Detailed Review: Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum with Retinal & Niacinamide – Is It Worth the Hype?

As someone who is always on the lookout for effective eye care products, I have tested numerous eye creams and serums over the years. I naturally have dark circles, and with my habit of staying up late, my under-eye area often looks tired. Recently, I’ve started worrying about fine lines and skin elasticity, so I decided to try an eye serum with retinal—a more potent yet less irritating form of retinol. After reading multiple reviews, I chose the Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum with Retinal & Niacinamide to see if it truly lives up to the hype.

1. First Impressions & Texture

📦 Packaging: Minimalist and elegant, just like all Beauty of Joseon products. The bottle comes in a soft yellow plastic container with a pump, making it easy to dispense the right amount of product.

💛 Texture:

A lightweight gel-cream texture, not too thick but also not too runny—spreads easily on the skin.

Has a light yellow color, which is characteristic of retinal (if you see a retinal serum that is completely clear, it may not contain real retinal or might have degraded).

Absorbs quickly, leaving the skin hydrated but not greasy. Unlike many eye creams that feel heavy, this one is lightweight and comfortable.

💛 Scent: Virtually fragrance-free, a big plus for sensitive skin.

💡 Tips for first-time users:

Since retinal is stronger than retinol, if you're new to it, start by using it every other night for the first week to let your skin adjust.

If you have sensitive skin, apply a light layer of moisturizer first to reduce potential irritation.

Always wear sunscreen during the day because retinal can make the skin more sensitive to UV rays.

2. Results After 4 Weeks – Does It Really Work?

I applied this serum every night before bed, using a pea-sized amount for both eyes.

✨ Week 1 - Getting Used to It

I felt a slight warmth upon application, but no stinging or redness.

No irritation or peeling—so far, so good!

✨ Week 2 - First Visible Changes

My under-eye area felt firmer, and my morning puffiness was slightly reduced.

Dark circles weren’t drastically different yet, but my skin looked brighter overall.

✨ Week 3 - Fine Lines Start to Fade

I noticed that the fine lines under my eyes were less pronounced, especially when I smiled.

My skin felt smoother, with fewer dry patches in the morning.

✨ Week 4 - Noticeable Improvement

Dark circles appeared lighter, not completely gone, but much easier to cover with makeup.

Skin elasticity improved, and my under-eye area felt bouncier and more hydrated.

Fine lines were significantly reduced, though deeper wrinkles would likely need more time.

💡 Biggest Pro: It improves skin texture and firmness without irritation, even for someone with combination-dry skin like me.

3. How It Compares to Other Eye Serums

I’ve tried retinol eye creams before, but they often left my under-eye area dry, requiring extra moisture. Beauty of Joseon, on the other hand, provides just the right amount of hydration without feeling heavy.

4. Pros & Cons

💛 Pros:

✔️ Gentle yet effective formula, perfect for those new to retinal.

✔️ Lightweight, absorbs quickly, non-greasy and comfortable for daily use.

✔️ Contains niacinamide & ginseng extract, which help brighten and nourish the skin.

✔️ Affordable price for a 30ml bottle, much larger than standard eye creams (which are usually 15ml).

💔 Cons:

✘ Not an instant miracle for dark circles, requires consistent use over time.

✘ Since it contains retinal, it can oxidize if not stored properly.

5. Final Verdict – Is It Worth Buying?

🔥 Rating: 9/10

For $18-$20 per 30ml, this is one of the best budget-friendly eye serums available, especially if you’re looking for something with retinal but without irritation.

I will definitely continue using and repurchasing it! If you want a retinal eye serum that improves fine lines, elasticity, and brightness without being too strong, this is a great option to try.