Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
A propolis-heavy serum with niacinamide as the second lead, and one of the products that carried this brand from a Korean-market curiosity to a global shelf staple. The propolis gives the honeyed slip and the wet-looking finish; the niacinamide is the better-evidenced half, with reasonable support for the appearance of tone, texture and pore visibility. It is a simple formula sold at an unusually honest price for what is in it.
What it is built around
Who it suits
Dry and normal skin wanting dewiness, and combination skin that finds most brightening serums drying. Sensitive skin generally tolerates it, with the caveat that niacinamide makes some people flush. Anyone with a bee-product allergy should skip it entirely. Very oily skin often finds the propolis tack unpleasant, and there are lighter niacinamide serums for that.
How to use it
After toner, before moisturiser, once or twice a day. Two to three drops pressed into damp skin, then seal with a cream — on its own it is not a moisturiser. In the morning, give it a full minute before sunscreen so it stops feeling sticky. It layers happily with almost anything except a high-strength ascorbic acid in the same sitting.
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We describe products from public information and rank ingredients, never take payment for placement. Formulas change — always read the current ingredient list on the pack you buy.
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🙋 People also ask
What is the difference between essence and serum?
In Korean skincare, essence is typically a thinner, hydration-focused layer that preps skin, while serum is more concentrated with targeted actives like vitamin C or niacinamide. Essence usually comes first; serum follows. The line between them blurs, and not every routine needs both.
What does niacinamide do?
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 widely used in Korean skincare to help brighten the look of dullness, refine the appearance of pores and support the skin barrier. It's gentle, well tolerated by most skin types and pairs easily with many other ingredients.
What is propolis in skincare?
Propolis is a bee-derived, honey-like extract used in Korean skincare for a comforting, nourishing glow and antioxidant support. It's popular in soothing essences and ampoules for dry or stressed skin. Anyone with a bee-product allergy should avoid it and patch-test before regular use.
Can you use vitamin C and niacinamide together?
Yes, current understanding is that vitamin C and niacinamide can be used together safely, and many Korean formulas combine them. The old warning that they cancel out is largely outdated. If your skin is sensitive, you can still apply them at different times of day to be cautious.
✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed: 2026-08-23.
General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.