Beauty of Joseon vs Kiehl's
Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's are distinct skincare brands that offer nourishing serums, moisturizers, and more. Beauty of Joseon relies on key ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and hyaluronic acid to best suit dry and sensitive skin, whereas Kiehl's depends on glycerin and squalane to best suit mature and sensitive skin. While both companies provide gentle, effective care, they differ in their formulation philosophies and heritage, with the American brand featuring products like the Ultra Facial Toner and the Korean brand offering standout options such as the Revive Eye Serum.
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
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Ultra Facial Cream
CA$52.00
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Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado
CA$48.00
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Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
CA$52.00
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Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
CA$35.00
-
Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum
CA$89.00
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Midnight Recovery Concentrate
CA$175.00
- Better Screen UV Serum
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Super Multi-Corrective Cream
CA$103.00
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
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Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$19.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Glow Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$19.97
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$28.96
-
SPF
d'Alba Piedmont Waterfull Mild Sunscreen
Morning
CA$38.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$32.98
-
Nourishing Mask
Centella Asiatica Calming Mask
Once a week
CA$34.99
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$53.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning
CA$36.00
-
Moisturizer
Hydro-Plumping Serum Concentrate
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$87.00
-
SPF
Ultra Facial Cream
Morning
CA$52.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$51.00
-
Serum or Treatment
Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate
Evening · Once a week
CA$105.00
-
Nourishing Mask
MEDIHEAL Vita Essential Mask
Once a week
CA$29.99
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · CA$154.90 · 88% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · CA$413.99 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 99% fit
Beauty of Joseon vs Kiehl's routines for oily skin
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$19.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Glow Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$19.97
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$28.96
-
SPF
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Clear Skin Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF 60
Morning
CA$35.95
-
Pre-Cleanser
Ginseng Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$32.98
-
Cleansing Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Evening
CA$25.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
CA$27.93
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$53.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$36.00
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$33.00
-
SPF
Ultra Facial Cream
Morning
CA$52.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$51.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Pixi Glow Tonic
Evening
CA$28.90
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
CA$52.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
CA$35.00
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · CA$200.29 · 81% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · CA$370.40 · 80% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Beauty of Joseon vs Kiehl's routines for combination skin
-
Cleanser
Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$19.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Glow Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$19.97
-
Moisturizer
Revive Serum
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$28.96
-
SPF
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
Morning
CA$20.96
-
Pre-Cleanser
Radiance Cleansing Balm
Evening · Once a week
CA$25.54
-
Cleansing Toner
Green Plum Refreshing Toner
Evening
CA$25.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Red Bean Refreshing Pore Mask
Once a week
CA$27.93
-
Cleanser
Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$53.00
-
Hydrating Toner
Ultra Facial Toner
Morning · Once a week
CA$36.00
-
Moisturizer
Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream
Morning · Evening · Once a week
CA$33.00
-
SPF
Ultra Facial Cream
Morning
CA$52.00
-
Pre-Cleanser
Midnight Recovery Botanical Cleansing Oil
Evening · Once a week
CA$51.00
-
Cleansing Toner
Medicube Zero Pore Pad 2.0
Evening
CA$31.99
-
Serum or Treatment
Clearly Corrective™ Dark Spot Solution
Evening · Once a week
CA$52.00
-
Enzyme Powder
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant
Once a week
CA$29.50
-
Cleansing Mask
Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque
Once a week
CA$35.00
Buy Beauty of Joseon routine · CA$177.86 · 82% fit
Buy Kiehl's routine · CA$373.49 · 79% fitSee multi-brand routine · 96% fit
Questions and answers
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's: which is better?
Both brands are great choices since their overall routines fit most skin types equally well, but Beauty of Joseon does better on gentle and non-irritating formulation and pore and oil control. Kiehl's is better on gentle exfoliation and texture smoothing, though reviewers note that it more often causes breakouts and skin irritation.
What is the difference between Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's?
Beauty of Joseon is generally better suited for acne-prone skin with an average Lovi fit compared to Kiehl's average rating, while Beauty of Joseon stands out for having every product on this page free of added fragrance. Both brands perform equally well for dry, oily, combination, sensitive, mature, dark spot, and dry sensitive skin types.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's for dry skin?
Both brands offer a High routine fit for dry skin. Beauty of Joseon is noted for providing deep hydration and fragrance-free formulas, while Kiehl's helps deliver moisture using key ingredients like glycerin and squalane.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's: which cleanser is better?
Both Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's offer effective cleansers, but Beauty of Joseon is particularly noted for being gentler on sensitive skin. Meanwhile, Kiehl's provides specialized options like the Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash and Rare Earth Deep Pore Daily Cleanser that achieve Superior fit levels for oily and oily acne-prone skin.
Which is more affordable, Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's?
Beauty of Joseon is more affordable, as Kiehl's has a high price point.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's: which brand is better for mature skin?
Both Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's are a High fit for mature skin. Reviewers note that Beauty of Joseon is better for gentle and non-irritating formulation, while Kiehl's is better for gentle exfoliation and texture smoothing.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's: which has better options for skin with dark spots?
Both Beauty of Joseon and Kiehl's offer High fit routines for skin with dark spots, and both brands feature effective ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C across the products on this page.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's: which brand has fewer fragrance and scent issues?
Beauty of Joseon has fewer fragrance and scent issues than Kiehl's. Every product on the Beauty of Joseon page lists no fragrance in its ingredients, whereas Kiehl's features fragrance in some of its items.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's for oily skin?
Both brands fit oily skin well with an equal High routine fit. Beauty of Joseon helps provide pore and oil control, while the products on this page from Kiehl's are noted for gentle exfoliation and texture smoothing.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's: which moisturizer is better?
Beauty of Joseon offers better gentle formulas for hydration, while Kiehl's provides lighter daily moisturizers. Both brands offer solid options depending on your specific skin needs.
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 being more gentle and less irritating across the products on this page.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's: which sunscreen is better?
Both brands offer sunscreens on this page with High fit levels for dry, sensitive, and oily skin, but Beauty of Joseon rates as High for skin with dark spots while Kiehl's also achieves a High fit there.
Beauty of Joseon or Kiehl's for acne-prone skin?
Beauty of Joseon fits acne-prone skin better, offering a High routine fit compared to Kiehl's Average fit. Furthermore, the products on this page help provide gentle formulas and pore control.
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.
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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
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