The Korean skincare world is full of choices, but if you’re new to K-beauty or looking to upgrade your routine, chances are you’ve come across two names repeatedly: Innisfree and Beauty of Joseon. These two brands represent different philosophies, ingredient focuses, and aesthetics. So how do you decide which one is better for you?
Let’s explore the key differences between Innisfree and Beauty of Joseon, from their product lines and ingredient philosophy to performance and price, so you can make an informed choice for your skincare journey.
Brand Philosophy and Background
Innisfree is one of the most recognizable brands in Korean skincare, launched in 2000 under the Amorepacific Group. Its brand identity centers around natural, eco-friendly skincare powered by ingredients sourced from Korea’s volcanic Jeju Island. Innisfree appeals to a wide audience—from teens to older adults—thanks to its accessibility and affordable pricing.
Beauty of Joseon, on the other hand, is a relatively new brand that draws inspiration from traditional Korean skincare wisdom, especially the Joseon Dynasty’s holistic approach to beauty. Their products focus on hanbang, which refers to herbal remedies derived from traditional Korean medicine. The brand’s tone is more minimalist, elegant, and steeped in Korean heritage.
In short: Innisfree is nature and science in harmony, while Beauty of Joseon is tradition meets innovation.
Product Range and Routine Compatibility
Innisfree has a much broader range of products. From cleansers and toners to ampoules, masks, and even makeup and haircare, the brand has you covered for a full 10-step Korean skincare routine if that’s your thing.
Notable product lines include:
Green Tea Seed Line (hydrating and antioxidant-rich)
Jeju Volcanic Line (for pore care and oil control)
Bija Cica Line (soothing care for acne-prone skin)
Beauty of Joseon keeps it simple with a curated line of multitasking skincare essentials. Their catalog includes:
Cleansing oil
Ginseng and snail mucin serums
Lightweight gel creams
Rice + Probiotics sunscreen
They’re perfect for people who want a minimal routine that’s gentle but effective.
Ingredient Philosophy and What’s Inside
Innisfree uses ingredients like:
Jeju green tea extract
Jeju volcanic ash
Orchid and lava seawater
Bija seed oil
The focus is on clean, safe, naturally derived ingredients, with a modern skincare twist. Innisfree also emphasizes sustainability and eco-conscious packaging.
Beauty of Joseon highlights hanbang ingredients such as:
Ginseng root extract
Rice water
Honey, propolis, and royal jelly
Mugwort and green plum
Their formulas aim to calm inflammation, support skin barrier health, and brighten dull skin using ingredients that have been trusted in Korean history for centuries.
If you’re into traditional remedies and minimalist ingredient lists, Beauty of Joseon wins. If you love nature-powered innovation backed by decades of research, Innisfree has the edge.
Product Performance and Bestsellers
Let’s compare some of the most popular products from each brand:
Innisfree Green Tea Seed Serum
This serum has become a global favorite thanks to its lightweight texture and deep hydration. It sinks in quickly, making it great for layering in both summer and winter.
Innisfree Super Volcanic Pore Clay Mask 2X
One of the best-selling clay masks in Korea, this product deeply cleans pores without over-drying, and is especially good for oily and acne-prone skin.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++
Possibly the most viral K-beauty sunscreen of recent years. It’s featherlight, doesn’t leave a white cast, and feels like a moisturizing cream rather than sticky SPF.
Beauty of Joseon Glow Deep Serum (Arbutin + Rice)
This brightening serum is excellent for fading dark spots and evening out skin tone. It’s gentle enough for daily use and works well even with sensitive skin.
Want to try them yourself?
👉 Shop Innisfree Bestsellers
👉 Shop Beauty of Joseon Top Picks
Packaging and Brand Aesthetics
Innisfree opts for practical, eco-friendly packaging with clear labels and a “natural” design. You’ll often see green tones, leaves, and minimalist branding.
Beauty of Joseon goes the extra mile with vintage-inspired labels and traditional Korean motifs. Their bottles and boxes look elegant on any vanity and feel a bit more premium.
This category really depends on your personal taste. If you like clean, earthy branding, go for Innisfree. If you want a sophisticated and traditional visual appeal, Beauty of Joseon will win you over.
Price Comparison and Value for Money
Both brands are affordable, especially compared to Western luxury skincare brands, but here’s a rough comparison:
Innisfree serums and moisturizers: $18–$32 USD
Beauty of Joseon serums and creams: $14–$25 USD
For the ingredients and quality, both offer great value. Beauty of Joseon may come off as slightly more affordable per ounce, especially considering their rich formulas.
Skin Type Recommendations
Choose Innisfree if:
You have combination to oily skin
You’re looking for solutions to acne, pores, or sensitivity
You like layering multiple products
You want the reliability of a large, globally known brand
Choose Beauty of Joseon if:
You have dry or sensitive skin
You prefer short, effective skincare routines
You’re drawn to herbal ingredients and traditional beauty
You want to avoid harsh actives and focus on skin nourishment
Final Thoughts and How to Choose
Innisfree and Beauty of Joseon are both excellent Korean skincare brands—but they serve different types of skincare users.
If you’re just starting your K-beauty journey or want access to a large variety of affordable and natural products, Innisfree is a safe, reliable, and accessible option.
If you’re more interested in minimal, elegant skincare powered by time-tested traditional Korean herbs, Beauty of Joseon is a fantastic brand to explore—and their products work well across most skin types.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your goals, budget, and skin needs. You might even find that using a mix of both brands gives you the best results.
👉 Ready to build your K-beauty routine?
Check out Innisfree’s global site or shop Beauty of Joseon’s collection here to get started.
Both brands are worth a try—and your skin will thank you for it.