Beauty of Joseon is regularly cited among the best Korean brands available in France, and for good reason on certain products. But not all products or all skin profiles are equal. Here's what we've observed after thousands of orders processed and formulas reviewed one by one.
This South Korean brand, founded in 2010, relies on ingredients from the traditional pharmacopoeia of the Joseon dynasty (ginseng, fermented rice, propolis, barley honey) and today distributes in over 40 countries. It impresses with its flagship products, but disappoints with others. This guide tells you which ones, for which skin type, and why the contradictory reviews you see everywhere often have a simple explanation.
Looking directly for products available in France? The entire range is stocked in Bordeaux, delivery in 2 to 3 days. (see Beauty of Joseon selection)
Is Beauty of Joseon's composition clean? 🌿
This is the question most asked by new customers, especially after the Que Choisir and Yuka rankings. The honest answer: the composition varies greatly depending on the product. Some formulas are remarkably minimalist, others contain ingredients that deserve attention.
Positive points across the entire range:
- Absence of parabens in almost all formulas
- Use of botanical extracts at functional (not just decorative) concentrations
- Fragrance present in some products but generally at low levels
- No denatured alcohol at the top of the ingredient list
What's worth knowing: the Dynasty Cream contains fragrance, which can be an issue for very sensitive or reactive skin. The Glow Deep serum and the Relief Sun, however, are among the most tolerated formulas. The Yuka app rates Beauty of Joseon products variably depending on the reference, with day creams rated lower than serums due to texturizing agents.
Specialist's advice: Yuka evaluates cosmetics based on a list of at-risk ingredients without considering concentration or formulation context. A "risky" Yuka ingredient can be completely harmless at the dose used in the product. Que Choisir is more rigorous but sometimes applies stricter criteria than current dermatological recommendations. Read the INCI list of each product individually, identify the ingredients you personally react to, and patch test before full use.
Product-by-product review: what really works 🧴
Here are reviews of the best-selling references, based on observed customer feedback and performance data.
| Product | Strengths | Limitations | For whom |
|---|---|---|---|
| Relief Sun SPF50+ | Natural finish, no white cast, rare lightness for an SPF50 | Not moisturizing enough on its own for very dry skin | All skin types, especially oily and combination |
| Dynasty Cream | Long-lasting hydration, rich texture, mature skin | Fragrance, can clog acne-prone skin | Dry and mature skin, not acne-prone |
| Glow Serum (propolis + niacinamide) | Visible radiance in 2-3 weeks, evens skin tone | Slightly sticky texture if not applied correctly | All skin types, ideal for mild hyperpigmentation |
| Revive Serum (ginseng + snail mucin) | Intense hydration, supports skin barrier | Thicker texture, better for evening care | Dehydrated, dry, mature skin |
| Calming Serum (heartleaf) | Fast soothing, well tolerated on sensitive skin | Limited brightening effect compared to other serums | Sensitive, reactive skin, diffuse redness |
The Relief Sun SPF50+ with probiotics and rice extract generates the best repurchase rate in the entire range. Formulated without octocrylene, without denatured alcohol, its finish is natural enough to be worn alone without foundation. For oily skin, it is one of the rare Korean SPFs that does not feel heavy.
The Dynasty Cream is often misused: it's a rich cream designed for night use or very dry skin in winter. Applying a thick layer in the morning on oily or combination skin will inevitably lead to discomfort and can clog pores. This is not a formula defect; it's a usage problem.
Beauty of Joseon Sunscreen: a complete review of Relief Sun ☀️
The Relief Sun SPF50+ is the product that made the brand visible in France, and the enthusiasm is justified for most skin profiles. A few specific points to know before buying.
The formula with rice extract and probiotics is non-comedogenic for the vast majority of tested skin types. It does not contain octocrylene, a chemical sunscreen filter involved in controversies about stability and endocrine disruptors. The finish is matte to natural depending on the skin type, without the "white mask" effect that often hinders the adoption of Korean SPFs in France.
The main limitation: on very dry skin in winter, Relief Sun alone does not provide enough hydration. A moisturizing cream is needed underneath. On oily skin in summer, it can be used alone after cleansing.
The Aqua Fresh Rice + B5 version is a slightly more moisturizing alternative, suitable for normal to dry skin that finds the classic version too light.
The Matte Sun Stick (mugwort + camellia) is a convenient option for touch-ups during the day on T-zones or under makeup, but it does not replace a full morning application.
If you want a complete analysis of Beauty of Joseon sunscreen with a comparison of the versions, our dedicated guide to Relief Sun details each variant and how to choose them according to your skin type.
Yuka and Que Choisir reviews of Beauty of Joseon: should you trust them? 🔍
Searches around "beauty of joseon yuka review" and "beauty of joseon composition review" are among the most frequent for the brand in France. Here's what you need to understand.
Yuka evaluates cosmetics based on a list of "problematic" ingredients without considering the formulation context: concentration used, product pH, interaction with other active ingredients. An ingredient classified as "at risk" can be completely harmless at the dose present in the formula. Conversely, some natural ingredients not flagged by Yuka can be irritating for specific profiles.
Que Choisir applies a more rigorous analysis grid. Its reports on Beauty of Joseon mainly concern the presence of fragrance in some formulas, notably the Dynasty Cream. This is real and useful information for sensitive skin, but it is not a systematic contraindication: fragrance at low concentration is tolerated by the vast majority of users.
The brand's Trustpilot reflects a known reality in the sector: reviews on brand websites are moderated, and non-editorialized third-party platforms concentrate extreme experiences in both directions. Francophone Reddit and specialized K-Beauty communities offer the most representative feedback on actual textures and tolerances.
How to integrate Beauty of Joseon into your Korean routine? 💧
The range is designed to work in layers, from lightest to heaviest, following the logic of the Korean routine.
Morning routine for combination to oily skin:
- Gentle cleanser
- Light hydrating toner or essence
- Glow Serum (propolis + niacinamide): 2 to 3 drops, patting in
- Light moisturizer if needed
- Relief Sun SPF50+: mandatory last step
Evening routine for dry or mature skin:
- Double cleansing (oil then foam)
- Toner or essence
- Revive Serum (ginseng + snail mucin)
- Dynasty Cream in a thin layer on still slightly damp skin
One often overlooked point: the Glow Serum contains niacinamide, which combines well with most active ingredients, including vitamin C. With retinol, apply them at separate steps (retinol in the evening, niacinamide in the morning) to limit any risk of irritation if you are new to these ingredients.
Who is Beauty of Joseon really for? 👥
Three profiles clearly get the most out of the brand.
The K-Beauty beginner looking for a reliable first product: the Relief Sun SPF50+ is the ideal entry point. Effective, well-tolerated, it allows you to discover the brand without risk. Budget: 13 to 16 euros.
The minimalist routine that wants 2 to 3 products that work: Glow Serum + Relief Sun cover the vast majority of needs for normal to combination skin, with formulas that coexist well.
Mature or dry skin looking for lasting hydration: Dynasty Cream and Revive Serum address this need with ingredients (ginseng, silk extract, snail mucin) clinically associated with supporting skin elasticity and hydration.
Beauty of Joseon, however, is less suitable for very active acne-prone skin (some rich formulas can worsen comedones), and for hypersensitive skin with a history of reaction to fragrances.
Frequently asked questions about Beauty of Joseon 💬
Is Beauty of Joseon a good brand?
Beauty of Joseon is a Korean brand founded in 2010, present in over 40 countries and strong on its flagship products. The Relief Sun and Glow Serum have a repurchase base built on real results. The range is less homogeneous than COSRX or Anua: some products suit almost all profiles, others (like the Dynasty Cream) are designed for a specific skin type. See the entire range available at Holy Skin.
What is Beauty of Joseon's best product?
The Relief Sun SPF50+ generates the best repurchase rate and suits the vast majority of skin types. It is also the safest entry point to discover the brand. For combination to oily skin, the Relief Sun + Glow Serum combo covers most needs with two products.
Is Joseon a good Korean brand?
Yes, in its areas of strength. Beauty of Joseon stands out from mainstream Korean brands with its formulas inspired by traditional pharmacopoeia (ginseng, fermented rice, propolis). It is less minimalist than COSRX in its ingredient lists, which is an advantage for dry and mature skin, and a risk factor for very sensitive or fragrance-reactive skin.
How long does it take to see results with Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum?
The niacinamide in Glow Serum works on radiance and dark spots, but visible results require 4 to 6 weeks of regular use. If you don't see any change in 2 weeks, that's normal. Giving up at this stage is the most common mistake. For a routine adapted to your skin type, you can take the free skin diagnostic.
Is Beauty of Joseon sunscreen suitable for daily year-round use?
Yes. The Relief Sun SPF50+ is formulated for daily use, without octocrylene or denatured alcohol. Its light and natural finish makes it usable all year round. In winter, very dry skin should apply a moisturizer underneath, as SPF alone does not provide enough hydration for this skin type.
Customer reviews: what we actually observe 💬
The feedback observed from several thousand K-Beauty orders in France paints a consistent picture. The Relief Sun generates the best satisfaction rate and the highest repurchase rate, with very positive feedback on the finish, lightness, and tolerance. The Glow Serum convinces customers who give it time to work (minimum 4 weeks), but disappoints those who expect results in less than 15 days.
The Dynasty Cream is more polarizing: highly appreciated by dry and mature skin, it generates negative feedback from combination skin types who use it in the morning in too thick a layer. This is often a matter of usage, not intrinsic product quality.
Rare negative feedback concerns two points: fragrance (very reactive skin) and variable availability of certain references. Feedback on composition remains minor and primarily comes from customers who used Yuka as their sole evaluation criterion.
Beauty of Joseon is a solid brand, with flagship products that have proven their effectiveness on a large scale. The Relief Sun and Glow Serum are safe bets for the majority of skin types. The Dynasty Cream deserves to be used on the right profile (dry skin, evening care) to deliver on its promises. Avoid judging the entire range based on a single reference or a single evaluation tool.
If you want to identify the products best suited to your skin type before buying, you can take the free skin diagnostic and receive a personalized selection. The entire available Beauty of Joseon range is stocked in France: see the full Beauty of Joseon selection.
