My Holy Grail Cleansing Balm: A Review of Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm

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If you've been around the skincare world for any length of time, you know that a lot of products come and go. You try them, you like them okay, you finish the bottle, and you move on to the next shiny thing. And then, every once in a while, a product comes along that just sticks. For me, that product is the Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm.

I'm not exaggerating when I say this balm has become a non-negotiable part of my life. I've repurchased it more than 24 times. At this point it's less of a "favorite product" and more of a permanent fixture in my bathroom, right up there with my toothbrush.

The First Step That Never Changes

My nighttime routine has evolved a lot over the years — new serums, new moisturizers, new experiments that come and go. But no matter what else changes, this cleansing balm is always, always the first step. It's the constant in an otherwise ever-shifting routine, and there's something deeply satisfying about that kind of reliability.

What It Actually Does Well

The main reason I keep going back to this balm is simple: it works, every single time.

I wear waterproof mascara and waterproof eyeliner pretty much daily, and if you've ever tried to remove waterproof makeup, you know it can be a battle. Some cleansers just smear it around, some require aggressive rubbing that leaves your under-eye area irritated the next morning. This balm melts through all of it. One massage, and my lashes and lids are completely clean — no tugging, no residue, no leftover mascara flakes hiding in the corners of my eyes.

I apply it to completely dry skin, massaging it in so it can properly emulsify and break down makeup, SPF, and the general grime of the day. By the time I rinse it off, my skin feels clean but never stripped — which is honestly the balance every cleansing balm claims to hit but so few actually do. (This lines up with the official usage instructions from Beauty of Joseon, which recommend applying to dry skin, massaging to dissolve makeup, then adding water to emulsify before rinsing.)

What's Actually In It

Part of why this balm performs so consistently comes down to the formula. A few standout ingredients:

• Rice bran water — rich in amino acids and minerals, it helps moisturize and nourish dry skin while cleansing.
• Chamomile flower/leaf extract — known for its soothing properties, which helps keep the eye area calm even with daily makeup removal.
• Lavender water — has a balancing effect on skin, which may help with minor irritation.

Who This Is Best For (and Who Might Want Something Else)

This balm is a great fit if you wear waterproof makeup regularly, have dry to normal skin, and want a first-cleanse step that doesn't strip or irritate. If you have very oily or acne-prone skin, you may want to follow it up right away with a stronger foaming or gel-based second cleanser to make sure pores are fully clear — the balm melts things away beautifully, but a proper double cleanse still matters for oilier skin types.

Why I Keep Coming Back

Repurchasing something once or twice could just be convenience. Repurchasing it 24+ times means it has genuinely earned a permanent spot in my routine. A few reasons why:

• It removes waterproof makeup without a fight. No aggressive rubbing, no lingering mascara smudges.
• It respects my skin barrier. Even with daily use, my skin doesn't feel tight, dry, or irritated afterward.
• It's consistent. Every jar performs exactly like the last one — no unpleasant surprises, no reformulation disappointments (so far).
• It fits effortlessly into a routine. It's the kind of first step you don't have to think about — you just do it, and it works.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, skincare loyalty is earned, not given. It takes a genuinely good product to make me repurchase something 24 times without a second thought. The Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm has done exactly that — quietly, consistently, night after night, making sure my skin starts its evening routine on a clean slate.

If you wear waterproof makeup and have been searching for a cleansing balm that can actually keep up, this one has my full, enthusiastic endorsement.

Rating: 5/5 — a genuine holy grail.

👉 Shop the Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm on Amazon

FAQ

Is this good for removing waterproof mascara?
Yes — this is exactly the use case it excels at. It melts through waterproof mascara and eyeliner without any harsh rubbing or tugging.

How much product do you need per use?
A small, marble-sized scoop is enough. It goes further than you'd expect once massaged in and emulsified with water.

Do you need to follow up with a second cleanser?
I personally like to follow up with a gentle water-based cleanser as part of a double cleanse, especially since I wear a full face of makeup daily. If you have dry skin and light makeup days, this balm alone may be enough.

P.S. — I'm working on a full breakdown of my current skincare routine (day and night), so stay tuned for that post coming soon!

Source: Beauty of Joseon official product page