Beauty of Joseon is a beloved Korean beauty brand – with a small range of products that are uniquely curated and crafted to be the perfect versions of themselves. Started in 2017, Beauty of Joseon has made absolutely classic K-beauty products – such as their protective and clarifying Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics sunscreen, their radiant Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide and of course their deep and moisturizing Dynasty cream. 

With their ability to utilize traditional Korean herbal remedies – their powerful use of ginseng cannot be understated. Ginseng has been used in medicine as long as cosmetics have been used for beauty. Ginseng extracts have a powerful ability to regenerate skin and heal irritation and inflammation. It also has the ability to repair hair follicles to stimulate hair regrowth and also lightens skin tone – due to its ability to halt inflammation. 

The biggest excitement for ginseng in skincare, is its ability to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (believed to be due to its ability to stimulate collagen production in skin cells). It also contains powerful antioxidants that protect against environmental damage (pollutants, UV radiation from sunlight). So, not only does it help you look younger – but it works hard to keep you that way. 

This is combined with retinol – a powerful ingredient that triggers cell regeneration by directly encouraging cell proliferation, preventing water loss from skin and protecting collagen from being broken down. 

This is a dynamic duo indeed – as not only is retinol a wonderfully powerful treatment, but its major downside (the fact that it can burn and deeply irritate skin) is neutralized by the soothing and anti-inflammatory action of ginseng. It was a match made in skincare heaven – so what are the genuine results of such a cream? Let’s dive deeper. 

Ginseng extract: deeply hydrating, soothing and rejuvenating for your skin. Used medicinally to help heal wounds and reduce inflammation. Powerful antioxidants that help protect your skin cells and reduces fine lines. 

Retinal: derivative of Vitamin A. Powerful antioxidant that helps stimulate skin cell growth and rejuvenation to produce younger, more vitalized skin. 

Glycerin: soothing humectant that helps hold water in your skin barrier to maintain hydrated, healthy skin biome.

Sorbitan olivate: emulsifier made from the fatty acids of olive oil. Used to hydrate and nourish skin as well as suspends other molecules to help them penetrate skin barrier. 

Cocoa extract: refreshing, hydrating and protective – cacao extracts are high in flavonoids and polyphenols that stimulate collagen synthesis and help reduce fine lines. 

The serum also contains brightening niacinamide as well as hydrating tocopherol (Vitamin E derivative) and ceramides which are common in moisturizing creams. 

Although this is a gentle formula, it still contains retinol – which can be highly irritating. It is also an undereye cream designed to be used on a sensitive part of skin, so consider if it might be too irritating for your skin. 

Avoid if you are already using strong exfoliants (i.e. AHA, BHA) or other retinol products (they build up quickly – only use one at a time!). Be careful and read our article on safe retinol use if you are concerned about retinol burns. 

It is generally safe for more sensitive skin, but if you’ve had bad experiences with retinol before – it might be worthwhile checking out a soothing bakuchiol cream instead (as it has similar benefits without risk of skin damage). 

It is a small container with a light, yellow and pleasant cream. It absorbs quickly and easily and there was never a point where I felt a burn or noted any irritation. I used it after a moisturizer over the area, which reduces burning, and only two pumps every two days. I took a “before” photo of my eye and another photo 4 weeks later. 

Overall, it was a very lightweight and soothing cream. My eye region is often a little dry, although I try to reach that area with my usual moisturizers. I don’t have a usual eye cream in my rotation – but it was really refreshing at the end of the day. I kept a very close eye out for retinol burns, any irritation or redness – but there was none! And more delightfully, I could notice an immediate hydration and improvement of my eye appearance that would last through the morning too! 

The dispenser was a bit hard to use - the button would get stuck at times, making dispensing too much or too little a common occurrence.

In the first picture you can see the level of dehydration around my eyes. There are several fine lines and a deep dullness to the surrounding region. This was prior to any skincare products as part of my regular routine. After 4 weeks of the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye serum however, there is a big difference in texture.  

My skin had a soft glow and mostly was really hydrated. There was a reduction in some fine lines (I believe mostly due to the added moisture) but it was addictive to use and such a pleasant, cooling effect on my eye region. There was also a notable decrease in my under eye shadow (making me look less tired). 

I can see why this cream is a deep favourite of the masses. It is a great, soothing solution for under eye problems and is generally pleasant to use, has a very diminished risk of retinol burn (compared to other retinol products I’ve used) and I felt I could see a difference right away (especially with my eye hydration). 

It’s definitely going to stay in my rotation until it’s gone and if you are struggling with eye lines or shadows and are looking for a low-irritating addition – I would highly recommend this one. 

Shop our Beauty of Joseon range at Arktastic. You’ll find the Revive Eye Serum available here.  

Curious to learn more about Beauty of Joseon, find our blog about the history and inspiration behind their beautiful cosmetics. Looking for an alternative eye cream? Check out this one - it comes with an in-built ceramic massager!

The History of Beauty of Joseon 

Heveblue Black Yuja Bean Lifting Auto Eye Cream Review 

Does the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum actually work?
After 4 weeks of use, we saw noticeably improved hydration, a soft glow, some reduction in fine lines (largely from added moisture), and a visible decrease in under-eye shadow. Hydration improvement was noticeable right away.

Does it cause retinol irritation or burns?
In our testing — no burns, redness, or irritation at all. The ginseng's soothing, anti-inflammatory action offsets retinal's usual harshness. Applying after moisturizer and using two pumps every two days also reduces the risk.

Who should avoid this eye serum?
Anyone already using strong exfoliants (AHA/BHA) or other retinol products — these build up quickly, so use only one at a time. If you've had bad retinol experiences before, a bakuchiol cream is a gentler alternative with similar benefits.

What are the key ingredients?
Ginseng extract (soothing, antioxidant-rich, reduces fine lines), retinal (a Vitamin A derivative that stimulates cell renewal), plus glycerin, cocoa extract, niacinamide, tocopherol, and ceramides for hydration and brightening.

Is it good for dark circles?
Yes — after 4 weeks there was a notable decrease in under-eye shadow, giving a less tired appearance.

Any downsides?
The dispenser button can stick, making it easy to dispense too much or too little.