Brand Comparison
Dr. LeWinn's vs Beauty of Joseon
A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?
Our Pick
Beauty of Joseon
Higher editor rating (9 vs 8.2)
Dr. LeWinn's
Dr. LeWinn's is what happens when a plastic surgeon decides women shouldn't need surgery to get surgical-grade skin results. Founded in 1991 by Dr. Laurence LeWinn in Melbourne, every formulation draws on his clinical understanding of how skin ages at the structural level — collagen loss, elastin degradation, and barrier compromise. The Ultra R4 line (featuring Eyeliss, Lumiskin, and multi-peptide complexes) is the anti-aging workhorse, and the Private Formula range covers everyday maintenance. Available at Priceline and Chemist Warehouse across Australia — this is pharmacy-channel cosmeceutical skincare that competes with department-store brands at half the price. The brand is now owned by the Kin Group (formerly McPherson's).
Pros
- ✓ founded by a plastic surgeon — formulations informed by surgical skin science
- ✓ Ultra R4 line features clinical peptide complexes (Eyeliss, Lumiskin)
- ✓ available at every Priceline and Chemist Warehouse in Australia
- ✓ premium formulations at pharmacy pricing
Cons
- ✗ brand positioning feels slightly dated compared to newer Australian brands
- ✗ some products contain fragrance
- ✗ international availability is limited
- ✗ packaging doesn't photograph as well as Instagram-native brands
Beauty of Joseon
Beauty of Joseon has quietly become one of the most impressive value propositions in K-beauty. Their Relief Sun is arguably the best budget sunscreen globally, and the Glow Serum delivers genuine results at a price that undercuts competitors by half. The hanbang angle could be gimmicky, but they back it with solid formulation science.
