Hello, skincare lovers!
Have you ever seen someone with that incredible “glass skin” look? Their skin looks so clear, so smooth, and so dewy that it almost seems to glow from within. It’s a look that’s become famous thanks to Korean beauty trends, and it can feel a bit mysterious. How do they get their skin to look like that?
Well, one product that keeps popping up in conversations about glass skin is the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum. People rave about it online, but what’s actually in it? And more importantly, can it really work for skin here in the UK, dealing with our weather and hard water?
I’ve been using this serum for months, and I decided to do a deep dive. I didn’t just want to see if it worked; I wanted to understand why. This article is all about breaking down the famous formula, ingredient by ingredient, in simple terms. Let’s uncover the secret together!
Also Read: Why Beauty of Joseon’s Retinal Eye Cream is a Game-Changer for Sensitive Skin
First, What is “Glass Skin” Anyway?
Before we talk about the serum, let’s be clear on the goal. “Glass skin” doesn’t mean oily or shiny. It means skin that is:
- Hydrated: Plump with moisture, so it looks bouncy.
- Smooth: With very few bumps or large pores.
- Even-Toned: Without lots of redness or dark spots.
- Luminous: It has a healthy, natural glow, not a glittery shine.
It’s all about achieving the healthiest version of your own skin. And a great serum is a key step in getting there.
Meet Beauty of Joseon: Skincare with a History
The name “Beauty of Joseon” isn’t just for show. The Joseon Dynasty was a time in Korean history known for its amazing advances in art and herbal medicine. This brand takes inspiration from old, traditional recipes and mixes them with modern skincare science.
They focus on gentle, effective ingredients that have been used for centuries in Korea. This makes their products especially good for sensitive skin. Plus, they’re cruelty-free – they don’t test on animals.
The Star of the Show: What is the Glow Serum?
The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is a lightweight, clear liquid that you apply after washing your face and before your moisturiser. Its job is to deliver a powerful dose of active ingredients deep into your skin.
The bottle is beautiful and feels traditional, but the pump is modern and hygienic. A little goes a long way!
The Magic Ingredients: A Simple Breakdown
Now, let’s look inside the bottle. The formula is a clever mix of two key types of ingredients: traditional Hanbang herbs and modern skincare powerhouses.
Part 1: The Hanbang Herbal Power
“Hanbang” is the word for traditional Korean herbal medicine. This serum uses some brilliant ones.
- Ginseng Root Extract: Think of ginseng as an energy drink for your skin! It’s packed with antioxidants, which help protect your skin from damage caused by things like pollution and sun exposure. This can help your skin look less tired and more radiant.
- Snail Mucin Filter: Now, don’t be scared! Snail mucin is a famous K-Beauty ingredient for a reason. It’s not slimy in a bad way; it’s incredibly hydrating and soothing. It helps to repair your skin barrier (that’s your skin’s natural defence system) and can help with healing little spots or redness. It’s brilliant for a gentle glow.
Part 2: The Modern Skincare Superstars
These are the ingredients that scientists have proven to be highly effective.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): This is the real hero of the serum. Niacinamide is a true multi-tasker. It does several amazing things at once:
- It helps control oil production, which can minimise the look of pores.
- It brightens your skin tone and can help fade dark spots.
- It strengthens your skin barrier, which helps your skin hold onto moisture and keeps irritants out.
It’s a gentle but powerful ingredient that almost every skin type loves.
- Rice Extract: Rice has been used in Asia for centuries to make skin soft and bright. Rice extract is rich in amino acids and vitamins that help to nourish the skin and give it that smooth, translucent quality that is key to the glass skin look.
- Propolis Extract: This comes from bees. Propolis is like a natural healer. It’s fantastic for calming down redness and irritation. If your skin is sensitive or prone to redness, propolis can be a game-changer.
How Does It Feel on Your Skin?
When you pump it out, the serum has a slightly slippery, gel-like texture. It’s not sticky or greasy at all. It absorbs into your skin very quickly, leaving it feeling hydrated and soft, not tight.
It has a very, very subtle, pleasant herbal scent from the natural ingredients. It’s not perfumed, which is great for sensitive skin.
My Personal Experience: A Week-by-Week Journey
I have combination skin (oily in some places, dry in others) that can be a bit sensitive. Here’s what happened when I used the serum every morning and night.
- Week 1: The first thing I noticed was how nice it felt. My skin drank it up and immediately felt smoother. No irritation at all.
- Week 2: I started to see a change. The dry patches on my cheeks had disappeared. My skin looked more even and had a subtle, healthy shine.
- Week 4: This was when the “glow” really started. My skin looked brighter and more awake. It wasn’t a dramatic, overnight change, but a gradual improvement. My foundation went on more smoothly than ever before.
Who Is This Serum Perfect For?
This serum is a fantastic choice for so many people:
- Anyone wanting a dewy glow: If you hate a matte, flat finish, this is for you.
- People with dull, tired-looking skin: The brightening ingredients can make a real difference.
- Those with sensitive skin: It’s free from harsh alcohols, essential oils, and strong fragrances.
- Skincare beginners: It’s gentle and easy to add to any routine.
Who Might Want to Try Something Else?
It might not be the best fit if:
- You only want anti-ageing: While it’s great for hydration and glow, if deep wrinkles are your main concern, you might want a serum with retinoids or more targeted peptides.
- You have very oily skin: You might still love it, but you may prefer a super-lightweight texture.
How to Use It in Your Skincare Routine
Using a serum correctly is key! Here’s a simple guide:
- Cleanase: Wash your face with a gentle cleanser.
- Tone: If you use a toner, apply it now.
- Serum: Take a small amount of the Glow Serum (about a pea-sized drop). Gently press and pat it into your damp skin. This helps it absorb better.
- Moisturise: Apply your favourite moisturiser to lock everything in.
- Sunscreen (AM only): In the morning, always finish with sunscreen. This is non-negotiable for protecting your glow!
Where to Buy It in the UK
The good news is that Korean skincare is easy to find online in the UK. Just make sure you buy from a reputable seller to avoid fake products.
My top recommended websites are:
- Stylevana UK: They often have the best prices and sales.
- YesStyle UK: Another reliable site with quick shipping.
- PureSeoul: A UK-based K-Beauty store! This means faster delivery and no surprise import taxes.
- Link: PureSeoul Online Store
The Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?
After using it for a long time, I can say a confident yes.
The Pros:
- It gives a real, noticeable glow without glitter or shine.
- It’s incredibly gentle and great for sensitive skin.
- The mix of traditional and modern ingredients is unique and effective.
- It layers well under other products like moisturiser and sunscreen.
The Cons:
- You have to buy it online and wait for delivery.
- If you have very specific concerns like acne or deep wrinkles, you might need an additional, more targeted serum.
The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is a wonderful, well-rounded product that does exactly what it promises. It’s not a magic potion, but it is a fantastic step towards healthier, happier, and yes, glower skin.
Have you tried the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum? What did you think? Or do you have another favourite serum for a dewy glow? Let me know in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
You asked, and we’ve listened! Since publishing our deep dive into the Glow Serum, we’ve received so many brilliant questions. I’ve compiled the most common and insightful ones here to give you all the extra information you need.
Q1: I have oily and acne-prone skin. Will this serum make me look greasy or cause breakouts?
A: This is a very common concern, and the answer is a reassuring probably not. In fact, this serum can be beneficial for oily skin. The key ingredient, Niacinamide, is renowned for helping to regulate sebum (oil) production and minimise the appearance of pores. The texture of the serum is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving a hydrated finish rather than a greasy one. However, if you are specifically prone to fungal acne (malassezia), it’s important to check the ingredient list against known triggers, as some complex formulations may contain esters that can feed it. For most people with standard oily/acne-prone skin, the serum is non-comedogenic (won’t clog pores) and should be perfectly safe.
Q2: Can I use this serum if I have rosacea or very sensitive, reactive skin?
A: The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is an excellent candidate for sensitive skin due to what it lacks (fragrance, essential oils, harsh alcohols) and what it contains (soothing ingredients like Propolis and Snail Mucin). These components are known for their calming and barrier-repairing properties, which can help reduce redness and inflammation. However, rosacea is a complex condition with unique triggers for each individual. I highly recommend doing a patch test first. Apply a small amount to a discreet area (like behind your ear or on your jawline) for a few consecutive nights to see how your skin reacts before applying it to your entire face.
Q3: How does this “glow” serum differ from a regular hydrating serum with Hyaluronic Acid?
A: This is a great question that gets to the heart of what makes this serum special. While many serums focus solely on hydration (plumping the skin with water, like a Hyaluronic Acid serum does), the Glow Serum takes a multi-functional approach.
- Hydration: It does provide hydration through ingredients like Snail Mucin.
- Brightening: It actively works to brighten and even out skin tone with Niacinamide and Rice Extract.
- Antioxidant Protection: It offers protection from environmental damage with Ginseng.
Think of a HA serum as giving your skin a drink of water, while the Glow Serum gives it a nutritious, vitamin-packed smoothie that hydrates, brightens, and protects all at once.
Q4: Where does it fit in my routine if I also use Vitamin C and Retinol?
A: You can absolutely incorporate it! The general rule is to apply products from thinnest consistency to thickest, and from most acidic to least.
- Morning Routine: Cleanse -> Vitamin C Serum -> Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum -> Moisturiser -> Sunscreen.
- Evening Routine: Cleanse -> Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum -> Retinol -> Moisturiser.
Using the Glow Serum before your retinol can act as a “buffer,” helping to mitigate potential irritation from the retinol while still allowing it to work effectively. The Niacinamide in the Glow Serum also pairs very well with retinol, as both support barrier health.
Q5: How long does one bottle typically last with daily use?
A: A 30ml bottle is a standard size for a serum. With consistent twice-daily use (a.m. and p.m.), one bottle should last you approximately 2 to 3 months. You only need a small, pea-sized amount for the entire face. The pump packaging helps to control the amount you dispense, preventing waste and making the product last longer.
Q6: Is the glow it gives noticeable under makeup?
A: Yes, but in the best way possible! Because the serum absorbs fully and doesn’t leave a sticky or oily residue, it creates a smooth, hydrated canvas that is ideal for makeup application. Foundation and tinted moisturisers apply more evenly and tend to have a more natural, skin-like finish rather than sitting on top of dry patches or clinging to texture. The glow comes from within the skin, so it provides a healthy radiance that shines through your makeup, rather than interfering with it.
Q7: I’m over 50. Is this serum anti-ageing enough for mature skin?
A: While it’s not marketed as a dedicated “anti-ageing” serum, its benefits are highly valuable for mature skin. The intense hydration plumps the skin, which can temporarily minimise the appearance of fine lines. The brightening effects of Niacinamide and Rice Extract can help with age spots and overall dullness. Furthermore, the antioxidant properties of Ginseng help protect the skin from further environmental damage that accelerates ageing. For a comprehensive approach, someone over 50 might use this serum for hydration and glow, and then layer a more targeted treatment (like a peptide serum or prescription retinoid) for deeper wrinkles.
Q8: Are there any active ingredients I should avoid pairing with this serum?
A: The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is famously well-formulated and compatible. There are no notorious “conflict” ingredients like strong direct acids (e.g., AHA/BHA) or L-Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) in the formula itself. It is designed to be a supportive, barrier-repairing product. The one rule of thumb is to always listen to your skin. If you experience any tingling or irritation when layering it with another active, it might be a sign to alternate their use (e.g., use one in the morning and the other at night) rather than applying them together.
Q9: How does it compare to other popular “glass skin” serums, like the COSRX Snail Mucin Essence?
A: Both are excellent, but they have different focuses.
- COSRX Snail Mucin Essence: This product is more of a pure hydrator. Its ingredient list is simpler, focusing intensely on snail secretion filtrate to repair and moisturise.
- Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: This is a more complex, multi-tasking serum. It contains snail mucin plus Niacinamide, Propolis, Ginseng, and Rice Extract. It’s a “all-in-one” product that aims to hydrate, brighten, soothe, and protect.
If you want pure, simple hydration, COSRX is fantastic. If you want a more well-rounded treatment that targets multiple concerns for a radiant glow, the Beauty of Joseon serum is the winner.
Q10: What’s the best way to store it to keep the natural ingredients effective?
A: To preserve the potency of the natural antioxidants (like Ginseng) and other active ingredients, it’s best to store the bottle in a cool, dark, dry place, away from direct sunlight and away from heat sources like radiators or the steam from your shower. The bathroom cabinet is fine if it’s not excessively humid. Always ensure the lid is clicked shut tightly after each use.
