
Expert Score8.9
Beauty of Joseon•product
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
60% propolis and 2% niacinamide gel essence for pore refinement, sebum control, and mild brightening at $17 for 30ml
Expert Rating
8.9/10
User Rating
9.8/10
2147 reviews
4.9/5 from 2,147 ratings on Beauty of Joseon Official, checked 2026-11-05
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The Analysis
Quick Specs
Price$17
Ease Of UseVery easy; apply 1 to 2 pumps to cleansed skin and pat gently until absorbed; no specialist layering knowledge required
Bottle Size30
Skin TextureHoney-like gel essence that melts on contact and absorbs within 20 to 30 seconds without leaving sticky residue
Expert Review Summary
The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum combines 60% propolis extract with 2% niacinamide in a lightweight honey-like gel essence. It targets visible pore size, excess sebum, and uneven skin tone in a single daily step priced at $17 for 30ml, making it one of the most cost-effective K-beauty pore serums available at Sephora and Olive Young globally.
Propolis provides natural anti-inflammatory activity alongside amino acids and flavonoids that calm reactive skin, while niacinamide at 2% contributes mild brightening and sebum-regulating effects without the irritation risk common at higher concentrations. A supporting BHA ingredient gently exfoliates the pore lining for a smoother glass-skin finish. The formula is free from parabens, sulfates SLS and SLES, formaldehydes, phthalates, and mineral oil.
Best suited for oily and acne-prone skin types looking to consolidate brightening, pore refinement, and hydration into one affordable serum step. The honey-like texture absorbs quickly without sticky residue, layers cleanly under moisturizer and SPF, and suits beginner and experienced K-beauty routines alike.
Technical Specifications
Price$17
Ease Of UseVery easy; apply 1 to 2 pumps to cleansed skin and pat gently until absorbed; no specialist layering knowledge required
Bottle Size30
Skin TextureHoney-like gel essence that melts on contact and absorbs within 20 to 30 seconds without leaving sticky residue
Sebum Control8
Fragrance Free No
Gentle Formula Yes
Pigment Fading7
Value For Money9.5
Hydration Level7.5
Non Comedogenic Yes
Pore Refinement8
Brand ReputationRising cult K-beauty brand with strong presence at Sephora and Olive Young globally; widely endorsed by K-beauty editors and community reviewers for affordable actives
Calming Efficacy7.5
Retinol EfficacyNone; retinoid-free formula focusing on propolis antioxidants and niacinamide for skin tone support
Clinical Evidence No
Peptide ComplexityNone; propolis provides natural growth factor support but no dedicated synthetic peptide complex is present
Firming Performance5
Niacinamide Percent2
Centella Cica Content No
Pdrn Or Exosome Content No
Ceramide Barrier Repair No
Hypoallergenic Testing No
Layering CompatibilityExcellent; lightweight water-based gel layers seamlessly before moisturizer and SPF without pilling or texture conflict
Azelaic Or Transexamic Acid No
Niacinamide ConcentrationModerate at 2%, effective for mild pore tightening and sebum reduction without irritation risk; complemented by propolis antioxidants for combined oil-control and calming benefits