Beauty of Joseon is a superstar when it comes to K-beauty skincare. Crowned internet darling and guest-star on many recommended lists—it is one of the most beloved skincare brands to emerge in the recent years.

If you haven’t tried any BOJ skincare yet, you’re probably wondering, why? And well, the beauty is in the details—which you can find out by reading on!

Hanbang and K-beauty

Beauty of Joseon uses natural and Hanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) ingredients utilised ever since the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1920). These ingredients were not only used for their medicinal benefits—some were used for beauty and skincare even then.

• Ginseng
• Rice Bran
• Green Plum and Plum Flower
• Propolis
• Green Tea
• Centella Asiatica
• Red Bean
• Mugwort 

Note: Not all ingredients listed above were used during the Joseon Dynasty. BOJ does not use ingredients like those exclusively.

Your Beauty of Joseon Skincare Routine

BOJ has a wide range of skincare products for different skin types and preferences. If you’re planning your next self-care sesh, you can check out our list of Beauty of Joseon recommendations per skincare step below. 😉 

1. First contact: the First Cleanse

We are firm believers in the magic of double cleansing and how it helps make sure your skin is free of dirt and irritants which can cause a myriad of skin problems.

BOJ’s Radiance Cleansing Balm gently melts makeup and sebum. In addition, it contains nutrient-rich rice water and fermented grains with brightening and moisturising benefits, as well as chrysanthemum extract to protect and soothe your skin.

Beauty of Joseon also offers the Ginseng Cleansing Oil which contains 50% soya oil. This natural oil is the lightest yet potently effective ingredient to help remove dirt, makeup, and the like. Its ginseng seed oil also helps protect your skin from stressors.

2. Double tap and do a second cleanse

For your water-based cleanser, we recommend the Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser. This contains natural, plant-derived Hanbang ingredients from plum and mung bean seeds. Its formula is slightly acidic to help cleanse and moisturise your skin without weakening or damaging its barrier.

3. Exfoliate dead skin cells—and your worries

Exfoliating regularly is a good skincare practice if you want clear and glowing skin. At present, there are 3 types of exfoliation: mechanical, chemical, and physical. It's our luck that BOJ spoils us with great skincare products for both chemical and physical exfoliation.

The Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel is a physical exfoliator that does not irritate your skin. It contains plum flower water which moisturises on top of cleansing the dead skin cells, leaving your skin with a plump and smooth finish.

For chemical exfoliation, we recommend the BOJ Green Plum Refreshing Toner. Its key ingredients are green plum water + mung bean extract which help remove dead skin cells, care for skin texture, and soothe your skin by working together. For a gentle yet thorough exfoliation, this toner also contains AHA and BHA.

The BOJ Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask contains 30% red bean extract, which has been a well-loved herbal and skincare ingredient throughout Korean history! Women of Joseon used ground red beans (with mung beans) to wash their faces. We continue to use red beans today because the saponin it has helps absorb sebum and acts as a natural exfoliant.

4. Empower your skin with essences

A skincare essence preps and rehydrates your skin all while giving it a boost through active ingredients.

The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water is a fresh, nourishing, and hydrating essence that contains Hanbang ingredients like ginseng root water. This formulation helps smoothen your skin, revitalise your complexion, and regulate oiliness!

5. The S in SELF-CARE? Serums!

If you want to explore and cycle through different options, we recommend getting the BOJ Hanbang Serum Discovery Kit since it includes 4 skin-friendly yet powerful serums in mini sizes.

You can try the Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Arbutin to lighten dark spots and brighten your skin. This serum is especially helpful for people who want to revitalise dull skin.

To soothe irritated skin, you can give the BOJ Calming Serum: Green Tea + Panthenol a try. This lightweight serum is enriched with naturally-derived Hanbang ingredients to calm and moisturise your skin all while targeting redness and sensitivity.

The Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin may be your pick if you are looking for a serum that can help improve fine lines and wrinkles, even out your skin tone, and reduce hyperpigmentation. As a BOJ product, it is enriched with natural ingredients like ginseng, matsutake mushroom, and more.

For individuals with acne-prone skin, we recommend the BOJ Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide! This serum contains 60% propolis which is a natural antiseptic and anti-inflammatory ingredient—perfect for calming and soothing irritated skin.

6. I spy with my little eye: a fresh-faced peach!

Your eyes can affect how tired or refreshed you look. The BOJ Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal can help when your skin, particularly the undereye area, lacks elasticity or to lessen wrinkles.

This eye serum contains ginseng root extract which is known to be effective in improving wrinkles by quickly supplying moisture and maintaining your skin's overall health.

7. We all need support—even your skincare

Using a sheet mask is a great way to supplement your skincare routine, especially if you choose mask packs that target your skin’s specific needs. 

Beauty of Joseon has the Centella Asiatica Calming Mask for individuals who need a little more push in hydrating and soothing their skin. It contains 15% Centella Asiatica extract, Mugwort extract, and ginseng extract—all effective ingredients for calming irritated skin.

8. Give your skin some extra lovin’

Sometimes, our skin deserves an extra fancy treat—like a luxurious and nourishing cream enriched with Hanbang ingredients including orchid extract, rice bran extract, ginseng root, and more. The Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream provides all these plus deep hydration, moisture, and nourishment to your skin, plus plus brightening effects.

9. Sunscreen: Self-love throughout the seasons

SPF is truly the one constant when it comes to skincare. No matter the season or weather, applying and re-applying sunscreen is the best way to protect yourself against the sun. SPF is also one of the major driving forces behind Beauty of Joseon’s rise to beloved fan-favourite status.

You may have heard of the BOJ Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+/PA++++ chemical sunscreen already as this was the K-beauty sunscreen that launched a thousand ships. The BOJ icon is lightweight, creamy, and comfortable on the skin, similar to a moisturising cream.

Beauty of Joseon also has the Matte Sun Stick: Mugwort+Camelia SPF 50+ PA++++ which was created in collaboration with cosmetic chemist, aesthetician, and influencer Ramón @glowbyramon. It is non-greasy and ideal for oily skin, combination-oily skin types, as well as those with sensitive skin.

If rice or mugwort aren’t your go-to ingredients, you can also check out the Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF50+/PA++++. Ginseng, once known as “Shincho” or herb from the gods, helps supply and lock in moisture and improve wrinkles. In addition, this BOJ sunscreen contains 2% Niacinamide to help maintain the oil-moisture balance and brighten your complexion.

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With natural ingredients as its key components, Beauty of Joseon gives you gentle yet effective skincare that nourishes your skin while targeting your specific skin concerns. This K-beauty brand is a wonderful example of how loving your skin can also mean being extra careful with the ingredients we choose to include in our skincare routine.