I slapped this on a face that looked like it had been marinating in exhaustion for a year. My skin was dull, rough, and honestly, a little sad.
By week three, my coworker asked if I got “facial fillers” — no, I just stopped looking like a deflated balloon. That’s the level of difference we’re talking about.
This is Beauty of Joseon‘s high-strength retinal serum. It costs around $20. The claim? Visible firming and brightness without the peeling nightmare of prescription retinoids.
Liposome Encapsulation
Delivers the retinal slowly so your skin doesn’t freak out on day two.
Ginseng Root Water
Not a gimmick—it’s the base, so you’re getting hydration while you exfoliate.
No Irritation Buffer
It’s formulated with squalane to keep the moisture barrier from collapsing.
Photo: kevin laminto / Unsplash
It’s a Korean pharmacy love letter. The texture is a lightweight gel that disappears in 10 seconds flat — no sticky residue, no greasy film.
Here’s what’s actually doing the heavy lifting:
- Retinal: The potent form of vitamin A that speeds up cell turnover
- Ginseng: Boosts circulation so your skin looks alive, not just hydrated
- Squalane: Locks in moisture without clogging pores
- Panthenol: Calms the redness so you don’t look like a tomato
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
It feels like a watery gel that sinks in before you finish your morning coffee. Zero tackiness. I used it every other night, and by day 10, my skin had that “glow” that usually requires a $100 vitamin C serum.
The shocker? I didn’t purge. At all. I usually get those tiny whiteheads when trying new actives, but this was smooth sailing — just smoother skin.
Photo: Bailey Burton / Unsplash
My fine lines around my eyes are softer. My pores look smaller because they aren’t stretched with gunk. The dark spots from my mask-ne era? Still there, but lighter.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
Buy it. Your future, less-tired-looking self will thank you.