Beauty of Joseon vs Kiehl's
Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's are two skincare brands offering thoughtful arrays of serums, moisturizers, masks, sunscreens, toners, and eye products, featuring key ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and squalane. Both brands suit dry skin and skin with dark spots best, addressing these concerns through deeply nourishing formulations and targeted products like the Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask, Light On Serum: Centella + Vita C, Revive Eye Serum, Calendula Herbal-Extract Toner, Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash, and Ultra Facial Toner. Beauty of Joseon is a Korean brand founded in 2016 and owned by Goodai Global Inc. since 2019, while Kiehl's is an American brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000. Ultimately, they differ in their foundational ingredients and origins, with the former incorporating niacinamide to improve wrinkles and the latter utilizing squalane to counteract oxidative stress.
Beauty of Joseon is a Korean skincare brand founded in 2016 and owned by Goodai Global Inc. since 2019.
kbeautywiki.combeautymatter.comprnewswire.comgoodai-global.com
Kiehl's is an American skincare brand founded in 1851 and owned by L'Oréal S.A. since 2000.
This page compares some of the most popular Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, use the Lovi app.
Popular Beauty of Joseon vs Kiehl's products
-
Ultra Facial Cream
AED 103.00
-
Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
AED 170.19
-
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
AED 195.00
-
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
AED 223.14
-
Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
AED 240.00
-
Midnight Recovery Concentrate
AED 677.32
-
Better Screen UV Serum
AED 200.00
-
Super Multi-Corrective Cream
AED 304.00
People Say
Unique or Pleasant Texture and Absorption Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “feels like a light moisturizer — Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics”
- “sinks in instantly — Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Essence Water”
- “feels like nothing — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
- “Absorbs quickly — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Deep Hydration and Moisture Mostly MentionedMostly Mentioned
- “Saved my dry winter skin — Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream”
- “doesn't dry my skin like other cleansers — Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm”
- “Keeps skin moisturized for 24+ hours — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “Feels like a drink of water — Kiehl's Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate”
Gentle and Non-Irritating Formulation Mostly MentionedOften Mentioned
- “no irritation at all — Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum”
- “cleansed my face gently without making my skin feel irritated — Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser”
- “doesn't irritate my sensitive skin — Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel”
- “experienced zero irritation — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
Radiant Skin and Glow Sometimes NotedOften Mentioned
- “gives a glass skin look — Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum”
- “Gives me that chok-chok dewy look — Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream”
- “woke up glowing — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
- “Skin looks radiant — Kiehl's Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution”
Gentle Exfoliation and Texture Smoothing Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “leaves skin feeling silky — Kiehl's Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate”
- “skin feels smoother — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “skin looked & felt smoother — Kiehl's Super Multi-Corrective Cream”
- “skin feels baby soft — Beauty of Joseon Apricot Blossom Peeling Gel”
Pore and Oil Control Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “less shiny by noon — Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel”
- “pores look cleaner — Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask”
- “pores look smaller — Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum”
- “keeps my oils at bay — Kiehl's Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque”
High Price Point Not notedMostly Mentioned
- “pricy daily staple — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
Causes Breakouts and Acne Sometimes NotedSometimes Noted
- “caused cystic acne — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
- “cystic acne for some — Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream”
- “dealing with cystic acne — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “Broke me out in cystic acne — Beauty of Joseon Dynasty Cream”
Scent and Fragrance Issues Often MentionedRarely Noted
- “smells clinical — Kiehl's Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum”
- “faint lab smell — Kiehl's Better Screen UV Serum”
- “smell is overpowering — Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate”
- “smells like cooking oil — Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil”
Beauty of Joseon vs Kiehl's routines for dry skin
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 86.18
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning
AED 103.00
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 69.00
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
AED 74.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 69.04
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 95.61
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Ground Rice and Honey Glow Mask
Once a week
AED 56.12
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 336.54
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning
AED 134.36
-
Moisturizer
Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 325.93
-
SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
AED 200.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 279.00
-
Cleansing Toner
ROUND LAB 1025 Dokdo Cleansing Water
Evening
AED 38.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
AED 225.00
-
Enzyme Powder
VT Cica Mild Powder Wash
Once a week
AED 47.62
-
Nourishing Mask
Mediheal Watermide Essential Mask
Once a week
AED 65.00
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · AED 393.56 · 87% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · AED 1,652.44 · 84% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Beauty of Joseon vs Kiehl's routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 86.18
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning · Once a week
AED 103.00
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 69.00
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
AED 74.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 69.04
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 95.61
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
AED 69.00
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 336.54
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 134.36
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 117.49
-
SPF
Ultra Facial Cream
Morning
AED 103.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 279.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
AED 120.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
AED 195.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
AED 223.14
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · AED 540.92 · 81% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · AED 1,609.62 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 97% fit
Beauty of Joseon vs Kiehl's routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 336.54
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
AED 134.36
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 117.49
-
SPF
Better Screen UV Serum
Morning
AED 200.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
AED 279.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
AED 195.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
AED 223.14
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 86.18
-
Hydrating Toner
Ginseng Essence Water
Morning · Once a week
AED 103.00
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
AED 69.00
-
SPF
Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics
Morning
AED 74.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Radiance Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
AED 69.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
AED 53.12
-
Serum or Treatment
Glow Serum
Evening · Once a week
AED 95.61
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
AED 101.09
-
Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
AED 69.00
Buy Kiehl's routine · AED 1,639.74 · 83% fit
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · AED 474.00 · 81% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's: which is better?
Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's are both great choices, matching on most skin types, but Beauty of Joseon is gentler while Kiehl's is better for mature skin. Niacinamide in Beauty of Joseon helps reduce pigmentation, while retinol in Kiehl's stimulates collagen accumulation in aging skin.
The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2000
What is the difference between Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's?
Beauty of Joseon is a South Korean brand founded in 2016 that features fragrance-free formulas with key ingredients like niacinamide and ginseng, while Kiehl's is an American brand founded in 1851 with a wider range of price points and a few fragranced options. Reviewers note that Beauty of Joseon is better for gentle, non-irritating formulations and pore control, whereas Kiehl's is noted as better for gentle exfoliation and texture smoothing, though shoppers mention breakouts and skin irritation more often for Kiehl's.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's for dry skin?
Both Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's are a good choice for dry skin, as both brands achieve a High routine fit level for this skin type. Beauty of Joseon relies on key ingredients like glycerin and hyaluronic acid to help provide deep hydration, while Kiehl's features emollients and squalane to help support the skin barrier.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's: which cleanser is better?
Both brands offer effective cleansers, but Beauty of Joseon stands out for being more gentle and non-irritating, while Kiehl's may be a better option for pore and oil control.
Which is more affordable, Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's?
Beauty of Joseon is more affordable, as high price points are frequently noted by reviewers for Kiehl's but not for Beauty of Joseon.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's for oily skin?
Both Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's fit oily skin at a High level on this page. Reviewers report that Beauty of Joseon is better for pore and oil control, while Kiehl's offers lightweight, non-greasy moisturizers.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's: which moisturizer is better?
Both Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's offer moisturizers that help deliver deep hydration and moisture, matching equally well for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, and dark spot-prone skin. Reviewers note that Beauty of Joseon formulas provide a gentle, non-irritating feel, while Kiehl's options are often praised as lightweight and non-greasy.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's for sensitive skin?
Both Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's are a High fit for sensitive skin. Beauty of Joseon is noted for its gentle and non-irritating formulation, while every product on its page lists no fragrance.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's: which sunscreen is better?
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's for acne-prone skin?
Beauty of Joseon is a better fit for acne-prone skin, offering a High routine fit compared to Kiehl's Average fit. Reviewers note that Beauty of Joseon provides better pore and oil control.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's for mature skin?
Kiehl's is a better fit for mature skin, achieving a High routine fit level compared to Beauty of Joseon's Average level. Kiehl's offers targeted products like the Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum, where retinol helps stimulate collagen accumulation in naturally aged human skin.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's for skin with dark spots?
Both Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's are a High fit for skin with dark spots. Niacinamide, a key ingredient found in Beauty of Joseon products, helps reduce cutaneous pigmentation.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's for dry sensitive skin?
Both Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's are a High fit for dry sensitive skin. Beauty of Joseon offers fragrance-free products on this page, while Kiehl's provides deep hydration with ingredients like glycerin.
Research behind their key ingredients
The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer
Safety evaluation of topical applications of ethanol on the skin and inside the oral cavity
Topical menthol--a human model for cold pain by activation and sensitization of C nociceptors
Effects of Turmeric (Curcuma longa) on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of the Clinical Evidence
The Effect of Aloe Vera Clinical Trials on Prevention and Healing of Skin Wound: A Systematic Review
Cutaneous photoprotection from ultraviolet injury by green tea polyphenols
Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study
Molecular basis of retinol anti-ageing properties in naturally aged human skin in vivo
Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers
Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo
Apigenin inhibits UVA-induced cytotoxicity in vitro and prevents signs of skin aging in vivo
Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling
Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin
Calendula extract: effects on mechanical parameters of human skin
Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study
A comparative study of gluconolactone versus benzoyl peroxide in the treatment of acne
Natural Arctium lappa fruit extract improves the clinical signs of aging skin
Preparation and evaluation of anti-wrinkle cream containing saffron extract and avocado oil
In vitro and in vivo anti-allergic effects of Arctium lappa L
Supramolecular collagen nanoparticles for anti-wrinkle, skin whitening, and moisturizing effects
Novel beads made of alpha-cyclodextrin and oil for topical delivery of a lipophilic drug
A study of anti-wrinkle functions and improvement of cream with Phaseolus angularis
The evaluation of aluminum oxide crystal microdermabrasion for photodamage
Skin barrier changes induced by aluminum oxide and sodium chloride microdermabrasion
The anti wrinkle efficacy of synthetic hexapeptide (Argireline) in Chinese Subjects
Hippophae rhamnoides oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion improves barrier function in healthy human subjects
Nanocomplex of quaternized cyclodextrin grafted chitosan and hyaluronic acid for a skin delivery
Histometric assessment of the age-related skin response to 2-hydroxy-5-octanoyl benzoic acid
Clinical and histologic changes determine optimal treatment regimens for microdermabrasion
Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos
Clinical Assessment of a Novel Jasmonate Cosmeceutical, LR2412-Cx, for the Treatment of Skin Aging
Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens
Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism
Behind this comparison
Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.
-

Co-founder, Medical Director
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetologist, aesthetic products developer
-

Co-founder, CEO and CTO
PhD in computer science, 3x US patent holder, ex-Google, ex-Yandex
-

Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc
Medical Board
Aesthetic medicine practitioner, MSc in Longevity and Anti-Aging Medicine
-

Medical Board
Specialist dermatologist, MBBS, MD, IFAAD
-

Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, SCS, IFSCC member
-

Medical Board, Medical Advisor
Dermatology MD
-

Elina Nazarenko, MD
Medical Board
Dermatology and diagnostic consultant
-

Victoria Derkova, MS
Medical Board
Cosmetic chemist, cosmetic development technologist
How does it fit your skin?
Scan your face, then any product: Lovi shows how well it fits you and what fits even better.

























































