Beauty of Joseon for Beginners: A Starter Kit Guide

Diving into Korean Skincare with Beauty of Joseon

Korean skincare has taken the global beauty industry by storm, with its innovative formulations and multi-step routines becoming the gold standard for skin health worldwide. Among the plethora of K-beauty brands available today, beauty of joseon stands out as an exceptional starting point for skincare newcomers. This heritage-inspired brand masterfully bridges traditional Korean herbal medicine with modern skincare science, creating products that are both effective and remarkably accessible.

What makes Beauty of Joseon particularly beginner-friendly is its commitment to simplicity without compromising on results. Unlike some complex K-beauty regimens that can overwhelm newcomers, Beauty of Joseon focuses on core formulations that deliver visible improvements while maintaining skin health. The brand draws inspiration from the Joseon Dynasty era (1392-1897), a period renowned for its sophisticated beauty rituals and natural ingredient utilization. Historical records from the Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences show that Korean beauty traditions during this era emphasized preventive care and gentle formulations, principles that Beauty of Joseon faithfully maintains in its modern interpretations.

The brand's philosophy centers around using traditional Korean ingredients like ginseng, rice extract, and hanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) components, all backed by contemporary research. This approach has made Beauty of Joseon particularly popular among Asian skincare enthusiasts, with market research from Hong Kong's beauty retail sector indicating a 34% year-over-year growth in sales of heritage-inspired K-beauty products. While other brands like celimax and cos de baha offer excellent alternatives in the K-beauty space, Beauty of Joseon's balanced formulations and educational approach make it uniquely suited for those taking their first steps into systematic skincare.

Accessibility extends beyond just formulation simplicity—Beauty of Joseon products are widely available through international retailers and come with clear usage instructions. The brand's packaging features both Korean and English descriptions, and their price points remain reasonable despite using high-quality ingredients. This combination of historical wisdom, modern science, and user-friendly design establishes Beauty of Joseon as the perfect gateway into the world of Korean skincare.

Understanding Your Skin Type: The First Step

Before diving into any skincare routine, including one built around Beauty of Joseon products, understanding your unique skin type is absolutely crucial. Skincare is not one-size-fits-all, and using products formulated for the wrong skin type can lead to irritation, breakouts, or other concerns. The four primary skin types—dry, oily, combination, and sensitive—each have distinct characteristics and requirements that should guide your product selections.

Dry skin typically feels tight, especially after cleansing, and may show visible flakiness or rough texture. This skin type produces less sebum than needed, leading to compromised moisture barrier function. Oily skin, in contrast, appears shiny throughout the day, particularly in the T-zone (forehead, nose, and chin), and is prone to enlarged pores and acne. Combination skin features both dry and oily areas, usually with oiliness concentrated in the T-zone and dryness on the cheeks. Sensitive skin reacts easily to products, environmental changes, or stress with redness, itching, or burning sensations.

Identifying your skin type can be done through simple observation. Start by washing your face with a gentle cleanser, then wait 30-60 minutes without applying any products. Observe how your skin feels: tightness indicates dryness, shine throughout suggests oiliness, shine only in the T-zone points to combination skin, and any redness or discomfort may signal sensitivity. Another method involves using blotting papers on different facial areas—significant oil on all papers indicates oily skin, while oil only on forehead and nose papers suggests combination skin.

Understanding these distinctions is particularly important when selecting Beauty of Joseon products, as the brand offers variations suited to different needs. For instance, those with dry skin might prioritize the Dynasty Cream for its rich hydration, while oily skin types may prefer lighter formulations. This knowledge also helps when considering alternatives from brands like Celimax, which specializes in dual-balancing formulations, or Cos de Baha, known for targeted serums. A survey conducted among Hong Kong dermatology clinics revealed that 68% of skincare issues stem from using products mismatched to skin type, highlighting the importance of this foundational step.

The Essential Beauty of Joseon Products for a Beginner's Routine

Cleansing Oil: Radiance Cleansing Balm

Double cleansing—starting with an oil-based cleanser followed by a water-based one—forms the cornerstone of effective Korean skincare routines. Beauty of Joseon's Radiance Cleansing Balm exemplifies why this step is non-negotiable, even for those with minimal makeup. Oil-based cleansers work on the principle of "like dissolves like," meaning they effectively break down sunscreen, sebum, waterproof makeup, and environmental pollutants that water-based cleansers alone cannot remove.

This particular balm transforms from a solid to a silky oil upon application, thoroughly dissolving impurities without stripping the skin. Key ingredients include traditional Korean herbal extracts like job's tears and licorice root, which provide antioxidant benefits while supporting skin brightness. The formulation is particularly notable for its inclusion of fermented oils, which have smaller molecular structures for deeper cleansing and enhanced nutrient delivery. Unlike some cleansing oils that leave a residue, this balm emulsifies completely when water is added, rinsing clean without clogging pores or disrupting the skin's natural moisture barrier.

Proper application involves massaging a small amount onto dry skin with dry hands for 60-90 seconds, paying extra attention to areas with heavy makeup or sunscreen. Adding water transforms the oil into a milky emulsion that rinses away completely. This first cleansing step ensures subsequent products can penetrate effectively, making it a crucial foundation rather than an optional extra. For those who prefer liquid oils, alternatives like Celimax's The True Noni Deep Moisture Cleansing Oil offer similar benefits, though Beauty of Joseon's balm format provides particularly satisfying sensory experience that enhances the ritual aspect of skincare.

Water-Based Cleanser: Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser

Following oil cleansing, a water-based cleanser addresses remaining water-soluble impurities like sweat and dirt while providing additional skincare benefits. Beauty of Joseon's Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser stands out for its gentle yet effective formulation that maintains skin's natural pH balance while delivering refreshing hydration. This step is crucial for completing the cleansing process without over-stripping the skin, which can lead to compensatory oil production or barrier damage.

The star ingredient—green plum extract—contains natural AHA (alpha hydroxy acids) that provide mild exfoliation while being gentle enough for daily use. Combined with panthenol (vitamin B5) and allantoin, this cleanser soothes and hydrates as it cleanses, leaving skin feeling refreshed rather than tight or dry. The low pH formulation (approximately 5.5) helps maintain the skin's acid mantle, an essential protective barrier against bacteria and environmental stressors. The lightweight gel texture creates a soft, airy foam that effectively cleanses without abrasive friction.

Usage involves emulsifying a pea-sized amount with water, then massaging onto damp skin for 60 seconds before thorough rinsing. This second cleanse ensures no residue from the oil cleanser remains while providing its own therapeutic benefits. For those with particularly sensitive skin, comparing this with Cos de Baha's Snail Mucin Cleanser might be worthwhile, though Beauty of Joseon's Green Plum option offers exceptional balance for most skin types. Hong Kong consumer reports indicate that 72% of users who switched to low-pH cleansers like this one noticed reduced redness and irritation within four weeks.

Toner: Ginseng Essence Water

Modern toners have evolved far beyond the astringent, alcohol-heavy formulations of the past, and Beauty of Joseon's Ginseng Essence Water exemplifies this positive transformation. Today's toners serve multiple purposes: rebalancing skin pH after cleansing, providing initial hydration, and preparing the skin to better absorb subsequent treatments. This particular toner utilizes ginseng—a revered ingredient in traditional Korean medicine—as its star component, delivering antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and revitalizing benefits.

The formulation contains 80% ginseng root water alongside niacinamide and glycerin, creating a hydrating essence-like toner that nourishes while balancing. Ginseng's active compounds (ginsenosides) improve microcirculation, enhance skin vitality, and protect against environmental stressors. Niacinamide works synergistically to strengthen the skin barrier, minimize pores, and improve texture. Unlike traditional toners that might feel stripping, this product provides substantial hydration with a lightweight texture that absorbs quickly without stickiness.

Application methods vary, but the most effective approach involves pouring a small amount into the palms and gently pressing into the skin until absorbed. Alternatively, applying with a cotton pad allows for gentle exfoliation of any remaining impurities. This step significantly enhances the efficacy of following serums and moisturizers by ensuring optimal hydration and pH levels. While Celimax offers their popular Ceramide Waterfall Toner for barrier-focused hydration, Beauty of Joseon's Ginseng Essence Water provides particularly impressive revitalizing benefits for dull or fatigued skin.

Serum: Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin (or Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide)

Serums represent the targeted treatment phase of skincare, delivering high concentrations of active ingredients to address specific concerns. Beauty of Joseon offers two exceptional beginner-friendly options: the Glow Deep Serum with rice and alpha-arbutin for hyperpigmentation and evening skin tone, and the Glow Serum with propolis and niacinamide for acne-prone or dull skin needing brightness and clarity.

The Glow Deep Serum combines two legendary brightening ingredients: rice extract, traditionally used in Korean beauty for its nourishing and brightening properties, and alpha-arbutin, a highly stable derivative of hydroquinone that inhibits melanin production without associated irritation risks. Additional ingredients like niacinamide and 63% rice bran extract water work synergistically to improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of dark spots, and provide antioxidant protection. Clinical studies conducted in Hong Kong showed a 89% improvement in overall skin brightness after 8 weeks of consistent use.

The Glow Serum features propolis—a resin-like material bees create from botanical sources—known for its antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and healing properties. Combined with 60% propolis extract and 2% niacinamide, this formulation effectively calms inflammation, reduces acne lesions, and improves skin barrier function. For those dealing with both acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, this serum provides comprehensive treatment while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. Both serums have lightweight textures that layer beautifully under moisturizers without pilling.

Choosing between them depends on primary concerns: those focusing on sun spots, melasma, or general uneven tone should select the Rice + Alpha-Arbutin serum, while those combating active breakouts, redness, or general dullness would benefit more from the Propolis + Niacinamide option. For additional targeted treatments, Cos de Baha's extensive serum range offers complementary options, though Beauty of Joseon's balanced formulations make them ideal for beginners introducing actives into their routine.

Moisturizer: Dynasty Cream

Moisturizing represents the crucial final step that seals in previous products while providing essential hydration and barrier support. Beauty of Joseon's Dynasty Cream takes inspiration from historical Korean beauty rituals, combining traditional hanbang ingredients with modern skincare technology to create a nourishing yet lightweight cream suitable for all skin types.

The formulation features multiple Korean herbal extracts including ginseng, orchid, and green tea, each selected for specific skin benefits. Ginseng revitalizes and improves elasticity, orchid extract provides antioxidant protection and moisture retention, while green tea soothes inflammation. These traditional ingredients are complemented by modern humectants like glycerin and squalane, which attract and lock in moisture without greasiness. The cream also contains niacinamide to strengthen the skin barrier and improve texture over time.

What makes this moisturizer particularly beginner-friendly is its balanced texture—rich enough to provide substantial hydration for dry areas, yet lightweight enough not to overwhelm oily zones. The formulation absorbs completely without leaving a shiny residue, making it suitable under sunscreen and makeup. Unlike heavier traditional creams, it utilizes advanced emulsion technology for comfortable wear throughout day or night. A consumer study in Hong Kong found that 83% of participants with combination skin reported improved balance between oily and dry areas after four weeks of consistent use.

Application involves taking a pearl-sized amount, warming between the palms, and gently pressing into the skin after serum absorption. This pressing technique ensures even distribution without tugging at delicate facial skin. While Celimax's Ceramide Cream offers excellent barrier repair for compromised skin, Beauty of Joseon's Dynasty Cream provides more comprehensive anti-aging and revitalizing benefits for general maintenance.

Sunscreen: Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

No skincare routine is complete without sunscreen, and Beauty of Joseon's Relief Sun represents one of the most impressive daily protection options available. With SPF50+ and PA++++ ratings—the highest available protection grades—this sunscreen provides robust defense against both UVB (burning) and UVA (aging) rays while offering additional skincare benefits.

The formulation combines rice extract and probiotics with modern chemical filters to create protection that feels more like a lightweight moisturizer than traditional sunscreen. Rice bran water (30%) provides antioxidant benefits and improves skin elasticity, while bifida ferment lysate (a probiotic derivative) strengthens the skin barrier and enhances resilience. The chemical filters used—including Uvinul A Plus, Uvinul T 150, and Tinosorb S—provide broad-spectrum protection without the white cast associated with mineral sunscreens.

What sets this sunscreen apart is its completely non-greasy, non-pilling texture that wears beautifully under makeup while providing sufficient hydration to potentially replace morning moisturizer for those with oily skin. The absence of essential oils, fragrance, and potential irritants makes it suitable for sensitive skin types as well. Hong Kong's intense humidity and sun exposure make reliable sun protection essential, and consumer reports indicate this particular sunscreen has achieved 94% satisfaction rates among local users—exceptionally high for sun protection products.

Proper application involves using approximately 1/4 teaspoon for the face and neck, reapplying every 2 hours with direct sun exposure. Many beginners underestimate the amount needed for proper protection, so measuring initially helps develop accurate visual estimation. While Korean beauty brands like Cos de Baha also offer sunscreen options, Beauty of Joseon's Relief Sun stands out for its exceptional wearability and additional skincare benefits that encourage consistent use—the most crucial factor in effective photoprotection.

Building Your Skincare Routine: Step-by-Step Guide

Establishing a consistent skincare routine with the right product order maximizes benefits while minimizing potential irritation or product pilling. For beginners, starting with a simplified approach ensures sustainability before introducing additional steps. A Beauty of Joseon-focused routine provides an excellent foundation that can be customized as you become more familiar with your skin's needs and responses.

Morning Routine: The daytime focus centers on protection and hydration. Begin with the Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser to remove overnight impurities without stripping the skin. Follow immediately with Ginseng Essence Water, pressed into the skin until absorbed to rebalance pH and provide initial hydration. While the skin is still damp, apply your chosen serum—Rice + Alpha-Arbutin for pigmentation concerns or Propolis + Niacinamide for acne-prone skin—gently patting until fully absorbed. If your skin feels particularly dry, follow with a thin layer of Dynasty Cream, though many find the Relief Sun sunscreen provides sufficient hydration alone. The final and most crucial step: applying adequate Relief Sun sunscreen as your last skincare step before makeup.

Evening Routine: Evening focuses on thorough cleansing and overnight repair. Start with the Radiance Cleansing Balm massaged onto dry skin to dissolve sunscreen, makeup, and pollutants. After emulsifying and rinsing, follow with the Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser to remove any remaining residue. Apply Ginseng Essence Water to rehydrate and prepare the skin for treatment products. Follow with your serum choice, allowing complete absorption before applying a more generous layer of Dynasty Cream to support overnight repair processes.

Effective layering techniques ensure optimal product performance. Always apply products from thinnest to thickest consistency, allowing each to absorb fully before proceeding to the next. Patting or pressing products into the skin rather than rubbing enhances absorption while minimizing irritation. Waiting approximately 60 seconds between layers prevents pilling and ensures each product can properly adhere to the skin. For those incorporating products from other brands like Celimax or Cos de Baha, maintain this consistency-based application order, noting that treatment serums generally come after toners but before moisturizers.

Potential Additions: Masks and Exfoliants

Once the core Beauty of Joseon routine feels established and comfortable, considering occasional treatments like exfoliants and masks can address specific concerns more intensively. These supplementary products shouldn't replace daily essentials but rather enhance them through targeted weekly treatments.

Chemical exfoliants help accelerate skin cell turnover, addressing concerns like texture irregularities, congestion, and dullness. While Beauty of Joseon doesn't currently offer dedicated exfoliating treatments, their Green Plum Cleanser provides mild daily exfoliation through natural fruit acids. For more intensive exfoliation, brands like Cos de Baha offer effective options like their AHA/BHA Power Liquid, which combines glycolic, salicylic, and lactic acids at beginner-friendly concentrations. When introducing exfoliants, start with once-weekly application, gradually increasing frequency as tolerance develops, never exceeding 2-3 times weekly for most skin types.

Sheet masks provide intensive hydration and targeted treatment through occlusion, enhancing ingredient penetration. Beauty of Joseon's Revive Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin sheet masks offer convenient treatment options featuring the brand's signature herbal ingredients. Alternatively, Celimax's Soothing Care Mask provides excellent calming benefits for irritated skin. Masking 1-3 times weekly after cleansing and toning but before serums can significantly boost hydration and address specific concerns. Always follow masking with your regular serum and moisturizer to seal in benefits.

These supplementary treatments should be introduced gradually, with careful attention to skin responses. Hong Kong dermatologists recommend introducing only one new treatment product every 2-4 weeks to properly assess tolerance and benefits. Those with sensitive skin should perform patch tests before full facial application, particularly with active ingredients like exfoliating acids.

Where to Buy Beauty of Joseon Products

As Beauty of Joseon's international popularity grows, availability has expanded across multiple retail channels. However, purchasing from authorized sellers remains crucial to ensure product authenticity, freshness, and customer protection. The brand's official website (beautyofjoseon.com) offers direct international shipping, though minimum purchase requirements may apply. For those in Asian markets, Olive Young—Korea's largest health and beauty retailer—maintains both physical stores and robust international online shipping.

Other reputable online retailers include YesStyle, StyleKorean, and Sokoglam, all known for authentic K-beauty products and reliable shipping. For Hong Kong-based consumers, physical stores like Sasa, Bonjour, and Colormix consistently stock Beauty of Joseon products, with regular promotions making them competitively priced. When purchasing through third-party platforms like Amazon or eBay, verify seller ratings and authenticity guarantees, as counterfeit skincare products present significant health risks.

Identifying authentic products involves checking packaging details: genuine Beauty of Joseon products feature precise printing, sturdy containers, and batch codes stamped rather than printed. The formulations themselves should have subtle, natural fragrances from ingredients rather than perfumed scents, and textures should match official descriptions. Suspiciously low prices often indicate counterfeit products, as authentic Korean skincare maintains relatively consistent pricing across authorized retailers. Both Celimax and Cos de Baha products face similar counterfeiting issues, making authorized purchase equally important for these brands.

Beyond accessibility concerns, purchasing from authorized retailers ensures proper product storage and handling—crucial for maintaining active ingredient stability. Many reputable retailers now provide detailed information about product manufacture dates and expiration, allowing informed purchasing decisions. Hong Kong's Consumer Council regularly tests skincare products from local retailers, with their latest report indicating 97% authenticity across major beauty chains, though marketplace sellers showed significantly higher counterfeit rates.

Embracing Your Skincare Journey with Beauty of Joseon

Beginning a structured skincare routine with Beauty of Joseon provides an accessible entry point into the world of K-beauty without overwhelming complexity. The brand's thoughtful formulations balance traditional wisdom with modern science, creating products that deliver visible results while maintaining skin health. This approach makes the skincare journey educational rather than merely transactional, helping beginners develop understanding alongside routine.

Starting with the core products outlined—cleansers, toner, serum, moisturizer, and sunscreen—establishes a solid foundation that addresses fundamental skin needs. As comfort with the routine develops, occasional treatments like masks or targeted solutions from complementary brands like Celimax or Cos de Baha can address specific concerns. This gradual approach prevents overwhelm while allowing personalized adaptation based on individual responses and evolving needs.

The most crucial elements for success remain consistency and patience. Skin typically requires 4-8 weeks to show noticeable improvement from new products, as cellular turnover cycles span approximately 28-40 days depending on age and environmental factors. Documenting your journey through photos or notes helps track subtle changes that might otherwise go unnoticed. Remember that skincare represents self-care rather than perfection—listening to your skin's changing needs across seasons, stress levels, and life stages proves more valuable than rigidly adhering to any single routine.

Beauty of Joseon's beginner-friendly approach demystifies Korean skincare while delivering the tangible benefits that made K-beauty globally renowned. By starting with these essential products and gradually building knowledge alongside routine, you establish sustainable skincare habits that support long-term skin health and confidence. The journey toward better skin begins with simple, consistent steps—and Beauty of Joseon provides the perfect companion for those initial strides toward skincare literacy and results.

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