Eye creams are usually a total scam. Honestly, most of them are just overpriced moisturizers in tiny jars, rebranded with "firming" buzzwords to justify a 400% markup. But then there’s the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum. If you’ve spent any time on Skincare TikTok or scrolled through Korean beauty forums lately, you’ve seen this yellow tube everywhere.
It's weirdly popular. People aren't just using it on their eyes; they're slathering it over their entire faces. Is it actually that good, or is it just another K-beauty trend that's going to fizzle out by next season?
The Retinal vs. Retinol Confusion
First, let's clear up the big one. Most people see the word "retinal" on the tube and think it’s a typo for "retinol." It isn't. Retinal (specifically retinaldehyde) is actually the much cooler, more effective sibling.
To work on your skin, all retinoids have to convert into retinoic acid. Standard retinol takes two steps to get there. Retinal only takes one. This basically means it's about 11 times faster at doing its job than your average retinol cream.
Beauty of Joseon uses 2% Retinal Liposome. Before you freak out—no, it is not 2% pure retinal. That would probably melt your eyelids off. It’s actually 0.02% of the active ingredient, stabilized inside a liposome (a tiny fat bubble) so it can sink deeper into the skin without causing a massive freak-out or "retinoid uglies" peeling.
✨ Don't miss: How to Sign Someone Up for Scientology: What Actually Happens and What You Need to Know
Why Ginseng is the Real MVP Here
The serum isn't just a delivery vehicle for vitamin A. It's packed with 10% Ginseng Root Extract.
In traditional Korean medicine, or Hanbang, ginseng is legendary. It’s not just for tea. On the skin, it’s a powerhouse for circulation. When you apply it to that thin, crepey skin under your eyes, it helps with that "sunken" look by boosting hydration and providing a hit of antioxidants.
It smells like... nothing, mostly. Maybe a very faint, earthy hint of wood if you really sniff it, but there’s no added fragrance. That’s a huge win for people who get watery eyes from scented products.
Does it actually work on dark circles?
Kinda. Sorta. It depends.
🔗 Read more: Wire brush for cleaning: What most people get wrong about choosing the right bristles
If your dark circles are caused by thin skin showing the blood vessels underneath, the combination of retinal (to thicken collagen) and ginseng (to boost circulation) will help over time. If your dark circles are just genetic shadows or from staying up until 3 AM on Reddit? No cream in a tube can fix that.
The Texture is... Different
Forget those heavy, thick balms that give you milia (those tiny white bumps). This is a serum, but it feels more like a silky, lightweight lotion. It’s yellow—very yellow—because of the retinal.
It sinks in fast. You don’t get that greasy film that makes your concealer slide off by lunchtime. In fact, many people use it as a "preventative" face cream for the forehead and nasolabial folds because it plays so well with other products.
How to Not Ruin Your Skin Barrier
Even though it’s gentle, it is still a retinoid. Don’t go from zero to sixty.
💡 You might also like: Images of Thanksgiving Holiday: What Most People Get Wrong
- The Pea Rule: Use half a pump for both eyes. Seriously. More isn't better; it's just more expensive.
- PM Only (Usually): While the brand says you can use it in the morning, retinal makes your skin sensitive to the sun. Just stick to your night routine. It’s safer.
- The Sandwich Method: If you have sensitive skin, put your moisturizer on first, then the eye serum. It acts as a buffer.
- Avoid the Lash Line: Don't get too close to the actual eye. Use it on the orbital bone—the hard part around your eye socket. The product will naturally migrate a bit as it absorbs.
Is It Worth the Hype?
If you’re looking for a miracle that erases 20 years of wrinkles in a week, keep looking. That doesn't exist. But if you want a well-formulated, stable, and affordable treatment that actually contains a "gold standard" anti-aging ingredient, this is it.
It’s about $16-$18. Compared to luxury brands charging $90 for a basic retinol eye cream, it’s a steal.
Next Steps for Your Routine:
- Check your current actives: If you’re already using a high-strength tretinoin or AHA/BHA at night, do not use this serum on the same parts of your face until you know your skin can handle it.
- Patch test: Put a tiny bit behind your ear for 24 hours. Retinal is gentler, but "gentle" is relative.
- Be patient: You won't see collagen changes for at least 6 to 12 weeks. Take a "before" photo now so you can actually track the progress.