Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm: Rice and Milk Cream, Dissolved Into a First Cleanse

Beauty of Joseon built this balm around the same principle that runs through the brand's Dynasty Cream and Glow Serum: fermented rice as a brightening, antioxidant-forward ingredient that Korean women have been pressing into skin for centuries. The Radiance Cleansing Balm is the oil cleanse step of that philosophy. It melts sunscreen, full-coverage base, and sebum without stripping, then rinses clean with water because it emulsifies into a milky slip instead of a greasy film.

Most "Korean cleansing balms" on the western market are heavily fragranced, petrolatum-heavy sherbets that leave a squeaky finish. Beauty of Joseon's take is closer to the Korean skincare standard: a plant-oil base (sunflower, safflower, meadowfoam) scooped with rice extract and milk cream for a lightly sweet, grain-forward scent that fades in 30 seconds. It's the first-cleanse version of a skin-care philosophy, not a bathroom novelty.

What It Does

The oil phase binds oil-based impurities (sebum, SPF, long-wear makeup) and lifts them off the skin. On contact with water the balm emulsifies, turning milky, which lets the bound debris rinse off instead of smearing. Rice bran oil and fermented rice extract contribute ferulic acid and small amounts of antioxidants, which is a bonus, not the hero. The hero is the clean rinse.

Who It's For

• Daily SPF wearers: Dissolves mineral and chemical sunscreen without needing a second aggressive cleanse.
• Dry and normal skin: Leaves skin soft, not stripped. Ideal first step before a foaming cleanser.
• Minimalist routines: Doubles as a one-step cleanse on no-SPF, no-makeup days.
• Sensitive skin unsure about fragrance: The rice and milk scent is quiet and disappears fast.
• First-time double cleansers: Low barrier to entry, under $45, generous 100ml jar.

Key Specs

• Volume: 100ml
• Price: $42
• Hero ingredients: rice bran oil, fermented rice extract, milk protein
• Texture: firm sherbet that melts to oil on skin, emulsifies milky with water
• Fragrance: light rice and cream, no added perfume

How to Use

On dry skin, scoop a cherry-sized amount with the spatula, warm between fingers, and massage across the face in slow circles for 30 to 45 seconds. Pay attention to the nose, jawline, and hairline. Wet fingers lightly to emulsify (the balm turns milky), keep massaging for 10 seconds, then rinse with lukewarm water. Follow with a low-pH foaming cleanser for the second cleanse.

FAQ

Does this remove waterproof mascara?

Mostly, yes. Work it gently over closed eyes for 20 seconds before rinsing. For heavy waterproof formulas, use a dedicated eye remover first and then the balm for the rest of the face. The balm is safe around the eye area but not engineered as a mascara solvent.

Is it comedogenic for oily skin?

The base oils (sunflower, safflower, meadowfoam) are low on the comedogenic scale, and the product is designed to rinse completely. Oily skin users report clean results, especially when followed with a proper second cleanse. If you're acne-prone and nervous about oil cleansing, patch test on the jawline for a week.

How long does a jar last?

3 to 4 months with nightly use. You need less than you think. A cherry-sized scoop is plenty for the full face.

Beauty of Joseon balm vs Banila Co Clean It Zero?

Banila Co's balm is sherbet-textured, more fragranced, and heavier on the rinse. Beauty of Joseon is softer, lighter on fragrance, and rinses cleaner. Banila Co feels more "spa product." Beauty of Joseon feels more "daily skincare." For sensitive noses and minimalist routines, Beauty of Joseon wins.

Can I use this in the morning?

Technically yes, but it's overkill. Morning skin doesn't usually need oil cleansing. Save it for the PM first cleanse and use a gentle water-based cleanser in the AM.

Related Products

Pair with the Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Foam Cleanser for the second cleanse, or follow up with the Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum.

Browse the full Beauty of Joseon collection or related categories: Korean cleansing balms, Korean cleansers.