Brand Comparison

Then I Met You 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 8.5)

Then I Met You Beauty of Joseon

Rating8.5/109/10

Price RangePremium ($$$)Budget ($)

Founded20182014

OriginNew York / SeoulSouth Korea

Products519

Best Forall skin types, Sensitive, DryCombo, Oily, Sensitive, Dry

PhilosophyLuxury K-beauty-inspired skincare from Soko Glam co-founder Charlotte Cho, built around the Korean concept of "jeong" — slow, intentional care.Hanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) meets modern cosmetic science. Heritage ingredients like rice, ginseng, and propolis in contemporary formulations.

Then I Met You

Then I Met You is Charlotte Cho passion project and it feels like it. The Living Cleansing Balm is arguably the best cleansing balm at any price — a rich, buttery formula with sea buckthorn that actually melts makeup and does not sting the eyes. Premium price, premium product.

Pros

✓ Exceptional cleansing balm formulation
✓ Luxury packaging and experience
✓ Built on Korean skincare philosophy
✓ Sea buckthorn is a standout ingredient

Cons

✗ Premium pricing
✗ Small catalog
✗ Not every product is a category leader

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