Hello there! If you’re interested in skincare, you’ve probably heard of K-Beauty. It’s taken the world by storm with its innovative products and 10-step routines. But amongst all the bright packaging and new ingredients, one brand stands out for a different reason. It doesn’t shout; it whispers. It looks to the past to solve modern skin problems.
That brand is Beauty of Joseon.
Maybe you’ve seen their elegant, minimalist bottles on TikTok or Instagram. Maybe a friend raved about their sunscreen. But what exactly is Beauty of Joseon, and why is it so special?
Well, put the kettle on, get comfortable, and let’s take a trip. We’re going back hundreds of years to discover the secrets of the Joseon Dynasty and see how a clever skincare brand is bringing them to our bathrooms here in the UK.
A Journey Back in Time: What Was the Joseon Dynasty?
To understand the brand, we must first understand its name.
The Joseon Dynasty was a period in Korean history that lasted for over 500 years, from 1392 to 1897. It was a time of great art, science, and culture. But it was also a time when natural beauty and skincare were deeply valued.
People in the Joseon era didn’t have modern chemistry labs. Instead, they were masters of Hanbang. Hanbang is a traditional Korean medicine system that uses natural ingredients from the earth—like roots, herbs, and grains—to create remedies for health and beauty.
Their skincare wasn’t about covering up imperfections. It was about nurturing the skin, using gentle, effective ingredients to create a healthy, natural glow from within. This is the ancient philosophy that Beauty of Joseon has bottled for us today.
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What is Beauty of Joseon? The Brand’s Beautiful Philosophy
Beauty of Joseon is a modern K-Beauty brand that does something incredible: it takes those ancient Hanbang recipes and formulas them into products we can use today.
Their core idea is simple but powerful: “Time-honoured ingredients from the past, reimagined for the skin of the present.”
They are not just copying old recipes. They are studying historical texts, understanding why certain ingredients were used, and then using modern scientific methods to make them even more effective and safe.
The brand also focuses on being:
- Gentle: Their products are designed to be kind to skin, even sensitive skin.
- Effective: They use a high percentage of their key traditional ingredients.
- Elegant: The packaging is simple, beautiful, and feels luxurious.
- Accessible: Compared to many luxury skincare brands, their prices are very reasonable.
The Star Ingredients: Nature’s Powerhouse Heroes
The magic of Beauty of Joseon lies in its ingredients. Let’s meet the all-star team that does all the hard work.
1. Ginseng: The King of Herbs
In Hanbang, Ginseng is the most celebrated ingredient. It’s known as the “root of life” for its incredible rejuvenating properties.
- What it does: Ginseng is packed with antioxidants that fight off the damaging free radicals we encounter from pollution and UV rays. It helps boost circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the skin’s surface. This gives you a plump, firm, and radiant complexion. Think of it as an energy drink for your tired skin!
- Find it in: The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil and the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water.
2. Rice: The Gentle Brightener
For centuries, Korean women used rice water to wash their hair and face. They knew its secret power long before modern science confirmed it.
- What it does: Rice is rich in amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is a natural brightener, helping to fade dark spots and even out skin tone. It’s also incredibly hydrating and soothing, making it perfect for calming irritated skin.
- Find it in: The famous Beauty of Joseon Rice Probiotics Serum.
3. Green Tea: The Soothing Saviour
Green tea has been drunk and used in medicine in Asia for thousands of years. It’s a powerful calming agent.
- What it does: Green tea is anti-inflammatory. This makes it brilliant for reducing redness, calming acne breakouts, and soothing sensitive skin. It’s also another antioxidant superhero, protecting your skin from environmental damage.
- Find it in: The Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser.
4. Propolis: The Skin Repairer
Propolis is a resin that bees collect from trees and use to seal their hives. It’s nature’s perfect barrier repair ingredient.
- What it does: Propolis is antibacterial, making it great for fighting acne-causing bacteria. It’s also amazing at healing and soothing the skin. If you have blemishes, redness, or a damaged skin barrier, propolis is your best friend.
- Find it in: The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum.
The Best Beauty of Joseon Products to Start With
The range can feel a little overwhelming, so here are the best products to begin your journey with.
1. Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF50+
This is, without a doubt, the product that made the brand a global sensation. Many people call it the best sunscreen in the world.
- Why it’s amazing: It completely changes what you expect from a sunscreen. It’s not white, it doesn’t smell like sunscreen, and it doesn’t feel greasy or heavy. It applies like a light, moisturising cream. It leaves no white cast, making it perfect for all skin tones. It protects your skin with modern, effective filters while the rice and probiotics work to nourish it.
- Who it’s for: Absolutely everyone. Sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine.
- Where to buy: You can find it at Stylevana or YesStyle.
2. Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream
This rich, nourishing cream is a direct homage to the creams used by royalty during the Joseon Dynasty.
- Why it’s amazing: It’s a beautiful blend of traditional ingredients like ginseng, orchid, and green plum extract. It feels incredibly luxurious and deeply hydrates the skin without feeling too heavy. It’s perfect for giving your skin a dose of Hanbang nourishment.
- Who it’s for: Those with dry or normal skin, especially anyone looking for a rich night cream.
- Where to buy: Find it at Stylevana.
3. Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm
The first step in any good routine is to remove your makeup and sunscreen. This cleansing balm makes it a pleasure.
- Why it’s amazing: It has a soft, buttery texture that melts onto the skin and dissolves even the toughest waterproof makeup. It rinses off cleanly with water without leaving a greasy film. It’s gentle on the eyes and doesn’t sting.
- Who it’s for: Anyone who wears makeup or sunscreen.
- Where to buy: Check it out on YesStyle.
How to Build a Simple Beauty of Joseon Routine
You don’t need a 10-step routine. Here is a simple way to use these products.
Morning:
- Cleanser: Wash your face with a gentle water-based cleanser.
- Serum: Apply a few drops of the Rice Probiotics Serum for brightness.
- Moisturiser: If your skin feels dry, use a light moisturiser.
- Sunscreen: Always finish with the Relief Sun SPF50+.
Evening:
- First Cleanse: Use the Radiance Cleansing Balm to remove makeup and sunscreen.
- Second Cleanse: Use your water-based cleanser again to wash everything away.
- Serum/Treatment: Use a treatment serum like the Glow Serum (Propolis) if you have blemishes.
- Moisturiser: Lock everything in with the rich Dynasty Cream.
Where to Buy Beauty of Joseon in the UK
This is very important for us in the UK! Beauty of Joseon is a Korean brand, but it is very easy to get here online.
- Stylevana (www.stylevana.com): This is one of the most popular sites for K-Beauty in the UK. They have a huge range of Beauty of Joseon products, and their prices are often the best you’ll find. Shipping can sometimes take 2-3 weeks, so plan ahead. Check their current offers here: Stylevana – Beauty of Joseon.
- YesStyle (www.yesstyle.com): Another fantastic and reliable website. Similar to Stylevana, they offer a wide range of Korean beauty products with shipping to the UK. They often have sales and discount codes. Browse their collection here: YesStyle – Beauty of Joseon.
- Amazon UK: Some sellers on Amazon UK stock Beauty of Joseon. Be very careful. Only buy from sellers with high ratings and good reviews to avoid fake products.
Is Beauty of Joseon Worth the Money? My Honest Thoughts
Let’s talk numbers. The Relief Sun sunscreen is usually around £10-£15. The serums are around £15-£20. This is very affordable compared to many Western skincare brands.
It is worth the money if:
- You love gentle, effective formulas based on natural ingredients.
- You have sensitive skin that reacts to harsh chemicals.
- You want to try the famous Korean approach to skincare.
- You are looking for a fantastic, everyday sunscreen.
You might want to think twice if:
- You are looking for clinical, strong active ingredients (like very high-strength retinol). Beauty of Joseon is about gentle nourishment.
- You need your products to arrive the next day (you’ll need to wait for shipping from Stylevana or YesStyle).
The Verdict: For the quality of the ingredients and the beautiful formulations, Beauty of Joseon is outstanding value for money. It is a brilliant introduction to the world of K-Beauty.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Beauty of Joseon?
Beauty of Joseon is more than just a skincare brand. It’s a beautiful story. It connects us to the wisdom of the past and shows us that sometimes, the best solutions are found in nature.
The products are gentle, effective, and a joy to use. They can help you achieve that coveted healthy, glowing “glass skin” look by nourishing your skin barrier rather than stripping it.
My advice? Start with one product. The Relief Sun sunscreen is a life-changing product and the perfect place to begin. See how it makes your skin feel. I have a feeling you’ll be hooked on the beautiful, ancient magic of Joseon.
Have you tried anything from Beauty of Joseon? What did you think? Let me know your thoughts down in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Beauty of Joseon
Q1: I have sensitive skin that reacts easily. Are Beauty of Joseon products suitable for me?
A: This is one of the most common questions, and the answer is generally very positive. Beauty of Joseon is renowned for its gentle, skin-friendly formulations. The brand’s philosophy is rooted in Hanbang, which traditionally uses natural, soothing ingredients like rice, green tea, and propolis that are known for their calming properties.
- Key Points: Their products are typically free from common irritants like artificial fragrances, essential oils, and harsh alcohols, which are often triggers for sensitive skin.
- Patch Test is Key: However, “sensitive skin” is a broad term and everyone’s triggers are unique. While the formulas are gentle, it’s always wise to perform a patch test before using any new product all over your face. Apply a small amount to your inner arm or behind your ear for a few days to see how your skin reacts.
- Soothing Picks: Some of the best products for sensitive skin types are the Relief Sunscreen (very gentle filters) and the Glow Serum (Propolis) for its incredible calming and barrier-repairing properties.
Q2: What does “Hanbang” actually mean, and how is it different from just using “natural” ingredients?
A: This is a crucial distinction that gets to the heart of the brand.
- Hanbang: This refers specifically to Traditional Korean Medicine. It’s a holistic system, much like Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), that has been practised for thousands of years. It’s not just about using natural ingredients; it’s about using them in specific combinations and for specific therapeutic purposes based on historical knowledge and philosophy.
- Natural Ingredients: A product labelled “natural” might simply contain a single plant extract. Hanbang is about synergy. Beauty of Joseon studies ancient texts to find effective blends of ingredients that work together to balance, nourish, and treat the skin in a holistic way, much like a herbal medicine formula would for internal health.
Q3: Where is the best place to buy Beauty of Joseon in the UK to avoid fake products?
A: As Beauty of Joseon is a Korean brand, it’s not typically sold in UK high street shops, making online the primary source.
- Authorised Retailers: The safest and most reliable places to purchase are from authorised online K-Beauty retailers that ship to the UK. The two most popular and trusted are:
- Why They’re Safe: These sites source their products directly from Korea. The prices are good, but shipping can take 2-3 weeks.
- A Word of Caution on Amazon: While some sellers on Amazon UK are legitimate, the platform has a known issue with counterfeit cosmetics. If you use Amazon, only buy from sellers with a very high rating and a long history of positive feedback. If the price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Q4: Is the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sunscreen really worth the hype?
A: In short, yes, and for a very good reason. It has achieved a cult status that is rare in the skincare world.
- The Texture: It single-handedly changes people’s minds about wearing sunscreen daily. Unlike many Western sunscreens that can be greasy, white, or smell strongly, this one has a lightweight, milky texture that absorbs like a premium moisturiser.
- No White Cast: It uses modern chemical filters (like Uvinul A Plus and Tinosorb S) that are known for their high protection and cosmetic elegance, leaving zero white cast on all skin tones.
- Skin Benefits: While protecting you from UV damage (the primary cause of ageing), it also nourishes your skin with rice extract and probiotics. People love it because it’s a skincare product first and a sunscreen second.
Q5: Can I use Beauty of Joseon products if I have acne-prone or oily skin?
A: Absolutely. In fact, many of their products are excellent for acne-prone and oily skin types.
- Key Ingredients: Look for products featuring:
- Green Tea: Anti-inflammatory and helps control sebum production.
- Propolis: Antibacterial and fantastic for healing blemishes and reducing redness.
- Snail Mucin (found in some serums): Incredible for healing and repairing damaged skin without clogging pores.
- Lightweight Formulas: Their essences and serums are typically watery and lightweight, providing hydration without adding heavy oils that can lead to breakouts. The Green Plum Cleanser is specifically designed to be refreshing and non-drying for oily skin.
Q6: How does Beauty of Joseon’s approach differ from other popular K-Beauty brands like COSRX or Some By Mi?
A: While all are excellent K-Beauty brands, their philosophies differ:
- Beauty of Joseon: Focuses on gentle, historical nourishment. Its identity is built on Hanbang—using traditional ingredient blends for holistic skin health and a natural glow.
- COSRX: Focuses on minimalism and targeted solutions. Their identity is built on having a simple formula with a few key, powerful active ingredients (like their famous Snail Mucin or AHA/BHA treatments).
- Some By Mi: Focuses on targeted troubleshooting with modern actives. Their identity is built around solving specific, often severe, skin issues like acne with blends of AHAs, BHAs, and PHAs.
Think of it as: Joseon is the gentle herbalist, COSRX is the straightforward pharmacist, and Some By Mi is the intensive dermatologist.
Q7: What is the shelf life of Beauty of Joseon products?
A: Like most skincare, unopened products have a shelf life of about 2-3 years. Once opened, you should use them within 12 months. You’ll find a small jar icon on the packaging with a number inside (e.g., “12M”) which indicates how many months it’s safe to use after opening. As their formulas use traditional extracts and avoid harsh preservatives, it’s best to adhere to these guidelines.
Q8: I’m new to this. What is the one product you would recommend I try first?
A: Without a doubt, start with the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF50+.
Sunscreen is the most important step in any skincare routine for preventing ageing and skin cancer. If you find a sunscreen you actually enjoy wearing every day, it revolutionises your skincare habits. This product is the perfect, life-changing introduction to the brand.
Q9: Can I use Beauty of Joseon products alongside my retinol or vitamin C serums?
A: Yes, they can be wonderful companions to stronger actives.
- With Retinol: Retinol can be drying and irritating. Using a soothing, barrier-supporting product like the Glow Serum (Propolis) or a hydrating essence can help counteract that irritation and keep your skin balanced.
- With Vitamin C: Their gentle cleansers and sunscreens form a perfect base for a vitamin C routine. The Relief Sunscreen is an essential final step to protect your skin after using vitamin C in the morning.
Always remember to introduce new actives slowly and listen to your skin.
Q10: Does the brand test on animals?
A: No. Beauty of Joseon is cruelty-free. They do not test their finished products or ingredients on animals, and they do not sell in countries (like mainland China) where animal testing is required by law for imported cosmetics. This is a key ethical stance for many of their customers.
