Anua vs Beauty of Joseon — Which K-Beauty Brand is Right for You?
Share
Last updated: September 2026 | Written by the COLORCITY skincare team
Anua and Beauty of Joseon each offer several skincare ranges at COLORCITY. This guide compares specific products so you can choose by formula, format and pack size.
Neither brand fits just one skin type. A useful comparison starts with the exact product and what you want that step of your routine to do.
Below are selected toner, serum, cleanser, cream and sunscreen comparisons. Use the linked product pages for current ingredients, prices and availability.
Brand Philosophy
Anua
Range focus: Anua has heartleaf, rice, peach and other ingredient-led ranges; the complete formula varies by product.
Signature ingredient: Heartleaf (Houttuynia Cordata)
What to compare: Ingredient list, texture, directions and pack size.
Beauty of Joseon
Range focus: Beauty of Joseon uses ingredients such as ginseng and rice in modern cosmetic formulas.
Signature ingredient: Ginseng
What to compare: The specific formula and finish rather than a brand-wide promise.
Head-to-Head: Product Comparisons
Toner: Heartleaf 77% vs Glow Replenishing Rice Milk
| Anua Heartleaf 77% Toner, 250ml | BoJ Glow Replenishing Rice Milk, 150ml | |
|---|---|---|
| Featured ingredients | Heartleaf extract | Rice extract + rice amino acids |
| Format | Watery toner | Dual-phase milky toner with a powder layer |
| Use | Follow the toner label after cleansing | Shake to mix both layers before applying after cleansing |
| Choosing between them | Compare botanical preferences and texture. These are different formulas and different bottle sizes. | |
Serum: Niacinamide 10% + TXA vs Glow Serum
| Anua Niacinamide 10% + TXA 4% | BoJ Glow Serum | |
|---|---|---|
| Listed ingredients | 10% Niacinamide + 4% TXA | Propolis extract + Niacinamide |
| Format | Facial serum | Facial serum |
| Check before use | Current product details and directions | Full formula, including propolis and betaine salicylate |
| Comparison | Percentages alone do not prove superior results or tolerability; no winner is established here. | |
Cleansing Oil: Heartleaf vs Ginseng
| Anua Heartleaf Cleansing Oil | BoJ Ginseng Cleansing Oil | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Cleansing oil | Cleansing oil |
| Purpose | Removing makeup and sunscreen | Removing makeup and sunscreen |
| Choosing between them | Compare ingredients, fragrance preferences and label directions. A cleansing oil is not an acne or anti-ageing treatment. | |
Cream: Birch 70 vs Dynasty Cream
| Anua Birch 70 Cream | BoJ Dynasty Cream | |
|---|---|---|
| Featured ingredients | Birch sap + Squalane | Rice bran water + Ginseng root water |
| Format | Moisturising cream | Moisturising cream |
| Check | Full formula and preferred finish | Full formula and preferred finish |
| Pack size | 50ml | 50ml |
| Choosing between them | Choose by your skin’s moisture needs and product comfort; neither brand is restricted to one season. | |
Sunscreen: Heartleaf Sun Cream vs Relief Sun
| Anua Heartleaf Sun Cream | BoJ Relief Sun | |
|---|---|---|
| Compare | Exact formula and labelled protection | Exact formula and labelled protection |
| Use | Follow the label’s application and reapplication directions | Follow the label’s application and reapplication directions |
| Choosing between them | Check the current product and packaging; brand or texture alone does not establish protection or suitability. | |
Price Comparison
Prices and offers change. Open each product page for current pricing, compare price per millilitre or gram, and check the exact size. The toner comparison above is Anua 250ml versus Beauty of Joseon 150ml.
So, Which Brand Should You Choose?
Choose Anua if you…
- Want to compare its heartleaf, peach or rice ranges
- Prefer the ingredients in a particular Anua formula
- Find a product texture that fits your routine
- Have checked the directions for the exact active ingredients
- Have compared current pack size and price
Choose Beauty of Joseon if you…
- Want to compare its ginseng, rice or propolis formulas
- Find a moisturiser or serum suited to your routine
- Prefer the finish of a specific product
- Have checked the full ingredient list
- Have compared current pack size and price
Or… use both!
You can build a routine from different brands. Select each step for a purpose, introduce products individually and check active-ingredient directions before combining them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which brand is better for beginners?
Start with a simple routine and introduce one product at a time. Neither brand is universally irritation-free. If considering the Essential Skincare Kit, check its current contents and directions before choosing it.
Which brand is better for acne?
A brand-wide comparison cannot identify the right acne treatment. Choose cosmetics for your cleansing and moisturising needs, and seek individual advice for persistent or painful acne. Heartleaf content alone does not establish acne-treatment effectiveness.
Can I mix products from both brands?
Products from different brands can share a routine, but compatibility depends on the formulas and your skin. Follow their instructions and introduce new active products separately.
How do I check animal-testing or vegan claims?
Check the manufacturer’s current policy and any independent certification relevant to the exact product. Vegan ingredients and animal-testing policies are different questions; do not infer either from a brand comparison.
Final Verdict
Choose specific products rather than assigning your entire routine to one brand. These are useful starting points for comparing the ranges:
- Anua: Compare the exact heartleaf, peach, rice or other formula you are considering.
- Beauty of Joseon: Compare the exact ginseng, rice, propolis or other formula you are considering.
Check current product details and availability at COLORCITY. Orders are processed in 1–3 business days, with delivery within Australia only.
Shop All K-Beauty Products at COLORCITY
Free standard shipping on orders over $100 AUD | Orders processed in 1-3 business days | 100% authentic K-beauty products