Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm Review (2026): Worth the Hype?

Last updated: March 2026 · Tested for 3+ months in Seoul

I've tested a lot of Korean cleansing balms - from the cult-favorite Heimish All Clean Balm to Banila Co's Clean It Zero. But the Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm caught my attention for one reason: it's built around rice. Rice bran oil, rice extract, rice seed water - the same traditional Korean ingredients that hanbang skincare has relied on for centuries.

So I used it every single night for three months to find out if it lives up to the hype - or if it's just riding the Beauty of Joseon brand name.

I'm Minji, and I've been living in Seoul for over three years. Between waterproof sunscreen, BB cream, and the fine dust that settles on your skin by rush hour, my first step cleanser has to work hard. The BOJ Radiance Cleansing Balm became my evening go-to, and here's what I found.

If you're looking for a full comparison of the best options, check my best Korean cleansers of 2026 roundup - this balm earned its spot.

What Is a Cleansing Balm (and Why Korean Women Swear by Them)?

A cleansing balm is the first step in the Korean double cleansing routine. Its job is to dissolve oil-based impurities - sunscreen, makeup, sebum, and pollution particles - that a water-based cleanser alone can't fully remove.

The texture starts as a solid sherbet, melts into an oil on contact with skin, then emulsifies into a milky rinse when you add water. This three-phase transformation is what makes cleansing balms so effective without being harsh.

The BOJ Radiance Cleansing Balm adds something extra to this formula: traditional Korean rice ingredients that are meant to brighten and Hydrate while cleansing. It's not just removing - it's treating.

Why a Rice-Based Cleansing Balm? The Science Behind the Glow

Most Korean cleansing balms use mineral oil or shea butter as their base. The BOJ Radiance Cleansing Balm takes a completely different approach - rice bran oil is the foundation, and that single choice changes what this product can do for your skin.

Rice bran oil contains gamma-oryzanol, a compound clinically shown to inhibit melanin production and protect against UV-induced pigmentation. It also contains ferulic acid (the same antioxidant found in high-end vitamin C serums) and squalene, which mirrors your skin's natural oils. This means the BOJ balm doesn't just clean - it actively treats your skin while removing makeup.

In traditional Korean skincare (hanbang), rice water face washing dates back to the Joseon dynasty. Court women used fermented rice water to brighten and soften their skin - the Beauty of Joseon brand built their entire identity around this heritage. The Radiance Cleansing Balm is their modern take on that 500-year-old practice, backed by contemporary cosmetic science.

This is what makes the BOJ balm fundamentally different from the Heimish All Clean Balm (shea butter base) or the Banila Co Clean It Zero (mineral oil base). You're not just removing makeup - you're doing a brightening rice treatment every time you cleanse.

Packaging & First Impressions

The Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm comes in a low-profile, wide ivory jar (100ml) that matches the brand's signature minimalist aesthetic. The lid features their iconic Korean calligraphy logo (조선미녀) with a small red seal stamp - clean, elegant, and instantly recognizable if you already own their sunscreen or serums.

Inside, the balm is a dense white sherbet. There's no spatula included - which is a small miss compared to the Heimish All Clean Balm that comes with one. I'd recommend using a small spoon or clean fingers right after washing your hands.

The scent is subtle and clean - nothing like Heimish's strong aromatherapy profile. If you're sensitive to fragrance or prefer a more neutral cleansing experience, this is a significant plus. It smells faintly of rice water, almost like a very mild grain scent that disappears within seconds of application.

First impression: premium-looking, straightforward, no gimmicks. Very on-brand for Beauty of Joseon.

Key Ingredients Breakdown

What sets the BOJ Radiance Cleansing Balm apart from other Korean cleansing balms is its triple rice complex. Here's what's inside and why it matters:

1. Rice Bran Oil (Oryza Sativa Bran Oil)

The star ingredient. Rice bran oil is rich in gamma-oryzanol, ferulic acid, and vitamin E - all powerful antioxidants that protect skin while cleansing. It's also naturally close to the skin's own lipid profile, which means it dissolves makeup and sunscreen effectively without disrupting your moisture barrier. In Korean hanbang skincare, rice has been used for centuries to brighten dull complexions - and the science backs it up.

2. Rice Seed Water & Rice Extract

These provide the "radiance" in the product name. Rice seed water contains amino acids and minerals that gently brighten skin tone over time. Combined with the rice extract, they create a brightening-while-cleansing effect that you can notice after a few weeks of consistent use - especially if you deal with dullness or uneven skin tone.

3. Lactobacillus/Soybean Ferment Extract

A fermented ingredient that supports the skin microbiome and helps strengthen the moisture barrier. Fermented extracts are a hallmark of Korean skincare - they increase the bioavailability of nutrients and make the formula more gentle on sensitive skin. This is one reason the BOJ balm feels so non-irritating even on reactive skin.

4. Sea Buckthorn Oil (Hippophae Rhamnoides)

Packed with omega fatty acids (3, 6, 7, and 9), vitamins A and C, and beta-carotene. Sea buckthorn oil provides intense hydration and supports skin healing - making this balm particularly good for anyone dealing with dryness or compromised skin barriers. It's also what gives a subtle golden undertone to the formula.

5. Oat Extract (Avena Sativa)

A natural skin soother that calms irritation and redness during the cleansing process. Oat extract has been used in dermatology for decades - it's the same ingredient found in Aveeno and other sensitive-skin products. In a cleansing balm, it ensures the removal process doesn't trigger inflammation.

Texture & How to Use It

The texture is a firm, dense sherbet - noticeably thicker than the Heimish All Clean Balm when you first scoop it. It takes about 2-3 seconds of body heat to start melting, then transforms into a smooth, lightweight oil that glides across your skin.

Step-by-Step Application:

1. Scoop a grape-sized amount with dry hands (this is important - wet hands won't melt it properly)
2. Massage onto dry face in gentle circular motions for 30-60 seconds - you'll feel makeup and sunscreen dissolving
3. Add water to emulsify - the oil turns into a milky white liquid
4. Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water
5. Follow up with a water-based second cleanser like the COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser

The emulsification is clean - no greasy film, no residue, no tightness. This is where the BOJ balm really shines. Some cleansing balms leave a slippery layer that makes you feel like you need to scrub with your second cleanser. This one rinses completely clean. Your skin feels soft, slightly plump, and - I'm not exaggerating - noticeably brighter even before you apply anything else.

Does It Remove Everything?

I tested the BOJ Radiance Cleansing Balm against my daily lineup:

• BOJ Relief Sun SPF 50+ - Removed completely in one pass. This makes sense since the brand designed them to work together, but it's still satisfying to see zero white cast residue on the cotton pad test.
• Waterproof mascara - Needed about 15 seconds of gentle massage on the eye area. Not instant, but it got everything off without tugging or stinging my eyes.
• Full-coverage cushion foundation - Dissolved effortlessly. One 45-second massage and it was gone.
• Heavy pollution days - After days when Seoul's fine dust levels were in the "bad" range, the balm picked up visible grime on my first pass.

The cotton pad test: After cleansing with the BOJ balm + my second cleanser, I swiped a micellar water-soaked cotton pad across my face. Result: completely clean. No residue, no leftover sunscreen, no traces of foundation.

The "Radiance" Effect - Is It Real?

Here's what surprised me. After about two weeks of nightly use, I noticed my skin looked brighter in the morning - before applying any serums or moisturizer. Not dramatically transformed, but noticeably less dull.

I attribute this to the triple rice complex working over time. Rice bran oil's gamma-oryzanol has proven brightening properties, and consistent use of rice-based products has been shown in studies to reduce melanin production and improve overall skin luminosity.

Is it going to replace your vitamin C serum? No. But as a bonus benefit from a product whose primary job is just removing makeup? It's genuinely impressive. You're getting brightening treatment built into your cleansing step - zero extra effort.

Beauty of Joseon vs Heimish All Clean Balm - How Do They Compare?

Since these are two of the most popular Korean cleansing balms in 2026, the comparison is inevitable. I used both for 3+ months each, and here's the honest breakdown:

My take: If you want a cleansing balm that doubles as a brightening treatment and prefer minimal fragrance, go with the BOJ. If you love a spa-like aromatherapy experience and want a slightly more affordable option with a bigger jar, the Heimish is still excellent. Both rinse clean. Both remove waterproof makeup. You genuinely can't go wrong with either.

Key difference I noticed in daily use: After switching from Heimish to the BOJ balm for 3 months, my morning skin tone was noticeably brighter - something I never experienced with Heimish. The BOJ also emulsifies slightly faster and leaves less of that "just-cleansed" tightness. the Heimish has a more luxurious, spa-like application experience thanks to its softer texture and aromatherapy scent. If brightening results matter more to you than the cleansing experience itself, the BOJ is the better investment.

Beauty of Joseon vs Banila Co Clean It Zero - Which Korean Cleansing Balm Wins?

The other cleansing balm everyone asks about is Banila Co Clean It Zero. I've used both extensively, and they're very different products despite serving the same purpose:

Ingredient quality: The BOJ balm uses rice bran oil, fermented soybean extract, and sea buckthorn oil - ingredients that actively benefit your skin. Banila Co's Clean It Zero Original uses a mineral oil base with papaya and acerola extracts. The BOJ formula is more sophisticated and delivers brightening benefits that Banila Co simply doesn't offer.

Texture: Banila Co has a softer, almost mousse-like sherbet that melts instantly on contact. The BOJ balm is firmer and denser - it takes 2-3 seconds of body heat to start melting. I prefer the firmer texture because you use less product per cleanse, so the jar lasts longer despite being the same 100ml size.

Residue: This is where the BOJ balm clearly wins. Banila Co sometimes leaves a slight film - not greasy exactly, but noticeable. The BOJ emulsifies much more cleanly. After rinsing, my skin feels genuinely bare, not coated.

Sensitive skin: BOJ wins again. No essential oils, no artificial fragrance, plus oat and fermented soybean extracts for calming. Banila Co contains artificial fragrance that can irritate reactive skin.

Value: Both are 100ml, similar pricing. But the BOJ's firmer texture means you naturally use smaller amounts - so it lasts about 2 weeks longer in my experience.

Bottom line: If you just want makeup removal and nothing else, Banila Co works fine. If you want a cleansing balm that's also a brightening treatment with cleaner ingredients and better emulsification, the BOJ Radiance Balm is the clear upgrade.

Does the BOJ Radiance Cleansing Balm Clog Pores?

This was my biggest concern going in. Cleansing balms can be hit-or-miss for acne-prone skin - some leave residue that clogs pores, others contain comedogenic oils.

The good news: the BOJ Radiance Cleansing Balm uses cetyl ethylhexanoate and caprylic/capric triglyceride as its primary oil base - both are lightweight and have low comedogenic ratings. The emulsification is thorough enough that virtually no residue is left after rinsing.

In three months of daily use, I experienced zero breakouts that I could attribute to the balm. My skin looked clearer overall - likely because thorough first cleansing removes the sunscreen and makeup residue that often causes congestion in the first place.

That said, if you have fungal acne, check the ingredient list carefully. Some esters in cleansing balms can feed malassezia. The BOJ balm contains PEG-20 glyceryl triisostearate and synthetic wax, which are generally considered safe for fungal acne, but individual reactions vary.

Best Cleansing Balm for Sensitive Skin? Why BOJ Stands Out

Yes - and this is arguably where the BOJ balm has its biggest advantage. The formula is:

• Free of artificial fragrance - the subtle scent comes from the rice and grain extracts themselves
• Free of essential oils - unlike Heimish, which contains 10 essential oils that can irritate reactive skin
• Contains oat extract - a proven skin soother used in dermatological products
• Contains fermented soybean extract - supports the skin microbiome and reduces irritation

If you've tried other cleansing balms and experienced redness or stinging, the BOJ Radiance Cleansing Balm is one of the safest alternatives to try. I'd still recommend a patch test on your jawline for 3 days - but of the cleansing balms I've tested, this one is among the least irritating.

Pros & Cons After 3 Months

Long-Term Results: What Changed After 3 Months

Here's what I tracked over 90 days of nightly use:

• Week 1-2: Immediate improvement in how clean my skin felt after double cleansing. No tightness, no dryness. Subtle brightening starting to show.
• Week 3-4: Skin tone looked more even under natural light. Morning dullness was noticeably reduced. I started getting compliments about my skin "glowing."
• Month 2: Pore visibility around my nose and cheeks seemed slightly improved - likely from consistently thorough cleansing rather than any direct pore-shrinking effect.
• Month 3: My skin's baseline brightness was genuinely higher than when I started. The rice complex isn't a dramatic brightener, but the cumulative effect of 90 days of rice-based cleansing was visible in my before/after comparison photos.

The biggest surprise: my second cleanser worked better when paired with the BOJ balm compared to other first cleansers. Because the emulsification is so clean, the COSRX Low pH gel could do its job on bare skin rather than fighting through leftover balm residue.

Who Should Buy This Cleansing Balm?

How the BOJ Radiance Cleansing Balm Fits Into a Korean Skincare Routine

This balm is your Step 1 (PM only) in a double cleansing routine. Here's how I use it:

Pro tip: If you use the BOJ Relief Sun during the day, this balm removes it in one pass. They're engineered to complement each other - the sunscreen's organic UV filters dissolve immediately in the rice bran oil base.

Best Alternatives to the BOJ Radiance Cleansing Balm

The BOJ balm is excellent, but it's not for everyone. Here are the best alternatives depending on what you're looking for:

• Want a spa-like aromatherapy experience? → Heimish All Clean Balm - bigger jar, essential oil blend, softer texture. My go-to recommendation for people who want cleansing to feel luxurious.
• Want the biggest jar for your money? → Banila Co Clean It Zero (180ml) - simpler formula but reliable removal. Good for beginners who want volume.
• Prefer a liquid oil over a balm? → BOJ Ginseng Cleansing Oil - same brand, pump bottle, anti-aging ginseng. Better if you hate scooping from a jar.
• Need a foam cleanser instead? → COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser - this is your second step cleanser, not a replacement, but it's what you pair with any cleansing balm.

For me personally, I rotate between the BOJ Radiance Balm and the Heimish depending on my mood. BOJ when I want brightening results. Heimish when I want the aromatherapy experience. And for my serum step after cleansing, I layer on the Torriden DIVE-IN - it absorbs in seconds and pairs perfectly with any cleansing balm. Both are in my top 3 on the best Korean cleansers list.

Cleansing Balm vs Micellar Water: Which Is Better for Removing Korean Sunscreen?

If you're still using micellar water as your primary makeup remover, here's why a cleansing balm like the BOJ Radiance is a significant upgrade - especially for Korean sunscreens:

Korean sunscreens like the BOJ Relief Sun use organic UV filters that bond to your skin more aggressively than Western chemical sunscreens. Micellar water relies on surfactant micelles suspended in water - they're good at picking up light makeup, but they struggle to fully dissolve modern SPF 50+ formulas. You end up rubbing with cotton pads repeatedly, which irritates your skin and still leaves residue behind.

A cleansing balm dissolves these UV filters on contact because oil dissolves oil. The BOJ balm's rice bran oil base breaks down organic sunscreen filters in seconds - no cotton pads, no rubbing, no irritation. One 45-second massage and your sunscreen is completely gone.

I tested this directly: after a full day wearing BOJ Relief Sun SPF 50+, I swiped micellar water on one cheek (4 cotton pads, still showing residue) and used the BOJ balm on the other (one pass, completely clean). The difference was dramatic. If you wear Korean sunscreen daily, a cleansing balm isn't optional - it's necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm good for oily skin?

Yes. The lightweight oil base (cetyl ethylhexanoate) doesn't leave a greasy residue, and the clean emulsification means no pore-clogging film. If you have oily skin, use it as your first cleanser and follow with a gel or foam second cleanser.

Does this cleansing balm clog pores?

In my 3-month test, it did not cause any breakouts or congestion. The primary oils have low comedogenic ratings, and the emulsification rinses clean. As always, if you're acne-prone, patch test for 3 days first.

Can I use it as my only cleanser?

On light-makeup or no-makeup days, yes - it works as a standalone cleanser. But for full makeup or heavy sunscreen days, I'd strongly recommend following it with a water-based second cleanser for a complete double cleanse.

How long does one jar last?

With nightly use and grape-sized scoops, a 100ml jar lasts approximately 6-8 weeks. The firm texture means you use less product per session than softer balms.

Is it vegan and cruelty-free?

Beauty of Joseon is a cruelty-free brand (not tested on animals). The Radiance Cleansing Balm is vegan-friendly - no animal-derived ingredients.

What's the difference between the BOJ Cleansing Balm and BOJ Cleansing Oil?

The Cleansing Balm (Radiance) uses a rice-based formula in a solid sherbet format - best for thorough makeup removal and a brightening effect. The Ginseng Cleansing Oil is a liquid format with anti-aging ginseng extract - better if you prefer pump-and-go convenience. Both work equally well as first cleansers.

Does it remove waterproof sunscreen completely?

Yes. I tested it specifically against BOJ Relief Sun SPF 50+ and two other waterproof Korean sunscreens. All removed completely with one application and 45 seconds of massage.

Is it fragrance-free?

It's not marketed as "fragrance-free," but it contains no added fragrances or essential oils. The subtle scent comes from the natural rice and grain extracts in the formula - it's barely noticeable and disappears within seconds.

Can I use it around my eyes?

Yes. The formula doesn't sting eyes - I used it nightly on my eye area to remove mascara and concealer. Massage gently with your ring finger and take about 10-15 seconds on the eye area for waterproof products.

How does it compare to Banila Co Clean It Zero?

The BOJ balm has a firmer texture, more sophisticated ingredients (rice complex vs Banila's mineral oil base), and a brightening effect that Banila Co doesn't offer. Banila Co is slightly more accessible for beginners and comes in larger sizes. For ingredient quality and skin benefits beyond just cleansing, the BOJ wins.