Brand Comparison
Neogen 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 7.5)
Neogen
Neogen earned its reputation on the back of a single genius product format: the Bio-Peel Gauze Peeling pads. The textured gauze combined with gentle chemical exfoliants was a genuinely novel idea, and the wine version remains one of the best physical-meets-chemical exfoliants in K-beauty. Beyond the pads, their Real Ferment Micro Essence is a solid SK-II alternative at a fraction of the price. The sunscreen range is competent but crowded out by stronger competitors. Neogen is a brand that innovates on format more than formulation.
Pros
- ✓ Bio-Peel pads are a genuinely innovative format
- ✓ Real Ferment Essence offers premium results at mid-range prices
- ✓ Wide distribution makes products easy to find
- ✓ Dermatologist-tested formulations
Cons
- ✗ Some products feel overpriced for what they deliver
- ✗ The cleansing stick format is more gimmick than game-changer
- ✗ Fragrance in several products
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
