I'm not exactly quiet about how much I love K-beauty. While I've tried many different brands under its umbrella at this point, Beauty of Joseon remains a standout. In fact, my first foray into the world of Korean skincare involved the brand's viral hit sunscreen Relief Sun (the OG Korean formula—not the American formulation). I was so impressed by it because it was one of the first sunscreens I used that truly felt like a moisturizer. It wasn't too thick and didn't leave a weird, chalky film like other sunscreens of old, and this was revolutionary—especially for someone like me who's Brown and acne-prone. I struggled with finding a formula that didn't leave a white cast or dry out my barrier-damaged skin. Relief Sun changed all that. I went through numerous tubes of it and still keep it around to this day.
Fast-forward and we have an incredible new launch from the brand. The Revive Firming Moisturizer ($24). I've tried quite a few other BOJ products at this point, but this one became a fast favorite. It's lightweight yet extremely hydrating and contains a gentle dose of retinol to keep skin smooth and firm. Normally, I'm not one for retinol moisturizers because they're either too irritating or dry out my skin, but this one is just right. Just remember to use SPF after if you're interested in trying it during the day. I was lucky enough to give this launch a go for a bit before its release, and I'm sharing all my thoughts below. Keep scrolling!
Korean skincare is known for its many fermented ingredients. Fermenting components of the formula increases potency, and Revive Firming Moisturizer contains fermented retinol. Another traditional and beloved Korean ingredient it contains is ginseng to help hydrate and firm the skin. Not only that, but the formula as a whole targets skin texture, dullness, fine lines, wrinkles, and pores all while supporting a healthier skin barrier. It was inspired by the brand's equally potent Revive Eye Serum ($17), which also contains retinol.
This moisturizer has a light gel-cream texture that absorbs really nicely into the skin. I was initially worried about trying this because retinol can be such a tricky ingredient if you have sensitive skin. My skin generally tolerates retinal (a next-generation retinoid) better because it requires fewer vitamin A conversion steps in the skin. The brand's eye serum contains retinal, so I was a little surprised the moisturizer didn't contain it as well. However, the retinol featured in this formula didn't irritate my skin or cause any redness. Ginseng and ceramides in this also give your skin a boost of elasticity and moisture.
My biggest skin struggles are breakouts and dark spots. I always loved the idea of using some kind of vitamin A rich product every day to help speed up the healing of my inflammation and hyperpigmentation but could never find one that I can tolerate for daily use. This moisturizer is a winner in that department. It's helped lighten some of my post-acne marks and gotten rid of some smaller bumps around my jawline. It does contain a few oils, so you might want to check it for any triggers if your skin is highly acne-prone, but I can say that it hasn't broken out my sensitive skin at all. The formula is really light on the skin and keeps it feeling fresh. It even provides a subtle dewy glow and, when combined with other BOJ products, really gives you that "glass skin" effect.
Finally, I love the price point of this moisturizer. There are plenty of retinol-rich moisturizers out there that work but often cost a fortune—I'm talking at least $100 plus. This one is an absolute steal at just $24, and it really works. I'm excited to continue using it with the brand's sunscreen and a few of my other BOJ favorites.
More Beauty of Joseon Products I Love
Like I mentioned above, this sunscreen is one of my all-time favorites. It's so hydrating on the skin that it feels like a silky moisturizer—never a sunscreen. Amazingly enough, it's also oil-free, so it's safe for acne-prone skin.
I don't usually like using retinoids around my eye area, but this formula is a must. It contains retinal, which is far less likely to irritate the skin, and ginseng to moisturize and firm. It's also designed to brighten the under-eye area, so it's great for dark circles.
This moisturizer is like a warm hug for your skin. Featuring rice bran water, ginseng root water, and squalane, it keeps you incredibly hydrated—even in drier climates. It's a cream I reach for during the winter months here in California.
Made with Korean rice extracts and honey to brighten and hydrate the skin, this mask is such a treat for the skin. I love using it at least once or twice a week to calm redness and give my skin a plumping moisture boost without pore-clogging ingredients. Rice hull powder also gently exfoliates, helping to smooth out any little bumps I get around my jaw and chin area.
Double cleansing every night changed my skin. I love starting with an oil cleanser in the evening to really decongest my pores and get rid of blackheads. This one is so silky and gets any debris out of the skin in record time. It's also super easy to wash off and doesn't leave a film on the skin.
This refreshing water-based cleanser is perfect to use as a second step. It foams up really nicely but doesn't disrupt my delicate skin barrier or leave me dehydrated after using it.
This serum is the perfect companion to the Revive Firming Moisturizer. It's rich in snail mucin and ginseng to help repair damaged skin—perfect if your moisture barrier is struggling. In addition to PDRN, snail mucin is an ingredient that has worked wonders for healing my barrier damage over the course of just a few months.