Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide Review

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
2.2Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide has an anti-wrinkle rating of 2.2 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.3 out of 10 and a very high humectancy of 9.7 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈4.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 2.2 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Niacinamide (est. ≈1.5%), 
 one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
 
Among others, Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide also contains contains Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract and Centella Asiatica Extract, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 
Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Propolis Extract (est. ≈75.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Propolis Extract (est. ≈75.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Pros & Cons of Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Propolis Extract

Cons: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Propolis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lotus Corniculatus Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Betaine Salicylate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Tromethamine
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Dextrin
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Octanediol
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.7
4
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.7 10
9.7
4
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.7 10
9.7
All humectants
9.7
4
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 0.6 20
0.3
All occlusives
0.6
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 1.5 2.2
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
2.2
Niacinamide
2.2
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
2.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
75
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 80.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
80.2
Propolis Extract
75
Niacinamide
1.5
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
1
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
0.3
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Corallina Officinalis Extract
0.3
Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
75
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 77.7 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
77.7
75
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Propolis Extract
Est. %75
Function
Origin
Propolis ExtractA famous bee product that has traditionally been used to treat inflammation and wounds. The extract is soothing and promotes skin healing.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Glycerin
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Butylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Water
Est. %2
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Niacinamide
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Flower ExtractAn antioxidant extract derived from the flowers of the Indian lilac, also known as Neem. It is often used in traditional medicine in India. The Neem flower extracts contain limonoids, which are currently under research for their anti-pigment activity.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root ExtractAn extract derived from the thick roots of curcuma (turmeric), a famous yellow spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. It is used in skincare for its proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf ExtractAn extract derived from the leaves of Holy Basil, also known as Tulsi, a traditional herb used in Ayurveda medicine. It contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory rosmarinic acid, galic acid, flavonoids, and a sweet-scented essential oil.
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed ExtractA cocoa beans extract that contains caffeine and astringent and antioxidant flavonols and tannins.
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf ExtractA fragrant tea tree leaf extract with antimicrobial, antiseptic, and antioxidant flavonoids and terpenoids.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Corallina Officinalis ExtractAn extract from red marine alga, Corallina officinalis is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties. It also contains an immense amount of calcium and special, sulfur-containing polysaccharides.
Lotus Corniculatus Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lotus Corniculatus Seed Extract
Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed OilA fatty oil pressed from the seeds of tamanu nuts. It is a prized, rarely used emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil. It contains fatty acids and antioxidant and antibacterial compounds that are active against acne-causing bacteria.
Betaine Salicylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Betaine Salicylate
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Tromethamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TromethamineAn ingredient based on amino acids that is commonly used as a pH adjuster. It has a high pH, which means that it is basic (alkaline), so adding tromethamine to a skincare product will increase its overall pH level.
Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 LaurateA vegetable glycerin or synthetically produced emulsifier and gentle cleansing agent. It won't leave skin feeling tight or dry when used to cleanse.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Dextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
DextrinA partially hydrolyzed potato starch, most commonly used as a viscosity controlling and binding agent. When dispersed into water, it can create textures ranging from a thick paste to a soft gel.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Octanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Octanediol
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.