Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Cleanser, Glow Serum and Relief Sun arranged in a warm morning skincare still life

What If Better Skin Took Just Three Steps?

What If Better Skin Took Just Three Steps?

The Everyday K-Beauty Edit

A good skincare routine does not have to fill an entire shelf. When every bottle promises something different, the most useful place to begin is not with more products—it is with three clear jobs: cleanse, treat and protect.

That is what makes this edit easy to understand. It gives each step a purpose, keeps layering manageable and leaves room to add moisturizer only when your skin actually needs it. The routine is short enough for busy mornings, but complete enough to cover the foundations of daily care.

The brand behind the ritual: Beauty of Joseon takes inspiration from Hanbang—the tradition of Korean herbal ingredients—and pairs it with contemporary skincare textures. For this routine, we selected three recognizable essentials that move naturally from a gentle wash to a targeted serum and daily sun protection.

1. CleanseStart fresh
2. TreatAdd hydration and glow
3. ProtectFinish with SPF

Why Three Thoughtful Steps Can Be Enough

Long routines can be enjoyable, but they are not automatically better. A smaller routine makes it easier to understand how your skin responds to each formula, reduces unnecessary layering and gives you a repeatable starting point. Consistency matters more than collecting steps you rarely use.

This sequence also follows a practical application rule: begin with cleansing, apply the lighter treatment product next, add moisturizer if needed, and keep sunscreen as the final morning layer. Beauty of Joseon’s own routine guidance likewise places cleanser first, serum before moisturizer and sunscreen last.

The fresh start Plum + Mung Bean

A gentle cleansing pair used to refresh the skin while helping it feel comfortable after rinsing.

The glow step Propolis + Niacinamide

A soothing, hydrating combination chosen to support a smoother, more balanced and luminous appearance.

The daily finish Rice + Ferments

A skincare-inspired base paired with high-level SPF50+ PA++++ protection for the final morning step.

Meet Your Three Morning Essentials

Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Foam Cleanser 100ml mint green tube
Step 1

Begin with a Comfortable Cleanse

Green Plum Refreshing Foam Cleanser 100ml

This pH-balanced daily cleanser uses plum water and mung bean seed extract to lift away everyday buildup while supporting a comfortable post-cleanse feel. Rather than beginning the morning with an aggressively squeaky finish, it prepares the skin for the lighter layers that follow.

Why it earns the first step: Cleansing removes overnight oil, sweat and residue so serum can be applied to fresh skin. It is also the step you can return to at night after removing makeup and water-resistant sunscreen with an oil cleanser or cleansing balm.

How to use: Wet your hands, gently massage the cleanser over your face, and rinse with lukewarm water.

Explore the Green Plum Cleanser →
Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum Propolis and Niacinamide 30ml amber dropper bottle
Step 2

Give Dull-Looking Skin Its Glow Step

Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide 30ml

This cushiony serum combines 60% propolis extract with 2% niacinamide and BHA. Propolis is included for soothing nourishment, while niacinamide supports a more balanced, even-looking complexion. The result is a treatment step aimed at hydration, visible texture and glow rather than an instant cosmetic shine.

Why it earns the middle step: Its serum texture belongs after cleansing and before heavier creams. Applying a small amount gives it room to absorb without turning the rest of the routine sticky or overloaded.

How to use: Dispense two to three drops into your palm, apply to the face and neck, then tap gently until absorbed. Patch test first if your skin is sensitive.

Discover the Glow Serum →
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Rice and Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml ivory tube
Step 3

Keep Your Morning Routine Protected

Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ 50ml

The Beauty of Joseon sunscreen that became a viral favorite completes the routine with SPF50+ PA++++ protection. Hanpoom lists the same 50ml Rice + Probiotics sunscreen, while the brand identifies 30% rice extract and fermented grain extracts in its creamy, lightweight formula.

Why it earns the final step: Sunscreen needs to form the outermost morning layer. Applying another skincare product over it can disturb that layer, so keep Relief Sun after serum and moisturizer.

How to use: Apply generously as the final step of your morning routine. Reapply every two to three hours to maintain protection.

Meet the Viral Relief Sun →

How to Adjust the Routine for Your Skin

The three-step order stays the same, but the amount and the optional moisturizer step can change. Use your skin’s comfort—not a fixed product count—as the guide.

Skin preference How to adapt the routine What to watch
Oily or combination Use a light layer of Glow Serum. If Relief Sun feels moisturizing enough, a separate morning moisturizer may not be necessary. Avoid adding extra layers simply because they appear in someone else’s routine.
Normal or dry Apply moisturizer after the serum and allow it to settle before finishing with Relief Sun. Use enough sunscreen even when you have already applied a rich moisturizer.
New or sensitive Patch test first and introduce the serum gradually. Keep the rest of the routine familiar while observing your skin. The Glow Serum contains BHA, so reduce frequency if your skin becomes uncomfortable.

Morning and Evening: What Changes?

In the morning, follow the full sequence: cleanser, Glow Serum, optional moisturizer and Relief Sun. At night, use the cleanser and serum again if they suit your skin, but replace sunscreen with moisturizer. If you wore makeup or a water-resistant sunscreen, begin the evening with an oil cleanser or cleansing balm before using Green Plum Cleanser.

There is no need to force the exact same routine twice a day. Morning care is built around protection; evening care is the better time to focus on removing the day and supporting comfort overnight.

Why This Routine Is Easy to Keep

The best routine is one you can repeat. Each product in this edit has one clear role, so there is less guesswork and less temptation to layer products your skin may not need.

Beginner-friendly order

Three distinct steps make it easy to remember what comes next.

Balanced textures

A fresh cleanser, cushiony serum and creamy SPF layer comfortably.

Everyday purpose

The routine focuses on cleansing, hydration, visible glow and daily UV protection.

Four Mistakes That Can Make a Simple Routine Feel Complicated

1
Using too much serum

Two to three drops are enough according to the brand’s directions. More product can make layering feel tacky without improving the routine.

2
Skipping moisturizer automatically

Relief Sun has a moisturizing texture, but dry or dehydrated skin may still prefer a cream between serum and sunscreen.

3
Applying too little sunscreen

Relief Sun should be applied generously and reapplied every two to three hours when continued protection is needed.

4
Changing every step at once

If your skin is reactive or you are new to active ingredients, introduce products gradually so it is easier to understand what works for you.

Beauty of Joseon Routine FAQs

Is this a morning or evening skincare routine?

It is designed as a morning routine because Relief Sun is the final step. The cleanser and Glow Serum may also be used in the evening; simply leave out the sunscreen and finish with your preferred moisturizer.

Can I use the Glow Serum every day?

Beauty of Joseon states that the serum can be used during the day or at night. Because it contains BHA, patch test before use if your skin is sensitive and always wear sunscreen during the day.

Do I still need moisturizer before Relief Sun?

It depends on your skin. Dry, dehydrated and normal skin types may prefer a moisturizer between serum and sunscreen. Oily skin may find Relief Sun comfortable without a separate moisturizer.

What is the correct Beauty of Joseon skincare order?

Use the Green Plum Cleanser first, followed by the Glow Serum. Add moisturizer if needed, then finish with Relief Sun as the final morning step.

How often should I reapply Relief Sun?

Apply it generously in the morning and reapply every two to three hours for continued sun protection, especially when spending time outdoors.

Can this three-step routine remove makeup at night?

Green Plum Cleanser is a water-based cleanser. For makeup or water-resistant sunscreen, use an oil cleanser or cleansing balm first, then follow with Green Plum Cleanser.

Should I wait between the serum and sunscreen?

You do not need a long timer. Let each layer settle comfortably before adding the next so you are not rubbing products together while they are still very wet.

Ready to Simplify Your Glow Routine?

Explore Beauty of Joseon at Kim’s Basket and find modern Korean skincare inspired by time-honored ingredients.

Explore the Beauty of Joseon Collection →

Skincare results and product preferences vary. Patch test new products before regular use and discontinue use if irritation occurs.

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