Deciding Which Hanbang Hero Belongs in Your Rotation

We talk a lot about the "wardrobe" regarding clothes, but let’s be honest: your skincare routine deserves the same level of curation. Just as you wouldn't wear a silk blouse to paint the living room, you shouldn't be throwing heavy actives at skin that is begging for a nap.

We have been keeping a close eye on the Korean beauty sensation Beauty of Joseon. If you haven't heard the buzz, let us fill you in. This brand utilizes Hanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) ingredients, packaged in chic, minimalist bottles that look stunning on the vanity, all while sitting at a price point that allows for a true high-low mix. You know we love pairing a high-end moisturizer with an accessible, hardworking serum.

But with four distinct bottles that look nearly identical, the question usually isn't "should I buy one?" but rather, "which one do I actually need?"

Here is how we break them down for real life.

The Reality of "Skin Moods"

Before we dive into the ingredients, let's chat about how we actually use these. Skin changes day to day, especially in our 40s and 50s. Some days you wake up dry and tight; other days, you are battling a hormonal breakout or dullness.

We have found that treating these serums like a toolkit works best.

A Note from the Curator:

"I admit, I have all of these in my vanity right now. I reach for the Glow Serum (Propolis) almost every morning. The texture is slightly viscous, almost like honey, and it creates this incredible, grippy canvas under my makeup that mimics a 'glass skin' finish without looking greasy.

However, the one I actually panic-buy when I'm running low? The Calming Serum. We all have those days where we overdo it with the Tretinoin or the Vitamin C feels a bit spicy. When my barrier is angry, the Calming Serum is the only thing that puts the fire out. It’s my safety blanket."

The Breakdown

1. For The "I Need a Glow Up" Days

The Product: Glow Serum (Propolis + Niacinamide)

The Vibe: This is the crowd-pleaser. If your skin looks a little lackluster or you are dealing with the occasional hormonal spot, this is your bottle. Propolis is naturally antiseptic and hydrating, while Niacinamide refines pores.

Best For:

• Dry or dehydrated skin that needs a "bouncy" finish.

• Anyone dealing with large pores or occasional breakouts.

• The AQE Take: Use this in the AM. It gives a subtle sheen that makes you look like you drank your eight glasses of water, even if you mostly ran on coffee.

2. For The Pigmentation Battle

The Product: Glow Deep Serum (Rice + Alpha-Arbutin)

The Vibe: Lighter and more watery than the original Glow serum, this formulation is strictly business regarding pigmentation. If years of sun worship are showing up as sunspots, or if past blemishes have left a mark, Rice Bran water and Alpha-Arbutin work to suppress melanin production.

Best For:

• Dull complexions needing brightness.

• Fading dark spots or hyperpigmentation.

• The AQE Take: This takes time to work. Consistency is key here. Pair this with your favorite SPF every single morning to see real results.

3. For The Sensitive & Stressed

The Product: Calming Serum (Green Tea + Panthenol)

The Vibe: A cool drink of water for a hot day. As mentioned in our curator's note, this is the firefighter of the group. Green Tea is a potent antioxidant that soothes inflammation, while Panthenol (Vitamin B5) strengthens the skin barrier.

Best For:

• Redness, rosacea-prone skin, or irritation.

• Skin recovering from harsh actives (retinols/acids).

• The AQE Take: Keep this on hand for "recovery nights." If you have spent too much time in the wind or sun, or if you exfoliated a bit too enthusiastically, layer this on thick.

4. For The Elasticity Seekers

The Product: Revive Serum (Ginseng + Snail Mucin)

The Vibe: Rich and reparative. Ginseng is a legendary root in Korean history for vitality, meant to energize the skin. Snail Mucin (don't be scared of it!) is fantastic for repairing skin damage and aiding elasticity.

Best For:

• Fine lines and wrinkles.

• Loss of elasticity or "tired" looking skin.

• The AQE Take: This is a lovely evening serum. It feels luxurious and restorative. If you are feeling like gravity is winning the war, tag this one in.

Final Thoughts

You do not need all four. In fact, we advise against cluttering your shelf with products you won't use.

If you want our cheat sheet:

• Want radiance? Go Propolis.

• Want brightness? Go Rice.

• Want relief? Go Green Tea.

• Want repair? Go Ginseng.

Beauty should be effortless, and finding a serum that does the heavy lifting for under $20? That is the definition of smart luxury.

Note on Affiliates: We believe in transparency and only recommend products and services we genuinely use and love. Some links in this article may be affiliate links, meaning we may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you, and it helps us continue to provide curated, high-quality content for our community.