Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream Review: The K-Beauty Moisturiser That Does It All

Some K-beauty products come and go with the TikTok algorithm. The Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream is not one of them. This moisturiser has been quietly building a cult following since the brand launched, surviving multiple reformulations and outlasting every viral trend cycle — because the people who try it tend to never stop buying it.

The concept is simple but unusual: take the principles of hanbang (traditional Korean herbal medicine) and put them into a modern moisturiser. The result is a cream built around ginseng and rice water — two ingredients that Korean women have used for centuries — combined with modern actives like niacinamide, ceramides, and triple hyaluronic acid.

We've been using the Dynasty Cream for the past two months in Sydney — through the last stretch of winter dryness and into the unpredictable swings of early spring — testing all three ways the brand suggests using it. Here's whether it lives up to the reputation.

What's Actually in the Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream?

The ingredient list is what sets this cream apart from most K-beauty moisturisers. Instead of one or two hero ingredients padded with fillers, the Dynasty Cream stacks multiple proven actives that each serve a different purpose.

Ginseng Root Water is the backbone of the formula. Ginseng has been used in Korean medicine for thousands of years as an anti-aging ingredient — modern research confirms it boosts collagen production, improves skin elasticity, and helps firm sagging skin. The cream uses ginseng water (not extract), meaning the concentration is high enough to actually deliver these benefits rather than just sitting on the label. Rice Bran Water is the second pillar. Rice has been the brightening secret of Korean and Japanese skincare for centuries — it's naturally rich in vitamins B and E, ferulic acid, and amino acids. In this formula, it works alongside niacinamide to even out skin tone and fade dullness. If your skin looks tired and flat, these two ingredients are what bring it back to life. The barrier protection trio — squalane, ceramide NP, and honey extract — is what makes this cream feel protective without being heavy. Squalane mimics your skin's natural oils, ceramide NP rebuilds the lipid barrier, and honey extract provides antibacterial nourishment. Together they create a moisture seal that lasts all day without suffocating the skin. Triple hyaluronic acid — regular hyaluronic acid, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid, and sodium hyaluronate — provides hydration at three different molecular weights. The large molecules sit on the surface for immediate plumping, the medium molecules hydrate the mid-layers, and the small molecules penetrate deep. This layered approach is why the cream makes skin look bouncy rather than just moist.

How Does the Dynasty Cream Actually Feel?

The texture sits in that sweet spot between a rich cream and a lightweight gel — it's substantial enough that you feel like you're giving your skin something meaningful, but it absorbs cleanly within about 60 seconds without leaving a sticky or greasy residue.

On application, it has a slight herbal scent from the ginseng — earthy and natural, not perfumed. It fades within minutes. The colour is a soft off-white with a slightly golden tint from the ginseng and rice ingredients. It spreads easily and a little goes a long way — for the 50ml jar, a pea-sized amount covers the entire face.

The finish is dewy but not shiny. Your skin looks hydrated and healthy rather than oily. Under makeup, it creates a smooth canvas that foundation glides over without pilling. Without makeup, it gives that coveted "glass skin" look that K-beauty is famous for.

Three Ways to Use the Dynasty Cream

One of the more interesting things about this product is that Beauty of Joseon designed it for multiple uses. Most moisturisers have one job but the Dynasty Cream has three.

As a daily moisturiser: Apply a small amount after cleansing, toning, and any serums. Pat gently into the skin. Follow with sunscreen in the morning. This is the most common way to use it, and it works beautifully for both AM and PM routines. In the morning, use a thin layer so it sits well under your SPF. At night, you can be more generous. As a sleeping pack: Apply a thick, generous layer as the very last step of your evening routine. Don't hold back — the cream should feel like a mask on your skin. Leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning. This is the method that delivers the most dramatic results — you'll wake up with visibly plumper, more radiant skin. Think of it as a weekly treatment when your skin needs a reset. As a massage cream: Apply a generous amount and massage your face in upward, circular motions for 30-60 seconds. The ginseng and rice ingredients work synergistically with the increased blood flow from massage, boosting the firming and brightening effects. This is a particularly nice ritual before bed. Bonus — as a makeup base: Mix the Dynasty Cream with your BB cream or foundation at a 1:1 ratio for a sheered-out, skin-like finish with added skincare benefits. This creates a natural, dewy base that looks like skin rather than makeup.

Who Is the Dynasty Cream Best For?

The short answer is most skin types but some will love it more than others.

Dry and normal skin will get the most out of this cream. The combination of triple hyaluronic acid, squalane, and ceramides delivers serious hydration that lasts all day without needing to reapply or layer multiple products. If your skin drinks up moisture and always wants more, this cream finally satisfies it.

Mature skin and anti-aging concerns benefit enormously from the ginseng. The firming and collagen-boosting properties are cumulative — you won't see dramatic results after one use, but after 4-6 weeks of consistent application, the skin genuinely looks firmer and more elastic. The niacinamide and rice water also address age-related dullness and dark spots.

Dull, tired-looking skin transforms noticeably with this cream. The rice bran water and niacinamide work on brightening from the first application, and the dewy finish gives an immediate healthy glow even before the ingredients have time to work long-term.

Sensitive skin is safe here — the formula is fragrance-free and the hanbang ingredients are inherently gentle. The ceramide and squalane actually help repair a compromised barrier rather than irritating it further.

Oily skin can use this, but sparingly. Apply a thin layer and skip heavy serums underneath. In humid Australian summers, it might feel too rich for very oily skin types — if that's you, consider using it only at night or as a sleeping pack 2-3 times a week rather than daily.

How the Dynasty Cream Fits into a Full Beauty of Joseon Routine

One of the best things about Beauty of Joseon is that the entire range is designed to work together. Here's a complete routine using only BoJ products, with the Dynasty Cream as your moisturiser:

 

1. Oil Cleanser (PM): Start with the Ginseng Cleansing Oil to dissolve makeup and sunscreen. The ginseng theme starts here — same hero ingredient as the Dynasty Cream.
2. Water Cleanser: Follow with the Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser as your second cleanse. The AHA + BHA formula gently removes any remaining residue while refining skin texture.
3. Toner: The Ginseng Essence Water preps and hydrates with the same ginseng + niacinamide foundation as the Dynasty Cream, creating a compounding effect.
4. Serum: Choose based on your concern:
   • Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide — for acne-prone skin and pore control
   • Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Arbutin — for hyperpigmentation and brightening
   • Revive Repair Serum: Ginseng + Snail Mucin — for anti-aging and repair
5. Moisturiser: Dynasty Cream goes here to seal everything in
6. Sunscreen (AM only): Finish with the Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF50+

 

When you use the full Beauty of Joseon range together, the ingredients build on each other. Ginseng appears in the cleansing oil, the essence water, the repair serum, and the Dynasty Cream — each step reinforcing the anti-aging and firming benefits. This layered approach is the core principle of K-beauty, and Beauty of Joseon makes it easy by keeping the ingredient philosophy consistent across every product.

50ml vs 100ml — Which Size Should You Get?

The Dynasty Cream comes in two sizes: 50ml ($28) and 100ml ($55). The 100ml is clearly the better value — you're getting double the product for less than double the price.

If you've never tried the Dynasty Cream before, start with the 50ml to make sure you love it. A 50ml jar lasts approximately 5-6 weeks with daily use (AM and PM). If you're already a convert, go straight for the 100ml — it'll last 2-3 months and saves you a reorder.

Where to Buy Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream in Australia

The Dynasty Cream is available at some Australian retailers including Chemist Warehouse and Adore Beauty, but pricing and stock levels vary. The 100ml size in particular can be hard to find consistently.

At Kosmetics, we stock both the 50ml and 100ml sizes of the authentic Dynasty Cream, always in stock and shipped from Sydney. Free standard shipping on orders over $45, free express on orders over $99.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream good for?
The Dynasty Cream is a multi-purpose moisturiser that brightens, firms, and deeply hydrates. Its hero ingredients — ginseng root water and rice bran water — target dullness, fine lines, and dehydration. It can be used as a daily moisturiser, a sleeping pack, a massage cream, or mixed with BB cream as a makeup base.

Is Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream for day or night?
Both. During the day, use a thin layer under sunscreen for hydration and glow. At night, apply a thicker layer as the last step of your routine and it acts as a sleeping pack. The versatile formula works across your entire routine.

Is Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream good for oily skin?
It can work for oily skin if applied sparingly. The cream is rich but not heavy — it absorbs without leaving a greasy film. For oily skin in humid conditions, use a thin layer and skip heavy serums underneath. In winter or drier climates, oily skin types can use it more generously.

What are the key ingredients in Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream?
The formula centres on ginseng root water (anti-aging and firming), rice bran water (brightening), niacinamide (evening skin tone), squalane and ceramide NP (barrier protection), honey extract (nourishing), and three types of hyaluronic acid for multi-level hydration.

Is Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream suitable for sensitive skin?
Yes. The formula is fragrance-free and built around traditional Korean herbal (hanbang) ingredients that are inherently gentle. It contains ceramide NP and squalane which actively support and calm the skin barrier.

How do you use Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream as a sleeping pack?
Apply a generous layer as the final step of your evening skincare routine, after cleansing, toning, and any serums. Leave it on overnight and rinse off in the morning. The cream creates a nourishing barrier that locks in all your previous skincare steps while you sleep.

Is Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream worth it?
Yes. At $28 for 50ml or $55 for 100ml, it delivers ginseng, rice water, ceramides, niacinamide, squalane, and triple hyaluronic acid — ingredients that would cost significantly more if bought as separate products. The 100ml size offers better value and lasts approximately 2-3 months with daily use.

Where can I buy Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream in Australia?
You can purchase the authentic Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream in both 50ml and 100ml sizes at Kosmetics with free standard shipping across Australia on orders over $45, and free express shipping on orders over $99.

 

Love Beauty of Joseon? Read our complete sunscreen review covering every SPF in the range, or take our Skin Quiz to find your perfect K-beauty routine.