Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium·80% recommend (5 reviews)

Works for

Moisturizing
Panthenol, Acetyl hexapeptide-8 + 33 more
Works well
What the product description says
“This lightweight water gel easily absorbs into skin to refresh and hydrate.”
Source: Yesstyle

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: alanine, arginine.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, helianthus annuus seed oil.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: acetyl hexapeptide-8, panthenol, sh-oligopeptide-1, sh-oligopeptide-2, sh-polypeptide-1

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.25–0.4%
Acetyl hexapeptide-8Hero· HumectantEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%
Sh-oligopeptide-1HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.25%
Sh-oligopeptide-2HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.15%
Sh-polypeptide-1HeroEffect: HighA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.15%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~3.9–4.8%
Glyceryl glucosideKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan help to restore skin barrier function and soften its upper layer~0.95–1.2%
BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~0.25–0.4%
Dimethicone crosspolymerKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface~0.25–0.5%
Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.2–0.35%
ProlineKey activeEffect: Medium~0.2–0.35%
GlycineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function~0.15–0.3%
HistidineKey active· HumectantEffect: High~0.15–0.25%
AlanineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.15–0.3%
ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~0.15–0.25%
Aspartic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%
Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.25%
CyanocobalaminKey activeEffect: HighCan support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin~0.15–0.3%
Glutamic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%
IsoleucineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function~0.15–0.3%
LysineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%
SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%
SucroseKey active· HumectantEffect: HighCan help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion~0.15–0.25%
ThreonineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%
TyrosineKey activeEffect: High~0.15–0.3%
GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.15–0.25%
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency~0.1–0.2%
CysteineKey activeEffect: HighMight help neutralize free radicals in skin and might be helpful against hyperpigmentation~0.1–0.2%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~5.9–7.2%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.2–0.35%
Polyquaternium-51Effect: LowAn emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin~0.2–0.35%
Hydrolyzed corn starch· HumectantEffect: LowHelps improve the product texture~0.1–0.25%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.15–0.3%
AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.2–0.35%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateUnder-dosedA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.15–0.3%
Anti-aging
Serine, Sh-oligopeptide-1 + 10 more
May help
What the product description says
“Peptide Complex (SH-Oligopeptide-1, SH-Oligopeptide-2, SH-Polypeptide-1) helps maintain optimal level of skin growth factors and improves wrinkles for healthy, youthful skin express.”
Source: Yesstyle

This product contains acetyl hexapeptide-8, aspartic acid, lysine, serine, sh-oligopeptide-1, sh-oligopeptide-2, sh-polypeptide-1, threonine. These ingredients might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%
Sh-oligopeptide-1Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.25%
Acetyl hexapeptide-8Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%
Aspartic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%
LysineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%
ThreonineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.3%
Sh-polypeptide-1Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.15%
Sh-oligopeptide-2Key activeEffect: MediumA type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.1–0.15%
Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.25%
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high~0.15–0.3%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.15–0.3%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.15–0.25%
Evens skin tone
Alanine, Cysteine + 3 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Reduces redness and irritation, promoting an even skin tone.”
Source: Walmart

This product contains ingredients (alanine, cysteine) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

AlanineEffect: LowAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking~0.15–0.3%
CysteineEffect: LowMight help neutralize free radicals in skin and might be helpful against hyperpigmentation~0.1–0.2%
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high~0.15–0.3%
Dipotassium glycyrrhizateEffect: Low, below effective doseA salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening~0.15–0.3%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.15–0.25%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Cysteine, Beta-glucan + 3 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (cysteine) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

CysteineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help neutralize free radicals in skin and might be helpful against hyperpigmentation~0.1–0.2%
Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~0.15–0.25%
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateEffect: Low, below effective doseA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high~0.15–0.3%
TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.15–0.3%
Ascorbic acidUnder-dosedThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~0.15–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
10 flagged ingredients
Medium risk
We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~0.15–0.25%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~2.2–2.7%est.
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymerMaintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.6–1.9%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymerHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistencyMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Sodium citrateHelps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve productsMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.15–0.25%est.
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphateA derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very highMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.2–0.35%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

User reviews

Would you recommend?
80%·yes

4 of 5 community members would buy it again.

80% would20% wouldn't
  • Ranita· Jul 2025Recommends

    So this is a first impressions review..I'll edit this later if my opinion changes.

    I am shocked at how much I like this product. It was sent to me by accident from Amazon and I decided to test it out since it was non comedogenic and I was looking for a good morning time moisturizer that would blend well with my sunscreen.

    This is a light moisturizer but it leaves my skin feeling so hydrated...it's borderline confusing to me how this is possible. I've used much thicker moisturizers and felt dry...somehow this blend of ingredients seems tailored to my skin and products I like to use. It almost acts like a primer for sunscreen.

    We'll see how it holds up in the long run.

  • Til· Jun 2024Doesn't recommend

    Right after application my skin feels very soft and hydrated but the moisture doesn’t last (I have normal skin type) i think it would be better for oily skin types.

What reviewers noticed
Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Butylene glycol~5.9–7.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
Glycerin~3.9–4.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
1,2-hexanediol~2.2–2.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Methyl trimethicone~2.2–2.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A type of silicone that helps create a silky product finish and dissolve other ingredients

More about Methyl trimethicone
Phaseolus angularis seed extract~1.7–2.1%
Formula
Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~1.6–1.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Maintains the texture of skincare products. Allows the product to spread evenly. Helps oil and water mix together

More about Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer
Tromethamine~1.3–1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine
Glyceryl glucoside~0.95–1.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help to restore skin barrier function and soften its upper layer

More about Glyceryl glucoside
C12-14 alketh-12~0.6–0.95%
Formula
Maltodextrin~0.5–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin
Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Increases thickness of a product. Texture enhancer for oil-in-water emulsions

More about Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer
Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize product formulations and create a nice product texture

More about Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer
Dimethicone crosspolymer~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a thicker product texture. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and might be able to prevent moisture loss from its surface

More about Dimethicone crosspolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Betaine~0.25–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine
Panthenol~0.25–0.4%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Allantoin~0.2–0.35%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemishReduces irritationReduces rednessExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Dipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.15–0.3%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryEvens skin tone

A salt derived from licorice. Works as an emollient to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help calm down inflammation. Might be helpful for skin lightening

More about Dipotassium glycyrrhizate
Polyquaternium-51~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps create a nice silky finish on the skin

More about Polyquaternium-51
Xanthan gum~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Disodium edta~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer~0.1–0.2%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and provide a longer-lasting hydration. Can create a thicker product consistency

More about Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer
Dioscorea japonica root extract~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Glucose~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose
Sodium citrate~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps to control the skin's pH level. Maintains the skin's natural film of amino-lactic acids and oils. Helps to preserve products

More about Sodium citrate
Beta-glucan~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan
Hydrolyzed corn starch~0.1–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps improve the product texture

More about Hydrolyzed corn starch
Citric acid~0.15–0.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Sucrose~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In crystal form, it can work as a gentle exfoliant, gentler than the salt scrub. Helps stabilize the emulsion

More about Sucrose
Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

A derivative of vitamin C that is more stable, but less bioavailable than the pure form of vitamin C. It does not penetrate the skin well, but has been shown to convert to pure vitamin C once in skin. It can be helpful in stimulating collagen production and lightening the skin tone, but the required concentration is likely to be very high

More about Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate
Caprylyl glycol~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.2–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Tocopherol~0.15–0.3%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Cyanocobalamin~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

Can support skin barrier function and reduce inflammation in skin

More about Cyanocobalamin
Glycine~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help restore the skin barrier function

More about Glycine
Serine~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Serine
Glutamic acid~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino-acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glutamic acid
Aspartic acid~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps increase skin hydration and might help to slightly improve skin firmness, potentially reducing lines and wrinkles

More about Aspartic acid
Leucine~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Leucine
Acetyl hexapeptide-8~0.15–0.3%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Acetyl hexapeptide-8
Alanine~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingEvens skin tone

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to lighten the skin, but solid evidence is lacking

More about Alanine
Lysine~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Lysine
Arginine~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine
Tyrosine~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Tyrosine
Phenylalanine~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Phenylalanine
Proline~0.2–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Proline
Threonine~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Threonine
Valine~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Valine
Isoleucine~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function

More about Isoleucine
Histidine~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Histidine
Cysteine~0.1–0.2%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

Might help neutralize free radicals in skin and might be helpful against hyperpigmentation

More about Cysteine
Methionine~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Methionine
Phosphoric acid~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps regulate pH level of products

More about Phosphoric acid
Ascorbic acid~0.15–0.25%
Under-dosedIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-agingEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging

More about Ascorbic acid
Sh-oligopeptide-1~0.15–0.25%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Sh-oligopeptide-1
Sh-oligopeptide-2~0.1–0.15%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Sh-oligopeptide-2
Sh-polypeptide-1~0.1–0.15%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Sh-polypeptide-1
Ingredient list view

Water, Butylene glycol, Glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Methyl trimethicone, Phaseolus angularis seed extract, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Tromethamine, Glyceryl glucoside, C12-14 alketh-12, Maltodextrin, Ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp copolymer, Dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, Dimethicone crosspolymer, Ethylhexylglycerin, Betaine, Panthenol, Allantoin, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Polyquaternium-51, Xanthan gum, Disodium edta, Glyceryl acrylate/acrylic acid copolymer, Dioscorea japonica root extract, Glucose, Sodium citrate, Beta-glucan, Hydrolyzed corn starch, Citric acid, Sucrose, Magnesium ascorbyl phosphate, Caprylyl glycol, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Tocopherol, Cyanocobalamin, Glycine, Serine, Glutamic acid, Aspartic acid, Leucine, Acetyl hexapeptide-8, Alanine, Lysine, Arginine, Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Proline, Threonine, Valine, Isoleucine, Histidine, Cysteine, Methionine, Phosphoric acid, Ascorbic acid, Sh-oligopeptide-1, Sh-oligopeptide-2, Sh-polypeptide-1

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Beauty of Joseon
$14.40
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Yesstyle
$14.40
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Amazon USPrice as of 11/6 15:28 GMT
$17.99
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Walmart
$17.99
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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Beauty of JoseonRed Bean Water GelYOUR PRODUCTSupereggSoft Strength Rich Resilience CreamEighthDayThe Ultra-Rich Intensive MoisturizerSaturday SkinMulti Peptide Repair Treatment Cream
Match—52%50%47%
Price$14.40$110.00+$95.60$290.00+$275.60$29.90+$15.50
Shared key ingredients—21 of 2714 of 277 of 27
Key difference—Sh-Polypeptide-22Sh-Polypeptide-9Sh-Polypeptide-45
Irritancy Medium Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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More alternatives: Orjena Response synergy barrier creamDrunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream

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Product summary

Based on the ingredient list, "Beauty of Joseon - Red Bean Water Gel" can work well for skin moisturization. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Beauty of Joseon - Red Bean Water Gel ticks this box. Acetyl hexapeptide-8, panthenol, alanine, arginine and aspartic acid in this product (humectants) attract water molecules to the upper layer of the skin (the water comes from the outside air or from the deeper layers of the skin if the air is dry). Emollients in this formulation (arginine, helianthus annuus seed oil and caprylyl glycol) help to reduce the moisture loss from the skin. They also soften the skin surface and relieve the feeling of dryness and tightness.

Ingredient callouts

  • We like that this moisturizer contains peptides (sh-polypeptide-1 0.05% - 0.20%, sh-oligopeptide-2 0.05% - 0.20%, sh-oligopeptide-1 0.10% - 0.30% and acetyl hexapeptide-8 0.15% - 0.55%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. Peptides might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: vitamin e, dipotassium glycyrrhizate and allantoin

Irritation risk

This product does not contain known common irritants and is suitable for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be medium. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here

You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.

About the brand

According to Cruelty-Free Kitty "Beauty of Joseon" is cruelty free and so is its parent company.

Price

The product retails from 13.50$ up to 18.00$ in the United States and for 21.00£ in the United Kingdom.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 39 studies and safety reviews.

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Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel
Beauty of JoseonRed Bean Water Gel

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.