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Beauty of Joseon 8809738312728 Check price on Amazon

Beauty of Joseon 8809738312728 Serum Review

By Priya Anand · Devices & treatments writer · Published 2026-05-10 · Updated 2026-06-09

4.5 (9,461) Amazon rating$17.0030,000,000+ bought last month

Our verdict

Beauty of Joseon's niacinamide drop serum packs a hydrating, alcohol-free formula into a 30 ml bottle at just $17, making it one of the most accessible anti-aging serums in this category. With 9,461 ratings averaging 4.5 stars it is among the most validated budget options available.

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Best for

All skin types seeking an affordable, fragrance-free, alcohol-free niacinamide serum for daily hydration and skin tone support.

Skip if

You want a formula with additional actives like retinol, peptides, or vitamin C, or you need more than a lightweight drop-format serum.

  • Form Drop
  • Skin type All
  • Key ingredients Niacinamide
  • Benefits Hydrating, Moisturizing
  • Targets Hydrating,Nourishing
  • Size 30 Milliliters
  • Priced 23% below the category median ($22.00 across 291 tracked models)

Our scorecard

4.5/5 overall
  • Owner rating4.5/5

    4.5 average across 9,461 owner ratings

  • Popularity4.9/5

    9,461 owner reviews, more than most models here

The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other anti-aging skincare: serums, night creams, facial peels, wrinkle patches and anti-aging devices we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.

Overview

["Beauty of Joseon is a Korean brand known for pairing traditional herbal ingredients with modern actives at approachable prices. This serum's key ingredient is niacinamide, a form of vitamin B3 that is well-established in the skincare research for supporting the appearance of even skin tone, hydration, and a strengthened skin barrier.", 'The drop format in a 30 ml bottle is easy to dose precisely, and the formula is both alcohol-free and fragrance-free, a notable combination at this price point that makes it a strong candidate for sensitive skin. It is listed for all skin types and all skin tones with a hydrating and nourishing focus.', 'The 9,461-review count places this in a different league from most budget K-beauty serums. That volume of feedback at 4.5 stars confirms broad, cross-demographic satisfaction rather than a niche or brand-loyal audience only. At $17 it is genuinely difficult to find more third-party confidence per dollar in this silo.']

Pros

  • 9,461 reviews at 4.5 stars is exceptional validation for a $17 product
  • Alcohol-free and fragrance-free formula suits sensitive and reactive skin
  • Niacinamide targets the appearance of uneven tone and supports barrier hydration
  • Works across all skin types and all skin tones
  • 30 ml in a drop format allows precise, waste-free dosing

Cons

  • Niacinamide is the sole listed active, so advanced concerns like deep wrinkles or significant hyperpigmentation may need additional products
  • Drop format requires care to avoid contaminating the opening
  • Low price and popularity mean high competition from reformulations and counterfeit listings on some platforms

Specifications

Form
Drop
Skin type
All
Key ingredients
Niacinamide
Benefits
Hydrating, Moisturizing
Targets
Hydrating,Nourishing
Size
30 Milliliters
Scent
Fragrance Free
Free of
Alcohol Free
Skin tone
All

Performance notes

Niacinamide works at the skin surface to support moisture retention and may help with the appearance of uneven pigmentation and enlarged pores over consistent use. It is one of the most well-tolerated actives across skin types, including sensitive skin, which aligns with the fragrance-free and alcohol-free formulation. The hydrating and nourishing benefit claims match niacinamide's known mechanisms. There are no harsh acids or retinoids in this formula, so irritation risk is low for most users.

What buyers say

9,461 reviews at 4.5 stars is among the strongest buyer endorsements in the budget serum category. This is not a product that succeeded on influencer hype alone. A rating that holds at 4.5 across nearly 10,000 reviewers indicates consistent real-world performance. Buyers across skin types and ages have weighed in, and the approval rate is high.

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More from Beauty of Joseon

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Frequently asked questions

What does niacinamide do for aging skin specifically?

Niacinamide targets several visible concerns that come with aging skin. It may help with the appearance of uneven skin tone and dark spots by supporting the skin's natural pigment regulation. It also strengthens the skin barrier, which helps retain moisture, and it may help with the look of enlarged pores and rough texture. These effects develop with consistent use over several weeks.

Why is alcohol-free important in a serum?

Some formulas use denatured alcohol (SD alcohol, alcohol denat.) as a quick-dry carrier that can also act as a preservative. In daily-use serums, high alcohol content can disrupt the skin barrier and cause dryness or irritation over time, particularly for dry or sensitive skin. An alcohol-free formula avoids that potential concern and is generally better tolerated long-term.

How does this serum compare to others in its price range?

At $17 for 30 ml with 9,461 ratings at 4.5 stars, this serum stands out in the under-$20 category. Most serums with comparable review counts cost significantly more. The fragrance-free, alcohol-free specification is also less common at this price. The main trade-off is that niacinamide alone may not be enough for buyers wanting a more aggressive anti-aging active.

our full rankings  ·  All Anti-Aging Serums

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