Brand Comparison
RoC 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
Larger product range
Rating9/109/10
Price RangeMid-Range ($$)Budget ($)
Founded19572014
OriginFranceSouth Korea
Products419
Best ForMature, Combo, DryCombo, Oily, Sensitive, Dry
PhilosophyThe pioneer of retinol in skincare — 60+ years of vitamin A scienceHanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) meets modern cosmetic science. Heritage ingredients like rice, ginseng, and propolis in contemporary formulations.
RoC
Literally invented retinol skincare in the 1960s. The OG retinol brand with more clinical data than anyone.
Pros
- ✓ Pioneered retinol in skincare
- ✓ 60+ years of retinol research
- ✓ Clinically proven formulas
- ✓ Accessible pricing
Cons
- ✗ Some formulas feel dated
- ✗ Contains fragrance
- ✗ Packaging not luxurious
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
