The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum has become one of the most consistently recommended K-beauty products in the US market and one of those rare affordable serums that beauty editors, dermatology communities, and first-time skincare buyers all seem to agree on. Built around a 60% propolis extract base and 2% niacinamide, this serum targets enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, sebum imbalance, and dullness simultaneously. At around $18 to $22 for a 30ml bottle on Amazon and Sephora, it sits in a price point that makes it easy to try and difficult to stop repurchasing once it works.
What Is the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum?
The Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum officially titled Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide is a K-beauty facial serum inspired by traditional Joseon dynasty skincare practices, blending 19th-century Korean hanbang (traditional herbal medicine) ingredient philosophy with modern skincare science. The brand was developed to reflect the skin care secrets of upper-class Korean women from the Joseon era, and the serum’s ingredient list reflects that philosophy: propolis (a historically prized antibacterial and healing substance used for centuries) paired with modern actives like niacinamide and betaine salicylate.
The formula is made entirely in South Korea, certified by EWG Green Grade standards, cruelty-free, and free from parabens. It comes in a 30ml dropper bottle with a sturdy glass construction and a simple, minimal aesthetic that reflects the brand’s overall product identity.
It is suitable for all skin types, though it is specifically designed for concerns about enlarged pores and redness-prone skin.
Key Ingredients: What They Do
60% Propolis Extract The Star Ingredient
Propolis is a resinous substance collected by bees from tree buds and bark, used to seal and protect the hive. In skincare, propolis is prized for its potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant properties it soothes redness, calms active breakouts, helps fade post-acne marks, and delivers deep hydration through its naturally humectant qualities.
At 60% concentration, propolis is listed as the first ingredient on this formula’s label meaning more than half of every drop you apply is pure propolis extract. This is an unusually high concentration for a serum at this price point and is a primary reason why the formula delivers visible results rather than just trace-level benefits from a minor ingredient inclusion.
2% Niacinamide Brightening and Pore Refinement
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) at 2% helps regulate sebum production, minimizes the visible appearance of pores, reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and brightens uneven skin tone. The 2% concentration is considered a functional dose effective for visible improvement without the flushing or irritation risk associated with higher niacinamide concentrations.
Some reviewers note the 2% concentration is relatively modest compared to other niacinamide serums on the market (some formulas use 5–10%). For those with severe hyperpigmentation or very oily skin, the brightening effect may be subtle rather than dramatic. For everyday maintenance and mild-to-moderate concerns, it is well-suited.
0.5% Betaine Salicylate Gentle BHA Exfoliant
Betaine salicylate is a gentle, plant-derived form of salicylic acid (BHA) that exfoliates inside the pore, clearing congestion and reducing blackheads and enlarged pores over time. At 0.5%, it is significantly gentler than the typical 1–2% salicylic acid concentration in most targeted BHA treatments appropriate for sensitive skin that cannot tolerate stronger acids, while still delivering real pore-clearing benefit with consistent use.
Because this formula contains BHA even at a gentle concentration Maybelline recommends applying sunscreen when using it during the day.
Supporting Botanicals
Beyond the three primary actives, the formula includes centella asiatica (calming, barrier-supporting), tea tree extract (antibacterial), sodium hyaluronate (hydration), turmeric root extract (brightening), tamanu oil (scar-fading), and vitamin E (antioxidant protection) amplifying the primary actives without adding irritation risk.
Texture, Scent, and Application Feel
The Glow Serum has a distinctive honey-like thick texture that is immediately recognizable from the first pump a consequence of its high propolis concentration. Despite this initial viscosity, it absorbs into the skin within seconds of application without leaving any tacky or sticky residue. This is the most consistent praise across iHerb, Amazon, and YesStyle review communities: it feels rich on contact but is completely dry and non-greasy within minutes.
The scent is mild and pleasant a subtle honey-adjacent fragrance that fades immediately after absorption. It is not a fragrance-free formula, which is worth noting for those with fragrance sensitivity, though the scent is considerably lighter than most propolis-based products.
Real User Results: What People Are Reporting
Across hundreds of verified reviews on iHerb, Amazon, and the brand’s own site, the most consistent reported improvements from consistent Glow Serum use are:
Improved texture and smoothness The most universally reported benefit. Users with textured skin, acne scarring, and enlarged pores consistently note visible smoothing within two to four weeks of regular use. One iHerb reviewer who used the serum for nearly two months at night reported their scars starting to fade and skin looking better than it had in over a year.
Reduced redness and calmer breakouts The propolis and centella asiatica combination makes this one of the most effective calming serums at any price point for redness-prone skin. It does not irritate even for most sensitive skin users.
Brighter, more even complexion Most users report noticing a healthy glow rather than dramatic spot-fading. This is appropriate for the 2% niacinamide concentration gradual brightening rather than overnight results.
Initial purging Some users experience a brief purging period in the first one to two weeks of use, primarily from the 0.5% betaine salicylate accelerating the clearing of congestion. This is normal and typically resolves within the first two to three weeks as the formula begins improving the skin rather than pushing congestion to the surface.
Building a complete K-beauty-inspired routine around your Glow Serum works best when your makeup steps are equally well-matched to your skin our guide to the best drugstore mascaras for everyday use is a reliable starting point for the eye, and our complete eyebrow threading guide covers the brow step that completes a polished, natural-skin-focused beauty look.
Who Is the Glow Serum Right For?
Best suited for: Normal to combination skin with enlarged pores, redness, or mild hyperpigmentation. Acne-prone skin specifically benefits from the antibacterial propolis and gentle BHA. Sensitive skin that cannot tolerate stronger actives like 5–10% niacinamide or standard salicylic acid will find this formula well-tolerated.
Use with caution if: You have very oily skin in a humid climate (the propolis base can feel heavy the Glow Deep Serum is lighter); you have a bee or honey allergy (propolis is bee-derived patch test first); fragrance sensitivity is a concern; or you are pregnant (consult a physician before use).
Glow Serum vs. Glow Deep Serum: Which to Choose
The Glow Deep Serum (Rice + Alpha-Arbutin) is the second serum in the Beauty of Joseon glow line and the one most often compared to the original:
Glow Serum (Propolis + Niacinamide) Richer, more occlusive texture. Best for pore refinement, redness, acne-prone skin, and all-around hydration. The more calming and soothing formula of the two.
Glow Deep Serum (Rice + Alpha-Arbutin) Lighter, more watery texture. Best for brightening, dark spots, and hyperpigmentation specifically. Alpha-arbutin is generally considered a more targeted brightening agent than niacinamide alone. Better choice for oily skin or summer use.
If your primary concern is pores, redness, and general skin health, choose the original Glow Serum. If your primary concern is dark spots and uneven skin tone, the Glow Deep Serum is the more targeted option. Many users layer both applying the lighter Glow Deep Serum first, then the original Glow Serum on top.
How to Use the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum
Apply after cleansing and any water-based toning steps, before heavier treatments and moisturizer. Dispense 2–3 drops into your palm rather than directly to the face, warm briefly, then tap gently from the center outward until absorbed. Avoid rubbing.
Because the formula contains 0.5% betaine salicylate, sunscreen is required during morning use. The brand’s Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics is the most frequently recommended pairing. Follow with a moisturizer the Dynasty Cream is Beauty of Joseon’s own recommendation for a subtle glow finish.
The serum works morning and night. A 30ml bottle lasts two to three months with twice-daily use, or up to six months when applied at night only.
Is It Worth It?
At under $22 for a formula built around 60% propolis, 2% niacinamide, and 0.5% betaine salicylate the Glow Serum represents one of the strongest value propositions in the US skincare market at any price tier. The iHerb and Amazon review communities are among the most skeptical in beauty, yet this serum maintains consistently high ratings across both.
The main caveat: this is a gradual improvement serum, not an overnight transformation. Users with severe pigmentation or very oily skin may need a stronger targeted treatment alongside it. But for daily skin health, pore refinement, and consistent visible improvement over weeks the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum earns its recommendations fully.
