Reviewed: Beauty of Joseon's Revive Firming Moisturizer

I’m not exactly quiet about how much I love K-beauty. While I’ve tried many different brands under its umbrella at this point, Beauty of Joseon remains a standout. In fact, my first foray into the world of Korean skincare involved the brand’s viral hit sunscreen Relief Sun (the OG Korean formula—not the American formulation). I was so impressed by it because it was one of the first sunscreens I used that truly felt like a moisturizer. It wasn’t too thick and didn’t leave a weird, chalky film like other sunscreens of old, and this was revolutionary—especially for someone like me who’s Brown and acne-prone. I struggled with finding a formula that didn’t leave a white cast or dry out my barrier-damaged skin. Relief Sun changed all that. I went through numerous tubes of it and still keep it around to this day.

Fast-forward and we have an incredible new launch from the brand. The Revive Firming Moisturizer ($24). I’ve tried quite a few other BOJ products at this point, but this one became a fast favorite. It’s lightweight yet extremely hydrating and contains a gentle dose of retinol to keep skin smooth and firm. Normally, I’m not one for retinol moisturizers because they’re either too irritating or dry out my skin, but this one is just right. Just remember to use SPF after if you’re interested in trying it during the day. I was lucky enough to give this launch a go for a bit before its release, and I’m sharing all my thoughts below. Keep scrolling!

Beauty of Joseon

Revive Firming Moisturizer

Korean skincare is known for its many fermented ingredients. Fermenting components of the formula increases potency, and Revive Firming Moisturizer contains fermented retinol. Another traditional and beloved Korean ingredient it contains is ginseng to help hydrate and firm the skin. Not only that, but the formula as a whole targets skin texture, dullness, fine lines, wrinkles, and pores all while supporting a healthier skin barrier. It was inspired by the brand’s equally potent Revive Eye Serum ($17), which also contains retinol.

This moisturizer has a light gel-cream texture that absorbs really nicely into the skin. I was initially worried about trying this because retinol can be such a tricky ingredient if you have sensitive skin. My skin generally tolerates retinal (a next-generation retinoid) better because it requires fewer vitamin A conversion steps in the skin. The brand’s eye serum contains retinal, so I was a little surprised the moisturizer didn’t contain it as well. However, the retinol featured in this formula didn’t irritate my skin or cause any redness. Ginseng and ceramides in this also give your skin a boost of elasticity and moisture.

My biggest skin struggles are breakouts and dark spots. I always loved the idea of using some kind of vitamin A–rich product every day to help speed up the healing of my inflammation and hyperpigmentation but could never find one that I can tolerate for daily use. This moisturizer is a winner in that department. It’s helped lighten some of my post-acne marks and gotten rid of some smaller bumps around my jawline. It does contain a few oils, so you might want to check it for any triggers if your skin is highly acne-prone, but I can say that it hasn’t broken out my sensitive skin at all. The formula is really light on the skin and keeps it feeling fresh. It even provides a subtle dewy glow and, when combined with other BOJ products, really gives you that “glass skin” effect.

Finally, I love the price point of this moisturizer. There are plenty of retinol-rich moisturizers out there that work but often cost a fortune—I’m talking at least $100 plus. This one is an absolute steal at just $24, and it really works. I’m excited to continue using it with the brand’s sunscreen and a few of my other BOJ favorites.

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