Beauty of Joseon has two serums with almost the same name, and they are among the brand’s most popular products: the Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide and the Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin. Both promise a brighter, healthier-looking complexion, both come in similar bottles, and both sit in the same price range. So which one should you buy? The short answer: it depends on what you mean by glow. This guide breaks down the differences so you can choose with confidence.
The one-line summary
- Glow Serum (Propolis + Niacinamide) – best for oily, combination and blemish-prone skin that wants balance, a calmer look and radiance.
- Glow Deep Serum (Rice + Alpha-Arbutin) – best for dark spots, post-acne marks, sun spots and uneven tone.
Glow Serum: Propolis + Niacinamide
What is in it
The star ingredient is propolis, a resin-like substance bees make to protect their hive. In skincare, propolis is loved for its nourishing, soothing feel and the healthy sheen it gives the skin. It is combined with niacinamide (vitamin B3), one of the most studied ingredients in modern skincare, often used to help the skin look more even, reduce the appearance of enlarged pores and keep excess oil in check.
Texture
Glow Serum has a slightly thick, honey-like texture with a golden colour. It spreads easily, absorbs within a minute and leaves a light, non-sticky glow.
Who it suits
It is a favourite of oily, combination and acne-prone skin because it gives radiance without heaviness. Many people also use it as a first serum because it is simple and gentle. It is not a medical acne treatment, but it fits well into a routine for blemish-prone skin.
Who should avoid it
Anyone allergic to bee products – propolis, honey or pollen – should skip it.
Glow Deep Serum: Rice + Alpha-Arbutin
What is in it
Glow Deep Serum is built on rice bran water, a traditional Korean skincare ingredient that brings hydration and softness, and alpha-arbutin, a popular ingredient for helping to fade the appearance of hyperpigmentation. Supporting brighteners such as niacinamide round out the formula.
Texture
It is much more watery than Glow Serum – almost like an essence – and absorbs instantly. That makes it very easy to layer under other products.
Who it suits
All skin types with uneven tone: sun spots, freckles that have darkened, and the red or brown marks that linger after breakouts. It is generally gentle, so sensitive skin can usually use it too after a patch test. If you have melasma, ask a dermatologist how to combine it with your treatment.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Glow Serum | Glow Deep Serum |
|---|---|---|
| Hero ingredients | Propolis + niacinamide | Rice bran water + alpha-arbutin |
| Main goal | Balance, calm look, radiance | Fading the look of dark spots, even tone |
| Texture | Honey-like, slightly viscous | Watery, essence-like |
| Best skin types | Oily, combination, blemish-prone | All skin types with pigmentation |
| Avoid if | Allergic to bee products | Already using several strong brighteners |
Can you use both?
Yes, and many people do. Because both are gentle and share niacinamide-friendly formulas, they combine well. Two easy approaches:
- Split by time of day. Glow Deep Serum in the morning (always followed by sunscreen, since pigmentation gets worse with UV exposure) and Glow Serum at night.
- Layer them. Apply the thinner Glow Deep Serum first, wait a moment, then press in Glow Serum. Finish with moisturizer.
If you are adding them to a routine that already includes other active ingredients, introduce one at a time for a week or two so you know how your skin reacts.
Sample routines
Oily or blemish-prone skin
- AM: Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser → Glow Serum → Red Bean Water Gel → Relief Sun Aqua-Fresh
- PM: Ginseng Cleansing Oil → Green Plum Refreshing Cleanser → Glow Serum (+ Glow Deep Serum on marks) → Red Bean Water Gel
Dull skin with dark spots
- AM: gentle cleanse → Ginseng Essence Water → Glow Deep Serum → Dynasty Cream → Relief Sun
- PM: Radiance Cleansing Balm → gentle cleanser → Ginseng Essence Water → Glow Deep Serum → Dynasty Cream
What about the other brightening serum?
Beauty of Joseon also makes the Light On Serum: Centella + Vitamin C. Think of it as a gentle vitamin C option for overall radiance, especially in the morning. If your main concern is dark spots, Glow Deep Serum is the more targeted pick; if you want an antioxidant boost and a fresher look, Light On is a nice addition. For skin that is red or reactive, the Calming Serum: Green Tea + Panthenol is the better place to start.
How long until you see results?
Glow and hydration can be noticeable within days, but fading the look of pigmentation takes patience. Give any brightening serum at least six to eight weeks of consistent use – with daily sunscreen – before deciding whether it works for you. Taking a photo in the same light at the start and after two months is the most honest way to judge.
Our recommendation
Choose Glow Serum if your skin is oily or blemish-prone and you want a calm, radiant look. Choose Glow Deep Serum if dark spots and uneven tone are your main concern. And if you have both concerns, use both – they are designed to play nicely together.
Browse all Beauty of Joseon serums in our catalogue.
This site is an independent guide and is not affiliated with the Beauty of Joseon brand. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. This article is general information, not medical advice; see a dermatologist for persistent skin concerns.