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Product photo: beautyofjoseon.com (official brand store). The pack size shown may differ from the Korean 30ml.
Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
A honey-gold serum with 7% propolis extract, niacinamide and a little betaine salicylate, aimed at oily, breakout-prone and dull skin.
Buyer verdictOne of the best-value serums for oily or blemish-prone skin that wants calm and glow without harsh acids. Skip it if you react to bee products. Seoul is cheaper than Amazon on the same 30ml bottle.
- Key ingredient
- Propolis extract (7.05%), Niacinamide
- Texture
- Golden, honey-like serum; slightly tacky for a minute, then glossy
- Routine step
- serum · AM & PM
- Korean pack
- 30ml
Overview
Key ingredients
- Propolis extract (7.05%) Bee resin extract; soothing, with a mild antibacterial reputation
- Niacinamide Sixth on the list; oil balance, red marks and even tone
- Betaine salicylate A gentle BHA-type ingredient that helps keep pores clear
- Neem, holy basil, turmeric and tea tree extracts Small amounts of botanicals traditionally used for blemish-prone skin
From the US, it's 44% cheaper in Seoul after tax and refund.
What it is
Glow Serum is Beauty of Joseon’s propolis serum, and the bottle many people buy alongside the brand’s rice sunscreen. It’s a golden, slightly viscous serum in a 30ml dropper bottle. The aim is calmer, less congested skin with a healthy glow.
The Korean ingredient list puts propolis extract at 7.05%, fifth after water and three humectants, followed by niacinamide. Further down there’s betaine salicylate, a mild relative of salicylic acid, plus a short list of botanicals: neem flower and leaf, holy basil, turmeric, tea tree and centella. Korea registers it as a functional cosmetic for brightening, the claim niacinamide supports.
Who it suits (and who should skip it)
Good pick if
- You have oily, combination or breakout-prone skin and want a gentle daily serum
- You get red or brown marks after spots and want something to help them fade over time
- Acid serums leave you dry or stinging, but you still want some pore care
Skip it if
- You’re allergic to bee products: propolis is a major ingredient
- You have very dry skin and want a hydrating serum first and foremost
- You dislike a slightly tacky feel before your moisturiser goes on
What the ingredients do
Propolis is a resin bees make to protect their hives. In skincare it’s valued as soothing, and it’s often used on blemish-prone skin. At 7% it’s more than a token amount, though it’s not a substitute for a proven acne treatment such as benzoyl peroxide or adapalene.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) does the heavy lifting for tone. With regular use it helps reduce excess oil and calm redness, and it helps post-breakout marks fade. It’s one of the best-researched cosmetic ingredients, and it plays well with nearly everything.
Betaine salicylate is a gentle salicylate. In this amount it supports clear pores rather than acting as a strong exfoliant, but it’s worth knowing about if you already use a BHA product.
The botanical extracts (neem, holy basil, turmeric, tea tree, centella) are present in small amounts. They add to the soothing story, but they’re not the main reason the serum works.
How to use it
After cleansing and toner, press 2 to 3 drops into the face, morning and evening. It feels slightly sticky for a minute or so, then settles to a glossy finish. Follow with moisturiser, and sunscreen in the morning.
It’s gentle enough for daily use. If you’re also using a strong BHA, retinoid or prescription acne treatment, introduce it slowly and watch for dryness.
How it compares
CNP Propolis Energy Ampule is the other well-known propolis serum. It leans more towards hydration and glow, while Beauty of Joseon’s version leans towards oily and breakout-prone skin. Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% is the stronger choice if dark marks are your main concern. SKIN1004 Madagascar Centella Ampoule suits you better if you want simple calming without bee ingredients.
Is it worth buying in Seoul?
Yes. Olive Young sells the same 30ml bottle that Amazon US lists, and it’s regularly on promotion, so the comparison is straightforward and usually favours Seoul. One bottle is below the ₩15,000 tax refund minimum, so buy it with other items on the same receipt.
Amazon UK mainly sells a larger 60ml bottle, which our price box adjusts for per ml. If you already know you like it, two Seoul bottles are often still cheaper than one UK 60ml bottle.
FAQ
Is it safe if I'm allergic to bees or honey?
No. Propolis makes up just over 7% of the formula, so skip it if you react to propolis, honey or bee pollen. Patch-test first if you're unsure.
Is propolis the first ingredient?
Not on the current Korean label. Water, dipropylene glycol, glycerin and butylene glycol come first, then propolis extract at 7.05%. That's still a meaningful amount for a serum.
Can I use it with BHA, retinol or vitamin C?
Usually yes. It's gentle, but it already contains a little betaine salicylate, so go easy if you also use a strong BHA. Apply the stronger active first, then this serum, then moisturiser.
Does it contain fragrance?
No added fragrance or essential oils are listed. Propolis has a faint natural honey scent of its own.
