Brand Comparison
La Roche-Posay vs Beauty of Joseon
A head-to-head comparison of two popular K-beauty brands. Which one is right for your skin?
Our Pick
La Roche-Posay
Larger product range
Rating9/109/10
Price RangeMid-Range ($$)Budget ($)
Founded19752014
OriginFranceSouth Korea
Products2819
Best ForSensitive, Acne-Prone, ComboCombo, Oily, Sensitive, Dry
PhilosophyDermatologist-backed skincare with thermal spring water scienceHanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) meets modern cosmetic science. Heritage ingredients like rice, ginseng, and propolis in contemporary formulations.
La Roche-Posay
The gold standard of French pharmacy skincare — every dermatologist recommends at least one LRP product.
Pros
- ✓ Dermatologist-recommended worldwide
- ✓ Excellent for sensitive skin
- ✓ Medical-grade formulations
Cons
- ✗ Packaging feels clinical
- ✗ Some products have fragrance
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.
Pros
- ✓ Exceptional price-to-performance ratio
- ✓ Relief Sun SPF 50+ is a standout product
- ✓ Hanbang ingredients backed by real formulation
- ✓ Elegant textures despite budget pricing
Cons
- ✗ Limited product range compared to larger brands
- ✗ Hanbang marketing can feel vague
- ✗ Some products sell out frequently
