You've probably seen that sleek, clear bottle with the hanji-style label all over your feed. People talk about it like it’s some kind of magic potion. It's the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil, and honestly, the hype is actually grounded in some pretty cool science and Korean history. Most people think putting oil on their face if they have acne or oily skin is a one-way ticket to Breakout City. It’s a terrifying thought. But here’s the thing: oil dissolves oil.
If you’re wearing waterproof mascara or that high-coverage foundation that feels like Spackle by 5 PM, water isn’t going to touch it. You need something that speaks the same molecular language as the sebum and wax on your face.
The Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil uses a base of Glycine Soja oil—that's soybean oil—which is surprisingly lightweight. It doesn't feel like you're rubbing kitchen grease on your forehead. It feels like silk. It’s thin. It’s runny. It gets into the nooks and crannies around your nose where those pesky blackheads love to set up shop.
The Hanbang Secret Most People Miss
"Hanbang" is a term you’ll see tossed around a lot in K-beauty circles. It basically refers to traditional Korean herbal medicine. Beauty of Joseon leans hard into this, specifically drawing inspiration from the Donguibogam, a massive medical text from the Joseon Dynasty.
In this specific formula, they’ve packed in 0.1% Ginseng Root Extract. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Is 0.1% enough to actually do anything? Well, ginseng is potent. In Korean skincare history, ginseng was the "herb from the gods." It’s loaded with saponins. These are natural compounds that help with blood circulation and skin rejuvenation. When you massage this oil into your skin, you aren't just moving dirt around. You're waking up your capillaries.
Ginseng also has a very distinct, earthy scent. It’s subtle here, though. If you’re worried about smelling like a damp forest, don’t be. It’s more of a faint, grounding aroma that makes the whole double-cleansing ritual feel less like a chore and more like a spa moment you actually deserve after a long day of Zoom calls.
Breaking Down the "Oil Clogs Pores" Myth
Let's talk about the 500-pound gorilla in the room: comedogenicity.
Many people avoid soybean oil because they heard somewhere on a forum that it’s pore-clogging. It’s a common misconception. While raw, unrefined soybean oil can be heavy, the cosmetic-grade Glycine Soja used in the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil is highly refined. It’s chosen specifically because it’s rich in oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acids.
👉 See also: Finding the University of Arizona Address: It Is Not as Simple as You Think
- Linoleic acid is the MVP for acne-prone people.
- Research shows that people with persistent acne often have lower levels of linoleic acid in their skin surface lipids.
- When your skin lacks this, your sebum gets thick and sticky—basically like glue.
- Using an oil high in linoleic acid can actually help "thin out" your natural oils, making them less likely to get stuck in your pores.
It’s counterintuitive. I get it. But science doesn't care about our fears. By applying this oil, you're performing a chemical "like dissolves like" reaction. The soybean oil grabs onto the oxidized sebum (the black stuff in blackheads) and pulls it out.
How to Actually Use It (Because Most People Do It Wrong)
I see people on TikTok using cleansing oils on wet skin all the time. Stop. Just stop.
If your hands are wet or your face is damp, the oil emulsifies instantly. The "magic" happens when the oil meets the dry grime on your face. You want to take about two pumps—three if you’re wearing heavy SPF—and massage it onto your dry skin for at least sixty seconds. Don't rush it.
Focus on your "problem areas." For most of us, that's the chin and the sides of the nose. You’ll eventually feel little "grits" under your fingers. Those aren't pieces of the product; those are literally hardened plugs of oil being dislodged from your pores. It’s gross. It’s also incredibly satisfying.
Once you’ve massaged it in, add a tiny bit of lukewarm water. The oil will turn milky. This is the emulsification process. This is where the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil shines compared to cheaper alternatives. Some oils leave a film that feels like you need to sand it off with a washcloth. This one rinses remarkably clean.
Ingredients: The Good, The Bad, and The Ginseng
Beyond the soybean and ginseng, there's Ginseng Seed Oil. This helps protect the skin from external stimuli. It’s like a tiny shield. Then you have Bixa Orellana Seed Oil, which gives the product its slight yellowish tint and adds some antioxidant punch.
But let's be real. No product is perfect for everyone.
✨ Don't miss: The Recipe With Boiled Eggs That Actually Makes Breakfast Interesting Again
If you have a known allergy to soy, obviously, stay away. Also, while this product is formulated to be gentle, it does contain some fragrance components from the natural extracts. If your skin is so sensitive that even looking at a lemon makes you turn red, you might want to patch test first.
One thing I love? It doesn't contain mineral oil. While mineral oil isn't the villain it’s often made out to be, many people find it sits too heavy on the skin. The plant-based approach here feels much more breathable. It’s a sophisticated balance between traditional herbalism and modern surfactant technology.
Comparing It to the Competition
How does it stack up against the heavy hitters?
- Anua Heartleaf Pore Control Cleansing Oil: This is the current "it" girl of K-beauty. It’s more targeted toward active acne. However, the Beauty of Joseon version feels more nourishing. If your skin feels tight or "stripped" after washing, Joseon is the better bet.
- Manyo Pure Cleansing Oil: This one is thicker. Much thicker. If you have extremely dry, flaky skin, Manyo might be your soulmate. But for the average person with combo skin, the Manyo can feel a bit suffocating. The Ginseng Cleansing Oil sits right in that "Goldilocks" zone—not too heavy, not too light.
- DHC Deep Cleansing Oil: The classic. But DHC uses olive oil, which is much heavier and has a distinct "kitchen" smell. It also doesn't have the skin-soothing benefits of ginseng.
Why Your Double Cleanse is Failing
If you use the Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil and still wake up with a new whitehead, you probably skipped step two.
Double cleansing isn't just a marketing ploy to get you to buy more bottles. The oil removes the makeup and SPF. The second cleanser—a water-based one—removes the sweat, dirt, and any remaining oil residue. If you leave the oil on your skin, you’re just leaving a soup of dissolved makeup and bacteria to simmer on your face overnight.
Pair this oil with a gentle, low-pH cleanser like the Beauty of Joseon Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser. It’s a match made in heaven. The plum cleanser uses natural AHA (mung bean extract) to gently sweep away anything the oil left behind without wrecking your moisture barrier.
The Sustainability and Ethos Factor
In 2026, we care about more than just "does it make my skin glow?" We care about where it comes from. Beauty of Joseon has been pretty vocal about their commitment to "Clean Beauty," though that's a term that gets greenwashed a lot.
🔗 Read more: Finding the Right Words: Quotes About Sons That Actually Mean Something
What they actually mean is that they avoid the "Big Three" irritants: artificial fragrances, artificial colors, and parabens. They also focus on sustainable sourcing for their ginseng, which is important because ginseng takes years to mature. You can't just grow it overnight like a weed. It requires specific soil conditions and a lot of patience.
What to Expect in the First Two Weeks
If you're switching from a makeup wipe (please, throw those in the trash) to an oil cleanser, your skin might go through a "transition" phase.
You might notice more "gunk" coming to the surface. This isn't usually a purge in the traditional sense; it's just your pores finally being allowed to breathe. Stick with it. After about ten days, most users report that their skin texture feels significantly smoother. The "strawberry nose" effect starts to fade.
The biggest win? Your morning makeup will sit better. When your skin is actually clean—not just "wiped" clean—your foundation doesn't have to fight against layers of old oil and dead skin cells. It just glides on.
Your Actionable Routine for Success
To get the most out of your Beauty of Joseon Ginseng Cleansing Oil, follow this specific protocol. Don't deviate for at least a month if you want to see real results.
- Evening Only: You don't need to oil cleanse in the morning unless you have extremely oily skin. Save your product and your time.
- The Dry Hands Rule: Ensure your hands and face are completely dry. Take two full pumps.
- The 60-Second Rule: Massage for a full minute. Use your ring fingers for the delicate eye area to remove mascara without tugging.
- Emulsify Thoroughly: Splash with warm water and massage until the oil turns white. Do this for 20 seconds before rinsing fully.
- Follow Up: Immediately use a water-based foaming or gel cleanser.
- Pat Dry: Never rub your face with a towel. Pat it.
- Frequency: Use it every single night you wear sunscreen or makeup. Even if you're tired. Your pores will thank you.
By focusing on the ritual and the chemistry of the ingredients, you’re moving beyond just "buying a product" and actually "managing your skin's ecosystem." The ginseng isn't just a gimmick; it's a circulation booster that helps your skin recover from the oxidative stress of being outside all day. It’s a solid, reliable workhorse in a world of overhyped skincare trends.