Beauty of Joseon's Glow Serum combines propolis extract, niacinamide and a small amount of BHA (betaine salicylate) in a thick, honey-like serum that absorbs without stickiness, per the brand. It targets texture, visible pores, oil balance and dullness, and creators often describe it as a glow booster they keep repurchasing. It suits combination, oily and acne-prone skin that wants a soothing everyday serum. Caveats: active percentages are undisclosed, and propolis is a bee-derived ingredient that some people prefer to avoid.

Best for

Combination and oily skin wanting a gentle glow serum
Calming skin after breakouts
Budget K-beauty routines

Why it’s trending

12K+ sold on TikTok Shop

Source

What we love

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
Low list price of $17 for 30 mL, with a 60 mL size available

Worth knowing

Active percentages are not disclosed
Propolis is bee-derived, which some shoppers prefer to avoid
Not a targeted dark-spot or retinoid treatment; brand claims focus on glow and sebum
Thick serum in a dropper bottle that some users find awkward to dispense

How it scored

The breakdown.

Five factors, weighted for formulas. Here’s our working.

8.0Great

Beauty score out of 10. Brands can’t pay for placement — ever.

Results30%7.6
Creators credit it with a glowier complexion (one is on her eighth bottle) while one Reddit user never noticed an effect; brand data cites 23% more glow and 51% sebum improvement in small studies.
Formula & ingredients20%7.6
Propolis and niacinamide with a little betaine salicylate and soothing botanicals is a sensible, gentle mix, but no active percentages are disclosed.
Texture & experience15%8.2
The brand describes a cushiony, honey-like texture that absorbs without stickiness, though one Reddit user finds the thick serum hard to dispense from its dropper.
Value20%9.0
$17 list for 30 mL, often discounted on the brand site, is inexpensive for a multitasking serum.
Community love15%8.0
Mostly positive YouTube reviews, including a long-term repeat buyer, but Reddit is mixed: one user loves the glow, another felt it did nothing.

Beauty profile

Inside the bottle.

Texture

Thick, honey-like 'cushiony' serum that absorbs without leaving stickiness, per Beauty of Joseon

Format

Serum

Size

1.01 fl oz / 30 ml

Key ingredients

Ingredient encyclopedia →

What’s in it: Propolis extract (listed fifth) and niacinamide, with betaine salicylate (a BHA), tea tree and centella extracts; percentages are not published.

How to use

Dispense 2-3 drops into the palm, apply gently to face and neck, and tap with fingertips until fully absorbed.

Free from (brand-stated)

alcohol

Claims & certifications

Cruelty-free (brand-stated)

Full ingredient list (INCI)31 ingredients · key actives highlighted · as listed by the brand

Water,
Dipropylene Glycol,
Glycerin,
Butylene Glycol,
Propolis Extract,
Niacinamide,
1,
2-Hexanediol,
Betaine Salicylate,
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate,
Tromethamine,
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate,
Xanthan Gum,
Carbomer,
Ethylhexylglycerin,
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract,
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract,
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract,
Sodium Hyaluronate,
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract,
Dextrin,
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract,
Corallina Officinalis Extract,
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Extract,
Centella Asiatica Extract,
Methylpropanediol,
Lotus Corniculatus Seed Extract,
Pentylene Glycol,
Octanediol,
Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil,
Tocopherol

Formulas change. Always check the packaging, and patch-test if your skin is reactive.

Official product page

Creator video reviews

Watch it in action.

Real reviews, try-ons and wear tests from independent creators — verified with TikTok and YouTube and labelled when sponsored.

We don’t pay creators for reviews, and they don’t pay us. Nothing from TikTok or YouTube loads until you press play.

What people say

Straight from the source.

Verbatim from Reddit, forums, blogs and the beauty press — linked, so you can read the whole thread.

2 verbatim quotes · 1 mixed · 1 critical

r/AsianBeauty

Beauty of joseon propolis serum, it’s great for hydration and a nice glow esp during winter or for dry skin. But the dropper packaging makes it sooo hard for a product that’s so viscous and thick.

u/Sparkly-Sirenr/AsianBeauty · 2026-106Source

r/AsianBeauty

Got the Beauty of joseon glow serum a couple years ago. Never felt like it did anything.

u/Chevreuilsr/AsianBeauty · 2026-107Source

Price & value

Is it worth it?

Typical price

$17.00

for 1.01 fl oz / 30 ml

Per ounce

$16.76

DrugstoreMid-rangePrestigeLuxury

About 24% less per ounce than the typical serums we review. Our value score: 9.0/10 for a drugstore pick.

Price checked November 2026 at a non-Amazon retailer. Prices change — retailers show the current one.

Where to buy

Check price on Amazon Shop on TikTok Shop12899 sold Buy from the brand$17.00

We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page. It never affects our scores or what we recommend. How we make money

Community

What members noticed.

Ratings, skin types and the benefits people actually saw — logged on the Benefit Wheel.

No member ratings yet.

Tried it? Your score — and your skin or hair type — helps the next person decide.

Highlighted: what it’s built to do.

Discussion

No discussions yet.

Tried Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide? Ask a question or share how it’s working for your skin or hair — you’ll be the first.

FAQ

Good questions.

Why is it called 'cushiony'?

Beauty of Joseon says the serum has a thick, honey-like texture that absorbs without leaving stickiness, which it describes as cushiony.

Does it contain an exfoliant?

It contains betaine salicylate, which the brand describes as a BHA that helps gently exfoliate, reduce sebum and refine the look of pores. It is a small supporting ingredient rather than a strong exfoliant.

How do I apply it?

The brand recommends 2-3 drops pressed into the face and neck, tapping until absorbed, focusing on areas that need hydration or brightness.

Sources we checked (6)