If you’re on social media, you’ve probably noticed the hype around Korean skincare, or “K-beauty.” It’s everywhere, from TikTok to Instagram. K-beauty is all about achieving that healthy, natural glow – something many of us are trying to achieve.
For people with sensitive skin like mine, this approach is especially appealing. Korean skincare often emphasizes gentler, barrier-supporting ingredients, which feel so refreshing compared to harsh, “quick-fix” products that can sometimes do more harm than good.
As someone with extremely sensitive skin, finding a serum that truly works for me has been quite the journey. My skin is reactive, even a mechanical touch can leave it red and irritated, so I have to be extra careful with what I put on it. On top of that, I have a damaged skin barrier and dehydrated skin, which adds an extra layer of complexity when choosing products.
After working with my cosmetologist to rehydrate my skin, I was finally ready to add a serum to my routine. But I needed something that was really gentle – no potential irritants like fragrance, alcohol, or harsh preservatives that might disrupt my barrier even more. It was also essential that it contain niacinamide because of its reputation for healing, strengthening, and gently brightening the skin.
That’s how I landed on Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum Rice+Alpha Arbutin and I’m happy to say it’s been a great addition to my skincare lineup.
The Formula
The formula is free from added fragrance and alcohol, is pretty simple and natural.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum Rice+Alpha Arbutin Ingredients list
Water, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Water (68%), Glycerin, Panax Ginseng Root Water, Hydrogenated Polydecene, 1,2-Hexanediol, Niacinamide, Squalane, Butylene Glycol, Propanediol, Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Xanthan Gum, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Hydrogenated Coconut Oil, Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Disodium EDTA, Hyaluronic Acid, Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid, Sodium Hyaluronate, Honey Extract, Ceramide NP, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Coptis Japonica Root Extract, Raphanus Sativus (Radish) Seed Extract, Lycium Chinense Fruit Extract, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract, Phellinus Linteus Extract, Dextrin, Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Rice Bran Water is a key ingredient in many of BJ products. It is rich in antioxidants and amino acids – the ideal thing for brightening and hydrating the skin, leaving it smooth and radiant.
Ginseng is another gem of Korean skincare brands. It mostly helps to revitalize and firm the skin by boosting collagen production and protecting against free radical damage.
Niacinamide is a widely used ingredient for reducing redness, evening out skin tone, and strengthening the skin barrier to retain moisture.
Arbutin works to reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation without irritation, making it suitable for sensitive skin.
Green Tea Extract provides antioxidant protection, soothes inflammation, and helps regulate oil production. Mostly used for sensitive and acne-prone skin.
Mugwort essence is known for its anti-inflammatory and calming properties. It helps to reduce redness and irritation while promoting skin healing.
Ingredients like Propolis and Honey Extract are included for their deep moisturizing and healing properties, with natural antibacterial effects that help restore and protect the skin barrier.
Licorice Root Extract is used for its brightening and soothing abilities, reducing dark spots and calming inflammation.
Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) is incorporated to deeply hydrate the skin, drawing moisture into the skin and enhancing its plump, smooth appearance.
Claims, recommendations, and cautions
On the Beauty of Joseon website we can find information about the Deep Glow Serum claims and recommendations, as well as cautions.
- It is suitable for all skin types, with a focus on addressing concerns like dull skin tone and pigmentation.
- For extra sensitive skin owners, it is recommended to perform a patch test before use as alpha-arbutin may cause a reaction in some individuals.
- For enhanced results in treating pigmentation, it is suggested to layer the serum with the Beauty of Joseon Revive Serum and Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water, both of which contain rich ginseng water.
- It is recommended to use the serum in the evening for best results since alpha-arbutin is sensitive to light and heat.
- To maintain its potency, the serum should be stored in a cool, dark place, away from direct sunlight, and used as soon as possible after opening due to the vulnerability of alpha-arbutin to light and heat.
The price
$17 (30 ml / 1.01 fl oz)
€16.00 (approx.)
£13.50 (approx.)
The texture
From the moment I tried the Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum Rice + Alpha Arbutin, I was satisfied with its light, almost watery texture. It’s not thick or heavy like some serums, which makes it perfect for layering in my routine.
When I apply it to my skin, it absorbs almost instantly, leaving behind no tackiness or greasy residue, just a smooth, hydrated finish. It gives my skin that soft, dewy glow without feeling weighed down, which is something I really appreciate as someone with sensitive skin.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Review
I’ve been using the Beauty of Joseon Deep Glow Serum for a few weeks now, and I wanted to share my honest thoughts on how it works for my sensitive skin and whether it lives up to the hype. I was hoping this serum would give my skin hydration and a healthy glow without irritating it.
First Use Impressions
The best part of using the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum is that I do not experience any irritation. My skin feels completely calm and comfortable, which is always a win for me since I have sensitive skin.
Right after application, my skin looked noticeably brighter, with a soft, dewy glow. I could also feel the hydration – it wasn’t heavy, but my face felt nourished and refreshed.
One thing I did notice after using this serum though is that I needed to put some moisturizer on after I applied serum because I feel a slight tightness on my skin.
But honestly, I’ve experienced this with a lot of serums before. It’s not a big issue for me because I always make sure to apply a good cream afterward to lock in the moisture, which is key for keeping my skin hydrated.
After Few Weeks
After using the Beauty of Joseon Deep Glow Serum for a few weeks, I haven’t noticed any drastic changes, but I can definitely say that it provides solid hydration and a subtle brightening effect.
I really appreciate the clean, clear ingredients and the simplicity of the formula – it’s a key factor for me since I’m very careful with what I use due to my sensitive skin. The serum gives my skin a nice glow without causing any irritation, which is such a relief.
Although I can’t speak to its effectiveness in treating hyperpigmentation (since thankfully I don’t have that issue at the moment), I did notice that my facial redness has calmed down. However, I don’t think this serum alone is responsible for that.
My skin condition is complex, and I believe it’s influenced by my entire skincare routine, diet, stress levels, and overall lifestyle. So while this serum has certainly been a helpful addition to my routine, I consider it just one part of a bigger picture when it comes to achieving healthy, balanced skin.
Summary
Main pros
- Provides a burst of hydration, leaving the skin feeling nourished and refreshed.
- Subtle brightening effect, giving a healthy, radiant glow.
- Absorbs quickly without being sticky or greasy, making it ideal for layering with other products.
- No irritation, even for sensitive skin.
- Simple, clear formula that’s easy on the skin, with no unnecessary additives.
Main cons
- After weeks of use, noticeable results may be minimal, especially if you’re looking for significant changes in pigmentation or skin texture.
- If you prefer richer, more nourishing serums, this one may feel a bit too lightweight.
