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Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm Ingredients Explained

4.6   from 19 ratings
73
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Updated on December 19, 2023

There is an older formulation of this product:

Overview

What it is

Makeup remover with 20 ingredients that contains exfoliants

Cool Features

It is vegan, cruelty-free, and reef safe

Suited For

It has ingredients that are good for anti aging, dry skin, brightening skin and dark spots

Free From

It doesn't contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, fragrances, parabens, silicones or sulfates

Fun facts

Beauty of Joseon is from South Korea. This product is used in 511 routines created by our community.

We independently verify ingredients and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Does this product need an update? Let us know.

You should know

Here's our breakdown of the notable ingredients, benefits, and concerns we determined from the ingredients in this product. Click any item to learn more.

Notable Ingredients

Exfoliators

Benefits

Hydrating
Anti-Aging
Dark Spots
Brightening

Concerns

May Worsen Oily Skin
Acne Trigger

Ingredient Info

Click any item below to learn more and view relevant ingredients.
alcohol-free
silicon-free
fragrance-free
sulfate-free
paraben-free
oil-free
fungal-acne safe
reef-safe
eu-allergen-free
vegan
cruelty-free

Ingredients Overview

Here's our quick-to-read summary of the ingredients in this product. Keep scrolling if you'd like to learn more about what each ingredient does!
Ingredient
Features
1
Emollient
2
Masking, Skin Conditioning
3
Emollient, Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
4
Abrasive, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Exfoliant IconMay worsen Oily Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
5
Emulsifying
Not safe for Fungal Acne Icon
6
Skin Conditioning
7
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
8
Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Oil IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
9
Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning
Antioxidant Icon
10
Soothing
11
Skin Conditioning
12
Absorbent, Skin Conditioning
Helps with Anti-Aging IconGood for Dark Spots Icon
13
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
14
Emulsifying
0-1 / 0
Bad for Acne Prone Skin IconNot safe for Fungal Acne Icon
15
Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
0 / 0
Helps hydrate Dry Skin IconHelps brighten skin Icon
16
Solvent
17
Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
1 / 0
18
Skin Conditioning, Solvent
19
Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
20
Skin Conditioning

Ingredients Explained

This product contains 20 ingredients. Click on any ingredient to learn more about it
1
What it does: Emollient
Community Rating: Mixed

Cetyl Ethylhexanoate comes from cetearyl alcohol and 2-ethylhexanoic acid.

It is an emollient that adds a velvety feel to products when applied. Emollients help trap moisture into your skin, keeping your skin soft and hydrated.

2
What it does: Masking, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride is an emollient, solvent, and texture enhancer. It is considered a skin-softener by helping the skin prevent moisture loss.

Within a product, Caprylic Triglyceride can thicken the product and make spreadability easier by dissolving clumping compounds. An added benefit of Caprylic Triglyceride is its antioxidant properties.

Caprylic Triglyceride is made by combining glycerin with coconut oil, forming a clear liquid. Caprylic Triglyceride has not been found to be toxic for human use in concentrations under 50%.

While there is an assumption Caprylic Triglyceride can clog pores due to it being derived from coconut oil, there is no research supporting this.

Learn more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
3
What it does: Emollient, Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate comes from Isostearic Acid and glycerin.

It is an emollient, emulsifier, and gentle cleanser. As an emollient, it helps trap moisture to keep skin soft and hydrated. Emulsifiers help prevent ingredients from separating.

This ingredient is common in oil-based products. This is because it helps oil-ingredients be easily washed away without leaving a residue.

Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate may not be fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Peg-20 Glyceryl Triisostearate
4
What it does: Abrasive, Emulsion Stabilising, Masking
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Synthetic Wax is created from fossil fuels such as natural gas. It is used to enhance texture, adjust pH, and as an occlusive.

It may also be used as an abrasive ingredient to exfoliate the skin.

Synthetic Wax may not be fungal acne safe.

Learn more about Synthetic Wax
5
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Peg-10 Isostearate isn't fungal acne safe.

6
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

This ingredient is created by fermenting soybean extract with the bacteria, lactobacillus.

Some studies have shown it to have antioxidant properties. One study found this ingredient to have stronger properties than non-fermented soybean extract.

Another study found in increase of isoflavones, amino acids, and peptides in fermented soy milk.

Learn more about Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract
7
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil also known as seabuckthorn oil. This oil is usually extracted from the fruit pulp or seeds.

Seabuckthorn is rich in phytosterols, carotenoids, Vitamins A, C, and E. This gives it strong antioxidant properties that can help soothe and protect your skin from oxidative damage.

This oil is rich in fatty acids, including: two types of linoleic acid (~30-34%), oleic acid (17%), and palmiteic acid (35%). Note these numbers are averages, and different parts of the plant will vary.

Palmitoleic acid has been shown to help soothe inflammation and promote wound healing. It is also naturally found in the fat of our skin.

Overall, seabuckthorn oil is great for nourishing, hydrating, and soothing skin. While it shows UV protecting properties, it should not replace sunscreen.

Due to the rich fatty acid content, this ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal acne, safe.

Seabuckthorn berries are little orange fruits. This plant is native to Asia.

Learn more about Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil
8
What it does: Emollient, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Oryza Sativa Bran Oil comes from the outer layer of a rice kernel. It is a byproduct of milling rice, or the operation to produce a whole grain rice product.

Oryza Sativa Bran Oil is an emollient. This is due to its components of polysaccharides and omega-3 fatty acids. Emollients help soothe and soften the skin. It does this by creating a protective film on your skin. This barrier helps trap moisture and keeps your skin hydrated. Emollients may be effective at treating dry or itchy skin.

9
What it does: Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning

Oryza Sativa Seed Water is created using rice.

Rice grains contain numerous antioxidants which may help with anti-aging, such as vitamin E. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radical molecules. Unstable free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and accelerate signs of aging.

The protein in rice have emollient properties. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in, keeping your skin moisturized.

Learn more about the benefits of rice extract.

Learn more about Oryza Sativa Seed Water
10
What it does: Soothing
Community Rating: Liked

We don't have a description for Avena Sativa Meal Extract.

11
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Loved

You might know this plant as Job's Tears or Chinese pearl barley. It is a grain native to Southeast Asia.

This ingredient has skin conditioning properties. Emerging studies show the grain to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammation properties as well. (With one study finding this ingredient to be effective at blocking melanin when skin is exposed to UV).

Job's tears is rich in nutrients, such as thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid.

You can also find great antioxidants such as ferulic acid, caffeic acid.

To top if off, ceramides are also present in this grain.

Learn more about Coix Lacryma-Jobi Ma-Yuen Seed Extract
12
What it does: Absorbent, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Oryza Sativa Extract comes from the rice grain, Oryza sativa. Rice extract has wound healing, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hydrating properties.

Rice grains contain numerous antioxidants which may help with anti-aging, such as vitamin E. Antioxidants help stabilize free-radical molecules. Unstable free-radical molecules may damage your skin cells and accelerate signs of aging.

A study from 2002 found rice to help increase the rate of wound healing. The same study found an improvement of skin barrier function in the patients after taking rice baths.

Numerous in-vitro studies have found rice water to help decrease sun damage by increasing collagen production and inhibiting the process of tyrosinase.

Long story short- tyrosinase is an enzyme that controls melanin production. Our bodies start producing melanin (AKA tanning) when exposed to UV radiation to protect against damage. Rice water is found to partially block this process.

Though more research is needed on rice's ability to help with UV protection, recent studies seem promising.

Wondering why rice is hydrating? The protein in rice have emollient properties. Emollients create a barrier on the skin to trap moisture in, keeping your skin moisturized.

Some rice extract may have mildly-exfoliating properties. These are mainly limited to Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran and Oryza Sativa (Rice) Germ Powder.

This rice was first cultivated in China over 10,000 years ago. Many cultures throughout Asia have used rice water on skin and hair for centuries.

Learn more about Oryza Sativa Extract
13
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.

So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.

You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. Talk about multi-purpose! If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!

Learn more about Water
14
What it does: Emulsifying
Community Rating: Very Disliked

Sorbitan Sesquioleate is derived from sorbitol and oleic acid. It is an emulsifier and prevents ingredients from separating.

Specifically, this ingredient is a water-in-oil emulsifier, meaning it helps water dissolve into oil.

Some studies suggest this ingredient may cause irritation in some people. If you are unsure, it is best to patch test.

This ingredient may not be Malassezia folliculitis, or fungal-acne safe.

Learn more about Sorbitan Sesquioleate
15
What it does: Humectant, Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Solvent
Community Rating: Loved

Glycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.

A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.

As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.

Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.

Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.

In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.

This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.

Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.

Learn more about Glycerin
16
What it does: Solvent
Community Rating: Liked

Propanediol helps absorb ingredients into your skin, boosting their benefits. It can act as an emollient, making your skin softer. Propanediol can help products last longer by boosting the properties of preservatives within the formulation.

Propanediol is not likely to cause sensitivity and considered safe to use.

It is derived from corn or petroleum with a clear color and no scent.

Learn more about Propanediol
17
What it does: Humectant, Masking, Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

Butylene Glycol (or BG) is used within cosmetic products for a few different reasons:

  • It is a solvent, meaning that it helps to dissolve other ingredients. This also enhances the absorption of the product into one's skin.
  • It is a humectant, which means that it helps attract moisture into the skin.
  • It helps improve product application.

Overall, Butylene Glycol is a safe and well-rounded ingredient. It is unlikely to irritate skin, and works well with pretty much all other ingredients.

18
What it does: Skin Conditioning, Solvent
Community Rating: Mixed

1,2-Hexanediol is a multi-tasker ingredient. It acts as a preservative to increase shelf-life and can aid other preservatives in preventing microbe growth. 1,2-Hexanediol also helps the skin retain moisture as a humectant.

In products that are water-based, this ingredient can help stabilize perfumes and fragrances. It can also help make the texture of products softer and more smooth.

19
What it does: Emollient, Humectant, Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Liked

Caprylyl Glycol is a humectant and emollient, meaning it attracts and preserves moisture.

It is a common ingredient in many products, especially those designed to hydrate skin. The primary benefits are retaining moisture, skin softening, and promoting a healthy skin barrier.

Though Caprylyl Glycol is an alcohol derived from fatty acids, it is not the kind that can dry out skin.

This ingredient is also used as a preservative to extend the life of products. It has slight antimicrobial properties.

Learn more about Caprylyl Glycol
20
What it does: Skin Conditioning
Community Rating: Mixed

Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.

You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.

Embed Ingredients

Here's what our community thinks of the 20 ingredients in this product ✨

50% are loved or liked
25% have mixed ratings
20% are disliked or very disliked
5% have no rating yet

When to use

We've created a guide with info on when you should use Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm. We've also included some recommended products to use it with, as well as some routine inspiration!

Read our guide on when to use Radiance Cleansing Balm ->
Verified by SkinSort

We're dedicated to providing you with the most up-to-date and science-backed ingredient info out there.

The data we've presented on this page has been verified by a member of the SkinSort Team.

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Top Reviews

View all 19
AshN.'s Avatar'
Mar 24, 2024

(Using Since 2022) Best cleansing balm I've ever purchased! Most cleansing balms I've looked at usually contain some type of fragrance but this doesn't. The formulation is great as it easily melts on your face once applied. Even when I...

(Using Since 2022) Best cleansing balm I've ever purchased! Most cleansing balms I've looked at usually contain some type of fragrance but this doesn't. The formulation is great as it easily melts on your face once applied. Even when I place some around my under eye and eyelid area there is no irritation or stinging. I would say this makes for a great budget buy as a little goes a long way. This is a must have if you're a fan of double cleansing!

Great Value
Hydrating
Light
No Scent
Works Well
HarrietandValentine's Avatar'
Mar 19, 2024

I use this for 'slip' while using a guasha tool every day in the shower (I use a guasha just for improving lymphatic flow in my collarbone, neck, and face). The added bonus is that it hydrates my skin and feels great.

I use this for 'slip' while using a guasha tool every day in the shower (I use a guasha just for improving lymphatic flow in my collarbone, neck, and face). The added bonus is that it hydrates my skin and feels great.

Great Value
Hydrating
No Scent
Works Well

Latest Reviews

View all 19
reira_823's Avatar'
Apr 1, 2024

Broke me out :(

Broke me out :(

Expensive
Broke Me Out
Pilling
Virago's Avatar'
Mar 30, 2024

Reliable cleansing balm for removing make-up (both waterproof eyeliner and mascara) and sunscreen, that also helped me get rid of sebaceous filaments. It has a nice buttery texture and is fun to scoop out! Although, you might need a...

Reliable cleansing balm for removing make-up (both waterproof eyeliner and mascara) and sunscreen, that also helped me get rid of sebaceous filaments. It has a nice buttery texture and is fun to scoop out! Although, you might need a little less than it seems - this way it can last up to five months of daily use. A staple in my skincare routine.

Great Value
Light
No Scent
Works Well
Read more reviews ->