Beauty of Joseon Complete Product Guide: What to Buy First (2026)
If you've spent any time in the Korean skincare world, you've seen the name Beauty of Joseon everywhere. TikTok. Reddit. Instagram. YouTube hauls. It's one of those brands that comes up constantly — and for good reason.
But with a growing product lineup spanning sunscreens, serums, moisturizers, cleansers, and more, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. Which products are actually worth it? What order do you buy them in? What's best for your skin type?
This guide covers everything — the brand's story, its hero ingredients, and a detailed breakdown of every must-have product — so you can build a Beauty of Joseon routine that works.
What Is Beauty of Joseon?
Beauty of Joseon is a Korean skincare brand built around hanbang — traditional Korean herbal medicine. The brand draws its philosophy directly from the Joseon dynasty, which ruled Korea for over five centuries and placed immense cultural value on skincare rituals.
During that era, Korean women of the royal court used natural ingredients like rice bran, ginseng, green plum, honey, and propolis to care for their skin. Beauty of Joseon takes those ancestral recipes and reformulates them using modern cosmetic science — the result being products that feel distinctly traditional yet deliver results that compete with any premium global skincare brand.
What sets it apart:
- Hanbang-first formulation — traditional Korean herbal ingredients at the core of every product
- Clean formulas — no artificial fragrance, no parabens, no harsh alcohols, no silicones
- Affordable pricing — premium ingredients without the premium price tag
- Inclusive formulas — most products are fragrance-free and suitable for sensitive skin
The brand has experienced extraordinary global growth, with its Relief Sun sunscreen becoming one of the most viral beauty products in social media history — regularly selling out within hours of restocking.
Beauty of Joseon's Hero Ingredients
Before diving into the products, it helps to understand what makes Beauty of Joseon formulas work:
Ginseng (Panax Ginseng Root Extract)
The brand's most iconic ingredient. Ginseng has been used in Korean skincare for centuries — it's rich in saponins, which boost elasticity, reduce signs of aging, improve circulation, and give skin that lit-from-within glow. It's the cornerstone of the Dynasty Cream and Revive Serum.
Rice Bran Water
Used since the Joseon era as a natural brightening agent, rice bran water is packed with vitamins B and E, ferulic acid, and amino acids. It hydrates, brightens uneven skin tone, and gives skin a soft, luminous finish.
Propolis Extract
A natural substance produced by bees, propolis is packed with antioxidants, amino acids, and vitamins. It soothes redness, fights bacteria (making it excellent for acne-prone skin), and locks in deep hydration without clogging pores.
Green Plum (Prunus Mume)
A classic hanbang ingredient known for brightening and antioxidant properties. It helps balance skin's oil-to-moisture ratio and gives the skin a refreshed, healthy appearance.
Snail Secretion Filtrate (Snail Mucin)
A K-beauty staple — snail mucin boosts elasticity, repairs damaged skin, reduces hyperpigmentation, and deeply hydrates. Used in the Revive Serum alongside ginseng for a powerful anti-aging combo.
Mugwort (Artemisia Princeps)
One of the most celebrated ingredients in traditional Korean medicine. Mugwort soothes sensitive and irritated skin, reduces redness, and has natural antibacterial properties — making it a go-to for rosacea, eczema-prone, and reactive skin types.
Centella Asiatica
The calming powerhouse. Centella (also known as cica) reduces inflammation, repairs the skin barrier, and accelerates healing. It's central to the Relief Sun sunscreen formula.
The Complete Beauty of Joseon Product Guide
1. Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ ⭐ BEST SELLER
The product that put Beauty of Joseon on the map.
This is arguably the most popular Korean sunscreen in the world right now. It's the product most new customers discover first, and for good reason — it genuinely solves the main complaints people have about sunscreen.
What it does:
- SPF50+ PA++++ protection against both UVA and UVB rays
- Lightweight, fluid texture that absorbs instantly — no white cast, no greasiness
- Fermented rice extract provides deep hydration while protecting
- Probiotic extracts support the skin microbiome
- No artificial fragrance, no harsh alcohols
- Works beautifully under makeup — doesn't pill or separate foundation
Best for: All skin types, especially oily, combination, and sensitive skin. Anyone who hates the feeling of traditional sunscreens. Daily city wear and light outdoor activities.
How to use: Apply generously as the last step of your morning skincare routine, before makeup. Reapply every 2 hours if outdoors.
Why it's a must-buy: Most people who try this sunscreen never go back to their old one. The texture is genuinely unlike most Western sunscreens — impossibly light, completely invisible, and it doesn't interfere with makeup at all. It's also one of the most affordable SPF50+ options in Korean skincare. Available at Llusso
2. Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
Your shortcut to glass skin.
The Glow Serum is the brand's bestselling serum — a honey-like, thick formula that delivers an immediate hit of glow and hydration. Despite its rich texture, it absorbs completely without leaving stickiness.
What it does:
- Propolis extract soothes, hydrates, and strengthens the skin barrier
- Niacinamide refines pores, evens skin tone, and controls shine
- Contains 0.5% BHA (betaine salicylate) for gentle exfoliation
- Honey extract provides deep, lasting hydration
- Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, silicone-free
Best for: All skin types. Particularly excellent for oily or combination skin dealing with enlarged pores and redness. Also works beautifully for sensitive skin given the calm, no-irritant formula.
How to use: Apply 2-3 drops after toner, before moisturizer. Can be used morning and night — if using in the morning, follow with sunscreen (the 0.5% BHA is mild but always use SPF with any exfoliant).
Why it's a must-buy: The before-and-after on this serum is immediately visible. Skin looks dewy, refined, and plump within minutes of application. It layers beautifully with the Dynasty Cream for a full glass skin finish. Available at Llusso
3. Dynasty Cream
The original. The one that started it all.
Dynasty Cream was Beauty of Joseon's very first product — and years later, it's still one of their best-sellers. It's a deeply hydrating moisturizer that delivers what most creams promise but few deliver: real 24-hour moisture with a visible glow.
What it does:
- Rice bran water brightens and deeply hydrates
- Ginseng root water energizes dull, tired skin
- Squalane locks in moisture without heaviness or greasiness
- Niacinamide evens skin tone and refines texture
- Non-comedogenic — won't clog pores
Clinically tested:
- 24-hour moisture barrier retention (20-subject study)
- Improvement in skin glossiness after 4 days (20-subject study)
- Non-irritating for sensitive skin (33-subject study)
Best for: All skin types. Especially transformative for dry, dull, or aging skin. Those with oily skin should use a pea-sized amount — it's rich and a little goes a long way.
How to use: After cleanser, toner, and serum, apply a coin-sized amount (or half a pea-sized for oily skin) to face and neck. Pat gently to absorb. Use morning and night.
Why it's a must-buy: It's simultaneously a moisturizer and a glow treatment. The rice and ginseng combination gives skin a healthy, well-rested appearance that's hard to replicate. Pairs perfectly with the Glow Serum. Available at Llusso
4. Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin
For skin that needs restoration.
If the Glow Serum is for daily radiance, the Revive Serum is for skin recovery. It combines ginseng and snail mucin — two of K-beauty's most celebrated repair and anti-aging ingredients — for a serum that targets dullness, loss of elasticity, and hyperpigmentation.
What it does:
- Ginseng (saponin-rich) provides deep, long-lasting hydration and anti-aging benefits
- 3% snail secretion filtrate boosts elasticity and repairs damaged skin
- Centella asiatica extract soothes and calms inflammation
- Mushroom extract adds extra hydration and soothing support
- Light, gel-like texture — absorbs quickly without stickiness
Best for: All skin types including sensitive. Ideal for skin recovering from breakouts (prevents scarring), skin showing early signs of aging, or anyone dealing with dullness and dehydration.
How to use: Apply after toner, before moisturizer. Can be used AM or PM. For enhanced anti-aging results, use at night followed by Dynasty Cream.
Why it's a must-buy: Real results on post-acne marks and skin elasticity. Multiple users report that breakouts healed without leaving scarring after incorporating this serum — which is notable given how common post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation is. Available at Llusso
5. Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort + Panthenol SPF50+ PA++++
The on-the-go sun protection essential.
Think of this as the Relief Sun's complement, not its replacement. The Matte Sun Stick is a solid-format SPF50+ sunscreen designed for easy reapplication throughout the day, especially over makeup.
What it does:
- SPF50+ PA++++ protection in a portable stick format
- Mugwort soothes and calms sensitive, redness-prone skin
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) provides lasting hydration
- Matte finish controls shine — ideal for oily skin
- Portable and mess-free — perfect for bags and gym kits
- Non-greasy, non-sticky formula
Best for: Oily and combination skin types. Those who need to reapply SPF throughout the day. Anyone who finds liquid sunscreen too much effort mid-day.
How to use: Apply over your morning skincare routine or directly over makeup. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
Why it's a must-buy: The combination of mugwort (calming) + matte finish makes this the go-to for anyone with redness or oily skin who needs sun protection that doesn't make shine worse throughout the day. Available at Llusso
6. Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
The most underrated product in the lineup.
This AHA-powered gel cleanser is one of those cult-status products that doesn't get enough attention. It gently exfoliates while cleansing — leaving skin bright, smooth, and hydrated rather than stripped.
What it does:
- Green plum extract brightens and refreshes
- AHA (alpha hydroxy acid) gently exfoliates dead skin cells
- Leaves skin clean without the tight, dry feeling of harsh cleansers
- Suitable for daily use — the exfoliation is mild enough not to irritate
- Lathers easily — a grape-sized amount cleanses the entire face
Best for: Combination, oily, and normal skin. Anyone dealing with dullness or uneven texture who wants to incorporate gentle exfoliation without a dedicated exfoliant step.
How to use: Use as your second cleanse in the evening (after an oil cleanser or balm) or as your single cleanser in the morning. Use no more than once daily if your skin is sensitive. Available at Llusso
7. Ground Rice Glow Mask
Weekly treatment for instant radiance.
This is one of the brand's most beloved masks — a brightening, exfoliating wash-off mask that delivers visible results in 10-15 minutes. Ground rice acts as a gentle physical exfoliant while honey provides deep, soothing hydration.
What it does:
- Ground rice exfoliates dead skin cells for a smoother, brighter complexion
- Honey provides deep hydration and nourishment
- Ginseng extract supports a healthy, radiant glow
- Niacinamide evens skin tone
- Suitable for all skin types including sensitive
Best for: All skin types. Anyone who wants a weekly glow treatment that doesn't require multiple products or a complex routine.
How to use: Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin. Leave on for 10-15 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water. Use 1-2 times per week. Follow with your regular serum and moisturizer.
How to Build a Beauty of Joseon Routine
Beginner Routine (Start Here)
If you're new to the brand, these three products give you everything you need:
Morning:
- Green Plum Cleanser
- Glow Serum
- Dynasty Cream
- Relief Sun SPF50+ ← always last in AM
Evening:
- Green Plum Cleanser
- Glow Serum or Revive Serum
- Dynasty Cream
Full Routine (For Maximum Results)
Morning:
- Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
- Toner (any hydrating toner)
- Revive Serum (or alternate with Glow Serum)
- Dynasty Cream
- Relief Sun SPF50+
Evening:
- Oil cleanser / balm (double cleanse)
- Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
- Glow Serum
- Dynasty Cream
- Ground Rice Glow Mask (2x per week, replace serum + cream step)
Beauty of Joseon vs. Other K-Beauty Brands
| Beauty of Joseon | Anua | COSRX | Skin1004 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Traditional hanbang | Heartleaf + minimal | Problem-solving actives | Centella + clean formulas |
| Best for | All skin types, glow | Sensitive, acne-prone | Acne, oily skin | Sensitive, redness |
| Price point | Affordable | Affordable | Affordable | Affordable |
| Hero ingredient | Ginseng, rice | Heartleaf (Houttuynia) | Snail mucin, niacinamide | Madagascar centella |
| Texture | Rich, nourishing | Light, watery | Gel-cream | Lightweight fluid |
All four are excellent K-beauty brands — they serve slightly different concerns and layer beautifully together.
Who Should Use Beauty of Joseon?
Beauty of Joseon works well for virtually everyone, but it's especially transformative for:
- Dry or dehydrated skin — the rice, ginseng, and honey-based formulas provide exceptional moisture
- Aging or dull skin — ginseng's anti-aging properties are well-documented
- Sensitive skin — clean, fragrance-free formulas with no known irritants
- Sun protection seekers — Relief Sun is genuinely one of the best daily SPFs available at any price point
- K-beauty beginners — the approachable branding, clear product descriptions, and consistent quality make it a great first foray into Korean skincare
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Beauty of Joseon good for oily skin? Yes — the Relief Sun and Matte Sun Stick are specifically excellent for oily skin (lightweight, no white cast, matte finish). The Glow Serum's niacinamide content also helps regulate sebum production over time.
Is Beauty of Joseon fragrance-free? Yes — the vast majority of Beauty of Joseon products are free from artificial fragrance, making them suitable for sensitive and reactive skin.
Where is Beauty of Joseon made? All Beauty of Joseon products are made in Korea (100% authentic Korean manufacturing). When buying from retailers, always confirm authenticity.
Can I use multiple Beauty of Joseon products together? Absolutely — the line is designed to work as a complete routine. The most popular combo is Glow Serum + Dynasty Cream + Relief Sun, used together as a 3-step morning routine.
Is Beauty of Joseon cruelty-free? Yes — Beauty of Joseon is cruelty-free.
How long does it take to see results? Most people notice an immediate improvement in hydration and glow after the first use. For concerns like hyperpigmentation or texture, consistent use over 4-8 weeks delivers the most significant results.
The Bottom Line
Beauty of Joseon is one of the most well-rounded, accessible, and genuinely effective Korean skincare brands available. It delivers traditional hanbang ingredients in clean, modern formulas — at prices that make building a full routine affordable.
If you're starting from scratch: Relief Sun + Glow Serum + Dynasty Cream is the holy trinity. Add the Revive Serum when you're ready for targeted anti-aging or recovery support.
If you only buy one product: Relief Sun. It's the reason millions of people discovered this brand, and it genuinely lives up to the hype.
Shop the full Beauty of Joseon collection at Llusso — authentic K-beauty, worldwide shipping.
Always patch test new products and consult a dermatologist for persistent skin concerns.
