Ginseng, rice and propolis are directly in the product name at Beauty of Joseon. This arouses curiosity: What does a root have to do with a watery essence, and why does a serum contain a substance from the beehive?

Behind the ingredients, the brand tells of Korean history. In everyday life, this becomes very concrete decisions: a light layer before the cream, a thicker serum or sun care for the next morning. We combine the two and look at three products that explain the differences well.

What does Beauty of Joseon mean?

Beauty of Joseon is a contemporary South Korean cosmetics brand. Her name refers to the Joseon period in Korea. She cites, among other things, the Gyuhap Chongseo, a historical collection of household knowledge by the author Yi Bingheogak, as an inspiration. Beauty of Joseon takes up this story in its own brand narrative and combines it with today’s care products. The manufacturer describes this in its Brand Story .

You will also come across the term Hanbang. It refers to traditional Korean medicine; at Beauty of Joseon, it serves as inspiration for ingredients such as ginseng, rice and green tea. The products on the care shelf are still modern cosmetics. Traditional use of a plant does not automatically follow what a modern cream does with its extract.

You can like a story like this and still remain very practical when choosing: How does the desired texture feel? Does it match the existing sun protection? Is there anything included that you would like to avoid? That doesn’t detract from the joy of the product. It makes the decision easier.

How do I know which product I need?

Many Beauty of Joseon names mention two central ingredients, such as propolis and niacinamide. This is pleasant for initial orientation. But the combination doesn’t say everything about the rest of the recipe. A short product name can be part of a long list of ingredients.

Also pay attention to the part that describes the product type: Essence Water, Serum or Sun. The most important everyday help is often already there. The watery essence is an additional layer of care; the serum is also applied and remains on the skin; Sunscreen takes on the task of sun protection. The names are best read together with their application.

Ginseng Essence Water: if you like watery care

The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water is a light, watery essence. The shop and manufacturer name, among other things, ginseng components, glycerin, niacinamide and panthenol. After cleansing, you apply it to your skin with your hands; This is followed by your further care.

As a choice, it is suitable for people who like to use something liquid before the cream. You can spread a small amount evenly using your hands. You can also tell whether this additional layer is comfortable for you by how your cream can be applied over it.

If you are interested in the plant, you can read more about ginseng, rice and green tea in skincare.

Glow Serum: Propolis and Niacinamide in a different texture

The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide is thicker than the Essence. In addition to the ingredients that give it its name, the recipe contains glycerin and betaine salicylates, among other things. The latter is part of the classification of the product, even if it is not written large on the front.

Gently spread two to three drops onto the skin and then apply your usual cream. This is how you can get to know the Glow Serum with propolis and niacinamide as a single new step.

Propolis is a material produced by bees for their hives. The serum is therefore not a vegan choice. If you have a known contact allergy to propolis, you should avoid it; Propolis can cause allergic skin reactions. This classification comes from the dermatological specialist source DermNet , not from the product name “Glow”.

If you are particularly interested in the second part of the name, our article on niacinamide explains why more percent does not automatically mean the more suitable choice.

Relief Sun: the white tube for the morning

The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics is a sun cream with a creamy texture. The linked shop recipe contains rice extract, niacinamide and several UV filters. The crucial task here is already clear: it’s about sun protection that you can use sufficiently and regularly.

The shop instructions call for a generous, even application at the end of your morning facial care. Before staying in the sun, the cream should be applied according to the package instructions; Re-applying cream is particularly important after swimming, sweating and drying off. If you only take a tiny blob because there are already many layers of care underneath, the number of these layers should be discussed.

There are other sun care products from Beauty of Joseon with similar-sounding names. Therefore, look at the full name and the specific packaging. A recommendation for Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics is not automatically a recommendation for any other tube from the brand. Our article will help you choose: Which sunscreen is right for my skin?

Do I need Essence and Serum together?

In a more extensive evening routine, cleansing could be followed first by the essence, then the serum and then a cream. This describes a possible order, not a shopping list. If you actually just want to get to know the sunscreen, you can keep your other care products for now.

Both additional care steps presented here contain niacinamide. This common component alone is not a reason to combine them. Rather, think about what interests you about each product: the watery application of the essence, the thicker serum texture or certain ingredients. Maybe your wish can be fulfilled with one of the two.

This doesn’t just save space. When you have a clear routine, it’s easier for you to notice which layer is distributed well and which is rolling or sticking under the next. It is helpful to only record one new step at a time. To make the basic distinction, we have compared Toner and Essence in more detail.

Is Beauty of Joseon suitable for sensitive skin?

A quiet brand presence is no guarantee of compatibility. The Glow Serum already has a specific ingredient, propolis, that is not suitable for some people. With the other products, the individual recipe and what you already know about your skin also count.

If your skin is currently burning or reacting to several products, I would postpone the desire to change brands completely. In this situation, more new ingredients are not a reliable shortcut. Our contribution to the skin barrier in cases of tightness and burning helps to distinguish cosmetic selection questions from complaints that should be clarified professionally.

Nor can it be deduced from the plant-based ingredients of individual products that the entire brand is vegan. Check this question for the specific product; With the propolis serum described here, the answer is clear.

Where can you find the right selection?

You can find the products described in the Beauty of Joseon collection at Bloom & Shine . Ginseng Essence Water is ideal for light care after washing; If you’re interested in propolis and niacinamide, the Glow Serum is your starting point.

If you want to include multiple brands, our overview of Korean skincare brands will accompany you. For the comparison you now have three different starting points: the watery ginseng essence, the thicker propolis serum and a sunscreen for the morning. Make a note of what you particularly like about your previous care. This is a helpful basis for your next purchase.

What we know for sure

• Beauty of Joseon uses Korean history and Hanbang as brand inspiration; The products described are modern cosmetics.
• Essence, serum and sunscreen take on different tasks.
• The Glow Serum contains propolis and is not a vegan choice. If you have a known propolis contact allergy, it should not be part of your routine.
• The same brand names and similar packaging do not replace a comparison of the specific variant.

Sources

• Beauty of Joseon: own brand history
• Beauty of Joseon: Ginseng Essence Water
• Beauty of Joseon: Glow Serum Propolis + Niacinamide
• Bloom & Shine: Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics, ingredients and application
• DermNet: Contact allergy to propolis

Product pages and sources checked on September 8, 2026.