Name: Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
Brand: Beauty of Joseon

Beauty of Joseon's original Glow Serum is the one people mix up with its more famous sibling, the Glow Deep. They are not the same bottle. This one is named for its two actives: propolis — the resin bees gather from tree buds — and niacinamide. It hydrates, calms the look of redness and eases oil over time. It's fragrance-free and layers under other products. It suits oily or combination skin that wants one simple step. Niacinamide can even out tone a little, but Beauty of Joseon doesn't say how much is in here. For dark spots, the Glow Deep Serum is the better pick.

What do propolis and niacinamide do for your skin?

Propolis is one of the two actives the serum is named for. It is in skincare for its flavonoids. A 2021 review in Antioxidants says propolis helps skin because its flavonoids are antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Most of that research was done in labs and on animals, with little testing of serums on human skin. Because the evidence is limited, expect only a small effect.

Niacinamide, the other active, is a form of vitamin B3, and it’s the better-studied of the two. It eases the look of redness, helps the skin’s barrier hold water, and can reduce oil over time, though on its own it won’t clear a breakout. In a 2006 study, a 2% niacinamide moisturizer lowered oil over four weeks. Beauty of Joseon doesn’t give this serum’s niacinamide strength. Here it sits sixth on the ingredient list, straight after the propolis. Our niacinamide guide covers how strong the evidence is and where it fits in a routine.

What’s in it?

Beyond the two actives, the list runs to about thirty ingredients, most of them in small amounts near the end. The formula also carries betaine salicylate, a mild BHA that Beauty of Joseon lists among the serum’s key ingredients. A BHA is an exfoliating acid that dissolves in oil. That lets it get into a pore and help keep clogged-looking pores clearer. The brand doesn’t give its strength. Glycerin and sodium hyaluronate are humectants that draw water into the skin. Centella asiatica and tea tree extract help soothe, and a little vitamin E adds antioxidant support.

It has no added fragrance and no drying alcohol, which keeps it easy to wear under other steps.

How does it feel, and how do you use it?

Use a few drops after your toner or essence and before moisturizer, morning and night. Beauty of Joseon describes it as a thick, honey-like serum. It says to tap it in gently until it absorbs, and that it sinks in without a sticky residue. This serum contains a BHA. The brand recommends wearing sunscreen during the day when you use it.

Thick going on, but it sinks in without a sticky finish.

The niacinamide and the BHA both work slowly, so give it a few weeks of regular use before you judge the oil and pores.

Who’s it for — and who should skip it?

It suits oily, combination or congested skin. It also suits dull or dehydrated skin that wants hydration without a greasy feel. It hydrates and works on oil in one step.

Two groups should think twice. If you have a bee-product allergy, propolis is a known cause of contact allergy, so patch-test on your inner arm first, or skip it. And if your main goal is fading dark spots, pick a targeted serum such as the Glow Deep. The two are easy to mix up, so we put them side by side to show which does what.

Is it worth it?

For oily or combination skin that wants hydration, a calmer surface and slower oil in one step, this is an easy serum to recommend. It’s a gentle first serum for most skin. Patch-test it first for the propolis, and wear sunscreen in the daytime because of the BHA. If you already use several products, add this one as your hydrating and soothing step. For dark spots, add a targeted serum such as the Glow Deep.