Brand Comparison
Topicals 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)
Topicals
The 'Faded' serum is a genuinely good mandelic-acid-plus-tranexamic-acid formulation that belongs in the hyperpigmentation conversation. Price is steep for what's inside, and the 'feel good' maximalist branding is love-it-or-roll-your-eyes. But the ethos is rare: this is the only US brand that built itself for skin the industry ignores.
Pros
- ✓ Formulations actually target real dermatological problems
- ✓ Strong on hyperpigmentation and dark marks
- ✓ Inclusive marketing is the real thing, not a veneer
- ✓ Faded serum has fans for a reason
Cons
- ✗ Premium pricing
- ✗ Packaging is loud if you like quiet
- ✗ Limited routine coverage
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
