our beauty of joseon review list.

Price: $16.33 for 30 ml

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Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin

This one's great if your skin needs repair but you hate thick products. The combo of ginseng and snail mucin feels soothing, especially after using exfoliants or retinoids. It layers well and adds a healthy, subtle glow.

Price: $16.17 for 30 ml

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Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

We love a good cleansing balm, and this one holds its own. It melts off sunscreen and makeup without leaving a film. The texture is smooth, and it rinses easily. Great first step in a double cleanse without stripping the skin.

Price: $17.49 for 100 ml

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Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal

This eye serum is gentle but effective. Retinol helps smooth fine lines over time, and the ginseng adds a nice hydrating layer. It sinks in fast, so you don’t have to wait before applying makeup or sunscreen.

Price: $16.99 for 30 ml

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Is Beauty of Joseon right for you?

This brand is a good fit if:

• You want glow without irritation
  
• Your skin leans sensitive or acne-prone
  
• You’re tired of products that promise too much and deliver nothing
  
• You want K-beauty that’s not all fluff
  

Is Beauty of Joseon worth the hype?

For me, yes. Beauty of Joseon fits perfectly into a routine that’s calm, consistent, and low-fuss. The products aren’t flashy, but they work – and that’s what matters. If you're building a skincare routine that’s gentle, effective, and actually enjoyable, this brand is worth a spot on your shelf.