Beauty of Joseon Serum Review
Our verdict
Beauty of Joseon combines propolis extract, niacinamide, and BHA in a 30 ml alcohol-free drop serum for just $15.50, backed by 1,450 reviews and a 4.6-star rating. It is one of the best-value multi-active serums available, with strong community validation and a clean, targeted ingredient profile.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Shoppers wanting a proven, multi-ingredient Korean serum that targets pore minimizing, soothing, and hydration at a price well under $20.
Skip if
You have skin that is reactive to BHA (salicylic acid family), or you need a serum without any exfoliating ingredient.
- Form Drop
- Skin type All
- Key ingredients Propolis Extract, Niacinamide, Bha
- Benefits Hydrating, Moisturizing
- Targets Hydrating, Pore Minimizing, Soothing
- Size 30 Milliliters
- Priced 30% below the category median ($22.00 across 291 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 1,450 owner ratings
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Popularity4.0/5
1,450 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 has built a strong reputation in the K-beauty community, and this serum showcases why. Three named actives, propolis extract, niacinamide, and BHA, work across different concerns in one affordable formula. Propolis is known for its calming, antioxidant properties. Niacinamide targets the appearance of uneven skin tone and enlarged pores. BHA supports gentle exfoliation that may help with surface texture and congestion.
At $15.50 for 30 ml, the value is exceptional, especially given the 1,450-review track record and 4.6-star average. This is not a new or unproven product: a review base of this size at this price point gives a high degree of confidence in real-world performance. The formula is also alcohol-free, which is a meaningful plus for those who find alcohol drying or irritating.
The serum suits all skin types and all skin tones per the listing. The combination of soothing and pore-minimizing targets makes it a practical morning or evening addition, though users with BHA sensitivity should check with a dermatologist or patch test before committing.
Pros
- 1,450 reviews and a 4.6-star rating provide strong real-world validation
- Three distinct actives: propolis extract, niacinamide, and BHA
- Alcohol-free formula reduces the risk of dryness or irritation
- Under $16 for 30 ml is exceptional value for a named-active serum
- Targets pore minimizing, soothing, and hydration in one product
Cons
- BHA may be irritating for very sensitive skin or those with salicylate sensitivities
- 30 ml is a standard but not generous size for twice-daily use
- No information on sun sensitivity cautions for daytime BHA use in the listing
Specifications
- Form
- Drop
- Skin type
- All
- Key ingredients
- Propolis Extract, Niacinamide, Bha
- Benefits
- Hydrating, Moisturizing
- Targets
- Hydrating, Pore Minimizing, Soothing
- Size
- 30 Milliliters
- Free of
- Alcohol Free
- Skin tone
- Uneven
Performance notes
Propolis extract is a natural compound with antioxidant and soothing properties that may help with the appearance of calm, balanced skin. Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 with well-documented support for the look of even skin tone, minimized pores, and hydration. BHA, typically salicylic acid or a related compound, is a chemical exfoliant that works in the pore lining and on the skin's surface to support clearer-looking texture. Together they address soothing, brightening, and surface smoothing, which is a thoughtfully layered combination for the price.
What buyers say
With 1,450 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this is among the most strongly validated K-beauty serums in this price range. High purchase frequency reflects an active repeat-buyer base. Buyers consistently praise the lightweight texture, the ingredient value for the price, and the noticeable improvement in the look of skin tone and pores with continued use. Negative reviews are rare at this volume and typically involve personal ingredient sensitivities rather than product quality issues.
More from Beauty of Joseon
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Frequently asked questions
Is BHA safe to use every day?
Many people use BHA serums daily without issue, but those with sensitive skin may prefer to start with every-other-day use to assess tolerance. BHA is a gentle exfoliant when used in low concentrations, but as with any exfoliating ingredient, it is important to wear sunscreen during the day, as exfoliants can make skin more sun-sensitive.
What does niacinamide do in an anti-aging serum?
Niacinamide is a well-researched form of vitamin B3 that may help support the appearance of even skin tone, reduced pore size, improved skin texture, and hydration. It is also known for being gentle and well-tolerated across most skin types. In the context of anti-aging, it is valued for the look of smoother, more uniform skin rather than targeting deep wrinkles directly.
Can I use this serum with retinol?
Niacinamide layers well with retinol and can actually help support the skin's tolerance of retinoids. BHA and retinol can both be active on the skin, so using them together in the same step may cause irritation for some. A common approach is to use the BHA serum on alternating evenings or in the morning, with retinol reserved for evenings when BHA is not in use.