K-Beauty Spotlight
Beauty of Joseon: Hanbang Heritage for a Modern Glow
In a world of fleeting trends, there’s a unique allure to beauty that stands the test of time. Imagine skincare rooted in the wisdom of ancient dynasties, yet perfectly suited for the modern glow-getter. This is the promise of Beauty of Joseon, a K-beauty brand that blends traditional Hanbang ingredients with modern skincare technology.
Its surging popularity (including a major TikTok moment, especially for that game-changing sunscreen) is a testament to its gentle feel and visible results. And yes, there’s also our incredible 10-week Beauty of Joseon giveaway.
The Beauty of Joseon philosophy: what makes them special?
Beauty of Joseon is inspired by the skincare rituals of women of the Korean Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), where clear, luminous, healthy-looking skin was prized. That beauty ideal leaned into naturally radiant skin achieved through gentle, nature-derived ingredients and meticulous care.
- Hanbang ingredients like rice, ginseng, green plum, honey, and propolis are key players (often the stars), chosen for time-tested benefits.
- Gentle yet effective formulas with a strong focus on sensitive-skin compatibility (often fragrance-free and designed to minimise irritation).
- Modern science meets tradition, updated with contemporary skincare science for stability and performance.
- Clean, minimalist aesthetics that reflect simplicity and elegance.
- Ethical commitments: the brand is widely recognised and self-declares as cruelty-free. Many products are also vegan, though it’s always best to check each product’s details.
This dedication to heritage, quality, and gentle efficacy is a big reason the brand has built such a loyal following.
Riding the TikTok wave – why everyone’s talking about Beauty of Joseon
If you’re on TikTok, chances are you’ve seen a glowing review featuring Beauty of Joseon—especially their iconic sunscreen. The popularity isn’t just hype; it’s powered by real routines and visible results.
- The sunscreen phenomenon: Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics (and newer versions like the Aqua-Fresh in our giveaway) made sunscreen feel lightweight, comfortable, and easy to wear daily.
- Visible results: users share brighter-looking skin, smoother tone, and calmer complexions with consistent use (often crediting serums like Glow Deep or Calming Serum).
- Aesthetic appeal: minimalist packaging and pleasing textures look great on camera.
- Authentic user content: genuine routines and honest reviews created trust fast.
- Affordable for quality: premium-feeling formulas at an accessible price point.
Introducing our grand giveaway: stand a chance to win your share of R25,000 in skincare
We’re launching an epic 10-week giveaway on June 1st, 2025, to celebrate these incredible products available at Secret Skin.
10 winners • Full routine sets • Valued at R2,500 each
We believe so much in the transformative power of Beauty of Joseon that we want ten of you to experience a full skincare ritual—from cleanse to glow to SPF.
Inside the gift set: discover your next skincare favourites
Each winner’s set features a complete Beauty of Joseon routine curated to cleanse, treat, protect, and illuminate your skin. Here’s what you could win:
Radiance Cleansing Balm
A sherbet-textured balm that melts away makeup, sunscreen, excess sebum, and daily impurities—without stripping. Rice bran water and grain extracts help nourish and soften for a clean, comfortable finish.
- Best for: first cleanse, makeup/SPF removal
- Feels like: silky balm → milky rinse
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
A gentle low-pH gel cleanser that respects the moisture barrier while removing what’s left after your oil cleanse. With green plum water and mung bean extract, it refreshes and supports a clean that never feels tight.
- Best for: second cleanse, daily use
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Why we love it: clean + calm feel
Glow Replenishing Rice Milk
More than a toner—this milky essence hydrates and nourishes while prepping skin for the steps that follow. It features a clever dual-layer formula (moisture layer + powder layer) to support hydration while helping manage excess sebum.
- Best for: hydration + prep
- Texture: rich, milky comfort
Glow Deep Serum: Rice & Alpha Arbutin
A lightweight brightening serum designed to support the look of hyperpigmentation, dark spots, acne marks, and uneven tone. With rice bran water plus alpha-arbutin, it targets discolouration while keeping skin hydrated.
- Best for: uneven tone, spots, post-acne marks
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Feels like: light, easy-to-layer hydration
Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
A nourishing wash-off mask that combines gentle exfoliation with hydration for a fresh glow. Rice hull powder buffs away dullness, while honey helps soothe and soften. Kaolin clay supports pore-purifying benefits.
- Best for: glow, texture, soft exfoliation
- Note: contains honey (relevant for strictly vegan routines)
Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh: Rice & B5 SPF50+ PA++++
The sunscreen that took TikTok by storm—ultra-lightweight, refreshing, and comfortable. It offers broad-spectrum protection and absorbs without a white cast or greasy residue. Rice water supports a brighter, calmer look, while Vitamin B5 helps support the barrier.
- Best for: daily SPF, oily/combination comfort
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Finish: sheer + breathable
How to enter
- Enter on our website: https://secretskin.co.za/giveaway/ (follow all steps and instructions).
- Comment on this blog and tell us your favourite Beauty of Joseon product.
- Share the original competition post on Facebook or Instagram and tag @SecretSkin and Beauty of Joseon. Add the hashtag #myskinsecret.
- Order your favourites from Secret Skin (any products on our site). Add your order number in the designated space in Step 1.
How to incorporate Beauty of Joseon into your routine
- Radiant Cleansing Balm on dry skin → emulsify with water → rinse.
- Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser on damp skin.
- Glow Replenishing Rice Milk (toner/essence step).
- Glow Deep Serum (Rice & Alpha Arbutin).
- 2–3x weekly: Ground Rice & Honey Glow Mask (5–10 minutes) → gently massage → rinse.
- Gentle cleanse (water or Green Plum Cleanser).
- Rice Milk.
- Glow Deep Serum.
- Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh SPF50+ PA++++ (don’t skip).
Beyond the giveaway: exploring other Beauty of Joseon gems
The giveaway set is a perfect introduction, but the wider range is full of treasures—especially if you’re building a routine around your skin type.
- Dynasty Cream — a Hanbang-rich moisturiser loved for nourishing, firming support.
- Red Bean Water Gel — lightweight hydration for oilier skin types.
- Revive Serum (Ginseng + Snail Mucin) — known for repairing and anti-ageing support.
- Calming Serum (Green Tea + Panthenol) — soothing support for irritated or compromised skin.
Embrace Beauty of Joseon with Secret Skin
Beauty of Joseon offers more than skincare—it offers a connection to heritage, thoughtfully adapted for modern routines. Explore the range at Secret Skin and discover the products that support your healthiest, most radiant-looking complexion.
Don’t forget: enter the 10-week giveaway for a chance to win a full routine set valued at R2,500.
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