This post contains affiliate links. Product provided by Jolse.
Eye cream is a polarizing topic in the skincare community. Is it just overpriced moisturizer in a smaller container? A concentrated magic potion to erase all wrinkles? A money grab or an essential? Opinions vary.
I didn’t use anything around my eyes for years, not even basic moisturizer, because I hated the feeling of anything on my hooded lids. These days, I choose pleasant formulas and I hope they help me age better than I would without them.
I have some dedicated eye creams and some favorite facial creams that work around the eyes as well. But when it comes to formulas with active ingredients, especially retinoids, I prefer products designed specifically for the eye area to minimize potential irritation.
Until 2022, I wasn’t too familiar with Beauty of Joseon as a brand. I’ve heard the name but haven’t tried much. Their sunscreen (review here) won me over and got me curious about the company’s other offerings. Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum Ginseng + Retinal, available on Jolse, caught my eye (see what I did there?), because I love using retinoids on my face but haven’t had many eye specific ones.
Ginseng is rich in saponins and has been shown to improve wrinkles. Retinal, which is converted directly into retinoic acid, works faster and is more effective than retinol.
How to use
Apply around the eyes after toner
Can also be used all over the face
The word “serum” initially made me think that this product should be applied under another eye cream. However, the consistency is quite creamy already, plus the instructions do not say to follow it with any other product. The serum absorbs quickly and doesn’t have a noticeable scent.
My impressions
This is one of my favorite eye products. The texture is perfect - moisturizing and silky but not heavy or greasy. I could even use it in the mornings if not for retinoids (which shouldn’t be used in the AM).
My eye area doesn’t have any huge concerns yet. I have hooded lids and dark circles, neither of which can be totally fixed by topical products. However, an ounce of prevention is so much easier than trying to reverse things later, and thus I still pay attention to this part of my face in my daily skincare routine.
I love that Beauty of Joseon eye serum makes my skin soft, smooth and velvety without causing any irritation. Anyone new to retinoids should consider starting slowly and gauging the reaction carefully. I was able to jump right in and use this almost daily - the formula is gentle. I am noticing some brightening and the tiny fine lines under my lower lid seem less noticeable as well. But my main goal is prevention / well-aging, not reversal.
I can’t speak for using this all over the face as I have other, stronger retinoids for that. Someone who’s new to this type of product or who wants to reduce the number of jars on their vanity would likely enjoy this as an all over treatment. It’s a huge win for me.
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum ingredients: Water, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Glycerin, Dipropylene Glycol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, 1,2-Hexanediol, Pentaerythrityl Tetraethylhexanoate, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Olivate, Butylene Glycol, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Tromethamine, Carbomer, Glyceryl Stearate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Adenosine, Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Extract, Dextrin, Cholesterol, Polyglyceryl-10 Oleate, Disodum EDTA, Retinal, Brassica Campestris (Rapeseed) Sterols, Phytosteryl/Behenyl/Octyldodecyl Lauroyl Glutamate, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopherol, Aluminum/Magnesium Hydroxide Stearate, Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Pentaerythrityl Tetra-Di-t-Butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate, Ceramide NP, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5