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Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide vs Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + NiacinamideBeauty of JoseonGlow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide8.0Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne TreatmentDifferinAdapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment8.3vs

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment edges out Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide, 8.3 to 8.0. It wins on results, formula and community love, while the Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide is stronger on texture and feel.

Benefit fingerprints

What each one does.

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

HydrateClarifyRenewGlowCalm & ProtectHair & ScalpFinish & WearScentMoistureBarrierBreakoutsOil & PoresCleanseLines & FirmnessTextureEye AreaEven ToneRadianceSensitiveProtectRepairShape & ShineScalpFinishWearCoverageLashes & BrowsFloralGourmandFreshWoody & AmberHydratingPlumpingLong-lasting moistureBarrier repairDryness reliefFlaking reliefAcneBlackheadsClogged poresOil controlPore refiningShine controlMakeup removalDouble cleansingFine linesFirmingCrepinessSmoothingResurfacingBumps & KPDark circlesPuffinessDark spotsHyperpigmentationAcne marksBrighteningDullnessGlass skinSoothingRednessIrritation-freeUV protectionNo white castAntioxidantOdor controlDamage repairSplit endsHeat protectionCurl definitionFrizz controlVolumeShineScalp careHair growth supportDandruffColor protectionMatteDewySatinNaturalLong-wearTransfer-proofWaterproofBuildableSheer coverageMedium coverageFull coverageBlurringLash lengthLash volumeCurl holdBrow definitionFloralWhite floralRoseVanillaGourmandCaramelCitrusFresh & cleanAquaticGreenWoodyAmberMuskySpicyHydrateClarifyRenewGlowHair & ScalpFinish & WearScent

Side by side

Every detail, compared.

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Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide

Beauty of Joseon

Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Differin

Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment

Highest score
Beauty score
8.0Great
8.3Great
Results30% of score
7.6
8.8
Formula & ingredients20% of score
7.6
8.2
Texture & experience15% of score
8.2
6.4
Value20% of score
9.0
9.0
Community love15% of score
8.0
8.6
Community
No ratings yet
No ratings yet
PriceTypical, checked by our editors
$17.00/ 1.01 fl oz / 30 mlDrugstore
—/ 1.6 oz / 45 gDrugstore
Price per ounceLowest wins
$16.76 / oz
—
What it does
  • Glass skin
  • Pore refining
  • Oil control
  • Soothing
  • Acne
  • Blackheads
  • Clogged pores
  • Smoothing
Made for
Oily skin, Combination skin, Acne-prone skin, Normal skin
Acne-prone skin, Oily skin, Combination skin
Key ingredients
PropolisNiacinamideSalicylic acidTea tree oilCentella asiatica
Adapalene
Format
Serum
Gel
Texture
Thick, honey-like 'cushiony' serum that absorbs without leaving stickiness, per Beauty of Joseon
Clear water-based gel (carbomer base), sold in tubes and pumps
Fragrance-free
—
Yes
Claims
Cruelty-free (brand-stated)
Dermatologist-tested
Brand origin
🇰🇷 K-beauty
—
Video reviews
5
5
Best for
  • • Combination and oily skin wanting a gentle glow serum
  • • Calming skin after breakouts
  • • Budget K-beauty routines
  • • Mild to moderate acne, blackheads and clogged pores
  • • A first retinoid for acne-prone skin
  • • People who want an OTC alternative to prescription retinoids
Strengths
  • Propolis plus niacinamide for glow, oil balance and calming
  • Cushiony, honey-like texture that absorbs without stickiness
  • Alcohol-free and cruelty-free, per the brand
  • 0.1% adapalene, previously prescription-only, available over the counter
  • Once-daily use to treat and help prevent breakouts, per Differin
  • Fragrance-free gel with a short ingredient list
Watch-outs
  • Active percentages are not disclosed
  • Propolis is bee-derived, which some shoppers prefer to avoid
  • Dryness, irritation and an initial purge are common early on
  • Takes around 12 weeks of consistent use for best results
Where to buy

FAQ

Quick answers.

Which is better, Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide or Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment?

Differin Adapalene Gel 0.1% Acne Treatment edges out Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide, 8.3 to 8.0. It wins on results, formula and community love, while the Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide is stronger on texture and feel.

How do you score them?

Both are scored on the same five-factor rubric (results, formula & ingredients, texture & experience, value, community love), using the formula or specs, verified creator reviews, community consensus and value. Brands can’t pay for placement.