Brand Comparison
Matsuyama 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)
Rating8/109/10
Price RangeBudget ($)Budget ($)
Founded19082014
OriginJapanSouth Korea
Products119
Best ForDry, SensitiveCombo, Oily, Sensitive, Dry
PhilosophyCeramide-focused skincare with a century of Japanese craftsmanshipHanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) meets modern cosmetic science. Heritage ingredients like rice, ginseng, and propolis in contemporary formulations.
Matsuyama
The ceramide specialist — five types of ceramides in formulas that rival expensive Western barrier repair products.
Pros
- ✓ Five ceramide types
- ✓ Fragrance-free
- ✓ Alcohol-free
- ✓ Over 100 years of heritage
Cons
- ✗ Hard to find outside Japan
- ✗ Plain packaging
- ✗ Limited range
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
