Brand Comparison
Pyunkang Yul 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)
Pyunkang Yul
Pyunkang Yul takes the less is more philosophy further than almost any other K-beauty brand. Their Essence Toner famously contains just 7 ingredients, and it works. The brand trades on its traditional Korean medicine roots, and while that heritage is real (founded by an actual Oriental medicine clinic), the formulations are modern and evidence-friendly. Perfect for ingredient-conscious consumers who want effective products without the filler. The Moisture Cream is one of the most underrated moisturizers in K-beauty.
Pros
- ✓ Exceptionally short and clean ingredient lists
- ✓ Essence Toner is a K-beauty essential with cult status
- ✓ Rooted in real traditional Korean medicine expertise
- ✓ Gentle enough for the most reactive skin types
Cons
- ✗ Minimalist approach means fewer exciting actives
- ✗ Packaging is plain and utilitarian
- ✗ Limited shade or product variety
- ✗ Some products feel basic compared to competitors
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
