Beauty of Joseon GLOW SERUM : PROPOLIS + NIACINAMIDE

Values You Can Trust: 100% Genuine (Adilsons policy) / Fragrance-Free* / Halal-Friendly* / FA-Conditional

*Fragrance-Free is based on the declared INCI list, which contains no Parfum/Fragrance entry. *Halal status is self-assessed — see the Conscious and Permissible Formulation section below for the full basis and its limits. FA-Conditional means this is not a blanket FA-safe product — see Section 30B for the specific ingredients involved.

If breakouts and visible pores have made you dread the mirror, this serum's job is narrow and specific: calm the inflammation driving the redness, and support the barrier so new marks fade instead of piling up. It will not erase pores structurally — no topical can — but it can reduce the puffiness and oil buildup that make them look larger.

PIH vs PIE: this serum targets brown/tan post-acne marks (PIH, from excess melanin) via niacinamide's effect on melanosome transfer. It does little for red/pink post-acne marks (PIE, from damaged capillaries) — those respond better to centella derivatives, azelaic acid, and time.

Pros: genuinely light finish despite the "honey" description; dual-purpose calming + pore-care in one step; works well as a single-serum minimalist routine. Caveats: not vegan (propolis is bee-derived); anyone with a bee/pollen allergy should not use it; the exact pH and Betaine Salicylate concentration are not publicly disclosed by the brand.

Classification: YELLOW (14+ with guidance). This is not a high-strength clinical product, but it does carry two functional actives — 2% Niacinamide and an undisclosed low concentration of Betaine Salicylate (a BHA ester) — that go beyond a plain hydrator, so it is not a blanket GREEN for all ages.

For a teen dealing mainly with occasional redness rather than active acne or pore concerns, Beauty of Joseon Calming Serum: Green Tea + Panthenol is a gentler starting point with no BHA-family ingredient in it. A parent should still confirm there is no known bee-product allergy in the household before this specific serum is used by a younger family member.

• Bedside-compatible: yes, no sink needed if applied after a micellar wipe-down.
• Requires rinsing: no.
• Precise dosage: no — 2-3 drops, patted on, is forgiving.
• Applicable with unwashed hands: not ideal — hands should be clean, but a quick rinse is enough, no full cleanse required in an emergency.
• Single-product routine viable: yes. On a bare-minimum night, cleanse (or wipe), pat this serum on, and sleep — it functions as a reasonable stand-alone step.

The honey-like texture is comforting rather than off-putting on low-energy nights, and it does not require a wait-time-heavy stack to work. If even 2-3 drops feels like too much effort some nights, that is a sign to simplify further, not to double up the next day.

1. When: AM or PM, or both once your skin has confirmed tolerance.
2. How much: 2-3 drops — roughly a coin-sized puddle in your palm.
3. How: Pat (do not rub) into clean, slightly damp skin; wait 30-60 seconds before your next step.

Introduce this as the ONLY new product in your routine. Wait a full 14 days before adding anything else. This isolation window ensures you can identify whether any reaction is caused by this specific product.

1. Gentle cleanser — see the Complete Your Routine section for verified options.
2. Hydrating toner (optional layer, 5-8 drops).
3. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum — 2-3 drops, patted in, 30-60 seconds to absorb.
4. Moisturizer (light gel-cream in humid mornings).
5. Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ — non-negotiable, especially since this serum's job includes fading dark marks that UV exposure will re-trigger.

Mauritius mornings are humid enough that a single light humectant layer often performs better than three stacked toners — humectants like the Sodium Hyaluronate in this serum draw water from the humid air itself when there is enough ambient moisture, rather than pulling it from your deeper skin layers.

1. Double cleanse (oil/balm cleanser to break down sunscreen, then a water-based cleanser).
2. Toner or essence layer (optional).
3. Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum — 2-3 drops, patted in, 30-60 seconds to absorb.
4. Moisturizer to seal.

Apply thinnest to thickest: this serum sits after any watery toner layers and before your cream. If you also run a retinoid or exfoliating acid at night, see the Conflict Solver below before layering them in the same routine.

Technique: Pat/press into skin — do not rub. Friction degrades serum formulas and increases irritation risk, especially on inflamed breakout areas this product is meant to calm.

Required skin state: slightly damp is ideal, since the humectant components (Sodium Hyaluronate) work better on skin that still has some surface moisture.

Wait time: 30-60 seconds before your next layer to prevent pilling under sunscreen or makeup.

Hands vs. cotton pad: hands deliver 100% of the product; a cotton pad absorbs approximately 30-40% of it. Use hands for this serum.

This is an encyclopedia map of all product types. You do not use all of these daily. You select modules based on your skin state.

Global rules: viscosity ladder runs thinnest to thickest, water-phase before oil-phase, treatments before seals. Wait-time defaults: watery layers 10-20s, serum layers 30-60s, before sunscreen 10-15 minutes if going outdoors or applying makeup. Amount defaults unless brand guidance overrides: toner/essence 5-8 drops per layer, serum/ampoule 2-3 drops or 1 pump, eye product half a rice-grain per eye, gel moisturizer 1-1.5 peas, cream moisturizer 1-2 peas, occlusive seal rice-grain to pea-size, sunscreen the two-finger rule for face. Hydrators go on slightly damp skin; exfoliating acids on dry or lightly damp skin, kept to one lane. If the routine pills, stings, or feels heavy, reduce layers rather than increasing them.

AM Maximum Stack: (1) Rinse/gentle cleanse (optional) → (2) pH-prep toner (optional) → (3) Hydrating toner layers (optional) → (4) Essence (optional) → (5) Mist (optional) → (6) Booster/soothing serum (optional) → (7) Antioxidant lane, choose one (optional) → (8) Pigment-support lane, choose one (optional) → (9) Hydration serum lane (optional) → (10) Oil-control/sebum-regulating lane — this is where the Glow Serum sits → (11) Peptide/repair lane (optional) → (12) Eye product (optional) → (13) Moisturizer → (14) Optional sealing layer (only if dry/AC) → (15) Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ (non-negotiable) → (16) Lip SPF (optional). In AM, prioritize comfort and SPF adherence over stacking — in high humidity, fewer layers often perform better.

PM Maximum Stack: (1) Micellar pre-cleanse (optional) → (2) Oil cleanser/balm (if SPF/makeup worn) → (3) Water cleanser (second cleanse) → (4) pH-prep toner (optional) → (5) Hydrating toner layers (optional) → (6) Essence (optional) → (7) Soothing/barrier serum (optional) → (8) [Anchor: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum] → (9) Targeted serum, only if non-conflicting (optional) → (10) Moisturizer → (11) Sleeping mask (optional) → (12) Occlusive seal (optional, avoid if clog-prone) → (13) Spot treatment/pimple patch (as needed) → (14) Lip sleeping mask (optional). Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night — keep one lane per night.

Lane strictness: one active lane per routine — Retinoid OR Exfoliation OR Strong Vitamin C (LAA) OR Acne-control active. Barrier and hydration steps can always accompany. If unsure, default to the safest lane (barrier/hydration) and reduce layers.

Tier: medium-viscosity serum — thicker than a watery essence, thinner than a cream. Apply after any thin toners/essences and before your moisturizer.

Layering rule: thinnest to thickest, water-phase before oil-phase. This serum is water-phase (aqueous gel base with Xanthan Gum and Carbomer as thickeners), so it belongs before any facial oil and after watery toners.

Rheological note: the honey-like appearance in the bottle is thicker than how it spreads once patted onto skin — do not judge the finished feel by how viscous it looks in the dropper.

Purging vs. Reaction: purging shows up in your usual breakout zones, stays surface-level, and resolves in 4-6 weeks. A reaction shows up in new areas, involves burning, swelling, or hives, and worsens rather than improves — stop immediately if you see the latter.

Before starting this product, your routine must already include a gentle cleanser and a daily moisturizer. Without those foundations, adding a functional-active serum causes more irritation than benefit.

If your skin stings on moisturizer or feels tight within 30 minutes of cleansing, your barrier is below the threshold for this serum. Start with a bare cleanser-and-moisturizer routine for a week before reintroducing it.

• Inflammation/active breakouts: Propolis' traditionally-cited anti-inflammatory properties, supported by Centella Asiatica Extract further down the ingredient list.
• Enlarged pores (appearance): Niacinamide's effect on sebum output can reduce the puffiness that makes pores look bigger; it does not shrink pore structure.
• Post-acne dark marks (PIH): Niacinamide inhibits melanosome transfer from melanocytes to keratinocytes, fading brown/tan marks over 8+ weeks with consistent SPF.
• Dullness: secondary benefit from the hydrating, glow-finish base.

What this product cannot do: it cannot physically shrink pore structure, cannot remove red/pink post-acne marks (PIE — see the Skin Type and PIH/PIE notes above), and cannot lighten your natural skin tone — its brightening effect is limited to fading excess pigment from marks, not changing your baseline complexion.

For acne specifically, topical care works alongside — not instead of — diet and lifestyle factors; a high-glycemic diet and dairy intake are linked in some research to insulin/IGF-1 pathways that can increase sebum production, which is worth knowing even though this serum only addresses the topical side.

Gentle AM/PM cleanser — primary pick: ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser (low-pH, hydrating, will not strip the barrier this serum is trying to calm). Alternatives: beplain Mung Bean pH-Balanced Cleansing Foam, Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser, Anua Heartleaf Succinic Cleansing Foam (its own mild 0.5% BHA adds pore-clearing support at the cleansing step).

PM oil/balm cleanser — primary pick: beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil. Alternative: VT Cosmetics Reedle Shot Synergy Cleansing Gel as a gel-based first-cleanse option. Beauty of Joseon's own Ginseng Cleansing Oil and Radiance Cleansing Balm are currently out of stock at Adilsons, so they are not listed here.

Daily sunscreen — primary pick: Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++, same Hanbang line, comfortable finish. Alternatives: Anua Heartleaf Silky Moisture Sun Cream, SKIN1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum, TOCOBO Bio Watery Sun Cream.

Moisturizer to seal — primary pick: Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream. Alternatives: Anua Birch 70% Moisture Boosting Cream, ROUND LAB Mugwort Calming Cream, Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream (100ml size).

Pilling pairs: stacking this serum under a very thick occlusive balm on the same night as a separate niacinamide toner increases pilling risk. Reduce to one niacinamide product per routine and give this serum its full 30-60 second absorption window before your next layer.

This is a conflict-solver for ACTIVE ingredients. If you run multiple actives, use these rules to avoid irritation, deactivation, and barrier damage.

Universal rule: run only one primary active lane per routine (Retinoid OR Acid Exfoliation OR L-Ascorbic Acid Vitamin C OR Benzoyl Peroxide OR strong acne lane). If you break this rule, reduce frequency or split AM/PM rather than pushing through irritation.

• × L-Ascorbic Acid (pure Vitamin C): High-percentage niacinamide can trigger flushing when layered directly with pure Vitamin C on reactive skin. Instead: Vitamin C in the AM, this Glow Serum in the PM — or wait 10-15 minutes between them if using both in the same routine.
• × Retinoids/Strong AHA/BHA exfoliants: The Betaine Salicylate in this serum is a gentle BHA ester at an undisclosed (likely low) concentration, but layering it the same night as a separate strong retinoid or acid product still adds up. Instead: alternate nights, or use this serum in the AM and your retinoid/acid at night.

Scheduling template (AM/PM split, most common): AM — antioxidant lane (if used) → moisturizer → SPF. PM — this Glow Serum, or your retinoid/acid lane on alternating nights → moisturizer.

Do not layer retinoids with AHA/BHA in the same night; keep one lane per night. If unsure, default to the safest lane — barrier and hydration — and reduce layers.

Pre-period breakouts happen because progesterone causes the pore lining to physically swell, narrowing the opening and trapping sebum beneath. This is exactly the window where this serum's calming and sebum-support profile is most useful — consider layering it slightly more consistently (not more frequently) in the week before your period.

Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which breaks down collagen, increases transepidermal water loss, triggers inflammatory acne, and compromises barrier function. Propolis and Centella Asiatica in this formula are both traditionally cited for calming inflamed, stressed-looking skin, which makes this serum a reasonable choice during a high-stress stretch rather than a product to pause.

If a stressful period is also disrupting your sleep and diet, expect this serum to help less than it normally would — topical calming ingredients cannot fully offset a system-wide cortisol spike.

Assessment: Water-Permeable (generally considered wudu-compatible). This is an aqueous-gel serum, not a wax- or silicone-heavy film former — it absorbs into skin rather than sitting as a barrier layer.

Adilsons provides this assessment based on the product's physical properties. Rulings on wudu validity vary between scholars. Consult your own trusted Islamic authority.

MYTH: "Undiluted honey or raw propolis from the kitchen works just as well as a formulated propolis serum." REALITY: Raw honey/propolis is unstandardized, can carry contaminants, and has no preservative system — applying it directly risks irritation and infection that a properly formulated, preserved serum like this one is built to avoid.

MYTH: "Enlarged pores can be permanently shrunk with the right serum." REALITY: Pore size is largely structural (genetics, sun damage over time). Niacinamide reduces the sebum and puffiness that make pores look larger — it does not change the physical opening.

MYTH: "If it's marketed as anti-inflammatory, I can use it on an open, weeping breakout." REALITY: Broken skin should not have active serums applied directly — wait until the surface has closed before treating the area, and treat active cystic lesions as a dermatologist matter, not a serum matter.

Air-conditioning note: the Sodium Hyaluronate in this serum draws moisture FROM your deeper skin layers instead of from the air when you're in prolonged AC. Always seal it with a moisturizer when spending extended hours in air-conditioned rooms.

Sugar cane burning season (July-November): PM2.5 rises during this period. This serum's finish is not tacky enough to cause meaningful particulate adhesion, so no schedule change is needed — just keep your antioxidant and SPF steps consistent.

Hard water note: Mauritius tap water hardness varies by region. This is a leave-on serum, not a rinse-off product, so hard-water residue is not a direct concern here — but a pH-adjusting toner beforehand still helps if your cleanser leaves skin feeling tight.

*Propolis' anti-inflammatory evidence base is a mix of traditional-use history and in-vitro/preliminary research rather than large-scale human clinical trials specific to this exact formula — treat the "calming" claim as ingredient-rationale, not a guaranteed clinical result.

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

The 1% line placement above is an estimate based on standard descending-concentration INCI convention, not a brand-confirmed cutoff. Everything from Turmeric Root Extract onward — including the Centella Asiatica Extract marketed in some listings as a supporting calming ingredient — falls below it.

*This ingredient appears below the estimated 1% line in the INCI list, suggesting it is present at a trace/sub-efficacious concentration. Its inclusion may be primarily for marketing rather than clinical effect.

Preservative system: 1,2-Hexanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, and Pentylene Glycol — a multifunctional glycol/diol system, not a traditional paraben or formaldehyde-releaser system.

Fragrance status: Fragrance-Free — no Parfum/Fragrance entry appears in the declared INCI.

Scent: Faint, natural honey/herbal note from the propolis and plant extracts themselves, not an added fragrance; described by third-party reviewers as dissipating quickly.

EU 26 allergen screen: None of the 26 EU-regulated fragrance allergens (Limonene, Linalool, Geraniol, etc.) were detected in the declared INCI list.

Alcohol disclosure: Alcohol-Free — no denatured ethanol (Alcohol Denat.) appears in the INCI.

• Bee/pollen allergy → Propolis Extract: the single biggest cross-reactivity concern for this specific product, given the 60% concentration. Do not use this product if you have a diagnosed bee, honey, or pollen allergy.
• Aspirin/salicylate sensitivity → Betaine Salicylate: this is a BHA-family ester; anyone with a diagnosed salicylate sensitivity should patch test cautiously even though the concentration is low.

No prescription-drug interaction data specific to this formula was found in this research pass; if you are on an active dermatology prescription (tretinoin, isotretinoin, or similar), mention this serum to your prescriber before combining.

Halal status: Halal-Friendly*. Beauty of Joseon's products, including this SKU, are not officially Halal-certified — this is a self-assessment based on the declared INCI showing no ethanol, no denatured alcohol, and no pork-derived ingredients. Propolis (bee-derived) is generally considered permissible by many Islamic scholars, but views can differ.

*Self-assessed by Adilsons based on available INCI data. No ethanol from fermentation, no porcine-derived ingredients, and no haram animal-derived ingredients detected in the declared ingredient list. This is NOT a formal Halal certification. Muslims with stricter requirements should consult their own scholars.

Vegan status: Not vegan. Propolis Extract is a bee-derived ingredient present at a high (~60%) concentration, so this product cannot be marketed as vegan regardless of the rest of the formula.

Cruelty-free status: Cruelty-Free*. Beauty of Joseon states it does not test on animals; this is not independently certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, or an equivalent third-party audit.

*Brand-stated policy. Not independently certified by Leaping Bunny, PETA, or equivalent third-party audit.

Microplastic status: Microplastic-Free — no known microplastic polymers were identified in the declared INCI.

MFDS classification: Not confirmed in this research pass. Niacinamide is commonly an MFDS-recognized functional (whitening/brightening) ingredient within the general Korean regulatory framework, but this specific SKU's functional registration was not independently verified against a primary regulatory source this round — treat any "Functional Cosmetic" label for this exact product as unconfirmed rather than fact.

Whitening translation: the Korean "미백" (mibaek) classification, where it genuinely applies to a functional product, means regulation of melanin production to fade dark spots and even tone. It does NOT mean bleaching or changing your natural skin color.

Evidence confidence: Medium for Niacinamide (well-established, extensively studied ingredient mechanism). Low-to-Marketing-Only* for the specific claim that 60% Propolis produces a clinically measured anti-inflammatory effect in this exact formula, since no SKU-specific clinical trial data was found.

*Clinical evidence is based on in-vitro (lab cell) studies and traditional-use history only, not a published in-vivo (human skin) trial on this exact formula. In-vivo results may differ. This does not mean the ingredient is ineffective — it means the evidence tier is lower.

No reformulation history for this exact SKU was found in this research pass — treat the current INCI as the best-available current formula rather than a guaranteed unchanged-since-launch list, since K-beauty brands can reformulate without a public announcement.

Fungal Acne Safety: FA-Conditional. Two ingredients on the FA-sensitive watch-list are present: Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil (Tamanu oil, a fatty-acid-rich plant oil) and Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate (a polyglyceryl ester of lauric acid). Neither is a dominant ingredient by position, but if you are highly FA-prone, patch test on an affected area before full-face use rather than assuming this is blanket FA-safe.

Assessment: Low-to-Medium. On its own this serum absorbs cleanly, but stacking it with multiple other thick or film-forming layers (a second niacinamide toner, a heavy occlusive) in the same routine raises pilling risk.

Mitigation: apply to slightly damp skin, wait the full 30-60 seconds before your next step, pat rather than rub, and reduce the number of other thick layers stacked with it.

Color baseline: expect an amber-to-honey color from the propolis itself; a marked darkening or a sudden, sharp change in smell are signs of oxidation.

Storage: keep away from direct sun and away from a hot, humid bathroom shelf — Mauritius bathroom humidity accelerates degradation of glycol-based formulas faster than a bedroom drawer would. Refrigeration is not required but is not harmful either.

Spoilage signs: separation that will not remix with shaking, a sour or off smell distinct from the normal honey note, or a texture that has become watery or grainy. When in doubt, discard.

1. Apply a small amount to your inner forearm or behind your ear.
2. Wait 24-48 hours, watching for redness, itching, or burning.
3. If clear, proceed to facial use — starting once daily (PM) for the first week if you are new to niacinamide.

72-hour barrier reset: if you have an adverse reaction, stop all actives. For 72 hours use only a gentle cleanser and plain moisturizer with mineral SPF — no acids, retinoids, Vitamin C, exfoliants, or essential oils. After 72 hours, reintroduce one product per 14 days.

Emergency stop signals: hives, swelling, blistering, persistent burning, or breathing difficulty — seek emergency care immediately and discontinue use.

1. Using it without daily SPF — this undoes the pigment-fading benefit almost entirely.
2. Rubbing it in instead of patting, which increases irritation on already-inflamed skin.
3. Skipping the patch test because "it's just a K-beauty serum" — the 60% propolis concentration makes patch testing genuinely important for anyone with a bee-family allergy history.
4. Stacking it with a separate strong niacinamide toner and a retinoid on the same night, which raises irritation risk for no added benefit.
5. Expecting pore size itself to change — the visible improvement is in oiliness and puffiness, not pore structure.

Phone hygiene: since this product is often used by people managing active breakouts, remember that phone screens are a common bacterial transfer point to the jaw and cheek — wipe your screen regularly if you press it to your face during calls.

A 30ml bottle used at 2-3 drops per application gives roughly 150 applications. Used once daily (PM only), that is approximately 5 months; used twice daily (AM and PM), approximately 2.5 months.

Using more than the recommended 2-3 drops does not speed up results — it only shortens how long the bottle lasts without adding benefit. If you are unsure whether this serum suits your skin before committing to a full 30ml bottle, Beauty of Joseon's Hanbang Serum Discovery Kit (4 x 10ml, including this Glow Serum) is a lower-commitment way to test it alongside the brand's other serums.

Consider reordering when you are roughly halfway through the bottle to allow for processing and delivery time.

This serum's job is narrow: calm inflammation and support sebum balance while the rest of your routine handles hydration and sun protection. It sits in the mid-viscosity serum step, after toners and before moisturizer, in both AM and PM.

AM: (1) gentle cleanser or rinse → (2) optional toner → (3) Glow Serum, 2-3 drops, wait 30-60s → (4) moisturizer → (5) sunscreen, non-negotiable. PM: (1) double cleanse → (2) optional toner → (3) Glow Serum, 2-3 drops, wait 30-60s → (4) moisturizer.

If your skin is barrier-compromised right now: pause this serum and any other active for 3-7 days, running only a gentle cleanser and moisturizer, before reintroducing it. If you are in air-conditioning most of the day: make sure a moisturizer follows this serum every single time — the humectant content needs sealing indoors. If you are in the luteal (pre-period) phase: this is when consistent use matters most, per the Hormonal Cycle section above. If you are also using a prescription retinoid: use this serum on alternate nights or move it to AM, per the Conflict Solver.

Starter bundle (calm + protect): ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleanser + this Glow Serum + Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun. PM pore-and-repair bundle: beplain Mung Bean Cleansing Oil + this Glow Serum + Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream.

After purchasing, you will receive our skincare education email series covering this product in depth.

The recommendations above are based on formulation synergy with the Glow Serum, not on margin or stock levels. If a pairing does not exist in our catalog, we say so. If you already own a product that fills the same role, use what you have first.

This Glow Serum is a strong pick if inflammation and pore-appearance are your leading concerns and a moderate 2% niacinamide dose is enough for you. If stubborn, established dark spots are your primary frustration rather than active inflammation, a higher-strength brightening serum may serve you better.

For stronger dark-spot correction: primary pick Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Dark Spot Correcting Serum — five times the niacinamide dose plus Tranexamic Acid, a second pigment-pathway ingredient. Alternatives: ROUND LAB Vita Niacinamide Dark Spot Serum, Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin (60ml), Anua Peach 70 Niacin Serum.

For a bee-allergy-safe, non-propolis pore/sebum focus instead: primary pick beplain Mung Bean Pore Tight-up Serum. Alternatives: Beauty of Joseon Pore Firming Serum: Red Bean PDRN+Peptide, Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Toner: AHA+BHA, COSRX AHA BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner. COSRX's own BHA Blackhead Power Liquid, sometimes recommended for this concern, is currently out of stock at Adilsons.

If you already have a serum at home addressing the same concern, finish it first before buying this one — that gives you a fair read on results and avoids waste.

Choose the Glow Serum over the Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% Serum if you need gentler daily-use inflammation and sebum support: a moderate 2% niacinamide dose plus a high concentration of a traditionally calming ingredient (propolis), rather than a stronger dual-pigment-pathway treatment.

Upgrade to the Anua serum if: your dark spots have been stable (not actively inflamed) for 8+ weeks and are not fading with this serum alone. Upgrade if: you have already built tolerance to niacinamide at 2% with no irritation. Do NOT upgrade if: you have a bee/pollen allergy driving you toward the non-propolis option for a different reason — that is a switch, not an upgrade. Do NOT upgrade if: your skin is still actively inflamed — treat inflammation before layering in a stronger pigment-correcting active.

Timing: the Anua serum can occupy the same PM pigment-support step as this Glow Serum — they are not meant to be run together as separate full-strength products, since that stacks two niacinamide sources unnecessarily.

If you match two or more of the upgrade triggers above, the Anua serum is worth choosing. If not, this Glow Serum is sufficient and gentler. Consistency beats complexity.

This product's PRIMARY function is calming active inflammation and supporting sebum/pore appearance via Propolis and 2% Niacinamide. You do NOT need this if you already own another niacinamide serum you are actively using and tolerating well — finish that one first.

Check your shelf for an open serum with the same primary active before buying a second one; with a 12-month Period After Opening, buying a duplicate while an existing bottle is still viable is simply waste.

Stacking assessment: No Benefit if you already run a separate niacinamide serum (same mechanism). Significant Benefit if your current routine has no calming/anti-inflammatory step and no niacinamide at all (different, complementary pathway).

This product is sourced through authorized Korean distributors — primarily Craver Co., Ltd (South Korea), alongside other verified distribution partners. Craver is a major Korean beauty distributor and the parent company of SKIN1004, handling authorized distribution for multiple K-beauty brands. All products are shipped directly to Mauritius via verified channels.

For comprehensive information about how we verify authenticity, our layered verification system, and how to check your product at home, visit our dedicated Authenticity and Trust page.

Quick checks for this SKU: genuine outer-box barcodes begin with the GS1 prefix 8809657; boxes should feel like thick, matte-finish cardboard with crisp, evenly spaced Korean/English printing. These markers come from community-reported guidance rather than an official brand anti-counterfeit statement — for anything beyond a quick visual check, use the Authenticity page above.

Beauty of Joseon was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in Seoul. The brand's public ownership history points to Goodai Global, with some sources also referencing Akoco Cosmetics. This research pass could not fully reconcile which entity is the current authoritative parent, so both are noted rather than one being asserted as fact.

The brand's identity is built on "Hanbang" — traditional Korean herbal medicine — drawing on eight ingredients cited in the historical Korean text Gyuhap Chongseo: rice, ginseng, red bean, mugwort, green plum, honey/propolis, green tea, and Centella asiatica. This Glow Serum sits in that honey/propolis lineage, paired with the modern dermatological active niacinamide rather than being a purely traditional-ingredient formula.

Beauty of Joseon does not manufacture from a single confirmed in-house factory as far as this research could establish — some secondary sources attribute specific SKUs (not this one, that this pass could verify) to named Korean contract manufacturers, but none of that was confirmed on an official brand source.

Honesty note: this research pass could not directly retrieve individually-quotable Reddit, Amazon, or YesStyle review threads for this exact product — several review-hosting sites blocked direct page access during this session. What follows is drawn from search-result summaries of the brand's own review page and independent review blogs, presented with that context rather than as anonymous forum quotes.

Beauty of Joseon's own product page shows a self-reported 4.9/5 rating from roughly 1,868 reviews — a brand-hosted figure, not an independently audited score. Community aggregator sites report the product appearing in thousands of user-logged skincare routines, with recurring praise for the lightweight, non-greasy finish and a visible reduction in redness/oiliness within a few weeks.

Fair caveat: at least one independent review blog noted the "glow" effect, while pleasant, was less dramatic than the marketing suggests, and a recurring complaint across sources is that the 30ml bottle is used up faster than expected at twice-daily use. Reviews of this product elsewhere sometimes get confused with Beauty of Joseon's Relief Sun sunscreen (a different SKU that some oily-skin users report breaking them out) — that feedback belongs to the sunscreen, not this serum, and should not be read across.

Sustainability: the glass bottle is recyclable — rinse before recycling. The outer carton is paper-based and recyclable through standard channels.

Can I use this with Vitamin C or a retinoid?
Yes, but not stacked in the same application — use Vitamin C in the AM and this serum in the PM, or alternate nights with your retinoid per the Conflict Solver above.

I have a bee allergy — is this safe for me?
No. This serum contains a high concentration (~60%) of Propolis Extract, a bee-derived ingredient. Avoid it entirely if you have a diagnosed bee, honey, or pollen allergy.

Will this make oily skin greasier?
No — the finish is dewy but absorbs without a persistent oily film, and niacinamide supports sebum regulation over weeks of use rather than adding shine.

Is this suitable for fungal-acne-prone skin?
Conditionally. Two ingredients (Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil and Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate) sit on common FA-sensitivity watch-lists — patch test on an affected area first if you are highly FA-prone rather than assuming it's blanket-safe.

What is the actual pH of this serum?
Not publicly disclosed by the brand in any source this research pass could directly verify — treat any specific number circulating elsewhere with caution until confirmed against a primary source.

Niacinamide

A form of Vitamin B3 that supports sebum regulation, barrier function, and fading of dark marks.

Propolis

A resin-like substance bees produce from plant sap, traditionally used for its calming, anti-inflammatory reputation.

Hanbang (한방)

Traditional Korean herbal medicine philosophy that inspires much of Beauty of Joseon's formulation identity.

PIH

Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation — brown/tan marks left after a breakout heals, caused by excess melanin.

PIE

Post-Inflammatory Erythema — red/pink marks left after a breakout heals, caused by damaged capillaries.

Betaine Salicylate

A gentle, oil-soluble BHA-family ester used for mild pore-clearing exfoliation.

MFDS

South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety, the regulator for cosmetics claims and functional-ingredient classification.

FA-Conditional

Not guaranteed safe for fungal-acne-prone skin — contains at least one ingredient some sensitive users react to, worth a patch test first.

Assessment: Consult Oncologist. While this serum is fragrance-free and retinoid-free, it contains a high concentration of Propolis, a bee-derived ingredient that some oncology skincare guidance flags for extra caution in immunocompromised or actively-treated patients due to allergenic and immune-related sensitivity potential.

Consult your oncology care team before introducing any new skincare products during treatment.

Antioxidant pollution defense: Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract appear in the formula as antioxidant-contributing ingredients, though both sit below the estimated 1% line, so treat their pollution-defense contribution as supportive rather than primary.

AC/humidity swing interaction: the Sodium Hyaluronate in this serum is a genuine humectant — it performs well when there is ambient humidity to draw from, and can pull moisture from your own skin instead when you are in dry, air-conditioned rooms for long stretches. Always seal with a moisturizer during long AC exposure.

Every product sold by Adilsons Beauty is 100% genuine, sourced through authorized Korean distribution channels. Full details on our verification system: Authenticity and Trust.

Our team is available to help you build a routine, troubleshoot reactions, and answer ingredient questions. WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

For in-depth skincare education, visit our blog at adilsons.mu/blogs/k-beauty or subscribe to our email to get our guided education series delivered to your inbox.

Coverage: Island-wide delivery (Mauritius).

Processing and Timing: Orders process in 1-2 business days; usually ready by Day 3 for pickup by our delivery partners/regional team. Partner collection can take up to 1 week. After pickup, delivery typically takes 1-5 business days (weekdays only).

Express: May be available by region; request on WhatsApp: +230 5 778 2336.

Liquids/Sensitive Items: Serums, toners, liquid makeup (and kits containing liquids) are pickup or door-to-door only; checkout enforces this.

Scheduling: Deliveries run by region on set schedules; we will contact you the evening before.

Pickup: Citadelle Mall pickup available.

Returns: No change-of-mind exchanges.

Refunds (Summary): For defective/damaged on receipt (report within 48h), wrong item, or manufacturing defect within 6 months. Refunds via bank transfer (7-10 business days); card refunds may incur a 5% processor fee (fee not charged for defects/order errors). Opened skincare/personal-care items are non-returnable (except if damaged on delivery).

Source of Truth: This is a quick snapshot. If anything differs, the policy pages are final.

Store Policies: For the most up-to-date information, please review our Shipping Policy and Refund Policy.

Best for: oily, combination, or acne-prone skin dealing with active inflammation, sebum-driven puffiness around pores, and early post-acne dark marks — used consistently, with daily SPF.

Key benefits: a genuinely light, non-greasy finish despite the honey-thick appearance; a straightforward single-serum routine option; niacinamide's well-established sebum and pigment-support mechanism at a verified 2% dose.

Keep in mind: not vegan and not suitable for anyone with a bee/pollen allergy; exact pH and Betaine Salicylate concentration are not publicly disclosed; FA-conditional rather than FA-safe, so patch test if you are highly FA-prone.