i realized that i ran out of vitamin c serum too late. i don't have anything that i want to try in my mind. i thought i saw something interesting from a local brand, but i couldn't find it. so i decided to just browse in sociolla website and bought anything that grabbed my attention. i decided to try beauty of joseon. i know most of people that had tried them either praised it highly or told everyone to just forget it. BOJ got a lot of hype several years back but i didn't seem to understand the hype. since i'm running out of option, i guess it won't hurt to try. and i know it's not a vitamin c serum, but i don't mind since i usually use a brightening serum in the morning and it doesn't have to be vitamin c.

this is the description from their website: this serum is designed for individuals dealing with pigmentation issues and uneven skin complexion. infused with 68% rice bran water and 2% alpha arbutin, it works diligently to illuminate and boost the health of your skin.

key ingredients:

- rice bran water 68%: rice has played a very important role as a staple food and skin care ingredient in korean history. in the joseon dynasty, rice bran water was used like the toner of today, and was called beauty water, used for beautiful skin. rice bran is rich in amino acids and minerals, helping to moisturize dry skin.

- alpha arbutin 2%: alpha arbutin works by inhibiting the tyrosinase activity that limits the melanin production in your skin. it is also known to have a 10 times greater effect than regular beta arbutin.

the packaging: it comes in a pale beige/white box. there's description at the back in korean. but since i bought it here, they stamped a sticker label with indonesian description on it. they seal the box with sticker. the bottle looks like it made of glass, but it's just plastic. it's see through so you can see the remaining product inside. they use dropper to dispense the product. the serum comes in 30 ml, however, since the bottle is short and small, it seems like it is less than 30 ml. i have no problem with the dropper and it works perfectly fine until i almost finish it. 

the scent: i don't think it's scented, but i might be mistaken.

the product: it's a transparent runny serum, like liquid. i have to drop it on my face real quick before it drips down all over my face. i usually use a drop for each area, so around 4-5 drops for my whole face and neck. 

the result: it's a bit hydrating but not too much. it works well with my other skincare products. however, i don't buy this one for a hydrating serum. this serum contains rice bran water and alpha arbutin for brightening. and i use this day and night. however, i don't see any difference in my skin. sometimes, some serum works slow. but this serum doesn't feel like it's working at all. either it's working too slow or it just doesn't work.

that being said, even though i don't like this serum, someone else might. this one is lightweight and for those who can't use vitamin c, this might be a good option if you're looking for a brightening serum. since it's lightweight and it doesn't contain vitamin c, obviously it will be safer for those with sensitive skin. but if you're looking for an effective brightening serum, i doubt that it would be a good option. anyway, the price is quite affordable so if you're looking for a non vitamin c brightening serum, then you can try it. otherwise, skip it. 

this is the description from their website: soothes and diminishes blemishes and uneven skin tone with our calming tox complex and liposome delivery for optimal results. 

hero ingredients: madecassoside + centella asiatica.

microparticlized calming tox: centella asiatica 2-time extraction --> madecassoside in 2x amounts --> with liposome-based technology --> microparticlized.

results: 

- proven to help improve the appearance of uneven skin tone and dark spots by 16% in four weeks

- instantly helps improve rough skin texture by 19%

- instantly helps soothe irritated skin

material: made with vegan fibers (gauze pads), sized (67 mm) to cover wide area, rounded corners for perfect fit on skin.

the packaging: just like the phytoenzyme one, this one also comes in a box. but this time, it's teal and silver combination. there's a picture of the box at the front and a bunch of description on the sides and at the back in korean. and english. you can read the full ingredients list as well. the pads come in a light green plastic box. there's a separate box inside, sealed, because the box is supposed to be refillable. you just need to buy the refill box, tear the seal and put it inside the old box and it will be as good as new. however, i have a bit of a problem, tearing the seal off so there's a jagged side which you can see in the picture. there's a tweezer, secured on the cap. i have a problem with the tweezer though. the tip of the tweezer is not thin enough so i have a hard time separating the pads with the tweezer. all the pads are securely saved in the refill box. i can see some essence at the bottom, but not much. i never put it upside down since even though i store it upright, all the pads are still juicy enough.

the scent: this one definitely has that medicated scent, probably due to the ingredients. but it's not annoying. if i'm not sniffing it up close, i probably wouldn't smell it.

the product: the pad is thinner, way thinner than the phytoenzyme one. they say that it has two sides, but i can't say the difference between the two. for me, both sides look like gauze. it's juicy and the size is big enough to almost cover my whole cheek. usually i use two pads for my whole face and neck, leaving it on my cheeks for a bit especially when it's irritated or breaking out.

the result: at first, i don't see the hype why this toner pad is so popular. i don't notice any difference after using this pads aside from the hydrating effect. however, as i keep using this pad, i start to see that it helps soothing my skin. i think it's mildly exfoliating as well. when i have tiny bumps on my forehead, this helps resolve the problem.

i think i can see why it's so popular. it's lightweight, easy to use, hydrating and soothing. it's mildly exfoliating as well. the gauze pattern is not too harsh for my skin. i think it will be suitable for all skin types, especially the troubled skin. it helps soothing acne and bumps. however, i don't think it has anything to do with evening out the skin tone and reducing dark spots. even though it's quite enjoyable, i think i can get away with using regular toner instead of this one. perhaps i would see whether or not to repurchase this after i try other types. after all, i bought several of them, so it's too early to decide. anyway, if you can get mediheal directly or online within reasonable price, then you should try it.