I finally got to try a Beauty of Joseon product!
Actually, the Beauty of Joseon brand wasn’t that famous in Korea initially. I first learned about the brand when I went on a trip to Singapore, which was quite surprising. It seems like it gained popularity outside of Korea first, becoming a hit in the global K-beauty scene before making waves back home. This phenomenon, where Korean brands find success abroad before becoming popular domestically, is often called “reverse hallyu” or “역직구” in Korean.
Only recently has Beauty of Joseon started aggressive marketing in Korea. These days, you can see their advertisements at bus stops in Seoul. Their products are starting to appear in various places. It’s interesting to see how social media and international popularity have influenced the brand’s growth strategy in its home country.
Anyways, while their sunscreen seems to be famous, my first Beauty of Joseon product is… drumroll please… the Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask!
The reason I chose this product was because I felt like my usual cleansing routine wasn’t enough, and I wanted to clean deep into my pores. Many reviews also mentioned that after using it, the skin becomes soft and clear.
The Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask actually contains red bean extract, red bean powder, and kaolin, which has a sebum-absorbing effect. These ingredients are said to help with pore care and clear skin texture.
Red beans, known as “팥” (pat) in Korean, have been used in traditional Asian skincare for centuries. They’re packed with antioxidants and minerals that can benefit the skin in multiple ways. The mask harnesses these properties by incorporating both the extract and powder forms of red beans.
Kaolin, on the other hand, is a type of clay that’s renowned for its gentle yet effective cleansing properties. It can draw out impurities and excess oil from the skin without being too harsh or drying.
In particular, the rich saponin content in red beans not only nourishes the skin but also helps absorb sebum, acting as a natural exfoliant. Saponins are natural compounds that can create a soap-like foaming effect, which helps in cleansing the skin. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated skin.
The combination of red beans and kaolin in this mask creates a powerful duo for pore care. While the kaolin absorbs excess oil and draws out impurities, the red bean components work to nourish, exfoliate, and improve overall skin texture.
What surprised me when using this product was that it doesn’t dry quickly. Usually, with wash-off packs containing kaolin, they dry quickly and can make the skin feel tight. But amazingly, this pack doesn’t dry fast and doesn’t make the skin feel tight.
There’s also a slight cooling sensation. We all know how bad skin heat can be, right? I like how it gently reduces this skin heat.
The Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask is used after cleansing. After washing your face and completely drying it, you can spread it evenly over your face. After 5-10 minutes, gently rinse it off with lukewarm water while rolling. The tiny red bean particles also provide a very gentle scrub effect.
However, when washing it off, there are quite a few particles that don’t easily go down the drain, so cleaning the sink afterward is a must. Also, you need to carefully clean areas like around the nose to remove it completely.
I think it’s even better to use this pack a little while before showering!
In my case, I’ve been using this product for about a month now, and I’m quite satisfied with it. It doesn’t feel like it completely removes all whiteheads and blackheads, but it does make the overall skin texture feel smoother. I use it about once a week.
In conclusion, the Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask has become a staple in my skincare routine. It’s gentle yet effective, leaving my skin feeling refreshed and looking clearer. While it may not be a miracle worker for stubborn blackheads, it definitely improves overall skin texture and provides a soothing experience. If you’re looking for a natural, Korean-inspired mask to add to your skincare regimen, this could be the perfect choice for you!
