How effective is Beauty of Joseon's cult-favorite Glow Serum at repairing skin damage caused by stress and seasonal shifts?

By Vickie Le

Published: Thursday, Jul 17, 2025

A K-Beauty Staple: Putting It to the Test

We’re putting this hanbang-inspired K-Beauty staple to the test! You’d be hard-pressed to find a Korean beauty lover that isn’t familiar with the hanbang-inspired Korean skincare line, Beauty of Joseon. By tapping into traditional ingredients like ginseng, rice, and Korean plum, this perfectly curated and chic brand has cemented itself as a pillar of effective, classic skincare.

Where Beauty of Joseon truly shines is with their serums. Each unique serum is specifically formulated with traditionally effective ingredients to tackle a specific skin concern, from brightness to skin barrier repair. The Korean brand does skincare so well that their Revive Serum currently ranks as my number one skincare product. The thicker formulation is packed with ginseng, snail mucin, licorice root water, and mushroom, which all work together to expertly plump up my fine lines and wrinkles. Did I mention the line’s packaging is so minimally chic that it elevates the look of my bathroom counter?

Recently, with the onset of dryer, colder weather, my skin began to look a bit lackluster and started producing dry patches on my cheeks and alongside my nose. This dullness and dehydration, triggered by a perfect storm of stress and seasonal transition, prompted me to seek out a treatment focused on brightening, hydration, and providing a touch of radiance. These new skin concerns led me to another formulation from Beauty of Joseon’s serum line.

Enter an additional cult favorite from Beauty of Joseon: their Glow Serum.

A Closer Look at Beauty of Joseon's Glow Serum

Beauty of Joseon's Glow Serum stays true to the brand's hanbang philosophy by using the power of traditional plant and flower extracts. This product, which promises "glowing, radiant skin," also features powerhouse ingredients like propolis and niacinamide to further brighten, calm, and nourish the skin.

The serum was originally created to help calm acne-prone skin, but it has since gained praise across all skin types, with many calling it the K-Beauty secret to "honey skin." Its blend of propolis (a powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory), niacinamide (a top brightening and oil-reducing ingredient), and antioxidant-rich turmeric works together to calm flare-ups, brighten, hydrate, and protect the skin. The formula is also free of added fragrances, alcohol, parabens, and sulfates, making it a good option for those with sensitive skin.

Putting the Serum to the Test

With her combination skin experiencing stress-induced breakouts and dry patches, the author incorporated the Glow Serum into her nighttime routine. She used it after cleansing and toning, noting that layering niacinamide products can sometimes cause irritation.

The serum has a thick, honey-like consistency with a luxurious gold tint. While it takes a little longer to absorb, the author noticed an immediate plumping and glowing effect, likely due to the hydrating power of glycerin.

The Long-Term Verdict

After four weeks of consistent use, the author saw a dramatic decrease in the dry patches on her cheeks and nose. Her skin became more balanced and bright. The niacinamide was particularly effective at reducing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and controlling oil in her T-zone, making her skin glow rather than look greasy. The author concludes that the serum is effective and will keep it in her skincare routine year-round.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum?

The Glow Serum is a hanbang-inspired K-Beauty product designed to create "glowing, radiant skin." It's formulated with traditional Korean ingredients like ginseng, as well as modern powerhouses like propolis and niacinamide.

2. What are the key ingredients in the Glow Serum and what do they do?

The main ingredients are:

Propolis: A powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory that helps to calm and soothe the skin.

Niacinamide: A key ingredient for brightening, reducing oil, and minimizing the appearance of pores.

Turmeric: An antioxidant-rich ingredient that protects the skin from damage.

3. What kind of skin is this serum best for?

While it was originally created for acne-prone skin, the Glow Serum has become a favorite for all skin types. It's particularly effective for combination skin that is dull, dehydrated, or prone to breakouts and dry patches.

4. How does the Glow Serum feel on the skin?

The serum has a thick, honey-like consistency with a slight gold tint. It takes a little while to fully absorb, but it leaves the skin feeling plump and looking radiant without any stickiness.

5. How long does it take to see results?

You may notice an immediate plumping and glowing effect after application. For longer-term results like reduced dry patches, balanced skin, and brighter tone, consistent use for about four weeks is recommended.

6. Can I use this serum with other products?

Yes, but be careful when using it with other products that contain high amounts of niacinamide. Layering too many niacinamide products can cause skin irritation or pilling. It's best to use it at a separate time from other niacinamide-heavy products.

Hurry up! Sale 10% CODE SAVE10.

Sale ends in:

00

Days

00

Hrs

00

Mins

00

Secs