Search interest around Korean skincare has surged over the past few years, and few brands have ridden that wave as successfully as Beauty of Joseon. A quick scroll through TikTok or Reddit reveals glowing testimonials, sunscreen comparisons, and shelf photos featuring the brand's minimalist bottles. This Beauty of Joseon review explores how it fits into current K-beauty trends, what makes its formulas stand out, and whether the hype reflects real performance.
What Is Beauty of Joseon?
Beauty of Joseon is a South Korean skincare brand inspired by traditional Korean herbal medicine, often referred to as Hanbang. The brand draws from ingredients historically used during Korea's Joseon Dynasty, such as ginseng, rice bran water, and propolis, and reformulates them for modern skin concerns.
Rather than releasing dozens of trend-driven launches, the brand focuses on a tightly edited lineup. Each product highlights one or two key ingredients and targets specific concerns like dullness, dehydration, or compromised skin barriers. This streamlined philosophy mirrors one of the strongest K-beauty trends today: simplified routines with high-performing basics.
Why Did Beauty of Joseon Go Viral?
Several factors fueled the brand's global visibility.
First, TikTok played a major role. Short videos comparing sunscreen textures or showcasing glowing skin results introduced the products to millions of viewers. Beauty of Joseon's Relief Sun sunscreen became especially popular for its lightweight feel and lack of white cast.
Second, timing worked in its favor. Consumers were shifting away from overly complicated routines toward barrier-friendly skincare. Beauty of Joseon positioned itself as gentle, effective, and affordable.
Key reasons behind the viral surge include:
- Accessible pricing compared to many prestige skincare brands
- Elegant, neutral packaging that photographs well
- Ingredient transparency that appeals to informed shoppers
- Easy availability through global online retailers
In short, the brand aligned perfectly with evolving K-beauty trends that prioritize skin health over aggressive exfoliation.
Best-Selling Products Reviewed
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+
The Relief Sun sunscreen is arguably the product most responsible for the brand's global recognition. It offers SPF50+ protection with a cream-like texture that blends easily into most skin tones.
Notable features include:
- No noticeable white cast on many skin tones
- Hydrating finish that layers well under makeup
- Comfortable wear without a heavy or greasy feel
For many users, this sunscreen bridges the gap between skincare and sun protection, reinforcing one of the central K-beauty trends of daily sunscreen use as a nonnegotiable step.
Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
The Glow Serum targets uneven tone and blemish-prone skin. Propolis is known for its soothing properties, while niacinamide supports brightening and oil regulation.
Users often report:
- Subtle improvement in overall radiance
- Reduced appearance of post-acne marks with consistent use
- Lightweight texture suitable for layering
This formula reflects a broader movement in K-beauty trends toward multitasking serums that combine calming and brightening effects in one bottle.
Dynasty Cream
The Dynasty Cream functions as a daily moisturizer designed to support the skin barrier. It contains rice bran water, ginseng root extract, and squalane.
Performance highlights include:
- Creamy texture without excessive heaviness
- Balanced hydration for normal to combination skin
- A smooth base for sunscreen and makeup
While those with very dry skin may require a richer formula in colder climates, many find it reliable for everyday use.
Ginseng Essence Water
The Ginseng Essence Water is marketed as a hydrating and revitalizing step. Essences are a hallmark of K-beauty trends, sitting between toner and serum in consistency.
Its formula focuses on:
- Ginseng extract for antioxidant support
- Lightweight hydration
- Layering compatibility for multi-step routines
It is particularly popular among those interested in early signs of aging and overall skin resilience.
Ingredient Philosophy: Tradition Meets Modern Formulation
One reason this Beauty of Joseon review resonates with skincare enthusiasts is the brand's ingredient storytelling. Instead of chasing every trending acid or peptide, it builds formulas around time-tested components.
Core ingredients often include:
- Ginseng for antioxidant support
- Rice extract for brightening and hydration
- Propolis for soothing benefits
- Niacinamide for tone correction
At the same time, formulations avoid high levels of fragrance and harsh alcohol in many products. This supports another leading K-beauty trend: strengthening the skin barrier rather than stripping it.
Is Beauty of Joseon Good for Acne-Prone Skin?
Many shoppers ask whether the brand works for acne-prone complexions. The answer depends on individual triggers, but several products are designed with sensitivity in mind.
For acne-prone skin types:
- The Glow Serum can help address post-inflammatory marks
- The Relief Sun sunscreen tends to feel lightweight and breathable
- Most formulas avoid heavy occlusives that can feel suffocating
However, as with any skincare brand, patch testing remains important. No product is universally suitable, and personal tolerance varies.
Is Beauty of Joseon Worth the Hype?
From a performance standpoint, the brand delivers consistent, well-formulated basics at accessible price points. It does not promise dramatic overnight transformations. Instead, it supports gradual improvements in hydration, brightness, and barrier strength.
Those seeking intense resurfacing treatments or highly active exfoliants may find the lineup relatively gentle. Yet that gentleness aligns closely with current K-beauty trends that favor steady, long-term skin health.
In the context of its price range and ingredient quality, many consumers view the brand as good value rather than a passing social media novelty.
How Does It Compare to Other K-Beauty Brands?
Within the crowded Korean skincare landscape, Beauty of Joseon stands out for its cohesive identity. While some brands emphasize playful packaging or rapid product turnover, this brand leans into heritage and minimalism.
Compared to other popular Korean brands:
- It focuses more heavily on traditional herbal ingredients
- It maintains a smaller, more curated product range
- It avoids overwhelming shoppers with constant new releases
This clarity has likely helped it maintain momentum beyond its initial viral spike.
Why Beauty of Joseon Continues to Shape K-Beauty Trends
The brand's success illustrates how modern consumers value transparency, simplicity, and ingredient credibility. By blending historical inspiration with contemporary formulation science, Beauty of Joseon taps into both nostalgia and innovation.
As K-beauty trends evolve, the emphasis on barrier care, daily sunscreen, and multifunctional serums remains strong. Beauty of Joseon's lineup reflects these priorities without relying on gimmicks or aggressive marketing language.
For many skincare users, the appeal lies not in dramatic claims but in dependable results and elegant presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What makes Beauty of Joseon different from other Korean skincare brands?
Beauty of Joseon stands out for its use of traditional Korean herbal ingredients such as ginseng and rice extract. Its formulas focus on barrier support and gentle brightening rather than strong exfoliation, aligning closely with current K-beauty trends.
2. Is Beauty of Joseon suitable for sensitive skin?
Many of the brand's products are formulated without heavy fragrance and harsh alcohol. While generally considered gentle, individuals with sensitive skin should still patch test before full application.
3. Which Beauty of Joseon product is most popular?
The Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ sunscreen is widely regarded as the brand's most popular product due to its lightweight texture and high protection level.
4. Where can Beauty of Joseon products be purchased?
Beauty of Joseon products are available through various international online retailers and select brick-and-mortar stores that carry Korean skincare brands. Availability may vary by region.
