Brand Comparison
S.Nature 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 8.6)
S.Nature
S.Nature has been making fragrance-free, preservative-light, hypoallergenic skincare in Korea since 2007 — and the Aqua Squalane Moisturizing Cream, nicknamed 'the silver tube,' has become one of the most-purchased moisturizers in the entire Korean drugstore market. The formula is the brand in miniature: 15% squalane, eight types of hyaluronic acid, Aquaxyl (a glucose + xylitol hydration complex), and panthenol — no fragrance, no essential oils, no fairy dust. The whole line follows the same discipline: the Aqua Oasis Toner, the Aqua Rice Foam Cleanser, the Aqua 365 UV Sun Protective Cream. Where Vanicream is dermatologist-default in the US, S.Nature is the same idea built with a K-beauty understanding of texture and layering — gentle enough for compromised skin, refined enough for daily layering, priced under $25 across the line. Quietly excellent, criminally under-distributed internationally.
Pros
- ✓ the Aqua Squalane 'silver tube' is one of Korea's most-purchased moisturizers
- ✓ fragrance-free, alcohol-free, preservative-light across the entire line
- ✓ K-beauty texture and layering sensibility applied to hypoallergenic basics
- ✓ absurd value — $20 for a tube that lasts 4+ months
Cons
- ✗ limited US retail (mostly Amazon import + niche retailers)
- ✗ the silver tube packaging looks borderline pharmacy-sample utilitarian
- ✗ small product range internationally
- ✗ less editorial coverage than its sales would warrant
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.
