Beauty of Joseon Revive Firming Moisturizer
Works for
2 of 2 advertised claims delivered
Anti-agingRetinol, Adenosine + 1 moreStrong evidence
“A visibly firming moisturizer with fermented retinol that targets the look of lines, wrinkles, and pores without irritation.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains retinol, adenosine.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
MoisturizingCeramide np, Phytosphingosine + 17 moreStrong evidence
“Revive Firming Moisturizer”
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:
glycerin, hydroxyethyl urea.
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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalane.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: ceramide np, phytosphingosine
ExfoliationNot advertised by the brand · Hydroxyethyl urea, Retinol + 1 moreStrong evidence
This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: hydroxyethyl urea, retinol.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Retinol, Dipotassium glycyrrhizateStrong evidence
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: retinol.
In addition, this product contains hydroxyethyl urea. This ingredient (ingredients) might help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the effect, if any, is likely to be small.
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · Retinol, Phytosphingosine + 1 moreStrong evidence
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: retinol. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · Retinol, Adenosine + 3 moreStrong evidence
This product contains antioxidants (retinol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy1 strong irritant: RetinolMedium risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Glycerin~4.8–5.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 Glycerin2,3-butanediol~4–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.2–3.9%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin
More about Caprylic/capric triglycerideIsononyl isononanoate~2.4–3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness
More about Isononyl isononanoateHydroxyethyl urea~1.9–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A derivative of urea, a compound that is naturally present in skin. Attracts water to the upper layer of the skin. Can enhance penetration of other ingredients
More about Hydroxyethyl ureaElaeis guineensis kernel oil~1.7–2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Elaeis guineensis kernel oil1,2-hexanediol~0.75–1.1%
Dipropylene glycol~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to dissolve other ingredients in a formulation. Slows down the rate of product drying
More about Dipropylene glycolPolyglyceryl-2 stearate~1–1.2%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps water and oil mix together
More about Polyglyceryl-2 stearateAcrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer~0.75–1.15%
- 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 crosspolymerElaeis guineensis oil~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Elaeis guineensis oilTromethamine~0.55–0.8%
Glyceryl stearate~0.55–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together
More about Glyceryl stearateHydroxyacetophenone~0.45–0.7%
Stearyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps soften the skin
More about Stearyl alcoholSqualane~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneCaprylyl glycol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture
More about Caprylyl glycolJojoba esters~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient made of jojoba oil. Helps soften the skin and support its barrier function
More about Jojoba estersCamellia japonica seed oil~0.35–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A plant oil that helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and can help restore skin's barrier function. Might have an anti-oxidant effect
More about Camellia japonica seed oilAllantoin~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated
More about AllantoinTheobroma cacao seed extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.25–0.5%
Xanthan gum~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumMacadamia ternifolia seed oil~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Plant oil from nuts that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Contains a high concentration of oleic acid that can weaken skin's barrier function and increase water-loss while enhancing penetration of other ingredients
More about Macadamia ternifolia seed oilAdenosine~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help improve cell turnover and reduce inflammation in skin. One study shows that the ingredients might be able to help reduce dynamic wrinkles (for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead)
More about AdenosineSodium hyaluronate~0.25–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin
More about Sodium hyaluronateCeramide np~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid similar to ceramides naturally present in skin. Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and supports the skin barrier function to keep it hydrated. Can help to prevent inflammation in skin
More about Ceramide npSodium phytate~0.25–0.45%
Butylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycolPhytosphingosine~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of lipid that is naturally present in skin. It might help in repairing skin barrier function and has anti-bacterial effect
More about PhytosphingosineRetinol~0.25–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
Two steps removed from the active form of vitamin A - retinoic acid. Once converted to the retinoic acid in the skin, retinol is proven to be effective against all signs of aging. It improves skin cell turnover, helps fight blemishes and clogged pores, can regulate excess oil production and even skin tone. It can, however, be quite irritating
More about RetinolTridecane~0.2–0.35%
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.
More about Hydrogenated lecithinPanax ginseng root extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-inflammatory properties, but solid evidence is lacking. It can be irritating
More about Panax ginseng root extractCoptis japonica root extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might have some anti-oxidant properties
More about Coptis japonica root extractTocopherol~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 TocopherolDipotassium glycyrrhizate~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 glycyrrhizateCandida bombicola/glucose/methyl rapeseedate ferment~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps water and oil mix together and preserve the product formulation
More about Candida bombicola/glucose/methyl rapeseedate fermentGlycolipids~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Ingredient list view
Water, Glycerin, 2,3-butanediol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Isononyl isononanoate, Hydroxyethyl urea, Elaeis guineensis kernel oil, 1,2-hexanediol, Dipropylene glycol, Polyglyceryl-2 stearate, Acrylates/c10-30 alkyl acrylate crosspolymer, Elaeis guineensis oil, Tromethamine, Glyceryl stearate, Hydroxyacetophenone, Stearyl alcohol, Squalane, Caprylyl glycol, Jojoba esters, Camellia japonica seed oil, Allantoin, Theobroma cacao seed extract, Ethylhexylglycerin, Xanthan gum, Macadamia ternifolia seed oil, Adenosine, Sodium hyaluronate, Ceramide np, Sodium phytate, Butylene glycol, Phytosphingosine, Retinol, Tridecane, Hydrogenated lecithin, Panax ginseng root extract, Coptis japonica root extract, Tocopherol, Dipotassium glycyrrhizate, Candida bombicola/glucose/methyl rapeseedate ferment, Glycolipids
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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.
| Beauty of JoseonRevive Firming MoisturizerYOUR PRODUCT | Centellian24Madeca Cream Time Reverse Zero 80ml | MedicubeKojic Acid Turmeric Vita Capsule Cream | MoshPM Moisturiser | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 83% | 82% | 82% |
| Price | $23.72 | $14.01−$9.71 | $25.69+$1.97 | $28.77+$5.05 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 9 of 11 | 6 of 11 | 6 of 11 |
| Key difference | — | Madecassoside | Niacinamide | Bakuchiol |
| Irritancy | Medium | High | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
Product summary
Based on the ingredients included, "Beauty of Joseon - Revive Firming Moisturizer" works well for moisturizing the skin. To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. Beauty of Joseon - Revive Firming Moisturizer ticks this box. Humectants in this product (glycerin, hydroxyethyl urea, sodium hyaluronate, butylene glycol and caprylyl glycol) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). Emollients in this formulation (ceramide np, phytosphingosine, jojoba esters, caprylic/capric triglyceride and squalane) 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
- this moisturizer contains an effective form of Retinoids (vitamin A): retinol 0.25% - 0.40%. Retinoids are potent multitasking actives. They work to improve and prevent early signs of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation (age spots and post-acne marks), and prevent inflamed blemishes and clogged pores. The downside of Retinoids is that they can be irritating. If you are not already using a Retinoid in your routine, it is best to start slowly and apply the Retinoid product only a few times per week. If your skin tolerates it well, you can gradually increase the frequency to daily. Because of the irritation risk of Retinoids, we recommend to have another, retinoid-free moisturizer in your routine to use on the alternate days or when your skin feels dry.
- Another benefit is that this moisturizer contain ceramides (phytosphingosine 0.30% - 0.55% and ceramide np 0.30% - 0.55%). Ceramides are an important part of our natural skin barrier. The Ceramides used in skincare are synthetic or come from plants. They help soften the skin and can help "fill the gaps" in the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated and resilient for longer.
- Adenosine 0.25% - 0.50%. It is a chemical present inside our skin cells. A clinical trial confirmed that topical application of Adenosine in a low concentration can reduce dynamic wrinkles (these are the wrinkles that appear with age in a places where our mimic is the most active, for example, in the corners of the eyes or on the forehead).
Irritation risk
There are actives in this product that can be irritating. 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.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 23 studies and safety reviews.
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